🍦More money = more votes?

Good morning, Annapolis. Even if they didn’t know it yet, today was a huge day for spy novelists everywhere in 1947. It’s the day President Truman created the CIA by signing the National Security Act of 1947.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

Two nights. One extraordinary program.

On October 10 & 11, the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra brings you A New World at Maryland Hall, featuring internationally renowned Spanish guitarist Pablo Sainz-Villegas. Performing Arturo Márquez’s Guitar Concerto, “Místico y Profano,” written specifically for him, Sainz-Villegas joins Maestro José-Luis Novo for an evening of passion, virtuosity, and discovery.

The program also includes Reinaldo Moya’s Polo Romanesco and Dvořák’s iconic Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” — a work so powerful it traveled to the Moon with Apollo 11.

And here’s something special for Scoop readers: use code SCOOP for Buy One, Get One Free tickets (excludes Parterre and Orchestra AA). Just add two seats to your cart — one is on us.

🎟️ Reserve your seats today and experience an unforgettable night of music. Reserve your seats now.

That’s how much has been spent on this year’s elections so far by the 25 candidates. Over half has been spent by the 3 candidates vying for mayor, which also includes the top spender (and only one to exceed $100k), Jared Littmann.

The biggest line item for most candidates was signs and print mailers but digital marketing, marketing agencies, consulting, and t-shirts were also top items. One thing you won’t see on any campaign’s finance report: Naptown Scoop advertising. Because we don’t allow political advertising. We believe it makes for a better reading experience for you.

So, does more money = more votes? Keep in mind Tuesday just showed us the preliminary votes and it wasn’t even the general election so we’ll revisit this topic several times.

You don’t have to drive all the way to New England to get your leaf peeping on. Check out our favorite weekend trips to get in the fall spirit.

Assateague and Chincoteague You’ll likely be leaving the bikini at home, but fall on the barrier islands is quite possibly the best time of year. You can still paddle on the Bay side, with fewer crowds intimidating the ponies. Take your camping to the next level using R/V rental operators like Beach R/V, making sure to pack SUPs, sweaters, and all the campfire fixins you can find. If you aren’t into meat tubes over the open flame, get your offseason seafood fix at Assateague Crab House or Hooper’s on the inlet. It might be a little cold for ice cream after dinner, but donuts and Rise Up coffee in the morning at Mister Whippy (cash only) make you forget all about Island Creamery.

Harpers Ferry, WV The Annapolis Rock hike is by far one of the best scenic hikes in the area, with panoramic views afforded to anyone who can handle three miles of easy walking (and a little elevation). Plus we like the name. And the hike is really just an excuse to head to Isabella’s for pizza on the deck afterward (get extra sauce for dipping the crust). Whether you want to check out the village’s great shops afterward, or explore the history of this important outpost of the Civil War, it’s worth it to get a room at one of the cute B&Bs that’s walking distance to everything. There’s the quaint and quirky Lily Garden B&B or the stately historical charm of the Stonehouse B&B, but wherever you land, fall prices can’t be beat.

Williamsburg, Va. If you were raised in Annapolis, you may have strong memories from your youth of excruciating educational tours around Williamsburg with historical re-enactors who smelled like moth balls (no? Just us?). But Williamsburg as an adult is a killer town to visit, with great restaurants, golfing, parks, shopping, and much more. We’re still raving about a meal at Casa Pearl, where they perfectly pair oysters and tacos for a memorable experience your parents will never agree to. If you want something more traditional, Chownings Garden Bar has great dishes like Brunswick stew, shepherd’s pie, and Welsh rarebit - all perfect for cooler temps. Grab a B&B downtown so you can check out the shops and site markers, then grab a bite and listen to some live music before returning to your B&B, because in Williamsburg, they take the inn experience very seriously.

Berkeley Springs, WV This funky little cultural hotspot has become one of our favorite places to spend a weekend. Just 90 minutes outside of Annapolis, you’re in the mountains with cool people, great food, a phenomenal art scene, and a natural hot springs once used by George Washington. There’s even a cat rescue in an old house, where you can get your cuddle on for a good cause. There’s great hiking, allowing you to head out for a few miles or check out from society entirely for the weekend. In town, the Country Inn is central to everything, and their restaurant has the feel of an old pub with much higher culinary standards. But speaking of standards, the best meal in town is the four-course experience at the Ravenwood Pub, with artisan cheeses, local produce, wild game, and a wine list that’d impress even a Frenchman.

Every year, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources chooses photos for its annual calendar from photographers all over Maryland. There’s an overall winner (who graces the calendar’s cover) and three winners for each season. This year’s grand prize went to Christopher Michael who titled his shot Waterways Wanderer.

Second place winter (Christopher’s grand prize was first place winter) was shot very close to home for us is titled The Keeper Stands Alone, shot by Christopher Szumlanski.

You can see all the photos right here. Still to be chosen is the “Fan Favorite” which will be voted on by the general public on DNR’s Facebook page starting October 1. And the calendars go on sale just before Thanksgiving. A great gift!

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

Let’s nail this celebration! Zeskind’s Hardware & Millwork is marking 100 years of keeping the Mid-Atlantic region built strong. This 4th-generation, family-owned hardware store invites you to an all-day open house on Saturday, September 20 (7 AM–7 PM) at Park Hardware (formerly Clement Hardware), 500 Ritchie Hwy, Suite A, Severna Park. Enjoy food trucks, demos, raffles, and Park Bucks (valid that day only). Hammer down at 11 AM for the ribbon cutting. Free registration available now.

