New Events

Annapolis Comedy Festival—From July 14 through July 16, inner West Street from Church Circle to Westgate Circle will be the host location for the first Annapolis Comedy Festival. Plans are in the works to feature a current Saturday Night Live personality as well as local talent and comedians from Chicago, New York, and the Charleston Comedy Festival. The Loews Annapolis, O’Callaghan, and Westin Annapolis Hotels, as well as Rams Head and the Latin Quarter will serve as venues for the event that will culminate in a comedy slam and wrap party at the Latin Quarter. Tickets will range from $10 to $15, depending on the venue. 410-271-3912. www.AnnapolisComedyFest.com.

Annapolis Inaugural Biathlon—The City of Annapolis’ first indoor biathlon is a high energy bike/run challenge scheduled to kick off at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center (PMRC) on Sunday, March 20, at 7:30 a.m. Participants will compete by cycling ten miles on state-of-the-art spin bikes and running two miles on the indoor track. Racers will begin the event at assigned wave times. Age groups include 13-29, 30-39, 40-49, and 50+. The event is open to PMRC members for $35 and non-members at $45. 410-263-7958. www.annapolis.gov.

Canines & Cocktails for a Cause—The popular Canines and Cocktails for a Cause sponsored by Paws Pet Boutique and the Loews Annapolis Hotel has added two new themes and three new causes to its April through September once a month Friday night events on the patio of the Loews’ Annapolis from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

On Friday, May 20, dogs can try their paws at fetching balls out of kiddie pools during their new Have a Ball Bobbing for Balls event. This is the first time that the featured cause, Homeward Trails, will be joining the gathering with dogs for adoption. On June 24, the new Annapolis Dog Days of Summer Celebration will benefit a new featured cause, Paws4Vets. Paws4Vets places psychiatric and mobility service dogs and rehabilitative assistance dogs with veterans. On July 29, Mid-Atlantic Border Collie Rescue joins the series as the featured cause for the first time. The organization will have information on dogs that hope to be adopted. That evening, dogs will be invited to participate in a Best Dog Trick competition. On August 26, Chesapeake Cats & Dogs will be the featured cause for the first time as canines come together for a Dog Ice Cream Social, complete with an ice cream eating contest.

Other Canines & Cocktails dates are: April 29 – Canine Iron Chef demonstration and September 23 – Canine Fall Fashion Show. Each month, dog owners and their four-legged friends enjoy cocktails, appetizers, mocktails, Fido snacks, contests, and raffle prizes to benefit the evening’s featured charity. Admission is free. 410-263-8683. www.pawspetboutique.com.

International Food, Wine and Hops Festival—Twenty restaurants stretching from Church Circle to Westgate Circle along West Street in Annapolis are planning to participate in this first time event that will feature beer, wine, and food tastings inside their establishments. Each site will represent a different country or region and their offerings will reflect that choice. Saturday, April 30, noon to 6:00 p.m. 410-271-3912. Tickets: $25. www.AnnapolisInternationalFoodFest.com.

Gallery Row Red Carpet Event—When the International Food, Wine and Hops Festival wraps up on Saturday, April 30, the Gallery Row Red Carpet Event begins. From 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. that evening, art lovers are invited to linger longer on West Street by strolling across red carpets and into the front doors of participating art galleries, enjoying outdoor music, and mingling at receptions inside the Whitehall Gallery, Annapolis Collection Gallery, BackCreekBooks Gallery & Antiques Shop, and 49 West Winebar & Gallery. Eateries along Gallery Row, including Tsunami Restaurant and Stan & Joe’s Bar, will be offering special Red Carpet menu items. Free event. 410-280-1414. http://www.annapoliscollection.com.

Maryland Day—A Taste of Four Rivers cookbook is a new addition to the Fourth Annual Maryland Day celebration scheduled for Friday through Sunday, March 25-27. Each participating site will distribute one or more recipes for a make-your-own cookbook activity. At least 14 sites will have recipes, each of which will reflect the site’s unique history or a special connection to local flavors.

