Whether you consider yourself a music enthusiast — somebody who passionately follows certain genres and can speak the lingo of what makes a good composition — or you just think of yourself as a casual listener — that is, you enjoy music and would never say no to hearing it — you will love the chance to get out from time to time and enjoy some live tunes at a restaurant or performance hall.

One of the great aspects of culture in Annapolis is that it’s so easy to get out and enjoy live music. Many restaurants and bars book full calendars of live music — sometimes, it’s late at night on the weekends, so you have just one more excuse to stay out past your bedtime on Friday or Saturday; other times, it’s early evening on a weeknight, so you have the incentive to make plans for friends and enjoy a fun getaway to break up the week.

If you’ve never gone out and enjoyed the live music scene, this is your opportunity. After all, a night of live music can be good for you! Consider some of these ways that live music will change your day:

You’ll be a little more social. 

Going to enjoy live music gets you out of the house, usually on nights when you might be more inclined to stay in. It’s a good excuse to meet up with friends, but even if you go by yourself, you’re bound to meet some people who are there to enjoy the music just as you are. The music serves as a good conversation starter, and the next thing you know, you’ve made new friends. (And wasn’t it easy?)

You might be a little more active. 

Nobody is saying that going out to see live music is the same as going to the gym, but it’s also not the same as staying home and sitting on the sofa. When you go see live music, you’ll likely spend a lot of time on your feet, although some venues do have plenty of seating. But you also might find yourself compelled to get up and dance a little bit. And why shouldn’t you? It’s fun! 

Music can boost your spirits. 

Music, like other forms of entertainment, has the ability to distract you from the problems that are going on elsewhere in your life. For just an hour or two, you’re able to focus simply on the performance. And if you really enjoy it and it gets your adrenaline going, you’ll probably find that you’re actually in a much better mood for the next couple of days.

Support local artists and venues. 

Musicians put a lot of time and energy into perfecting their craft. Ask any of them and they’ll likely tell you how much it means that a local venue is offering them the opportunity to play. By stopping by to listen, you’re letting a local artist know that they are appreciated. They might not be winning a Grammy, but they’re connecting with a live audience — and that can sometimes feel just as good. Plus that drink you bought at the bar or the round of appetizers you ate is patronage of a local business, so you’re helping the local economy too!

You’ll expand your horizons. 

You know how there’s some music that you’ve just convinced yourself you would never listen to? Maybe it’s hard rock, or it’s country, or it’s folksy acoustic. But when you have the chance to hear it live, you might find yourself feeling more receptive to something you would usually dismiss right away. If you go to see a band you really like and the band preceding them or following them is outside your comfort zone, you could end up finding that you enjoy a type of music you didn’t realize you did. Isn’t it great to expand your horizon sometimes?

Interact with the artists. 

When you stream music or buy an album, you don’t get the chance to have face-to-face interaction with the artist. When you go to hear them play live, you have the chance to approach them after the performance, congratulate them on a job well done, and find out where they’re playing again next.

Interested in catching some live music around the Annapolis area? These three are always reliable favorites, but be sure to check the website of your favorite restaurant and bar — they might have some upcoming dates you’ll want to get on your calendar.

Live Music Venues In Annapolis

Rams Head On Stage

33 West Street, Annapolis

Rams Head is well known for bringing in local talent as well as national big names. Performances are every Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

49 West Café

49 West Street, Annapolis

You can find live music at 49 West Café pretty much any night of the week, representing such genres as jazz, American roots, folk, indie, bluegrass, bossa nova, classical, and more.

Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts

801 Chase Street, Annapolis

With two performances spaces — the main theater and the blackbox Bowen Theater — Maryland Hall is a great venue for a variety of acts, from symphony orchestras to rock bands to solo artists.

If you want to learn more about all the great reasons Annapolis and Anne Arundel County are an ideal place to call home, reach out to Jennifer Schaub by emailing jennifer.schaub@longandfoster.com or calling 720-244-5945.

