🍦The three bridges of Eastport

Good morning, Annapolis. Did you know Henry Ford basically invented the weekend? Before he introduced the 8-hour, 5-day workweek 99 years ago today, most people worked 6 days a week for 10+ hours a day. And here we thought all he invented was the Model T and moving assembly lines.

In today’s Naptown Scoop:

Let’s get to it.

— Lauren Burke Meyer, Dylan Roche, Duffy Perkins

Trading in your 9-to-5 for retirement life is supposed to be an exciting time. You can travel,

play golf, volunteer, babysit the grandkids; anything else you couldn’t make time for previously.

There are certain mistakes that can ruin a stress-free retirement.

1. Not having a retirement strategy.
2. Chasing ‘hot’ investments.
3. Not taking advantage of tax-deferred savings.
4. Prioritizing college savings over retirement.
5. Overlooking healthcare costs.
6. Not adjusting your investment approach before retirement.
7. Retiring with too much debt.
8. Focusing solely on the money.

If you need help creating a retirement strategy, contact the team at Scarborough

Capital Management and get the conversation started.

After the official results of Annapolis’ Democratic primary were released on Tuesday. We were stunned that City Council hopeful Diesha Contee had erased a 43-vote deficit to beat Craig Cussimanio by 61 in Ward 6. But it turned out an error was made and Contee’s votes were accidentally reported as Cussimanio’s in the unofficial results. Basically, someone swapped the numbers when adding them to the spreadsheet.

So now, the Annapolis Board of Elections is conducting a complete hand count audit of all votes cast in the primary election. It’s happening this morning at 10 AM (9/25) at the Anne Arundel County Board of Elections (6740 Baymeadow Drive, Glen Burnie) and it’s open to the public.

The Board of Elections is also implementing more audit steps to ensure this doesn’t happen again.

In honor of yesterday’s MRE Tug of War announcement, we’re sharing a Tale of Three Bridges. The first wooden bridge at Fourth Street arrived in 1868, followed by a 1908 steel span. The bridge tender who lived there hand-cranked it open for boats – rumor has it he had the biggest biceps in town. And on hot days, he sometimes had to call a fire truck to hose the bridge down with cold water because the steel expanded so much due to heat that the bridge wouldn’t close.

Today’s 1947 drawbridge at Sixth Street still links Eastport to Annapolis and don’t call it a drawbridge unless you wanted to be corrected by nerds like us. It’s technically a bascule bridge. A drawbridge is any bridge that moves to allow boats through. A bascule bridge specifically opens by pivoting on a hinge with the assistance of a counterweight.

It’s a squares and rectangles situation. All bascule bridges are drawbridges but not all drawbridges are bascule bridges.

DYK before the bridges, Eastportaricans ferried to and from Annapolis to avoid the three-mile detour around Spa Creek?

While we’re admittedly diehard summer people, the fall season in Annapolis is absolutely unbeatable. With longer shoulder seasons, vibrant colors, and plenty of green space catering to the outdoors lifestyle, this is the best time to lace up your shoes and enjoy the leaves. Here are four local walks that you’ll want to do again and again, along with restaurant pairings to reward your workout. Because that’s how we roll.

Greenbury Point 3.1 miles total; shorter loops The simplicity of Greenbury Point is its true selling point. It’s a flat trail with ample parking and restrooms, with multiple water views, nature displays, and secret spots you can have all to yourself. The area is owned by the U.S. Navy, so sometimes the area is closed due to training. Weekends are generally a safe bet. Afterward, an egg and cheese double toasted at Naval Bagels is calling.

Quiet Waters Park 1.1–5.4 miles If you’re looking for an accessible trail with endless options, QWP has it all. The full loop extends around the perimeter of the park, with junctions at the Visitor’s Center and two parking lots if you need to shorten your stretch – a good option if you’re planning on letting your pup swim at the dog beach, which is on the far end of the park. Recently, the park expanded the trails into the Retreat space, which is a beautiful meadow and overlook of the South River, but does not have water access (and bring tick spray). Afterward, grab the banana bread pancakes at Grumps.

South River Farms Park 2.4 miles Just across the South River from the Hillsmere neighborhood, it’s quicker to get to South River Farms Park by boat than car. This is a very underutilized park that’s perfect for letting kids and dogs explore. The peninsula’s trails are well marked and offer lots of sandy beaches and coves to play, and the trail is rugged enough to get your heart rate up. Foragers, bring a backpack because there is a great pawpaw grove here. After your hike, swing through Black Market Bakers for a cinnamon roll.