The Fourth Annual Maryland Day celebration is sponsored by Four Rivers: The Heritage Area of Annapolis, London town and South County. Historical and cultural institutions in Annapolis and Southern Anne Arundel County will open their doors to the public, offering special tours, events, and programming for $1.00 or less. The celebration includes sites not typically open to the public, special programs, costumed re-enactors, exhibits, and family activities. 410-222-1805. www.marylandday.org.

South County Festival—After a year’s hiatus, the South County Festival will return to Herrington Harbour North Marina in Tracy’s Landing on Saturday, June 11, from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. This will be the 17th year for the event that includes entertainment, a wine and arts fest, seafood, crafters, activities, demonstrations, exhibits, and more. 410-867-3129. www.southcounty.org.

The War Came by Train—The American Civil War was the first major conflict where railroads played a prominent role and the Baltimore & Ohio was the major line that straddled a divided country. Between April 19, 1861 (the Baltimore Riot of 1861) and April 21, 1865 (Lincoln’s funeral train departed Baltimore for Illinois), the B&O was a witness and participant in the greatest conflict the United States has ever faced, a conflict that changed the course of American History. The War Came by Train is the B&O Railroad Museum’s primary attraction for the five-year commemoration of the war’s sesquicentennial. April 15, 2011—May 30, 2015. Monday-Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Sunday, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. 410-752-2490. www.borail.org.

westFEST—West Street will be closed from Church Circle to Calvert Street from noon until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 29, for the first westFEST. The music festival featuring a nationally recognized headliner is being produced in conjunction with WRNR-FM and Rams Head. Fresh local talent will also perform during the event that includes two stages. 410-271-3912.

 

New Attractions and Services

Amtrak—Workers at Amtrak’s Ivy City Maintenance Facility in Washington, D.C. and Penn Coach Yard in Philadelphia will soon begin installing Wi-Fi equipment in more than 450 Amfleet railcars. This, following the recent selection of Nomad Digital as Amtrak’s preferred technology provider for nationwide use. By adding free Wi-Fi as a permanent service, Amtrak is using leading-edge technology to handle the next generation needs of its passengers. 202-906-3860. www.amtrak.com.

BWI Marshall Airport—On March 8, 2011, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport announced U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s approval of its request to offer direct passenger charter service between BWI and Cuba. The authorization paves the way for expanded access to Cuba for Maryland and the entire Capital region. Several additional regulatory and procedural steps must be completed before the charter service between BWI Marshall and Cuba can begin. 410-859-7027. www.bwiairport.com.

BWI Marshall Airport—The InterCounty Connector (ICC) opened to traffic on February 22, 2011. On March 2, the Maryland Transit Administration introduced ICC bus routes 201 and 202. Both routes begin at the Gaithersburg Park and Ride and follow Phase I of the ICC to Shady Grove Metro Station and the Norbeck Park and Ride, where the ICC ends for now. Bus service continues from there with route 201 making stops at Burtonsville Park and Ride and BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport’s Southwest and International terminals before ending at the BWI MARC/Amtrak station. Route 202 stops at the Savage MARC station and the National Security Agency before ending at Fort Meade. 410-859-7027. www.bwiairport.com.

Cruise On In—The BWI Conference Complex – Comfort Inn / Sleep Inn & Suites and the Rose Restaurant – is making it easier for individuals to access cruises at the Dundalk Marine Terminal. In January 2011, the properties launched a Cruise On In promotion that invites cruise-goers to park their cars at the Complex for just $50 a week and hop aboard a free shuttle that will take them to and from the port. No reservations are required. Interested parties need only stop by the front desk to purchase their pass. 410-789-9100. www.comfortinn.com.

Southwest Airlines—On March 13, 2011, Southwest Airlines began offering three daily roundtrips between BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport to Charleston, South Carolina and two daily roundtrips between BWI Thurgood Marshall and Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina. The new flights, along with other recent additions, boost Southwest’s daily departures from BWI to 187 daily departures in March and 189 daily departures in May. These are all-time records for Southwest at BWI Marshall Airport. 410-859-7027. www.bwiairport.com.