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.

Fall Fest Weekends return to Homestead Gardens every Saturday and Sunday from September 27 through October 26 in Davidsonville. Families can enjoy hayrides, barnyard animals, live music, seasonal bites, and activities for all ages—including craft beer at our on-site Beer Farm brewery. We’re proud to offer quality, locally grown plants and pumpkins sourced from trusted regional farmers. Children three and under are free, and tickets must be purchased online. Celebrate community, agriculture, and the season at Homestead Gardens.

ALL WEEKEND LONG

Davidsonville | National Capital Orchid Society Annual Show and Sale | See the region’s finest orchids and maybe even take one home | noon–5 PM Friday, 10 AM–5 PM Saturday, 10 AM–3 PM Sunday

Parole | Anne Arundel County Farmers Market | Find the best farm-fresh produce and products directly from local producers | 7 AM–noon Saturday, 9 AM–noon Sunday

Parole | BIG Book Sale | Buy secondhand books to support global literacy efforts | 3–5 PM Friday, 8 AM–2 PM Saturday

Crownsville | Gun and Knife Show | Over 200 tables of firearms, ammunition, knives, and accessories | 9 AM–4 PM Saturday, 9 AM–3 PM Sunday

Sandy Point State Park | Baygrass Music Festival | A vibrant celebration of environmental conservation and bluegrass music | 11:30 AM-10 PM

SATURDAY ONLY

Severna Park | Severna Park Farmers Market | Shop for a variety of products from local vendors | 8 AM-noon

Crofton | Crofton Farmers Market | Stop by the library parking lot for farm goods and food trucks | 8 AM-2 PM

Crownsville | Fall Market | Join Wildberry Farm and other local vendors for a Saturday market on the farm | 9 AM-noon

Eastport | Boatyard Beach Bash | Iconic Annapolis fundraiser headlined by musicians from Jimmy Buffett’s legendary Coral Reefer Band | 4-10 PM

SUNDAY ONLY

Parole | Together in TEAL | A group walk to support ovarian cancer research | 8:30 AM

Parole | Annapolis Italian Festival | Celebrate Italian heritage with food, entertainment, activities, and shopping | 10 AM-3 PM

Remember: The Maryland Renaissance Festival is sold out through the end of the season, so unless you already have tickets…don’t bother showing up. But if you’re still trying, refunded tickets are released back to the website every Monday — may fortune favor thee and may thy ventures prosper, if you know what we’re sayin’. 😉

The Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee of Maryland will honor 13 local female leaders at the 30th annual Fannie Lou Hamer Awards Ceremony on October 5. The event is named in honor of Hamer, a prominent civil rights activist and feminist whose impact was great but also in many ways unrecognized. The awards acknowledge the contributions of women and the role they have played in shaping history for the better. This year’s reception will honor:

Tickets for the ceremony are on sale now. October 5 at 4 PM, Maryland Hall.

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 countdown is on to September 25. Historic Annapolis’s Blazers . Bourbon . Cigars is almost here. Secure your spot for the networking event of the season before tickets sell out. Raise a glass, light a cigar, and celebrate with purpose knowing your investment in Historic Annapolis ensures the protection of our city’s sense of place and quality of life. Don’t miss your chance to be part of history. Reserve your spot now.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

78 🌡️ 64 | ⛅ | 15% | NNW 7 mph (6 knots)

83 🌡️ 65 | ☀️ | 7% | 💨 NE 6 mph (5 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 73ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

🌳🎵 = Outdoor Concert

49 West | Jazz Wire Jam Session | 7:30–10 PM
🌳🎵 AMM | September Sunsets | Arcade Band | 5:45–6:45 PM
🌳🎵 AMM | September Sunsets | All You Need | 7–8 PM
Blackwall Hitch | HoneyDu | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | Ray Weaver | 6–9 PM
Dark Horse | Swano Rats | 9 PM
Killarney House | Joe Hickey | 6–9 PM
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen | Chris Sacks | 5–8 PM
Market House | Ben McNulty | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | The Hot Sardines | 8 PM | Tickets
Severna Park Taphouse | George Evans | 7 PM

49 West | Emaline, KATARYA, Ward & Watch, Nimrod’s Sun | 7:30–10:30 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Starbelly | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Michael McHenry Tribe | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | The Loose Cannons | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Mook Jones | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | The Loop Band | 9 PM
Galway Bay | Bridgette Michaels | 7–10 PM
Great Frogs | Ben Heemstra | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | Mike Tony Scoglio | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Patrick Donovan | 8–11 PM
Market Space | Mike Sharp | 6–9 PM
Middleton Tavern | Trio Sonic | 10 PM
Old Stein Inn | Alexander Peter | 7:30–10:30 PM
Pirates Cove | John Luskey | 7–10 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Bilal | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Scott Voorhees | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Kevin Polluck | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | The Shatners | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Red Betty & The Ruckus | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Joe Hickey | 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Rickshaw Lizard | 9:45 PM
Watermark Annapolis Sunset Cruise | Chris Sacks | 6 PM | Ticket

Women's Volleyball (4-5)
9/19 vs. Army | 7 PM

Stories with ($) require a third-party subscription.

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who only reads spy novels.