When the weather gets cold and your kids are eagerly anticipating snow days, what better activity is there to enjoy as a family than ice skating? After all, even though Maryland occasionally gets snow in November or December, there’s a good chance there won’t be any snow until January at the very earliest. But when there are ice skating rinks only a short drive away, you can still enjoy a wintry atmosphere without actually waiting on Mother Nature to cooperate.

The Benefits of Ice Skating

Plus there are plenty of benefits to ice skating. It’s one of those activities that really lends itself to the whole family, because it’s an easy enough skill for small children to pick up on, but even adults will enjoy the chance to challenge themselves the next time they slide on a pair of skates.

Ice skating is a great form of physical activity. Being on your feet and pushing yourself across the ice gets your blood flowing and works several major muscle groups. Plus it’s a low-impact activity, so it’s good for your joints.

Trying to figure out the proper movements is good for improving your balance and developing motor skills (something that’s important for your children) and the relaxing motion of soaring over the ice is good for relieving stress.

Sometimes it takes a little while to get the hang of ice skating, so it can be good for teaching you to release your inhabitation and feel a little more comfortable in your own skin. If you slip and fall, that’s okay — you’ll get a good laugh out of it. You and your family or friends will likely leave the ice rink with plenty of good memories you’ll be enjoying all the way into spring and summer.

What To Look For In An Ice Skating Rink

Consider whether you want to skate inside or outside. Although indoor skating rinks can be just as much fun, some people might like the atmosphere of being outdoors in the fresh air.

You should also check on the availability of skates and helmets for rent. Many venues offer skate rentals, but a few of them will not have helmets available.

If you’re new to ice skating, don’t be shy about inquiring about skating classes. A quick basic tutorial might be all you need to feel comfortable moving over the ice. Of course, there will likely be intensive weeks-long courses available for anyone who is serious about developing their skills.

Here are some nearby ice skating rinks you’ll want to check out:

Quiet Waters Park

600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis

An Annapolis favorite, Quiet Waters Park always offers a nice escape from daily life. It’s a place where you can find yourself surrounded by nature and other friendly, fun-seeking locals. The outdoor ice rink is located in front of the Visitors Center, and it’s a laidback place for families to enjoy skating in a safe environment. Quiet Waters Park has skates, helmets, and walkers available for rent, and skate sharpening is available onsite.

Navy Brigade Center Skating Rink

Brigade Sports Complex, 64 Greenbury Point Road, Annapolis

The Naval Academy ice rink is impressive, to say the least. Olympic sized and surrounded by enough seating to hold nearly 700 people, the complex is actually home to the prestigious hockey teams of the US Navy (including men’s and women’s). But there’s also plenty of time for recreational skating, as open skating is available to the public several days a week. There are also plenty of skating programs, learn-to-skate lessons, and party options you’ll want to check out.

Glen Burnie Town Center

103 Crain Highway, Glen Burnie

Another outdoor option in the area is the ice rink at Glen Burnie Town Center. Surrounded by the shopping complex’s bright lights, which look particularly pretty against the night sky, you can enjoy an evening of recreational skating seven days a week from early November until the end of February.

Piney Orchard Ice Arena

8781 Piney Orchard Parkway, Odenton

Fun Fact: This ice arena was once the practice facility for the Washington Capitals. It’s now the designated home of several juniors, adult, and youth ice skating and hockey leagues. But when they aren’t practicing or competing, the ice area is open to the public for recreational skating — and it’s a great place to cut loose, gain confidence on the ice, and enjoy a favorite winter pastime.

Columbia Ice Rink

5876 Thunder Hill Road, Columbia, MD

One of the featured facilities of the Columbia Association, this expansive indoor ice rink offers public skating, freestyle skating, learn-to-skate programs, stick and puck hockey, and options for ice skating parties.

Bowie Ice Arena

3330 Northview Drive, Bowie

Now in its 50th year of offering ice skating, the Bowie Ice Arena offers recreational skating options for people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Plus it’s open year-round, which is quite a leap from how it was when it first opened as a seasonal facility. Although it does close for a brief hiatus every May and June, this is an ice arena where you can look forward to enjoying the ice skating any time of year.

If you want to learn more about all the great reasons Annapolis and Anne Arundel County are an ideal place to call home, reach out to Jennifer Schaub by emailing jennifer.schaub@longandfoster.com or calling 720-244-5945.

