🍦Peter Chang puts sign up

Good morning, Annapolis. To any midshipmen (especially football players) and Naval Academy personnel (especially in the athletics department) reading this, we say GO NAVY, BEAT ARMY.

To anyone affiliated with the Army reading this, we say the same.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

If your gift list is… a lot, good news. Annapolis Mall has basically everyone covered, whether you’re shopping for the hard-to-please, the extremely on trend, or the “I swear I don’t need anything” person.

Start with Lululemon for the athletes and comfort-seekers. Hit Zara and H&M for the trend lovers who change their style every 48 hours. Swing by American Eagle and Aerie for cozy basics that always land.

Need sparkle? Swarovski.
Need actually good bodycare and lingerie? Victoria’s Secret.
Need a little something for the “I only shop vibes”? Urban Outfitters and Hollister are right there.

And when in doubt, Apple saves the day. AirPods. Watches. Gadgets we all pretend we don’t need (but absolutely do).

Round it all out with Crate & Barrel for the hosts, homebodies, and that one friend who stocks 12 kinds of olive oil (and maybe even a beef tallow).

Get it all done in one trip. Annapolis Mall makes gifting easy.

🏴‍☠️ 🏈 ECU and Pitt were announced as this year’s Go Bowling Military Bowl teams. The game is December 27 at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. Else, Navy found out they’re headed to the AutoZone Liberty Bowl on January 2. They’re much more focused on this weekend’s game, however (Go Navy, Beat Army).

🏛️ Mayor Littmann’s making staff changes at City Hall. First he appointed campaign manager Neilye Garrity as Chief of Staff and deputy campaign manager Laura Richards as Community Engagement Strategist. And then he relieved city attorney D. Michael Lyles. HR is looking for a new city attorney.

🐐 Even though mascot theft has been banned between service academies since the 90s, some West Point cadets tried to steal Bill the Goat this week and. . . failed miserably. They stole the wrong goat.

Monday: World of Beer
Tuesday: Brigade Holiday Market
Wednesday: EYC Lights Parade: Know Before You Go
Thursday: Naptown Scoop’s Shop Local Holiday Gift Guide 2025

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

The signage is up at 918 Bay Ridge Road, and although an opening date has not yet been announced, astute readers saw kitchen equipment moving into the space recently. So why are we all excited about Peter Chang?

The year is 2003. Peter Chang’s been cooking at the Chinese embassy in DC for two years. He’s all set to return to China when he just. . . disappears. For the next eight years, Chang cooked all over the East Coast under pseudonyms. And he developed an underground cult following.

He received authorization to work in the US in 2011 and opened a restaurant in Charlottesville, VA. Over a dozen more followed, along with widespread (above ground) recognition and awards.

We’ve reached out to the restaurant group for any information on the opening date, but they’re being very hush-hush. We’ll update you as soon as we hear anything.

“All I want for Christmas is . . .” to not make dinner. When someone slips a restaurant gift card into my stocking and takes the monotonous task off my plate, I’m ready to burst into a chorus of “Joy to the World.” Some of the best local takeout options (via Lauren 👋):

🍣 Yama Sushi Bar | Annapolis | Fact: The Dinosaur Egg appetizer and Pearl and Philly rolls are best enjoyed couchside with a Rom Com on.

🍖 Adam’s Taphouse and Grille | Eastport, Edgewater, Severna Park | Depending on my mood and if I want to get messy, I order RIBS; less messy, I get the Pulled Pork Sandwich. Hot take: try their onion rings!

🍕 Little Carmine’s N.Y. Pizza Kitchen | Severna Park | Shout-out to my local pizzeria where I’m a sucker for their Caprese Pizza. Every pasta is to die for, especially the Fettuccine Bolognese and Tortellini Pesto.

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.

SATURDAY

Downtown | Santa Speedo Run | Yes, this is exactly what it sounds like. And when you really think about it, it’s not even gonna be that cold. Shame it won’t start snowing until later. | 11 AM

St. John’s College | Annapolis Holiday Market | Hundreds of local vendors set up shop for this holiday market featuring story time with Nate Whiting, Accidental Poet. | 11 AM–9 PM

Severna Park | Salty Girl Book Sale | The world needs more mobile bookstores. Catch this one at Homestead Gardens Severna Park. | 9 AM–1 PM

Eastport | Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade | One of Annapolis’ best traditions. Skippers have worked super hard on their boats so brave the cold (and maybe snow) and cheer them on! | 6–8 PM

SUNDAY

Annapolis | Heroes Holiday Market | This expanded market features 11 bonus vendors, making it perfect for holiday shopping. | 8–11 AM