Watermark—New this season, Cruises on the Bay by Watermark will be featuring a Captain for the Day station aboard the Harbor Queen. Here, kids can pose as though they were ‘driving’ the Harbor Queen around Annapolis.

Annapolis Tours by Watermark guides are taking on a slightly different look this year as new period costumes are added from the Civil War era in honor of the sesquicentennial celebration. While colonial attire will continue to be the dominant look, Civil War era women will now be promenading in hoop skirts, with high necked, fitted bodices. Some of the male tour guides will be sporting high-waisted trousers with suspenders. 410-268-7601. www.watermarkjourney.com.

Womanship—Now in its 27th year of teaching women-only crews, couples, families, and groups, Womanship will be offering its onboard two- and three-day Sail Yourself Safely Home sessions in its homeport of Annapolis for the first time this spring. Taught in the familiar waters of co-sponsoring organizations in New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine, Virginia, and Louisiana over the past 23 years, the Annapolis-based Sail Yourself Safely Home sessions begin in April 2011 and will continue through October. Participants will come aboard for hands-on learning, practice, and advancement in 17 safety, control, and emergency procedures so they can sail their boats safely home in all types of weather. 800-342-9295. www.womanship.com.

 

What’s New in Retail

The Annapolis Bookstore—Originally located at 68 Maryland Avenue, the Annapolis Bookstore opened at its new 35 Maryland Avenue location in June 2010. In November, it opened a café that serves fresh pastries and locally roasted coffee. Individuals are invited to stop by and browse the bookstore’s new, used, rare, and remarkable books. The venue, complete with an outside garden, is available for special events. 410-280-2339.

The Annapolis Collection—In November 2010, The Annapolis Collection Gallery celebrated its grand re-opening at 55 West Street. Formerly located at 45 West Street, the gallery is devoted to six Annapolis masters: Ann Munro Wood (oil), Greg Harlin (watercolor), Sally Comport (mixed media), Roxi Munro (acrylic), Moe Hanson (pastel), and YooMi Yoon (paper cuttings). The gallery also houses a collection of rare black and white photographs of old Annapolis and Baltimore. 410-280-1414. www.AnnapolisCollection.com.

The Annapolis Pottery—As spring arrives in Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay, the crabs are coming to The Annapolis Pottery. The State Circle store is now carrying a line of crab pottery made by Richard Ashburn of Blue Crab Pottery in Maryland. 410-268-6152. www.AnnapolisPottery.com.

Annebeth’s—Annebeth’s is now offering free wine and beer tastings on Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. Visitors are invited to stop by and sample beverages from around the world.

In July 2010, Annebeth’s began creating Maryland Gift Bags for individuals who are looking for gifts that speak of all things Maryland. The red Euro-totes come in three different sizes and are filled with an array of Maryland-made or Maryland themed goods. 410-990-9700. www.annebeths.com.

Arundel Mills Mall—In spring 2011, Maryland’s leading shopping, dining, and entertainment destination will be adding several new shopping and dining options to its retail mix. In March, Coach Factory Store, Best Buy Mobile, and Hakky Shoe Repair and Alteration will open. In April, Maryland’s first outlet store from Aerosoles will open. In June, Buffalo Wild Wings, Red Lobster, Olive Garden, and LongHorn Steakhouse are all scheduled to begin welcoming diners. Tilly’s, a leading retailer of active clothing, shoes and accessories, will become a part of the Arundel Mills family of stores in July 2011. 410-540-5100. www.arundelmills.com.

Back Creek Books Gallery & Antiques Shop—The gallery of antiques and art featuring several hundred rare and out of print books is slated to hold its grand opening celebration at its new 45 West Street Store on April 30, 2011. 410-626-1363. www.backcreekbooks.com.