Downtown Loop 3 miles (give or take) Neighborhood running groups know how difficult it is to be a Strava local legend in this loop: it’s incredibly popular for good reason. You begin by parking on the street in Eastport, where you can fuel up with Oscar’s coffee (it also counts as a wrist weight). Head across the bridge and get your pics for the ‘gram at City Dock before heading up to Maryland Avenue, where you can get another coffee or better yet a pint at Galway Bay. You’ll swing around the State House and end up on Main Street where you’ll get some more wrist weights in the form of shopping bags, then head back over the bridge where your car is waiting. But with all that exercise, don’t a dozen oysters sound so good? Better stop at Boatyard before closing out your day.

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We are so excited that Visit Annapolis has taken up our coffee crawl torch. Café Diem — the ultimate Annapolis coffee crawl — is brewing September 28–October 5. They made one serious upgrade to our crawl, though: espresso martinis count, too. Here’s how it works.

📸☕️ Don’t mocha mistake — it’s grounds for celebration. Post your roast on IG with #CafeDiemAnnapolis to boost your prize odds. Seize the day and support local spots, one cup at a time!

Cybersecurity firm Blackwood, which is reported to have 100–130 employees, announced it’s moving its headquarters from Baltimore to Annapolis. Specifically, it’s moving to Severn Avenue in Eastport, where it will occupy a sweet 5K-square-foot office it just bought. For anyone worried about a big company moving into a quiet little commercial zone like Eastport, company president Ryan Morris says not to expect a bunch of commuters: “The facility in Eastport is intended simply as lab and collaboration space.” Translation: most of our people will still be working in their pajamas at home. ($)

💼 Want a short commute? They’ve got 6 local positions open with some pretty nice looking compensation ranges.

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.

🎸 Need a reset after maneuvering Boat Show crowds or Navy football fans? Slip into Maryland Hall October 10 & 11 at 7:30 PM, where the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra turns down the noise and turns up the music. Pablo Sáinz-Villegas — hailed as “the soul of the Spanish guitar” — ignites the stage with Arturo Márquez’s brand-new concerto Mystical and Profane.

🌍 Conducted by fellow Spaniard Maestro José-Luis Novo, the concert program spans continents and eras: Dvořák’s New World Symphony, born of African American spirituals and Indigenous melodies, and Reinaldo Moya’s vibrant Polo Romanesco bookend a cultural journey that soars, stirs, and stays with you long after the last note.

🔥 Scoop readers score big: use code SCOOP for Buy One, Get One FREE tickets (Parterre and Orchestra AA excluded). Tickets are flying — grab yours before they’re gone!

FRIDAY

Hillsmere | SOFO Movie Night | 90s classic The Hunt for Red October is playing. Come early for music and good food. | Dusk

SATURDAY

Annapolis Mall | Literacy Council Bookfair | Books for sale, local author signings, and much more. | 10 AM – 4 PM.

Annapolis | Light House Pumpkin Patch opening day | Each October, the field at St. Martin’s Church turns into a pumpkin patch to benefit the Lighthouse Shelter. | 10 AM to 6 PM.

Annapolis | Local Comic Shop Day | Third Eye Comics is offering special releases and editions, swag, and discounts for loyal customers. | 11 AM – 9 PM.

Annapolis | Worldwide Day of Play | Chesapeake Children’s Museum offers a fun, screen-free day of activities. | Noon – 4 PM.

Downtown | The Crabtown Frolic | This fun traditional music festival puts Gaelic Revival musicians in historic venues around town. | Saturday and Sunday Noon – 6 PM.

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium | Navy football vs. Rice | #1 Navy takes on #3 Rice University. | 3:30 PM.

SUNDAY

Annapolis Town Center | ANCHORS & ARTISANS POP-UP MARKET | Makers of Maryland brings dozens of vendors, artisans, musicians, and more to this fun pop-up event. | 11 AM to 4 PM.

West Annapolis | Oktoberfest | A family-friendly German-inspired festival to welcome in autumn. | 11 AM – 4 PM.

FARMERS MARKETS

Parole | AACo Farmer’s Market | There are still so many great fruits and vegetables coming out of this summer season. 7 AM – Noon Saturday, 9 AM – Noon Sunday.

Crofton | Crofton Farmer’s Market | Over 50 vendors make this one of the best around. | Saturday 8 AM – Noon.

Davidsonville | Davidsonville Farmer’s Market | After being away last weekend, they’re back with fresh produce, artisan foods, and creative crafts. | 10 AM – 2 PM.

Severna Park | Severna Park Farmer’s Market | Local apples, wines, gourds, and perfect candles get you ready for the cozy season. | Saturday 8 AM – Noon.

