🍦Meet the Mills-Hillman Parking Garage

Good morning, Annapolis. Looking for a unique gift? Sam Adams just released its 14th edition of its Utopias beer which was originally created to push the limits of how far brewing could go without becoming a spirit. Utopias 2025 is 30% ABV so obviously it’s designed to be sipped rather than gulped. The price tag – $240 per 24.5 oz bottle – also implies sipping.

Utopias 2025 is so strong that it’s illegal to sell in 15 states. Lucky for you (or your beer drinking gift recipient), MD isn’t one of them.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, & Duffy Perkins

Set on over 2 private acres along the Magothy River, this Gibson Island estate is a rare opportunity to experience one of the Chesapeake’s most exclusive settings. Known for its iconic turret and timeless architectural presence, the residence offers approximately 11,000 square feet of refined living space with elevated water views from nearly every room.

Inside, thoughtfully preserved details pair with modern updates, including a dramatic pewter staircase, generously scaled formal rooms, and a light-filled solarium. The chef’s kitchen features reclaimed stone floors from France and a striking 19-foot island that anchors the informal living areas. The upper-level primary suite enjoys a dedicated wing with expansive dressing rooms and a luxurious bath.

A guest house, designed by a distinguished team and connected by a brick breezeway, mirrors the character and craftsmanship of the main home. Outdoors, a private dock, mature landscaping, and a hilltop setting create a peaceful retreat.

Take a closer look at the full cinematic tour.

Annapolis loves its history, so let’s dive in. This week, the city officially renamed the Hillman Garage to Mills Hillman Garage, honoring civil rights pioneer Walter Mills alongside former mayor Noah Hillman. In the 1930s, Mills successfully sued AACPS for equal pay for Black teachers. Hillman, serving as an attorney for then-Superintendent George Fox, defended the district amid the racial attitudes of the time.

The new name tells a fuller story: two men on opposite sides of a pivotal moment now share a marker downtown. Mills’ daughter and granddaughter attended the dedication, along with AACPS Superintendent Mark Bedell, the first Black person to hold the role.

A young Thurgood Marshall represented Mills in his case and later successfully argued against racial discrimination in the landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education. In 2021, George Fox Middle School was renamed to Northeast Middle School after an investigation into his history. The Mills-Parole School, where Mills taught and served as principal, was renamed in 1994 to honor him. ($)

We’re halfway through the week — and if you need a pick-me-up to get you through Hump Day, we’re bringing you a volunteer opportunity recommendation. We can’t make the week go any faster, but we can give you a chance to earn your halo by doing some good this week.

We’re starting off this first installment of Hump Day Halo with something timely for the holidays: Anne Arundel County’s Holiday Sharing Program. Sign up and you’ll be matched with a local family or senior in need, and you have the chance to deliver food and gifts to make their holiday special. We might be letting you know a little too late for Thanksgiving this year, but there’s still time to make somebody’s Christmas special.

Western Shore Veterinary Hospital offers your pets the finest wellness care, state-of-the-art diagnostics, dental treatment, and surgery ranging from spays/neuters to sophisticated treatments. You can find them online, by phone at 443-936-0660, or at 910C Bestgate Road, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Sammy’s a pretty typical dog in most ways — he’s affectionate and playful, and he enjoys long walks and games of fetch. Unfortunately for Sammy, he lost his owner earlier this year, and he’s been at the SPCA since September. At only 4 years old, he’s still young, and finding a new forever home would be just the way to close out what was probably a stressful, sad year for him. While he has never spent much time around men and is nervous around them, the SPCA staff has been working to get him more comfortable. He’s still best in a home without small children or other dogs though. Come meet this spaniel mix in person at the SPCA.

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It’s a little-known fact that Christmas markets are a surefire way to get that festive feeling. OK, it’s a well-known fact. That’s why Oscar’s Christmas Market on Sunday, December 7 from 12—4 PM should get priority on your calendar. The dog-loving gourmet coffee shop is setting up outside their trailer at 105 Eastern Ave in Eastport and bringing together local artists, bakers, and makers for gifts and goodies. It’s the perfect spot to discover something special while supporting the community. Wanna be a vendor? Email [email protected]. The vendor fee is $30.

