A few years ago I started a tradition of dinner out once a month with friends. With so many old established restaurants as well as some more recent and new entries to the Annapolis dining scene this would give us an opportunity to enjoy good company along with, hopefully, good food. Our August selection was one of the newer restaurant entries, The Chop House.
The Chop House is located just off Forest Drive and Route 2 in the The Annapolis Towne Center complex. It's 2nd floor location offers an elevator to whisk you up but this night I decided to take the stairs instead. I am glad I did as along the walls are beautiful old photos of Annapolis in years gone by. As a born and bred Annapolitan I love old photos of our area but since we were meeting our friends in the restaurant I made a mental note to explore these photos more closely on my way back down after dinner.
As we entered the restaurant the hostess immediately acknowledged our entry and said our friends were already there. She then gathered us together and escorted us to our already reserved table making sure we were comfortable with its location before leaving us.
As we settled into our seats a waiter stopped by to welcome us to the restaurant. He then offered us a selection of waters to choose from. As he left to fill our requests our waitress came by to welcome us as well and introduced herself. 'Is this your first visit to our restaurant or have you dined here before?' she asked. We all answered 'first visit' which immediately brought a smile to her face. Thinking back I believe she knew we were in for a memorable evening and she was proud to be orchestrating that memory.
The dinner selections were brought to our attention as our waitress described each one as if it was a fine piece of art. As she left with our drink order we poured over the menu. Her descriptions of each selection were so delectably mouth watering that choosing was a bit of a challenge. As she returned with our drinks she immediately picked up on our dilemma. She then graciously offered her expertise in helping us make our selections making sure we each were satisfied with our choices.
As the night unfolded and each course was served we were treated to something you do not see that often. A beautifully orchestrated serving of food that was beyond delicious and served by a wait staff that knew the fine art of extraordinary customer service.
All too soon our evening of fine food ended. Totally relaxed and beautifully full we descended the stairs to the ground level. As we admired the Annapolis photos along the staircase we once again made mention of our dining experience. We each agreed that this night out for dinner was an experience rich in delectable cuisine but also rich in the fine art of extraordinary customer service.
The Chop House Restaurant is a restaurant where more than fine dining will be served.
It will be remembered.
About the Author- Martha Brown is a Maryland Realtor® and Certified Residential Specialist who will happily assist you with the purchase and/or sale of residential real estate in the Annapolis Metro area including all of Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Queens Anne's County and Northern Prince George's County. Cities served include Annapolis, Arnold, Bowie, Chesapeake Beach, Chester, Crofton, Crownsville, Davidsonville, Deale, Dunkirk, Eastport, Edgewater, Galesville, Gambrills, Glen Burnie Harwood, Huntingtown, Lothian, Mayo, Millersville, Odenton, Pasadena, Prince Frederick, Queenstown, Riva, St. Leonard, Severn, Severna Park, Shady Side, Stevensville, Upper Marlboro, and Waldorf.
The opinions expressed herein are expressly those of the author, Martha Brown. Photographs and/or written material and content produced by Martha Brown. All rights reserved and may not be re-produced or replicated without express written permission of Martha Brown, real estate agent with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Copyright 2009. Martha Brown
Visit Martha's Website
Martha Brown CRS GRI
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
800-735-5122 x5011
‘You're Annapolis Maryland Home Connection'
Labor Day Weekend Happenings Around Annapolis MD
There is lots to do this Labor Day weekend in and around Annapolis. from street festivals to Renaissance festivals, from sailing cruises to day trip adventures, there is an abundance of fun things to enjoy.
Though this list is by no way complete as to all the exciting things to enjoy this weekend it hopefully will whet your apetite to get out, explore and enjoy Annapolis and the surrounding areas.
First Sunday Arts Festival- This downtown Annapolis West Street festival is held on the first Sunday throughout the summer and fall and happens to fall on Labor Day weekend this year. The first block of West Street will be turned into a pedistrian only walkway from 12-5 offering live music, sidewalk dining and an abundance of vendors. Visit the West Street website for a list of participants and activities.
Downtown at the City Dock- Lots of fun activities are being held right in downtown Annapolis. A FREE Concert at the dock with a wide variety of performers that should please the whole family will be held on Sunday from 11am to 4 pm. The Market House offers lots of yummy vendors for food, beverages, produce, art and other treats and will be hosting a book signing by local author Rosemary Williams from noon to four through Sunday. Her new book is titled 'Maritime Annapolis: A History of Watermen, Sails and Midshipmen.
Sailing- If you love anything sailing the 43rd annual Chesapeake Bay Yacht Racing event is being held this weekend. The party and racing are being held at the Annapolis Yacht Club annex located in Eastport on Sixth Street. Considered to be a 'Key West' experience to be enjoyed right here in Annapolis and for a fraction of the cost. For a schedule of the weekend activities and races visit CBYRA Race Week and check it out.
