What’s New for Fall and Winter 2013-2014 In Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND – There’sa lot that’s new in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Maryland this fall and 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 with Events

Annapolis Boat Shows – Annapolis Boat Shows has launched a mobile app designed to streamline ticket purchases and make it easier for smart phone users to explore new offerings at the 2013 U.S. Powerboat and U.S. Sailboat Shows. iPhone, iPad and Android smart phone users can download the app to buy tickets, review the show schedule, and explore parking and travel details. The app also allows users to explore exhibitor lists, review products for sale, and see show layouts. The Annapolis Boat Show Mobile App is available for download from Google Play Store and the iTunes App Store. 410-268-8828, www.usboat.com.

Annapolis Boat Shows – Annapolis Boat Shows is changing hands. On September 6, Boat Shows’ General Manager Paul Jacobs announced that he and a team of four local business owners have a contract to purchase the Boat Shows from C. Edward Hartman, II. Jacobs’ team consists of Sheila Jones, current Show Manager; Peter Trogdon, of Weems and Path; Bob Crain, of Applied Lighting; and Mary Ewenson of SpinSheet and PropTalk Magazines. The sale is expected to be completed in December 2013. Under the new ownership, Jacobs will continue as General Manager. Now in its 42^nd year, the Powerboat Show was the first in-water show of its kind, and the U.S. Sailboat Show, now in its 44^th year, is the largest sailboat show in the world. 410-268-8828, www.usboat.com.

Commodore John Barry Memorial Dedication – The U.S. Naval Academy and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians will honor the first commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy during the dedication of a Commodore John Barry Memorial and a John Barry Memorial Gate at the Naval Academy on Saturday, May 10, 2014. The first part of the memorial was erected in January 2012 when an arch was placed over the Commodore John Barry Gate. An eight-foot-tall granite and bronze memorial will stand just inside the gate, and the area will be known as Barry Plaza. A native of Wexford, Ireland, Barry was a hero in the War of 1812.

First Annual Annapolis Brokerage Show – U.S. Yacht Shows, Inc.’s 1^st Annual Annapolis Brokerage Show will be held at St. Mary’s Cove, just inside the bridge on Spa Creek October 3-6. Run concurrently with the U.S. Powerboat Show, the first of its kind show will promote the sail of previously owned boats of all kinds. The price of admission to the U.S. Powerboat Show also covers admission to the Annapolis Brokerage Show. Buses, eCruisers and water taxis will ferry attendees between the two events. 410-268-8828, www.usboat.com.

Homestead Gardens – New this year, Homestead Garden’s Fall Festival will feature a Homestead Barnyard. It will include goats, chickens, miniature donkeys and a few surprise animals. As always, the festival will offer face painting, a jumping pillow, pony rides, hayrides, a three and a half acre corn maze, live music and the pumpkin patch express. The Fall Festival runs Saturdays and Sundays through October 27. 410-798-5000, www.HomesteadGardens.com.

Military Bowl in Annapolis – The Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman and benefitting the USO will take place at the U.S. Naval Academy’s Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in Annapolis on December 27, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. This will be the first bowl game ever played in Annapolis. It will air nationally on ESPN. The first five editions of the Military Bowl were played at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. The event matches teams from the ACC and Conference USA. 202-776-2509,www.militarybowl.org.

Oil Painters of America Eastern Regional Exhibition – For the first time ever, Oil Painters of America (OPA) will be bringing its annual Eastern Regional Exhibition to Annapolis October 18-20. McBride Gallery on Main Street will be hosting the juried exhibition featuring the work of more than 95 of today’s leading East Coast Artists. Plein air painting events are expected to take place around Annapolis on each of the three days. Art talks and painting demonstrations are slated for Saturday, October 19, at McBride Gallery. The show opening, complete with an opportunity to meet OPA artists, and awards ceremony will take place on Sunday, October 20, at McBride Gallery. All of the events are free and open to the public. 410-267-7077,www.mcbridegallery.com.

U.S. Sailboat Show Features Vacation Basin – Individuals attending the October 10-14 U.S. Sailboat Show in Annapolis are invited to get a head start on planning future vacations by visiting the “Vacation Basin.” Located in the heart of the Sailboat Show, the show within a show is dedicated to chartering as well as planning travel and vacations on the Chesapeake Bay and exotic island locations. Boat show attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from charter companies from around the world, explore fractional ownership and take advantage of discounts offered for reserving at the show. 410-268-8828, www.usboat.com.

What’s New with Attractions

Historic London Town and Gardens – A new “Green Roof” debuted at Historic London Town and Gardens in July 2013. The ground level roof sits atop London Town’s underground museum. Made from load bearing plants, the roof is part of London Town’s Visitors Center. Atop the handicap accessible Green Roof are picnic tables for visitors to enjoy. 410-222-1919, www.historiclondontown.com.

Live Arts Maryland – Music lovers who enjoy the free Thursday night Live Arts Maryland performances at St. Anne’s Church in Annapolis will find it easier to plan in advance for the concerts. For the first time in the series’ 12-year history, its schedule of performances was fully outlined in advance of the season’s kickoff in September 2013. The 6:00 p.m. free concerts last about an hour.410-263-1906, www.liveartsmaryland.org.

Maryland Live! Casino – Live action poker is now among the gaming options at Maryland Live! Casino. Since August 2013, the casino has been the home of a 14,800 square foot poker room, one of the largest in the Mid-Atlantic region.It includes 52 tables, varied limits, high-profile partnerships and tournaments. The addition of poker raises Maryland Live’s table count to 174. 443-842-7000, www.marylandlivecasino.com.

Rams Head Center Stage – Meeting planners who want to bring their clients close to the gaming action can now choose Rams Head Center Stage at Maryland Live! Casino. In June 2013, Maryland Live announced the venue offers premium space fortraditional business meetings, educational lunches and cocktail receptions. Rams Head Center Stage can accommodate up to 500 guests with more than 4,500 square feet of versatile floor space. 443-445-2931, event.sales@marylandlivecasino.com.

Terrapin Adventures – In August 2013, Terrapin Adventures introduced a new group event, “Zip ‘n Sip.” The package is designed fo
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