Baked by Yael—If you are looking for fresh baked goods, look for Baked by Yael, recently opened at Westfield Annapolis. It’s a woman-owned and –run baking business that operates from a cart located between Lord & Taylor and J.C. Penney on Saturdays and Sundays. Owner Yael Krigman announces her exact arrival times on Facebook and Twitter. She stays at the mall until it closes or until she sells out. Her main products include chocolate chip cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, raspberry bars, gingersnaps, black and white cookies, and cake balls – candy coated balls of cake and frosting mixed together. Some of Baked by Yael’s recipes are old family recipes, while others are recipes that Krigman has improved upon. Her products contain no preservatives and are baked by Krigman in a licensed commercial kitchen. 202-480-YAEL (9235).

Blue Crab Antiques—Less than a year after moving from West Annapolis and opening up a new location at 57 Maryland Avenue, Blue Crab Antiques doubled its retail space in February 2011 by taking over the neighboring 55 Maryland Avenue. The expanded space is stocked with high-end antiques, collectibles, and art that compliment the existing inventory. For a limited time, patrons are invited to save 20% during the store’s expansion sale. 443-949-7055. www.bluecrabantiques.com.

Brown Eyed Girl—In September 2010, Brown Eyed Girl at became Brown Eyed Girl—A Funky Boutique. The name change is designed to convey the fact that 234 Main Street store in Annapolis caters to a clientele of all ages. They have eliminated their men’s clothing and are now carrying more unique items including jewelry crafted by local artists, purses, and belts. Owners Kathy Stanfield and Georgi Schurr have also expanded their exclusive Brown Eyed Girl apparel and accessories line, their biggest sellers. 410-990-4475.

Honey’s Harvest Bakery, Deli, and Market—Scheduled to open in May 2011 at the Herrington Harbour South Eco-Lifestyle Marina Resort, Honey’s Harvest is designed to be a hometown, country-style store featuring fresh, healthy, and delicious breakfast and lunch sandwiches, salads, and bakery items. In addition to featuring locally harvested honey from local beekeepers, the store will carry a comprehensive selection of beers and wines and a variety of groceries and sundries. As much as possible, Honey’s Harvest will feature locally sourced products, including select seasonal produce, dairy, and artisan gifts. The store will be owned and operated by the founder and operator of Herrington on the Bay Events and Catering, Anna Chaney Willman. www.herringtononthebay.com.

Jimmy and Sook—Opened in October, 2010, Jimmy and Sook features a collection of shirts, hats, totes, and aprons – all adorned with an embroidered crab. Located on Main Street in Annapolis, its sister stores can be found in Irvington, Virginia and St. Michaels. 410-263-7463. www.jimmyandsook.com.

National Cryptologic Museum—In October, 2010, the National Cryptologic Museum formally introduced the Dr. David Kahn Collection of cryptologic writings to the public. More than 70 years in the making, it is considered by some to be the most significant collection of its kind in the world. It nearly doubles the museum library’s cryptologic holdings. The Kahn collection includes more than 2,800 books and more than 1,300 pages of notes from interviews with foreign and American cryptologic and intelligence professionals. It also contains photocopies of intelligence documents and dozens of rare books. Museum visitors can discover how codes and ciphers have been shaping history since the 16th century. 301-688-5849. www.nsa.gov/about/cryptologic_heritage/museum/

re:Source—Known as Mixed Greens for three and a half years, the business changed its name and moved from Randall Street to 162 Main Street in Annapolis in February 2011. The store features exclusively Earth friendly, recycled, repurposed, sustainable and Fair Trade items. The new larger storefront has enabled the business to expand its offerings, while keeping the same commitment to sustainable and responsibly made products. 410-216-9830. info@shopresourcestore.com

VIN 909 Winecafe—Slated to open in the spring of 2011, Vin 909 is located at 909 Bay Ridge Avenue in Eastport, at the former site of the Wild Orchid restaurant. After 18 years away from the East Coast, owner/manager Alex and executive chef Justin are back. They bring combined experience in California’s Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, along with the family roots of Italy and New England. The Winecafe will source many ingredients from local, organic providers and combine them to create fresh, American cuisine unique to VIN 909. 443-949-7952. http://vin909.com/oureats.html.