You probably hear a lot of talk about shopping local and eating local, but how about drinking local? Yes, we’ve got great locally owned retail shops here in the greater Annapolis area — trust me, it’s easy to spend a lot of money at some of these amazing stores. And we’ve got great locally-owned restaurants — you could eat at a new place every day and never let your palate get bored.

But today, let’s take a chance to brag about how great the local wine and beer scene is here in Annapolis. We have some great local wineries and breweries that produce excellent products you’re going to want to enjoy for your next happy hour.

Why Drinking Local Is Great

It’s somewhat surprising that “Drink Local” as an ideology doesn’t get as much hype as “Shop Local” and “Eat Local.” After all, drinking local has many of the same benefits. Here’s why it’s always great to be part of a community that drinks local:

• First and foremost, the product is always going to be unique to your area. The beer created at a local brewery or the wine at a local winery will be made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the process is likely given more attention by an entrepreneur who calls your community home. You can expect this business owner to take their product seriously and even tailor it to reflect the local culture. For example, here in Annapolis, it’s not unusual to find a brewery making beer that pairs perfectly with Old Bay-seasoned crabs. Drinking local is a celebration of local culture.
• Secondly, you’ll probably get a chance to meet those beer brewers or winemakers on your visit to their brewery or winery. If they have the availability, and if it’s safe to tour their facility, they might even give you an up-close-and-personal perspective on how their product is created. This is not only entertaining — it gives you a better appreciation the next time you take a sip. Plus, it’s always great to know the entrepreneurs you are supporting with your patronage.
• Wineries and breweries are good business for your local economy. Like other locally owned businesses, they contribute to the tax base and provide jobs for your fellow community members. But in the case of wineries and breweries, they’re probably making it possible for sophisticated, trained experts in the industry to find employment right here in Annapolis. Somebody who knows a lot about wine (and who wants to find a job putting that knowledge to good use) can get a job right here instead of relocating out to Napa, California. It’s great to know we’re able to keep that expertise here!
• Drinking local tends to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Because the product is made using local ingredients and is sold by local retailers (sometimes even on site at the winery or brewery’s associated restaurant), there isn’t as much transportation or packaging as there would be with a national label. And because the owners of the business live right here in the area, they have an interest in treating the ecosystem well. They’re not going to tear up forested areas to build a vineyard if they know it’s going to cause a bunch of stormwater runoff that might hurt the Chesapeake Bay watershed.
• Drinking local is also an excuse to enjoy other aspects of local culture. Maybe your favorite brewery holds live music every week, so you can stop by to enjoy a drink while listening to a talented local artist. Or your favorite winery might have a menu built to pair perfectly with its wines.
• Feeling a little introverted? Visiting a brewery or winery is a great way to meet new people while bonding over a shared interest in your beverage of choice. In fact, because breweries and wineries are as appealing to locals as they are to tourists, you’ll get the chance to bond with locals and tourists alike.

Places to Check Out

If you want to explore the drink scene around the Annapolis area, here are a few great places to get you started. Make a point of researching each one ahead of time so you know whether they have any special events planned, what kind of food is served, what kind of food you’re allowed to bring with you (picnic lunches, anyone?), and whether kids or pets are welcome.

Great Frogs Winery

This operating grapes farm and winery offers tastings by appointment, plus there’s food for sale.

3218 Harness Creek Road

Annapolis, MD

Wine Cellars of Annapolis

Consider this your one-stop shop for fine wine, beer, and liquor — plus it also operates Grapes Wine Bar.

1410 Forest Drive,

Annapolis, MD

Forward Brewing

This nano-brewery and restaurant offers great beers made on premises.

418 Fourth Street

Annapolis, MD

Crooked Crab Brewing Company

8251 Telegraph Road

Odenton, MD

Beer lovers can check out this brewery and taproom that frequently hosts food trucks.

Local breweries and wineries are a great benefit to living in the Annapolis area. To find out more about how you can call Anne Arundel County your home, contact Jen Schaub by calling 720-244-5945 or emailing jennifer.schaub@longandfoster.com.