Cruises- Annapolis has an array of cruises available over the Labor Day weekend. A sunset cruise to the Thomas Point Lighthouse, a Pirates Adventure of the Chesapeake Cruise, Tour Annapolis and Spa Creek cruise are just a few of the many that will delight the spirits and soul.
Circus- The Cole Brothers Circus of the Stars is in town at the Arundel Mills Mall just a short hop outside of Annapolis. Performances daily thru Labor day Monday.
Maryland Renaissance Festival- A delightful festival that runs each fall in Crownsville just outside Annapolis. This weekend is 'Magic Weekend' with all seniors over 62 admitted FREE on Monday. This may be your last chance to see the Renassance Festival in the Annapolis area as they have outgrown their space and will be moving soon so do not delay and get out this Labor day weekend and partake in the fun and merriment.
With so much to do and a beautiful weather forecast being offered it looks to be the perfect holiday weekend to get out and enjoy
Labor Day Weekend Happenings Around Annapolis.
About the Author- Martha Brown is a Maryland Realtor® and Certified Residential Specialist who will happily assist you with the purchase and/or sale of residential real estate in the Annapolis Metro area including all of Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Queens Anne's County and Northern Prince George's County. Cities served include Annapolis, Arnold, Bowie, Chesapeake Beach, Chester, Crofton, Crownsville, Davidsonville, Deale, Dunkirk, Eastport, Edgewater, Galesville, Gambrills, Glen Burnie Harwood, Huntingtown, Lothian, Mayo, Millersville, Odenton, Pasadena, Prince Frederick, Queenstown, Riva, St. Leonard, Severn, Severna Park, Shady Side, Stevensville, Upper Marlboro, and Waldorf.
All photographs and/or written material and content produced by Martha Brown. All rights reserved and may not be re-produced or replicated without express written permission of Martha Brown, real estate agent with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Copyright 2009. Martha Brown
Visit Martha's Website
Martha Brown CRS GRI
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
800-735-5122 x5011
‘You're Annapolis Maryland Home Connection'
Annapolis MD and the Chesapeake Bay Lighthouses
One of the nicest things about living in Annapolis is being so close to the Chesapeake Bay and it's tributaries. Whether you are a sail boater, a power boater, love kayaking, canoeing or anything in between the Annapolis Md waterways offer many splendid moments full of good times and beautiful sights. One of my favorite sights while out on the bay are the lighthouses.
The Maryland part of the Chesapeake Bay has a total of 22 lighthouses and three of those are located just off Annapolis. The first and most famous is The Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. Constructed in 1875, it is the only screw pile light still standing in its original location. Once manned by the Coast Guard the decision was made in 1972 to discontinue manning and to replace with a steel tower. An uproar took place among locals and in 1975 Thomas Point Shoal lighthouse was declared a historic landmark and remains in tact for all to enjoy. It is known as one of the best fishing spots in the bay and I have cast many a line among and near its rocks in search of a big striper. Some days I was lucky and some... well we know how fishing goes.
The next lighthouse near Annapolis is located just off Sandy Point State Park and can been seen as you cross the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It was once located further inland but over time was determined not to be well situated so in 1883 a new lighthouse was constructed further off shore and is what still stands today. Electrified in 1929 Sandy Point Shoal was fully automated in 1963 and a major restoration project was undertaken by the Coast Guard in the late 1980's and early 1990's. Sandy Point Lighthouse is a wonderful Annapolis sight to enjoy each time you cruise by or cross over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
The third lighthouse near Annapolis is located at the mouth of the Magothy River and marks the beginning of the Baltimore Channel. Its history is long and troublesome as it was almost never built due to tremendous challenges in construction. Finally in 1908, 13 years after construction began it was commissioned. It is most notable for two things. The caisson goes 82 feet below the high water line making it the largest caisson lighthouse in the world. It is also notable for being the first nuclear powered lighthouse in the world. However in 1966, after only two years in service, the generator was removed and has not been persued any further. Though called the Baltimore Light it's location is closer to Annapolis.
This time of year when temperatures are more kind and nights more star lit a cruise around the Annapolis part of the Chesapeake Bay is what makes living in or around Annapolis a little slice of heaven.
For more information on all the Chesapeake Bay Lighthouses visit Chesapeake Bay Lights. There is also a US Lighthouse Society in which the Maryland Chapter will be hosting a Maryland Lighthouse Challenge in celebration of Maryland's 375th birthday September 19 and 20.