Westfield Annapolis—Leveraging digital technology to maximize the convenience shoppers can expect when visiting Westfield Annapolis, the shopping center launched its Westfield iPhone App in the fall of 2010. The new mobile application provides Westfield visitors a virtual personal shopping assistant in the palm of their hand. Downloadable for free from Apple’s iTunes App Store or via the Westfield.com family of websites, the Westfield iPhone App electronically maps Westfield Annapolis’ physical layout, store directory and detailed retailer information, customer offers and promotions, special events and Facebook page – all onto one digital resource. With a click on their mobile devices, local shoppers or visitors from anywhere in the world can map the shopping center with GPS and driving directions. The iPhone App is compatible with the iPhone, iPod, or iPad. 410-266-5432. www.westfield.com/annapolis.

Westfield Annapolis—The variety of stores at Westfield Annapolis continues to grow. New in 2011, a Q Chocolate and Coffee opened in February. In March, a Vera Bradley store will open its doors, and a Charming Charlie is expected to open in late spring. 410-266-5432. www.westfield.com/annapolis.

Wheat— The Scandinavian-based children’s organic clothing retailer is expected to open its U.S. flagship store at 201 Main Street in Annapolis in April 2011. Known for its quality products and attention to detail, Wheat is recognized as one of the fastest growing children's companies in Denmark. Its design inspirations come from vintage Scandinavian wallpaper prints and thoughts of outdoor life associated with the great Scandinavian forests. 410-626-1508. www.wheat-usa.com.

Zachary’s Jewelers—In November 2010, Zachary’s Jewelers on Main Street in Annapolis opened a second store on Ritchie Highway in Severna Park. The new store hosts monthly events, including its “little rocks” club that features sing alongs and story tellers for the kids the first Wednesday of every month. The Annapolis store’s “little rocks” meet the first Tuesday of every month at 10:00 a.m. 410-266-5555 (Annapolis). 410-544-4005 (Severna Park). www.zacharysjewelers.com.

 

What’s New with Accommodations

Country Inn & Suites Annapolis—On April 1, 2011, the Country Inn & Suites on Housley Road will go Pet Friendly. The 100-room property will dedicate six first floor king suites as pet friendly. The rooms will have access to an outside pet area. 410-571-6700. www.countryinns.com/annapolismd_west.

Hilton Garden Inn & Homewood Suites BWI/Arundel Mills—The joint properties plan to offer an additional 2,650 square feet of meeting space by April 2011. When construction is completed, the two brands in one building will feature a combined 3,700 square feet of flexible meeting space, the largest in the Arundel Mills area. The additional meeting space can accommodate events involving up to 200 people. The 2,650 square foot hall will include state of the art equipment, a nearby outdoor patio, and extensive gourmet banquet menu options or cuisine selections designed for diverse groups ranging from corporate outings to weddings, to reunions and memorable events. The hotels are located less than one mile from Arundel Mills Mall, the second largest mall in Maryland. A grand unveiling of the new space at the 250-room property is slated for spring 2011. For Hilton Garden Inn: 410-878-7200. www.baltimorearundelmills.hgi.com. For Homewood Suites: 410-684-6100. www.homewoodsuites.com.

Historic Inns of Annapolis—The Maryland Hotel & Lodging Association named Historic Inns of Annapolis General Manager Joe Dantoni Hotelier of the Year during its January 2011 22nd Annual Stars of the Industry Awards celebration. The Hotelier of the Year is selected based on his or her overall outstanding performance and contribution to the property and the community. 410-263-2641. www.historicinnsofannapolis.com.

Inn at Herrington Harbour—New this spring, the Inn at Herrington Harbour South has opened a new 1920s Arts and Crafts Beach House consisting of two bay front suites. The upstairs (Chesapeake Suite) and downstairs (Shoreline Suite) are mirror images of each other, with the upstairs featuring a vaulted ceiling. Each suite includes two bedrooms. The king bedroom adjoins to a rejuvenating aromatherapy steam shower, and the queen bedroom features a relaxing Jacuzzi tub. Five-inch oak planked flooring leads the way to each historically decorated room. Added to the historic touches are all the conveniences of home and a state-of-the-art surround sound system to make it easy for guests to customize their iPod and blue ray movies. 1-800-213-9438. www.herringtonharbour.com.