Let’s talk about one of the biggest stressors you’ll face when you’re living in any city — parking! 

Fortunately, navigating parking in downtown Annapolis isn’t nearly as stressful as it would be in a big city. You might even discover that finding parking in downtown Annapolis is a fairly easy and pleasant experience. That’s because downtown Annapolis is highly walkable (not to mention scenic), so you’ll be happy to put your car in one of the garages or metered parking spots, stretch your legs, and enjoy the atmosphere as you get to your destination, whether that’s home, work, or a local business for shopping or dining.

But even if the experience is generally a great one, it does take a little savvy to pull it off. Here’s a quick look at some of your parking options in downtown Annapolis.

What Residents and Employees Should Know

If you’re somebody who lives in downtown Annapolis or works at a business in the downtown district, then parking is a lot easier for you than it is for a visitor. That’s because city residents can apply for the Residential Parking Permit Program through Annapolis Parking. These permits grant residents permission to park along the street in what are known as Special Parking Districts, of which there are five located around the city. These designated spots were created with the specific intention of making more parking options available for people who live in those districts (note that you must have an address located within that district to obtain a permit). If you do live within one of those five districts, all you must provide is proof of your residence and automobile registration.

City residents also have the privilege of parking for free in Park Place Garage, Knighton Garage, Gott’s Garage, or Hillman Garage for up to two hours. During emergencies, such as a heavy snowstorm, some garages will be made available to residents for free as a way of reducing street parking that might block snowplows.

For employees who work at downtown businesses, parking is available in the Park Place Garage for only $3 for the entire day. To do this, the employee must provide validation from their manager or the business owner.

Metered Parking

Metered parking is available around the downtown district, but you only have to feed the meters at certain times of the day. On weekdays and Saturdays, metered parking is enforced between the hours of 10:00AM and 7:30PM. These hours are reduced on Sundays from noon to 7:30 PM.

Parking in metered spots costs $2 an hour, and meters can be fed up to two hours at a time. Unfortunately, you are not allowed to refeed the meters, and cars must be moved from their metered parking spots after being in place for two hours.

It’s important to note that the metered parking in the lots close to Susan Campbell Park, aka City Dock, are more expensive. From April 1 through October 31, they are $3 per hour, and in the off season from November 1 through March 31, they are $2 per hour.

But if you need to make a trip into downtown Annapolis on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Day, you don’t have to worry about metered parking — metered parking isn’t enforced on these days.

Here are some prominent metered lots. You can find a full map available through downtownannapolis.org:

• City Dock/Susan Campbell Park — located near Spa Creek
• Fleet Parking Lot — located near Fleet Reserve Club
• Donner Parking Lot — located near City Dock
• Larkin Street Lot — located near City Gate Lane

Pick Your Garage

Maybe you don’t feel like driving around trying to find a metered parking spot or fighting for parallel spaces on the street — you’ve still got plenty of options with parking garages. The city-run garages are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and you can count on them to be staffed and secure for your safety and convenience. They even have handicapped parking spaces reserved on the ground level for those who need them.

Here are a few major garages you should note. You can find a full map available through downtownannapolis.org:

• Noah Hillman Parking Garage — 150 Gorman Street
• Gotts Court Parking Garage — 250 Northwest Street
• Whitmore Garage — 37 Clay Street
• Knighton Garage — Corner of Colonial Avenue and West Street

Go Via Circulator Trolley

Once you’ve parked, you don’t necessarily have to walk to your destination (though downtown Annapolis is highly walkable). You can opt instead to use the Circulator Trolley, which is free to ride and makes a loop through the business district, out to Westgate Circle, and through Memorial Circle. It passes by four major downtown garages — Noah Hillman Parking Garage, Park Place, Knighton, and Gott’s — Monday through Saturday from 7:30AM to 8:00PM and on Sunday from 8:00AM to 8:00PM.

All of this is must-know info for anyone who is planning to make the City of Annapolis their home. Want even more insight about living in this beautiful community? Contact Jennifer Schaub by emailing jennifer.schaub@longandfoster.com or call 720-244-5945.