🍦Must win in Memphis 🏈

Good morning, Annapolis. This is your publisher speaking. The current time is 6 AM EST. The current temperature is probably about 60º (it’s hard to tell when we write these the night before). We know you have many choices when it comes to getting your news so on behalf of everyone at Naptown Scoop, we thank you for choosing us. Quick note: We won’t be publishing tomorrow (Happy Thanksgiving) or Friday (Happy shopping) so we’ll see you on Monday.

And now, what our final two team members are thankful for:

Mike — The health (physical, emotional, and spiritual) of my family; butter cookies; and in-the-bird stuffing.

Lauren — I second Mike’s gratitude for health of loved ones, and add Mariah Carey’s Holiday Pandora station, libraries, and strong Starbucks coffee for good measure.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, & Duffy Perkins

Looking for a place where the water sets the rhythm of the day? This Hunting Creek estate offers a rare blend of privacy, natural beauty, and carefully considered design. Set on 31 peaceful acres with more than 1,000 feet of shoreline, the property feels tucked away yet effortlessly connected to Easton and St. Michaels.

The home has been fully renovated, bringing timeless architecture and modern sophistication into perfect balance. Sunlight fills each room, highlighting custom millwork, elegant finishes, and views that stretch across the creek. With two primary suites, each designed as a quiet retreat, plus additional guest rooms and a first-floor bunk room, the layout offers space for hosting without sacrificing comfort.

Outside, the setting is just as thoughtful. A saltwater pool sits above the water’s edge, surrounded by lawns, mature trees, and the calm that comes with deep-water access. Even the tree-lined drive adds to the sense of arrival, creating a peaceful approach that sets the tone for the entire property.

It’s a refined waterfront escape designed for easy living on the Eastern Shore.

Explore this property with Brad Kappel today.

Hey look, if we’re going to get the day off (thanks, Ryan!), it’s only fair that public service providers also get to enjoy the holiday. Here’s what you need to know.

All City and County offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday.

Annapolis Transit will not operate on Thanksgiving Day, but runs a normal schedule on Friday.

All City and County trash and recycling pickups regularly scheduled for Thursday happen on Friday. Friday collections will happen on Saturday.

The Pip Moyer Rec Center will be closed on Thursday, and the Stanton Community Center will be closed both Thursday and Friday.

If you’re headed across the Bay Bridge for your turkey, the MDOT recommends avoiding these high-traffic times:

We’ll be on the couch. Navy will be on the edge. On Thursday night in Memphis, Navy has 60 minutes to leave it all on the line. Win and their American Conference Championship hopes stay alive. Lose and well. . . we’d rather not think about it.

The Mids haven’t won in Memphis since 2015. But this squad has juice – the nation’s top rushing attack, a record-breaking QB-WR duo, and momentum after toppling #24 USF in their last game. Memphis will be coming in angry. They haven’t won a game in November (losing by 1 score each time) and nothing feels better than wrecking postseason hopes.

Kickoff is at 7:30 PM on Thanksgiving night. You can watch on ESPN or listen on WNAV 1430 AM.

The Naval Academy is experiencing more shakeups in its senior leadership, as Capt. Gilbert Clark, Jr., has been relieved of his position as the Commandant “due to a loss of confidence in his ability to effectively lead the Brigade of Midshipmen,” the Academy said in a brief statement. Clark had been in the position just five months, following the departure of Capt. Walter H. Allman, a former Navy SEAL.

The Academy often uses the term “loss of confidence” when firing senior leaders, so there are no details as to the reason for his dismissal. His position as Commandant oversaw the day-to-day conduct, military training, and professional development of the Academy’s roughly 4,500 Midshipmen. He was relieved by Lt. Gen. Michael Borgschulte, who replaced Vice Admiral Yvette Davids when her role as Superintendent was cut short earlier in the year. Capt. Austin Jackson, formerly deputy commandant of midshipmen, will assume Clark’s role in the interim.

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.