It’s no surprise that Dock Street businesses are suffering through the City Dock construction project. Blowfish Poke Hawaiian Grill recently announced that it would be closed Mondays due to slow traffic. The restaurant has been open just eight months, so we are chalking this up to learning the neighborhood. However, as one of the healthiest options for lunch in DTA, we want this to be a temporary change in the schedule. And being closed on Mondays makes those $10 Tuesday poke bowls taste that much more savory, we have to say.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

The Annapolis Symphony Orchestra is turning up the holiday sparkle with Holiday Pops—featuring the soaring power of the full orchestra and the Bowie State University Choir. Expect orchestral and choral renditions of festive favorites, seasonal shimmer, and a symphonic sleigh ride packed with wonderful surprises.

Catch the celebration wherever you are:

Maryland Hall — Fri 12/19, 7:30PM
Severna Park High — Sat 12/20, 3PM
Bowie State University — Sun 12/21, 3PM

The holidays move fast—these tickets move faster. 🎟️ Grab your seats now.

Santa and Mrs. Claus (she really should have a first name) are making one of their first Annapolis appearances this Thursday at Annapolis Town Center, when they’ll be celebrating their annual Christmas Tree Lighting. The party starts at 5:30 PM with a ballet performance, then the DJ steps in to get things lit around 7 PM. Bring the whole family. Annapolis Town Center, 5:30–7:30 PM.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. They're just the things you need to know. I'll always let you know when something's sponsored.

At long last, the Anne Arundel Co. Board of Education is set to vote on its Phase 2 redistricting plans tonight. The last meeting with public comment on the proposed plans was held on Monday, so no further comments will be accepted. The proposal up for consideration is a third revision of the Board’s original plan, which you can find here. You can watch from the comfort of your home here, or plan on being in the Board Room at the Parham Building, located at 2644 Riva Road at 6:30 PM.

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Your big day deserves nothing but the best – from the flowers to the band to the food to the. . . bathrooms? Yep. Nobody likes talking about bathrooms but they’re critical for any great event. That’s why Royal Flush’s luxury restroom trailers are the premier choice for weddings in Maryland. They have climate control, elegant interiors, and even come with a professional restroom host. Visit royalflushtoilets.com to learn more.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

49 🌡️ 44 | ☁️ | 19% | 💨 NNE 8 mph (7 knots)

49 🌡️ 47 | ☁️ | 12% | 💨 E 4 mph (3 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 51ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West | Dave Chappell & Friends | 5–7 PM
Brian Boru | Bobby Reed | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Michael Waskey | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Hall Williams | 6–9 PM
The Point | Aaron Hawkins | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Jonathan Coulton and Paul & Storm | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Steve & Victoria | 4:30 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Troll Tribe Trio | 9:30 PM

Blackwall Hitch | Marilyn Hucek | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | Doug Segree | 6–9 PM
Killarney House | Chris Diller | 6–9 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Mark Hopkins | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Aidan Ewald | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Vienna Teng | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Aaron Hawkins | 4:30 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Tony Streamella Band | 7 PM

Every year, Army and Navy both wear special uniforms for America’s Game. And while we always support Navy unabashedly on the field, sometimes Army’s uniforms are cooler. Not this year.

Navy’s 2025 uniform is inspired by the original six frigates of the U.S. Navy. Most notably the USS Constitution, AKA Old Ironsides, the only remaining frigate of the original six. It’s never lost a battle. It once served as a floating classroom at the Naval Academy. And it was completed in 1797.

In our opinion, the handcrafted helmets are the coolest part of the uniform as they often are for the Army-Navy game. But there are so many incredible small details. Learn more (and merch up) here.

The 126th Army-Navy game is December 13 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore. Resale tickets start around $600 and if you want to be near the field, you’ll be paying a few thousand.

Women's Volleyball (13-13)
11/18 @ Bucknell (PLT-1st Rd.) | W 3-2

Men's Basketball (2-3)
11/18 @ North Carolina | L 73-61

Women's Basketball (3-0)
11/19 vs. Rider | 7 PM

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