What’s New for Winter 2012-2013 In Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – There’s a lot that’s new in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Maryland this winter. Below is a sampling of some of the latest attractions and experiences that beckon travelers in the months ahead. For a complete listing, visit the Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay website at www.VisitAnnapolis.org.

What’s New at the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County CVB 

AAACCVB Website – The Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (AAACCVB) will be launching a new website in January 2013. Content and image heavy, the site is designed to better assist visitors, area residents, and journalists in search of information about Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay. 410-280-0445, ext. 103, www.VisitAnnapolis.org.

Visit Annapolis Media Resources Facebook Page – In its ongoing effort to provide journalists with the information they need when they need it, the AAACCVB has launched a new Visit Annapolis Media Resources Facebook page. Journalists who would like to view Annapolis and Chesapeake Bay story ideas and news updates in their Facebook newsfeeds are invited to go to www.facebook.com/pages/Visit-Annapolis-Media-Resources/418882874831484 and “Like” us today. 410-280-0445, ext. 103, www.VisitAnnapolis.org.

New Events

Annapolis Boat Shows – Demonstrating its commitment to the environment, United States Yacht Shows partnered with Annapolis Green to make the 2012 United States Sailboat and Powerboat Shows eco-smart. Brightly colored “eco-stations” made it easy for Sailboat and Powerboat Show attendees and vendors to recycle paper, glass, metal, and plastic. United States Yacht Shows has had cardboard recycling in place at the shows for several years. www.usboat.com, www.annapolisgreen.com.

Annapolis Craft Beer & Music Festival – Craft beer lovers have discovered yet another reason to come to Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay – the Annapolis Craft Beer and Music Festival. More than 60 craft beers and eight live bands were on tap at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium for the first annual event on October 27. 410-263-4012, www.theannapoliscraftbeerandmusicfestival.com.

Annapolis Film Festival – The “all new” Annapolis Film Festival will feature internationally acclaimed filmmakers and celebrity guests from March 21 through March 24, 2013. Made possible through a partnership with the City of Annapolis, local arts groups, and business organizations, the nationally competitive festival will showcase a variety of film genres and include presentations, educational panels, and discussions. 410-263-3023, www.annapolisfilmfestival.net.

Anne Arundel County SPCA – The First Annual Puppy Plunge took place August 19 at YMCA’s Camp Letts in Edgewater. Four-legged participants took the plunge and vied for honors in the Ugly Dog and Doggy Bikini contests while their two-legged friends enjoyed food, music, canoeing, games, and children’s activities. 410-268-4388, www.aacspca.org.

Anne Arundel County SPCA – The First Annual Barktoberfest took place in October 2012. The dog-friendly celebration included beer and wine tastings, food, live music, dancing, doggy costume contests, a silent auction, and more. Proceeds benefited the Betsy Medical Fund that helps orphaned animals who need extraordinary medical care. 410-268-4388, www.aacspca.org.

First Annual Annapolis Crab Derby – In partnership with the Crabs for Kids Foundation, the Annapolis Maritime Museum hosted the First Annual Annapolis Crab Derby on September 1, 2012. The event included live crab races, crab shell painting, live music, a magic show, and more.  Proceeds benefitted local youth and families in need. 410-295-0104, www.amaritime.org.

Heritage Showcase – Nearly 20 Four Rivers Heritage Area attractions exhibited at the First Annual Heritage Showcase on October 25, 2012. Held at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, the event gave area residents and educators a taste of the many field trip, group day trip, and family outing possibilities that exist right in their own backyards. 410-222-1805, www.fourriversheritage.org.

Pyrate Invasion – MainStreets Annapolis Partnership and Heavy Seas partnered to bring the First Annual Pyrate Invasion to Annapolis in September 2012. Families followed a treasure map that led them throughout the city. Ten local restaurants provided treasure hunting, food, and beverages for privateers of all ages. www.hsbeer.com/events/pyrate-invasion/.

Short Film Crawl – Annapolis Film Festival organizers held their first Short Film Crawl on September 23, 2012. Participants enjoyed drinks, light fare, and short film viewings as they visited six West Street bars and restaurants. The Crawl was part of the organization’s larger plan to establish Maryland’s capital city as a center for showcasing the work of aspiring filmmakers. 410-263-3023, www.annapolisfilmfestival.net.

What’s New with Attractions

Banneker-Douglass Museum – Race-Rhythm-Reflection, the art of James Terrell, is on exhibit through April 2013. Opened in October 2012, the exhibit features the work of the DC-based singer-songwriter, painter, educator, musician, and pastor. 410-216-6181, www.bdmuseum.com.

Historic London Town and Gardens – In September 2012, Historic London Town and Gardens kicked off a series of six dinners at its historic William Brown House. Available through March 2013, the dinners are catered by Julie St. Marie and include five courses paired with wine. 410-222-1919,www.historiclondontown.org.

Maryland Live! Casino – Phase II construction at Maryland Live! Casino wrapped up August 30, 2012. The $500 million, 300,000 square foot world class casino features 4,750 Las Vegas-style slot machines and electronic table games, including Blackjack, Roulette, Mini-Baccarat, and Pai Gow Poker. Nationally acclaimed restaurants including Bobby’s Burger Palace by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, the Cheesecake Factory, Phillip’s Seafood Restaurant, and The Prime Rib head the list of dining possibilities. Other dining options include Noodles, Market To Go, and Live! Market Buffet. For live entertainment, check out the 500-seat Rams Head Center Stage. Designed with group travel in mind, Maryland Live! also features a motorcoach lounge. 855-5MD-LIVE. www.marylandlivecasino.com.

Rain Barrels in Eastport – In keeping with the City of Annapolis’s commitment to sustainability, Mayor Joshua Cohen joined members of the MainStreets Annapolis Partnership’s (MAPS) Clean/Safe/Green Committee for a July 26, 2012 ribbon cutting celebrating the installation of rain barrels at five Eastport businesses. BB&T Bank, Boatyard Bar and Grill, Fleet Feet, The Rockfish, and Eastport’s Shell Service Station have taken a leadership role in neighborhood sustainability by participating in the MAPS initiative. 410-703-9405, [Back to Press Releases Main]