Holiday Inn BWI—Following an $11 million renovation that was completed in March, 2011, the Holiday Inn BWI is scheduled to reopen as a DoubleTree by Hilton at BWI by mid-April. The property will offer 260 totally renovated rooms featuring DoubleTree’s Sweet Dreams sleep package and all new appointments including Wolfgang Puck in-room coffee brewers, MP3 radios, 32-inch flat screen TVs, and more.

The hotel will feature more than 10,000 square feet of all new meeting space, complimentary WiFi, an all new fitness facility, business center, and business services, including PrintMe.com, designed to help make business travel a pleasure. The brand new Eden’s Landing Restaurant and Lounge offers contemporary dining in a modern setting, while Props features fresh brewed, locally roasted coffee, snacks, and sundries. Upon arrival, guests will be welcomed with DoubleTree’s signature warm, fresh baked chocolate chip and walnut cookie. Guests who are Hilton Honors members will receive all the benefits of one of the industry’s favorite frequency programs. 410-859-8400. www.hi-bwi.com.

Holiday Inn Express Kent Island/Annapolis—Re-launched with the new Holiday Inn Express logos and amenities in June 2010, the 76-room hotel completed a new observation deck and pier at the same time. The observation deck and pier provide an excellent vantage point for observing the wildlife, crabs, fish, swans, and Osprey that grace the area. The hotel’s common areas have been refreshed and guests now enjoy LCD TVs, new room lighting, and triple sheeted bed linens. 410-827-4454. www.holidaykentisland.com.

Inn at Horn Point—The Eastport Bed and Breakfast began offering Couples’ Cooking and Coffee Roasters’ Weekends in November 2010. Couples signing up for the weekend package learn how to prepare one of the chef’s two-course, gourmet breakfasts on Saturday morning. On Sunday morning, artisanal coffee roaster Guy Ramsey teaches guests about coffee roasting and the art of preparing the perfect cup. A full gourmet breakfast is included each morning, Couples also receive one pound of freshly roasted organic coffee. The package is also available for either Friday night (Cooking Class on Saturday morning) or Saturday night (roasting class on Sunday morning). 410-268-1126. www.innathornpoint.com.

Loews Annapolis Hotel—Since summer is synonymous with crabs, the Loews Annapolis Hotel kicked off an I’m Crabby in Annapolis package in March 2011. Running through September 15, the package includes deluxe overnight accommodations and a welcome I’m Crabby amenity that includes a crab mallet, crab seasoning packet, Chef Olivier’s famous crab cake recipe card, a bag of Old Bay Crab Chips, and a box of chocolate crabs. The package also includes complimentary valet parking, breakfast for two in the hotel’s Breeze restaurant, complimentary electric shuttle transportation in and around Annapolis’ Historic District aboard an eCruiser, and concierge recommendations on the best restaurants for enjoying crabs. 410-263-7777. www.loewsannapolis.com.

Residence Inn by Marriott Annapolis—On February 25, 2011, the Residence Inn completed a $3.5 million renovation. The 102-room property now features all new suites, new lobby, new Outdoor Experience, and new meeting space. All of the suite-style guest rooms have full kitchens with granite countertops, new cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. In addition to new furniture, the lobby has a new business center and an expanded breakfast buffet area. The Outdoor Experience includes a built-in grill, a 4’ fountain alongside the pool and community table. 410-573-0300. www.marriott.com.

 

What’s New with Restaurants

Annapolis Plugged In—The Restaurant Hospitality Group, the parent company of Middleton Tavern and O’Brien’s Oyster Bar Restaurant launched Annapolis Plugged In in December 2010. This weekly concert series supports homegrown artists. It stages Tuesdays at O’Brien’s and Wednesdays at Middleton Tavern. Performances begin at 8:30 p.m. The event is complemented with rotating weekly drink and food specials that begin at 8:00 p.m. Middleton: 410-263-3323. www.middletontavern.com. O’Brien’s: 410-268-6288. www.obriensoysterbar.com.

Brian Boru—In October 2010, Brian Boru in Severna Park held a ribbon cutting for its newly remodeled dining room. The new look was orchestrated by the well known Irish Pub design company, McNally Design of Dublin, Ireland. The $280,000 in renovations was primarily focused on the dining room area. The new features offer a more open dining room experience with comfortable furniture and cozy corners from which patrons can enjoy the artistically painted walls and Irish artifacts. The dining room opens out into the main bar area so customers can enjoy the camaraderie of local conversations while they wait to be seated. Items on the newly designed menu are available in both the bar and restaurant. The menu is complemented by an additional seasonally adjusted menu. 410-975-2678. www.brianborupub.com.

Chick & Ruth’s Delly—The home of the famous Colossal Shake has added some exciting new items to its menu. Patrons can now choose from among six great tasting Eggs Benedict offerings and design their own chopped salads by choosing from among more than 50 different ingredients. Chick & Ruth’s All Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes (introduced in fall 2010) continue to be a favorite. 410-269-6737. www.chickandruths.com.

Galway Bay—For busy people on the go, Galway Bay introduced online ordering in February 2011. Individuals can plan ahead and save time by visiting http://galwaybaymd.com/ and selecting the time that they want their meal prepared, the meal(s) they would like to order, and any special instructions. Individuals then click finish and pay, and they are ready to go. All that is left to do is to stop by Galway Bay to pick up their order. 410-263-8333. www.galwaybayannapolis.com.

Luna Blu Ristorante Italiano—Open for lunch and dinner, the intimate Italian restaurant in Annapolis’ Historic District expanded its hours in October 2010 when it began opening for dinner on Sunday evenings from 5:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. 410-267-9950. www.lunabluofannapolis.com.

Moe’s Southwest Grill—In October 2010, Moe’s Southwest Grill celebrated the grand opening of its first Hanover-area location – at Arundel Mills Mall’s food court. Since 2000, Moe’s has been offering customers fresh ingredients in their creations that include flavorful Mexican favorites like burritos, tacos, nachos, and quesadillas. The restaurant is is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. 443-755-9900, ext. 217. www.moessouthwestgrill.wordpress.com.

O’Brycki’s Restaurant—In March 2011, Frommer’s travel website and guide named O’Brycki’s restaurant at BWI-Marshall Airport one of the Top Ten Restaurants at U.S. Airports. Frommer’s singled out O’Brycki’s for its crab cake sliders. Owners of the restaurant say they plan to open another O’Brycki’s at Arundel Mills’ Maryland Live. 410-732-6399. www.obryckis.com.

Red Red Wine Bar—Targeted to open in the summer of 2011, the Red Red Wine Bar at 189B Main Street in Annapolis will feature a large wine list with 60 available by the glass. The restaurant also plans to have a large artisan cheese board and a menu featuring gourmet Paninis, pizzas, and large, hearty salads. The retail component of the venue will feature 140 bottles. Each wine will have its own story so customers will have ample opportunity to connect with an ever evolving list of wines. Red Red Wine Bar embraces the notion of being the change people want to see in the wine world. It will focus on the artisanal approach to life. The owners plan to buy local and support local musicians, local artists, local innovation – the local creative community. Red, Red Wine Bar is co-owned by Washington, DC news anchor Brian Bolter and his wife Lisa. www.redredwinebar.com.

The Weather Rail—In January 2011, the Weather Rail at the Loews Annapolis Hotel began offering Live at Loews performances featuring J and Todd Kreuzburg every Wednesday night from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. The couple performs a mix of pop, rock, blues, and soul. 410-295-3250. www.loewsannapolis.com.