We are so so close to sweater weather. I can feel it. Well, no I can’t but I’m pretending.

City Dock | Annapolis Powerboat Show | We look forward to this every year even with absolutely no plans to buy a boat any time soon. | October 2–5.

Crownsville | Maryland State Jousting Competition | Ever been to a jousting competition? Us either. | October 4 starting at 11 AM.

Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium | Navy Midshipmen vs. Air Force Falcons | There’s no game like a rivalry game. | October 4 at noon.

Edgewater | Wild Kid Acres 5-year Anniversary | From our first visit where the house wasn’t even built yet to now being an ambassador for regenerative agriculture at the UN, it’s been amazing to see Wild Kid’s journey | October 4

Truxtun Park | Doggy Dive In | Pools and waterparks letting dogs swim after closing day is one of the most wholesome things ever | October 5 from 3–5 PM

City Dock | Annapolis Sailboat Show | We go to this even though you can count the number of times we’ve been sailing on one hand. | October 9–12

Severn | Chesapeake BMX East Coast Nationals | Because hotel prices at the X Games are outrageous. | October 11-13.

Annapolis Harbor | The Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race | This ain’t your average Wednesday night sailboat race. | October 14–19

Downtown Annapolis | Annapolis Pride Parade and Festival | Lots of rainbows. | October 18

Annapolis | Ignite Annapolis | Because tickets for TED talks are literally $6,250 minimum | October 21 at 7 PM.

Severna Park | Pig in the Park | Roasted pig & bourbon tasting. What more could a guy want? | October 25 from 2–5 PM.

Maryland Hall | Candlelight Concert: Tribute to Queen and the Beatles | Music sounds better in a dark, candlelit room. It’s science. | October 30 at 6:30 PM. Maryland Hall.

Maryland Hall | Candlelight Concert: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics | Trick or treating isn’t healthy anyway. | October 31 at 8:45 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.

77 🌡️ 70 | ⛈️ | 47% | S 10 mph (9 knots)

80 🌡️ 67 | ⛅ | 12% | 💨 NNE 6 mph (5 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 74ºF
Temperature readings taken from the mouth of the Severn River the night before publication

🌳🎵 = Outdoor Concert

49 West | The Jonathan Epley Guitar Trio | 7:30–11 PM
🌳🎵 AMM | September Sunsets | Eastport Oyster Boys | 6–8 PM
Blackwall Hitch | Mike Heuer | 6–9 PM
Brian Boru | Ray Wroten | 6–9 PM
Killarney House | Nate Finn | 6–9 PM
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen | Justin Ryan | 5–8 PM
Market House | Troll Tribe | 6–9 PM
Pirates Cove | Jason Bishop | 6–9 PM
The Point | Dan Haas | 5–8 PM
Rams Head On Stage | WAR | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Tavern | Ray Weaver | 4:30 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Tony Streamella Band | 7 PM
Severna Park Taphouse | Frederico Tubaya Jazz Band | 5 PM

49 West | The Morel Trio | 7:30–10:30 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 | Donnaka | 7–10 PM
Captain’s Daughter | TBA | 5–7 PM
The Choptank | Kevin Koa | 8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | TBA | 5–8 PM
Coconut Joe’s | Crash Chords | 9 PM
Galway Bay | Doug Segree | 7–10 PM
Gina’s Cantina | Loose Ties | 7 PM
Great Frogs | Alexander Peters | 5:30–8:30 PM
Killarney House | The Langer's Ball | 7:30–10:30 PM
Libbey’s Coastal Kitchen | Jonathan Viers | 5–8 PM
The Lodge | Madisun Bailey | 8–11 PM
Market House | Adam Forbes | 8–11 PM
Market Space | Russ Jacobsen | 6–9 PM
Metropolitan Rooftop | b.en & the b.and | 8 PM
Middleton Tavern | Shatners | 10 PM
Mother’s Peninsula Grille | The Goat Charmers | 7–10 PM
Old Stein Inn | Jordan Sokel & Friends | 7–10 PM
Pirates Cove | Shaun Gomban | 7:30–10:30 PM
Rams Head On Stage | WAR | 8 PM | Tickets
Rams Head Roadhouse | BoRoy | 8 PM
Rams Head Tavern | Troll Tribe | 5 PM
Romilo’s Restaurant and Bar | Kickback Classics | 7 PM
Stan & Joe’s Riverside | Chris Button| 4–8 PM
Stan & Joe’s Saloon | Mr VCR | 9:45 PM

Women's Soccer (8-3)
9/26 @ Colgate | 5 PM

Women's Volleyball (5-6)
9/26 @ American | 6 PM

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