Around the Scoop office, we’ve been reminiscing about the crazy shenanigans we used to get into on the night before Thanksgiving in years past. I mean, we’re not alone in remembering doing shots of Fireball less than 8 hours before running a 5k with our cousins, right? Or that time we bumped into our old band teacher at last call, and the next thing you know it’s 8 AM and we’re waking up in the tuba locker wearing only the drum major’s hat? Or how about the infamous Waffle House Fight of 2013? I’ve never seen your dad so mad.

Our point is: some of us are ready to put the craziness behind us and become responsible dog owners. If this is you, Deuce is your guy. He is not about “puppy energy” or “reactive anger issues stemming from postman PTSD.” He’s solid. An owner-surrender who is 11 years young, Deuce is calm and collected like Magnum, P.I. in a hammock on the beach, if you can imagine Tom Selleck as a pit bull.

Deuce likes going for walks and helping you make dinner. He loves listening to you talk about your day. He’d prefer to be the only dog in your life, but if not, he’s fine with that, too. Whatever’s going to make you happy. And when you’re like, “It’s just one, I’ll be back before 10!” Deuce’s cold wet nose will remind you that you have much better things to do, especially now that you’ve repaired your credit score and are making so much progress in therapy. So go get this adorable pup who is, in the SPCA’s estimation, “Absolutely perfect.” And make sure you get a good night’s sleep for tomorrow’s 5k.

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

2 hours isn’t nearly enough time to watch the new Wicked movie, but it’s definitely enough time to do a little bit of shopping downtown. And that works perfectly, because you can get 2 hours of free parking at the city’s metered/kiosk spaces. You can also get up to 1 free hour of parking at the Mills-Hillman Garage. (Need a little more time? You can always pay for extended parking beyond that — it just won’t be free.) All you have to do is download the ParkMobile app. Free parking starts this Thursday (you know, Thanksgiving) and runs through New Year’s Day.

Want garage parking? You can score 2 hours of free parking at Gotts, Knighton, Park Place, and Mills-Hillman when you shop at certain businesses or dine at certain restaurants. Check out the places you can patronize to snag that validation coupon.

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.

Staying local for the Thanksgiving weekend? Here’s what to do if you need to get out of the house, especially if you’re ready to get into the holiday spirit (and who isn’t?).

ONGOING

Sandy Point State Park | Lights on the Bay | Drive through this impressive lights display along the Chesapeake Bay | Sun–Thur 5–9 PM, Fri–Sat 5–10 PM

Visitors Center | Annapolis Gingerbread Houses | Catch the sweet scent of gingerbread and vote for your favorite entry among the gingerbread creations on display | 10 AM–5 PM

Downtown Annapolis | Watermark Holiday Stroll | Get cozy and festive on this evening walking tour to learn about historic holiday traditions. | 7 PM

SUNDAY

ArtFarm Studios | Tiny Art Show & Holiday Artisan Market | Find one-of-a-kind gifts and other handcrafted treasures at this market featuring the work of local artisans. | Noon–4 PM

Downtown Annapolis | Annapolis Grand Illumination | Usher in the holiday season downtown with the official lighting of the City Dock tree. Enjoy live entertainment all afternoon and the official lighting at dusk. | 3 PM with the tree lighting itself scheduled for around 5:15 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.

The County Council is getting right back to business after Thanksgiving weekend with their regularly scheduled meeting on Monday. It starts at 7 PM at the Arundel Center. This meeting will include discussions on a bill regarding ice and snow removal, whether roads are adequate for new development, and budgeting for school-related capital projects. See the full agenda. If you’re interested in providing testimony, you can submit it in writing or sign up to testify in person. The meeting is open to the public, but you can also stream on Arundel TV.

Arnold resident Natalie Ogilvie has thrown her hat in the ring for the District 5 County Council seat. The democrat is originally from Honduras, but moved here as an infant. She met her husband at the Savannah College of Art and Design before they moved to the Broadneck Peninsula to start a family. She’s the owner/baker behind CW Pies, which won a Best of Severna Park in 2023.

She decided to run for office over the last year, telling the Capital, “I don’t want to feel like I’m sitting back just watching TV and watching politics happen. People who are capable, people who can do the research, even if you’re green in certain subjects, I feel like you have to step up and do something.” At the moment, Ogilvie is the only democrat opposing republican Amanda Fiedler. Primaries are scheduled for June 23, and if no other democrat enters the race, Fiedler and Ogilvie will be on the general election ballot come November 3. ($)

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

Lace up for the 14th Annual Jingle Bell 5K Run & 3K Walk, hosted by the DeCesaris/Prout Cancer Foundation on Saturday, December 6 at Quiet Waters Park. Hear the jingle of hundreds of runners and walkers raising funds to fight lung and ovarian cancers. 100% volunteer-driven, DPCF directs every dollar to local cancer treatment programs. Festive costumes, music, refreshments, and family fun await! Learn more, volunteer, donate, or register at dpcancerfoundation.org.*

*indicates sponsored advertising content.

66 🌡️ 41 | 🌥️ | 24% | 💨 SW 10 mph (9 knots)

45 🌡️ 32 | 🌥️ | 0% | 💨 W 14 mph (12 knots)

42 🌡️ 30 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 WNW 19 mph (17 knots)

42🌡️ 35 | 🌤️ | 1% | 💨 WNW 6 mph (5 knots)

53 🌡️ 42 | 🌧️ | 65% | 💨 S 10 mph (9 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 | Mark O'Dell Duo | 6–9 PM
Galway Bay | Irish Trad Music Session | 8 PM
Killarney House | Jason Bishop | 6–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Johnny Poulos | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Kurt Gibbons | 6–9 PM
The Point | Jordan/Pressing Strings | 5–8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Fred & Wilma | 10 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | C.Burch & The Noize | 9:45 PM

49 West | SKRIBE with Tavair Dominque & Casey V Poetry | 7:30–10:30 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Madison Bailey | 8 PM

49 West | Jim Patton And Sherry Brokus | 7–9 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Mixed Business | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Timmie Metz Band | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | TMI | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | Oliver Dyer | 8 PM
Killarney House | Brandon & Thordis | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Madisun Bailey | 5–8 PM
Market House | SVV Duo | 6:30–9:30 PM
Middleton Tavern | Trio Sonic | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | Brody Wingate | 5–8 PM
Old Stein Inn | The Bamboo Chicken Band | 8–11 PM
Pirates Cove | Pete Best | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | U2topia | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Mad Planet | 9 PM
Rams Head Tavern | One Step Down | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Crush | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | George Jano & The Feels | 9:45 PM

49 West | Erin Harpe Country Blues Duo w/ Jim Countryman | 7–11 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Rickshaw Lizard | 9 PM
Brian Boru | The Loose Cannons | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Kieran Lally | 8 PM
Great Frogs | Danah Koch | 1:30–4:30 PM
Killarney House | Anthony Broccolina | 7:30–10:30 PM
Middleton Tavern | Severn River Band | 10 PM
Pirates Cove | Anton Tuvelman | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Motown & More | 6:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | Motown & More | 9:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Boroy | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Jack Rimel | 9 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Back in Time | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Brendan Lane | 9 PM

49 West | Daphne Eckman Band | 7:30–10:30 PM
Galway Bay | The Corkers | 4–8 PM
Great Frogs | Michael Kocher | 1:30–4:30 PM
The Lodge | Mark Tatum | 11 AM–2 PM
Market House | Troll Tribe | 5–8 PM
Pirates Cove | Levi Stephens | 3–6 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Brendan Lane | 9 PM

Women's Basketball (4-1)
11/29 vs. Manhattan | 1 PM
11/29 vs. Liberty vs. Duquesne | 7:30 PM
11/30 vs. Duquesne | 1 PM
11/30 vs. Manhattan vs. Liberty | 3:30 PM

Men's Basketball (3-3)
11/26 vs. Gardner-Webb | 4 PM
11/28 @ UNCW | 3 PM
11/29 vs. Southeastern Louisiana | Noon

Football (8-2)
11/27 @ Memphis | 7:30 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 hits DTA every Thanksgiving Eve. PSA: We wouldn’t be us if we didn’t say “don’t drink and drive.” Stay safe!