Photos: Annapolitans Shop Midnight Madness

Annapolis businesses offered music, drinks and discounts to shoppers who came to enjoy the annual holiday block party.

Hundreds of people flooded the streets of downtown Annapolis on Thursday to drink, shop and pet baby alpacas during Midnight Madness. The annual downtown event is hosted by the Annapolis Business Association to encourage people to shop local. "We come every year," Christina Lynch said. "We live in town and we try to support the local businesses." Lynch and her three children spent several minutes petting four alpacas who grazed the night away outside Alpaca International on Main Street. "They're so sweet," Lynch said. "This is the highlight." A few streets over on Maryland Avenue, Ben Wiser from Flying Dog, a Maryland-based brewery, offered samples and beer suggestions to customers at Annebeth's. At Star Monograms the night started off …

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Small Business Saturday Deals in Annapolis

Here's a list of what deals local merchants will be offering to shoppers on Nov. 24

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 24 and local businesses in Annapolis are offering the following deals to customers. In addition to the savings below, the Annapolis Business Association will be out in the pocket park at 122 Main St. passing out $25 gift cards to anyone who shows three receipts from downtown small businesses. If you know of or are a small business that isn't included in this list, leave a comment with your business name and special.  Paws Pet Boutique, 64 State Circle: Meet local jewelry artist Tracy Menz in the store from noon to 3 p.m.  Refreshments will be served. Laurance Clothing, 232 Main Street: Free gift with a purchase of $25 or more. Reynolds Tavern, 7 Church Circle: $5 gift certificate with every $25 gift …

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Parking Spaces Transformed Into Parks Around Annapolis

Five metered parking spaces in downtown Annapolis underwent transformations on Friday into five public parks.

Artists, designers and residents transformed five metered parking spaces in downtown Annapolis into temporary public parks on Friday. The compact parks were created as part of a global event called PARK(ing) Day, which is celebrated each year on the third Friday in September. The idea to create temporary parks in urban settings started in San Francisco in 2005, but this was the first year anyone built one in Annapolis. "I am committed to fostering an environment in which we are not afraid to try new things," Mayor Josh Cohen said in a press release. "Park(ing) Day in Annapolis is a great example of how the community and City Hall can come together to make cool things happen." The parks were out from about 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you missed …

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Anna in Annapolis

DIY Six-Pack, Part 2: Stretching My Tastebuds

Annebeth's in downtown Annapolis allows customers to try out a variety of beers by building their own six packs.

I enjoy trying new things, but sometimes the cost of being experimental with new and strange beers keeps me from broadening my malted horizons.  That's why I was giddy about discovering Annebeth's, located at 75 Maryland Ave. The store offers customers a chance to build custom six packs for $10.50 plus tax. Finally, I can try out new beers without the commitment of owning five more bottles I don't like. And each bottle comes at a price that won't make me wince if it turns out the beer just isn't for me. Earlier this week I posted my thoughts on the first three beers I tried from my customized six-pack. You can read it by clicking here. I would like to remind everyone that I am more of a beer amateur than expert, and these opinions belong …

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Anna in Annapolis

DIY Six-Pack: Expanding My Beer Horizons

Annebeth's in downtown Annapolis allows customers to try out a variety of beers by building their own six packs.

When I am perusing the beer selection at a liquor store, often something offbeat will catch my eye. I stare at the label for a moment wondering if I would like a Dubbel or a Dunkel but, in the end, I go home with something tried and true; something I know I will like. I want to expand my beer horizons, but I worry about committing to six beers that I may not like. It's the same scenario at restaurants and bars—the price for failure often seems too steep. That's where Annebeth's, located at 75 Maryland Ave., swooped in and solved my problem. The store offers customers a chance to explore different and strange looking beers by building custom six packs for $10.50 plus tax. I recently made my own six pack, and thought I would share my …

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Kim Cooper

1:25 pm on Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Corridor in Laurel, MD. offers the same brew-buying experience. They have their beers set up in categories from local to seasonal and more. You can also create your own six packs, which is great. It allows for tried and true and alternative and new beers!   more ›