Wild Willy’s Rock House and Sports Saloon—In September, 2010, Wild Willy’s opened its doors at the Annapolis Towne Centre at Parole. Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, Wild Willy’s features classic American food and drink with a Rock ‘n’ Roll edge. Participants have the opportunity to sing karaoke with a live band and compete for prizes and giveaways. The restaurant prides itself on its live music and Monday through Friday Happy Hour. 410-841-5599. www.wildwillyssaloon.com.

 

Significant Anniversaries

Anne Arundel Community College will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2011. The Anne Arundel County Board of Education established Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) as a comprehensive community center of higher learning on January 2, 1961. On September 18, 1961, AACC opened with 270 students who were taking late-afternoon and evening classes in temporary quarters at Severna Park High School. The anniversary celebration kickoff will be held in August 2011. The College’s 50th Anniversary Gala will be held in October 2011. 410-777-2222. www.aacc.edu.

Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa—Begun in 1946 as the Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant and Marina, Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa is celebrating it 65th anniversary in 2011. Over the past 65 years, the original restaurant and marina have grown to include a luxury hotel and full service spa located on the Chesapeake Bay, a second marina, two additional waterfront restaurants, meeting rooms, and waterfront ballrooms. The Resort plans to celebrate its anniversary with new restaurant menus and specials, hotel and marina anniversary rates, and featured activities that are open to the public. They include a Welcome Summertime Celebration on June 5 and the 30th Annual Cancer Gala in August. The gala is the largest outdoor fundraiser in Maryland. 410-257-2735, ext. 109. www.cbresortspa.com.

Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and Refuge—Throughout 2011, the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center and Refuge will be celebrating 75 years of wildlife conservation research. In addition to lectures and activities throughout the year, Patuxent will host a two-day workshop on its history presented by a number of scientists and conservationists on October 13 and 14. Patuxent’s October 15 annual Wildlife Festival will include live animals, kids’ crafts, tram tours, and behind-the-scenes research tours of the USGS Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, where endangered Whooping Cranes and Sea Ducks are rasied and studied. 301-497-5766. www.pwrc.usgs.gov. http://patuxent.fws.gov.

 

New Accolades and Accomplishments

AIRMALL USA—In November 2010, the leading airport concessions developer in North America announced that its BWI Thurgood Marshall location received the second-place award for Best Food and Beverage Program in the 2010 Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) Excellence in Airport Concessions contest. With 43 food/beverage units, the food and beverage program at BWI is balanced between recognizable national brands and high-quality local brands. AIRMALL’s BWI Marshall concessions’ program is rooted in the premise of Regular Mall Prices…Guaranteed. www.airmallusa.com.

Amtrak—Amtrak set a new annual ridership record by carrying more than 28.7 million passengers in fiscal year 2010, with close to 11 million travelers in the Northeast Corridor alone. The total ticket revenue for the fiscal year reached a record $1.74 billion. Amtrak’s ridership was up 5.7 percent or about 1.55 million passengers over fiscal year 2009. 202-906-3860. www.amtrak.com.

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport—The Anne Arundel County-based airport set an all-time record for annual passenger traffic in 2010. 21,936,461 commercial passengers flew through BWI Marshall last year, a 4.7% increase over 2009. The airport has seen consistent passenger growth since the spring of 2009. As of February, 2011, the airport had seen increases in 18 of the past 19 months. By December 2010, the airport had recorded eight consecutive monthly records, including July 2010, the busiest month ever at BWI Marshall. The previous annual traffic record at BWI Marshall was 21,044,384 passengers, set in 2007.

BWI Marshall’s leading carrier, Southwest Airlines served more than 11.7 million passengers in 2010, a 7.4% increase over 2009. The second leading carrier at BWI Marshall, AirTran Airways, reported nearly 3.6 million passengers, an increase of 7.4% from 2009. 410-859-7027. www.bwiairport.com.

Port of Baltimore—for the second consecutive year, the Port of Baltimore established a record for the most cruise passengers handled in one year. Baltimore’s 2010 number for embarked passengers was 169,490, compared to the record of 167,235 embarked passengers that was set in 2009. In 2011, the Port is scheduled to have 112 cruises and will embark approximately 220,000 passengers. 410-385-4480. www.marylandports.com.