City Dock | Menorah Lighting | Follow the Parade of Light as it goes from the Safeway on Housley Road to City Dock, where festivities culminate in a grand menorah lighting (plus latkes, doughnuts, and other refreshments). | 5:30 PM

A student might be a poet and not even know it. But then there are these Annapolis youth featured in Around Each Corner who definitely know it — published poets, at that. This fifth volume of Annapolis’ official student poetry anthology, with its cover art, “My teacher, the octopus,” by artist Yolie Aviles, features the work of student poets writing on five themes:

✍️ Where I’m From — about backgrounds, experiences, and traditions
✍️ Roots and Wings — exploring cultural heritage
✍️ A Day in My Community — focused on what makes communities special
✍️ Celebrating Diversity — reflecting on how diverse cultures enrich our world
✍️ Echoes of the Past — about a story or memory that impacts lives
✍️ Dreams for Tomorrow — aspirations for achievements inspired by heritage

Get a copy of the anthology at a book launch next Thursday, Dec. 18, 4:30–6:30 PM at Busch Annapolis Library. Light snacks and drinks will be served.

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 year may be winding down, but the County Council isn’t yet. They have a long night ahead of them on Monday, December 15 from 7 PM to 11:30 PM at the Arundel Center (44 Calvert St, Annapolis). The agenda will be available on the Council website on Monday by 6 PM. In the meantime, get all the details for tuning in and submitting testimony.

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

39 🌡️ 29 | 🌤️ | 1% | 💨 W 8 mph (7 knots)

43🌡️ 32 | ⛅ | 21% | 💨 SSW 7 mph (6 knots)

35 🌡️ 21 | 🌨️ | 56% | 💨 NW 18 mph (16 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 43ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

49 West | Jeff Muller & Friends | 7:30–10 PM
Annapolis Smokehouse & Tavern | Smokehouse Anniversary Party with Starbelly | 8:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Dana B | 4–7 PM
Blackwall Hitch | The Wet Cowboys | 9–12 PM
Brian Boru | Aidan and Bryan | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | Tim Atkinson | 8 PM
Great Frogs | Alexander Peters | 5–8 PM
Killarney House | Suzy & Shaun | 7:30–10:30 PM
The Lodge | Grayson Moon | 5–8 PM
Market House | Alex G Lee and Brandon Freelump | 7–10 PM
Middleton Tavern | Moon Cherry | 10 PM
Old Stein Inn | The Bayfield Brass Quintet | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Dust on the Bottle | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Carbon Leaf | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Fred & Wilma | 9 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | 3rd Shift | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Honey Sol | 8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Rachel & The Rescuers | 9:45 PM

49 West | John Jensen | 4–6 PM
49 West | Cyphers Band | 7:30–10:30 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Rick & The Revolving Doors | 9 PM
Brian Boru | Lauren and Rusty | 7–10 PM
The Choptank | Ryan Cobb | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Party Fowl | 9 PM
Dark Horse | Swamp Rats | 9 PM
Great Frogs | Dan Haas | 1:30–4:30 PM
Killarney House | Pete Best | 7:30–10:30 PM
Middleton Tavern | All You Need | 10 PM
Pirates Cove | Scoglio Duo | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Carbon Leaf | 3:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | Carbon Leaf | 8:30 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | Broroy | 8 PM
Rams Head Roadhouse | David Martinez | 9 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Faith & the Faithful | 9 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Remedy | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Michael Miller | 8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Stoney Creek | 9:45 PM

49 West | Evan Sky | 5:30–7:30 PM
Galway Bay | The Drinker & The Scholar | 4–8 PM
Great Frogs | Jacob Panic | 1:30–4:30 PM
The Lodge | Mark Tatum | 11 AM – 2 PM
Market House | Meg Murray | 5–8 PM
Pirates Cove | Aaron Hawkins | 3–6 PM
Rams Head On Stage | Carbon Leaf | 1 PM | Tickets
Rams Head On Stage | Shakey Graves (Solo) w/ Clover County | 8 PM | Tickets
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Simba | 9 PM

USNA 2025 grad Murphy Smith, who twice earned All-Mid-Atlantic Region as a cross-country runner for Navy, is headed to his biggest competition to date: the 2028 Olympic Marathon Trials. He qualified with a 2:11:58 time in the 2025 California International Marathon. As of right now, a location and date for the trials is TBD, giving Murphy some time to train — and if he performs well at trials, he’ll head to Los Angeles to represent the USA in the 2028 Olympics.

Football (9-2)
12/13 vs. Army | 3 PM

Women's Basketball (5-4)
12/4 vs. Christopher Newport University | 1 PM

Hockey (8-9)
12/12 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’s going to the Army-Navy game this weekend. We’re jealous.