New & Noteworthy For Annapolis In Spring 2020

\ Steeped in history, yet ever changing, our destination offers endless possibilities for journalists in search of a winning story. Let us be your go-to resource for all things Annapolis & Anne Arundel County. What's New with Attractions New Look at an Old Favorite Just in time to celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Annapolis Maritime Museum is revamping its 2,500-square foot space and is slated to reopen with new permanent exhibits in April 2020. Full Story & Assets Saluting Voices of Freedom The Maryland State Archives will be unveiling bronze statues of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass in the Old House of Delegates Chamber of the Maryland State House during a public program on February 15, 2020.  Full Story & Assets Equipping Young Minds with Tools for Success The National Electronic Museum plans to open a permanent workshop and children's discovery area by the end of 2020 that will host newly installed state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment.  Full Story & Assets     Mark Your Calendar 12th Annual Annapolis Restaurant Week February 29 - March 8 Participating Annapolis-area restaurants Learn More 13th Annual Maryland Day March 20 - 22 Historic and Cultural Sites around Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Learn More Annapolis Oyster Roast and Sock Burning March 21 Annapolis Maritime Museum Learn More 8th Annual Annapolis Film Festival March 26 - 29 Locations around Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Learn More 37th Annual St. John's vs USNA Croquet Match April 18 St. John's College Campus Front Lawn Learn More Annapolis Spring Sailboat Show April 24 - 26 City Dock, Annapolis, MD Learn More 18th Annual Annapolis Book Festival April 25 Key School in Annapolis, MD Learn More 65th Annual May Day Basket Competition May 1 Downtown Annapolis Learn More U.S. Naval Academy Commissioning Week 2020 May 15 - 22 U.S. Naval Academy, Annapolis, MD Learn More 4th Annual Annapolis Arts Week June 6 - 14 Various locations in and around Annapolis Learn More Bay Bridge Paddle June 6 Sandy Point State Park East Beach Learn More   For the Foodie this Spring Coffee Your Way at the Oldest Building on the Yard Travel back in time by stepping into the oldest standing building on the Yard. The U.S. Naval Academy's Business Services Division opened the 1845 Coffee Shop just inside the Naval Academy's Gate 3 in May 2019. Full Story & Assets New Look, New Flavors at Annapolis Ice Cream Company For the first time, Annapolis Ice Cream Company now offers two-to-three flavors of vegan ice cream that will be cooked in the same machine, with the same ice cream chef. Full Story & Assets Enjoy a Musical Memory Lane at Ashling Kitchen & Bar In April 2019, co-owners Saeed Ashrafzadeh and Elise Letavish opened Ashling Kitchen & Bar in Crofton, where Christopher's Restaurant used to be. This music industry themed restaurant serves up quality food and star treatment. Full Story & Assets Made in Eastport Forward Brewing is slated to open in February 2020 at 418 Fourth Street in Annapolis. The Eastport-based nano-brewing company will be the first establishment of its kind in the neighborhood, featuring a 28-seat beer hall style restaurant and taproom. Full Story & Assets Calling All Irish Whiskey Lovers During ceremonies in Dublin in October 2019, Irish Hospitality Global named Galway Bay Irish Restaurant, Pub & Whiskey Bar the 2019 Winner for Best Irish Whiskey Experience in the United States. Full Story & Assets Down Home Southern Hospitality at Julep Located across the Annapolis Town Center in Annapolis, the local, family-owned Julep Southern Kitchen & Bar opened in mid-December 2019. The new eatery boasts modern decor, an open, brick wall kitchen, and a contemporary southern-comfort menu. Full Story & Assets What's New with Accommodations Study up on Your Next Vacation at the Graduate The Graduate Annapolis Hotel opened in October 2019 at the site of the former Loews Annapolis at 126 West Street in downtown Annapolis.  Full Story & Assets

Five Not-To-Miss December Events In Annapolis And Anne Arundel County

What’s happening in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County in December 2016? Plenty! To make it easier for you, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is highlighting five celebrations you won’t want to miss! For a more complete listing of events large and small, visit our online calendar of events at VisitAnnapolis.org. Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping I and IIThursdays, December 1 and 8 6:00 p.m. to midnight Downtown Annapolis Admission: Free http://www.downtownannapolispartnership.org/ Lights, garland, action! Historic Annapolis shops throw open their doors in a glorified block party that’s open to all. Enjoy outside musical performances as well as food and refreshments at many stores as you stroll along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, Inner West Street, and State Circle in search of that perfect gift. To enhance the experience, the first block of Main Street will be closed traffic for the first time this year. Sponsored by the Downtown Annapolis Partnership. 2nd Annual Chocolate Binge FestivalSunday, December 4 Noon to 5 p.m. First blocks of West Street in downtown Annapolis Admission: $5.00 suggested cash donation 443-452-7321 www.annapolischocolatefestival.com Are you a chocoholic in need of a fix? You won’t want to miss the 2nd Annual Chocolate Binge Festival. A dozen local chocolate vendors will be selling chocolate specialties, including chocolate caramels, cakes, chocolate bars, truffles, fudge, cookies, candies, hot chocolate, fondue, martinis and more. The afternoon also includes family-friendly entertainment, holiday shopping and the lighting of the newly expanded West Street Holiday Light Canopy. Enjoy live music, a marshmallow roast, a gingerbread house moon bounce, giant snowball run, hot chocolate with members of the Annapolis Police Department and a visit with Santa. He’ll be collecting toys and clothing for the We Care and Friends Holiday Party for kids in need. Presented by the Annapolis Arts District and Inner West Street Association. 34th Annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights ParadeSaturday, December 10 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek  Admission: Free www.eastportyc.org, or facebook.com/EastportYachtClubLightsParade   Brightly decorated boats parade around the Annapolis waterfront in one of the City’s signature events. Thousands of lights and a host of jolly revelers make this a fun holiday event for the entire family. Prime viewing areas include: Eastport, Spa Creek, City Dock and Naval Academy sea wall. Sponsored by the Eastport Yacht Club. 2016 Military BowlTuesday, December 27 3:30 p.m. U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis Admission: Check website Tickets: 888-841-2787 http://www.militarybowl.org/ The Military Bowl® presented by Northrop Grumman, benefiting the USO, will match a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) against an opponent from the American Athletic Conference (AAC). City of Annapolis New Year’s Eve CelebrationSaturday, December 31 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for kids; 8:00 p.m. to midnight for adults Ball Fields behind Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis Susan Campbell Park, City Dock, Annapolis Admission: Free 410-263-7997 http://www.annapolis.gov/government/city-departments/mayors-office/special-events/2017-new-year-celebration Family activities fill the day and music and dancing fills the night at this annual celebration welcoming the New Year. For the first time, kid’s activities will take place on the ball fields behind Maryland Hall and Bates Middle School. Participants are invited to park at Park Place garage and take City of Annapolis-provided shuttles to and from the new location. Activities will include face painting, an obstacle course, moon bounce and music performed by kids’ rock bands. The first round of festivities wraps up with on-site fireworks at 5:30 p.m. Then it’s off to area restaurants for dinner with the kids. The second round of festivities includes live music and dancing at Susan Campbell Park at City Dock beginning at 8:00 p.m. and ending with midnight fireworks. VAAAC is a nonprofit, membership-based destination marketing organization that generates revenues for the local economy by promoting Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to leisure and business travelers across the country and around the world. To begin receiving story ideas and news updates “like” Visit Annapolis Media Resources on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @visitanapMR.