🍦The New Pumpkin Spice Coffee Crawl

TOGETHER WITH

Good morning, Annapolis. Sure, we could use this spot to congratulate Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce on their engagement. But as far as we know, they’ll never read it. So instead, we’d like to wish our friends, Brad Kappel and Natalie Franke, very happy birthdays instead.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

School bus drivers authorize strike
Annapolis in Philadelphia Magazine
Pepper Palace now open

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, & Duffy Perkins

Brad Kappel’s Home of the Week: Under Contract in 48 Hours

In Olde Severna Park, timeless homes rarely stay available for long — and 105 Water Street was no exception. Within 48 hours of going on the market, Brad Kappel’s tailored strategy delivered multiple offers, sparking a bidding war and securing an exceptional outcome for the seller.

This success wasn’t by chance. It was the result of a carefully executed plan: professional staging, cinematic photography, social-first storytelling, and targeted exposure that created immediate buzz and competitive demand.

Every “under contract” is more than just a milestone — it’s proof that Brad’s refined approach and unmatched market knowledge deliver results, whether for a waterfront estate or a neighborhood classic.

Thinking about selling? Discover what Brad’s strategy can do for your home.

Connect with Brad Kappel today.

THE DIGEST

School Bus Drivers Authorize Strike 🚌

Nearly 200 Anne Arundel County bus drivers and aides voted to authorize a strike after contract talks with Student Transportation of America broke down (no pun intended). Drivers rejected management’s “final offer,” citing wages and health care concerns. The move threatens service for 84 routes carrying more than 7,200 elementary, middle, and high school students at Annapolis, Arundel, Broadneck, Crofton, and South River.

AACPS bus drivers went on strike for two days in October 2021, leaving students without transportation. Thankfully, bus drivers aren’t hitting the brakes yet. While no strike date is set, the authorization allows one if negotiations fail. Superintendent Bedell said, “Our students and families are on the brink of paying a heavy price for a disagreement that is not of their or our school district’s making. ($)

Annapolis in the spotlight again (this time with Philadelphia Magazine) 💯

We don’t like to brag (okay, we love to brag) but Annapolis has been getting some good press coverage this summer. After being featured on CNN and Good Morning America, Annapolis is now a recommended travel spot in Philadelphia. They even called us a “charming maritime enclave,” which sounds exciting.

The cool thing about a travel guide like this is recognizing all the local spots they recommend — we might take them for granted because we patronize them all the time, but they’re hot must-visits for a tourist. The list goes through a three-day stay in Annapolis, including what restaurants to eat at, what shops to look in, and what fun activities to try. We gotta say: They did a good job of capturing not just the obvious spots.

What do you think? Is there anything they missed?

Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse 150th anniversary event raises $50,000

The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse threw the party of the sesquicentennial on August 9, when a sold-out crowd packed the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium to celebrate, party, and raise money. Sponsors and attendees brought in almost $50,000 to create a bright future for the National Historic Landmark, with special speakers highlighting the work necessary to ensure the lighthouse is preserved for generations to come. If you’d like to learn more about Annapolis’ most iconic landmark or donate to its future, click here.

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.

Dog of the Week: Meet King Dobby 👑

You know what they say . . . today is a GREAT day to adopt a dog. Trust us. People (not just dog lovers) say that. In fact, yesterday was National Dog Day. And lucky for you, we’ve got the paw-fect candidate.

Bow down to royalty — King Dobby is a 7-year-old Terrier/Yorkie/Chihuahua mix. This house-trained gent loves toys, treats, and cozy Netflix snuggle sessions. Low-maintenance, drama-free, and loyal to the bone, Dobby was sadly returned after his owner entered Hospice. Ready to crown him your fur-ever best friend? Find him in Wing 2 of the SPCA.

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LOCAL BUSINESS

Pepper Palace Update 🌶️

As promised, we’re back with a hot take on Pepper Palace, a national chain offering sauces and seasonings “from wild to mild.” Earlier this summer, we noted Annapolis’ stop work order for lack of permits. Welp — like cayenne in a recipe, the heat always finds its way through. Pepper Palace is officially open at 133 Main St in the heart of DTA.

Full Circle Moment: Many of you likely remember Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt there. But DYK the spot once housed a different kind of Peppers? For nearly 40 years, Peppers sold USNA- and Annapolis-themed gear. Former owner Stewart Cohen gave Lauren her first marketing job out of college. You can still shop their Navy (and other military) apparel on their website, Armed Forces Gear.

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.

WHAT’S HAPPENIN’

Save the Date: Out of the Darkness Walk

There are so many challenges to speaking (or writing) about suicide awareness. But the one thing we can say with great conviction is that support and awareness are both crucial to understanding how to prevent premature deaths. That’s why the Out of the Darkness Walk is so vital to our community. On September 20, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will host its annual Out of the Darkness Walk around downtown Annapolis. The route spans between one and three miles, and is designed to showcase the support network and resources available within our community. September 20 at 2 PM at the Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium.

Cafe Diem: The New Annapolis Coffee Crawl

If this brings back fond memories of our Great Annapolis Pumpkin Spice Coffee Crawl, we tip our large floppy fall hats to you. This year, our friends at Visit Annapolis and Anne Arundel County have taken up the torch in getting us highly caffeinated. Cafe Diem: the Annapolis Coffee Crawl runs for one week between September 28 and October 5. Grab your punch card from one of the participating baristas and then collect punches each time you fuel up. Remember to ask about special Cafe Diem discounts on other items, too. When you’ve hit 6 punches, bring your card to the Visitor’s Center and enter to win some great prizes (everything from beanies to tickets to the Annapolis Boat Show). And when you’re sipping your PSL, be sure to tag us @naptownscoop to be featured on social media.

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.

EXTRA SPRINKLES

Getting married outside? Don’t forget the bathrooms

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.

WEATHER

Wednesday

77 🌡️ 60 | 🌤️ | 1% | NW 10 mph (9 knots)

Thursday

78 🌡️ 65 | 🌥️ | 9% | SSW 11 mph (10 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 77ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

LIVE MUSIC LOWDOWN

Wednesday

Thursday

NAVY SPORTS

Past results

Women's Soccer (4-1)
8/26 vs. Marywood University | W 3-0

Upcoming games

Women's Soccer (4-1)
8/28 @ Maryland | 7 PM

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THANKS!

Thanks for reading Naptown Scoop today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who drives a Cadillac.

🍦The New Pumpkin Spice Coffee Crawl

TOGETHER WITH

SPONSORED BY BRAD KAPPEL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
TTR SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE