🍦Back-to-school shopping, minus 6%

Good morning, Annapolis. It’s National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day, which we owe to Ruth Wakefield, who ran the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts and started chopping a chocolate bar into her cookie dough in the 1930s. Nestlé put her recipe on the back of the bag, and it never left.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Ryan Sneddon

Summer isn't over yet, but Homestead Gardens is making room for everything that comes next.

Stop in this August for Homestead Gardens' Summer Send-off Sale, with savings starting at 50% off throughout the store. Shop incredible deals on garden supplies, home decor, boutique favorites, Farm & Pet essentials, and a selection of indoor and outdoor plants, all while we prepare for the arrival of fall, Halloween, and Christmas collections.

Think of it as summer's grand finale: one last chance to scoop up seasonal favorites before they disappear. New sale items will be added weekly, but the best selection is always found early, and everything is available only while supplies last.

Come celebrate the season, enjoy exceptional savings, and get a first glimpse of what's blooming next at Homestead Gardens.

Sneakers, jeans, T-shirts, hoodies…if this sounds like what’s in your shopping cart, you just might be a parent stocking your kid’s closet ahead of a new school year. And Maryland’s letting you keep a little bit of money in your wallet. Tax-Free Week is next week, August 9–15, meaning you get a break from the state’s 6% sales tax on qualifying clothes and shoes priced at $100 or less per item, plus the first $40 off a backpack buy.

A few notes though: You’re still gonna have to pay tax to accessorize. Items like sunglasses and jewelry, no matter how trendy, are still taxable. So are electronics, most school supplies, and any clothing or shoes that are over $100 per item. But it doesn’t matter whether you prefer shopping in person or online – any eligible purchases made next week are still exempt from state sales tax. (But of course, we love our local businesses!)

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Team Naptown Scoop Coast 2 Coast 4 ALS progress: $13,223/$20,000

On Tuesday, August 18, the Navy football field turns "into a zoo, ooh, ooh." Navy Athletics is showing Zootopia 2 on the big screen at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Presented by Luminis Health, gates open at 6 PM and the movie starts at 7 PM. Bring blankets and lawn chairs and set up right on the field – that’s the best view in the house. If you’d rather have a seat with a back (no shame in that), the lower bowl on the Blue stadium side is open too. The concession stand in the Blue Concourse runs the entire event with your favorite movie snacks.

Speaking of free, admission and parking are both free! Navy just asks that you RSVP here so they know how many people to expect. You’ll leave with Shakira’s "Zoo" stuck in your head. . . if it isn’t already.

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As the school year approaches, parents are busy scheduling checkups, shopping for supplies, and getting everyone ready for a fresh start. But while you're taking care of everyone else, don't forget about yourself.

August is the perfect time to check in on your own health. At Warrior Medical, Direct Primary Care gives you the time and attention you deserve—whether it's an annual wellness visit, routine lab work, or simply a conversation about changes you've been noticing.

And if hormones are part of the picture, their team can help determine whether Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) is right for you.

Start fall feeling your best—not just prepared. Schedule your wellness visit with Warrior Medical.

Now playing. . .

🍸 Classic Theatre of Maryland presents Tartuffe in the courtyard at Reynolds Tavern – including tonight at 7:30 PM. Molière’s con-man comedy has just four dates left: August 4, 11, 18, and 25. Seating opens at 6:30, and there’s a per-person food and drink minimum. Dinner and a show – enforced.

🧚 Compass Rose Theater presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream on the lawn at Historic London Town & Gardens, closing this weekend. Three performances left: Friday, August 7 at 6:30 PM, then Saturday and Sunday at 5:30 PM. Bring a blanket or reserve a chair – concessions include BBQ sliders, beer, and wine.

🧪 Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre presents Young Frankenstein, August 6–September 5. Mel Brooks’ monster musical takes the outdoor stage on Compromise Street at 8:30 PM. Tickets $30.

📚 Maryland Hall presents An Evening with David Sedaris, Friday, August 7 at 7:30 PM in the Main Theatre. The bestselling humorist, one night only.

Up next. . .

⚙️ The Talent Machine Company presents The Talent Machine Show, August 14–23 at AACC’s Kauffman Theater. The show that gave the company its name, with a cast ages 7–14 and a production team stacked with alumni. All tickets $20, and the August 16 matinee has ASL interpreters.

🎶 Classic Theatre of Maryland presents The Best of Jukebox, August 17–18 at 7:30 PM in the West Street cabaret room. Fifties and sixties hits with the Unified Jazz Ensemble.

🎻 Annapolis Symphony Orchestra presents Pops in the Park, a free outdoor concert at Quiet Waters Park on Sunday, September 6. No tickets, no catch – just show up.

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🍕 Timber tools for schools: Timber Pizza Company is holding a back-to-school supply drive at each of its locations. And when you donate, you’re entering for a chance to win a stylish new lunch box. Check with the Annapolis location to find out exactly what supplies they need. Teacher? Show your badge and you’ll be entered to win a $200 Amazon gift card to swag out your classroom.

👀 Hey, that’s Nick Cannon! No, you weren’t crazy if you think you recognized the comedian/rapper walking around downtown last week. In fact, the Market House team asked him for a group photo – and he cordially agreed. No paparazzi needed!

🍹 Level is hiring: Time to level up your hospitality skills. Level – A Small Plates Lounge announced they’re looking for servers and bartenders to join their team. Email your resume to [email protected].

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85 🌡️ 72 | ⛅ | 33% ☔ | 💨 NE 8 mph (7 knots)

84 🌡️ 75 | ⛈️ | 54% ☔ | 💨 SE 9 mph (8 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 81ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 7–9:30 PM
Admiral’s Cup | Madisun Bailey | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
Chronic Sailing Tuesday | Callum | 7 PM
Copper Creek Pub | Jazz Jam | 8–10 PM
Market House | Carly Winter | 6–8 PM
Pirates Cove | Amelia Ardenne | 6–9 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM

49 West | Dave Chappell & Friends | 5–7 PM
49 West | Songbird Open Mic | 7:30–10 PM
Admiral’s Cup | Stephen Henson/Slip Hippies | 7–10 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen | TBA | 5–8 PM
The Point | Jordan/Pressing Strings | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Cold Stares | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Emily & Chris | 9 PM
Reynolds Tavern | Unified Jazz Ensemble | 6:30–9:30 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Open Mic | 7 PM

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who always grabs the free cookie from DoubleTree. Today, everyone can grab a free cookie. 🍪