About the Author- Martha Brown is a Maryland Realtor® and Certified Residential Specialist who will happily assist you with the purchase and/or sale of residential real estate in the Annapolis Metro area including all of Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Queens Anne's County and Northern Prince George's County. Cities served include Annapolis, Arnold, Bowie, Chesapeake Beach, Chester, Crofton, Crownsville, Davidsonville, Deale, Dunkirk, Eastport, Edgewater, Galesville, Gambrills, Glen Burnie Harwood, Huntingtown, Lothian, Mayo, Millersville, Odenton, Pasadena, Prince Frederick, Queenstown, Riva, St. Leonard, Severn, Severna Park, Shady Side, Stevensville and Upper Marlboro.
All photographs and/or written material and content produced by Martha Brown. All rights reserved and may not be re-produced or replicated without express written permission of Martha Brown, real estate agent with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Copyright 2009. Martha Brown
Visit Martha's website
Martha Brown CRS GRI
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc.
800-735-5122 x5011
‘You're Annapolis Maryland Home Connection'
Hey Mom & Dad- Can I Borrow Some Money?? Huh...for a House in Annapolis MD
Don't know about you but I have heard that exact phrase more times than I can count. Well at least the first part. Yes, my kids knew I always seemed to offer a lending hand in the finance department. Mind you now, I was not a push over by any means but if the need made sense then...
As the kids grew so did their needs and expenses. And some even needed help when it came to their first home purchase.
Thankfully there were and are many Local, State and Federal programs that could help with the purchase but sometimes the only thing that would make it work was some money from The Bank of Good Ol' Mom & Dad.
It really is easy to do, when you have the money to help of course. And the tax consequences??? None that I can see. But of course you should always consult with your tax accountant just to make sure you are within the guidelines. Following are two ways to help:
Just think.....with your help your child can take advantage of home prices that are lower than many thought they would ever go. Select from an inventory that is higher than we have seen in years. And utilize interest rates.... well wouldn't you have loved to have bought your first home with a 5% +/- rate?? I know I sure would have.
But wait... There is that $8,000 first time homebuyers tax credit that expires real soon too. That's money back in their pocket or even yours if you did a loan. That's a lot of cash to just throw away.
Right now I am working with one such couple whose parents are gifting them just $5,000. That money, along with Seller contribution, is allowing this young couple to buy their very first home. A cute 3 bedroom townhouse and perfectly suited for bringing up the new grandchildren that are on the way.
So if one of your kids comes to you and says 'Hey Mom & Dad- Can I borrow some money?' you just may want to step up to the plate once again.
After all...They may grow up but do they ever really leave the nest
Hey Mom & Dad- Can I Borrow Some Money?? Huh...for a House in Annapolis MD
About the Author- Martha Brown is a Maryland Realtor® and Certified Residential Specialist who will happily assist you with the purchase and/or sale of residential real estate in the Annapolis Metro area including all of Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Queens Anne's County and Northern Prince George's County. Cities served include Annapolis, Arnold, Bowie, Chesapeake Beach, Chester, Crofton, Crownsville, Davidsonville, Deale, Dunkirk, Eastport, Edgewater, Galesville, Gambrills, Glen Burnie Harwood, Huntingtown, Lothian, Mayo, Millersville, Odenton, Pasadena, Prince Frederick, Queenstown, Riva, St. Leonard, Severn, Severna Park, Shady Side, Stevensville, Upper Marlboro, and Waldorf.
Martha Brown CRS GRI
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc
2191 Defense Hwy, Crofton MD 21114
800-735 -5122 ofc 410-440-7839 cell martha@TheRealEstate-Lady.com email
To visit homes for sale go to www.TheRealEstate-Lady.com
The Information contained in this blog is deemed to be reliable and every effort has been made to assure that the information is as accurate as possible. Martha Brown of Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. disclaims any implied warranty or representation about it's accuracy, completeness or appropriateness for any particular purpose. This includes but is not limited to any information provided by third parties which is accessed through this blog via a hyperlink.
Olde Town Upper Marlboro- Communities Near Washington DC
Washington Dc offers many fine homes within it's boundaries. But did you know that there are many more wonderful communities just a stone's throw from Washington DC as well?
Olde town Upper Marlboro is just such a community.
Old Towne Upper Marlboro is located just 19 miles East of Wasington DC at the crossroads of Route 301 and Route 4 (Pennsylvania Ave) in Prince George County MD. Established in 1706 Upper Marlboro proper is small in size- less than 0.04 square miles- but big in history. It is the birthplace of John Carroll, the first Archbishop in the United States and founder of Georgetown College. Thomas John Clagett, was the First Bishop consecrated in the United States and then organized the Trinity Church in Upper Marlboro in 1810. Once a small bustling port city in the 1700's Upper Marlboro is the quintessential small town of years gone by.
Home to the county seat for Prince George County, Upper Marlboro downtown houses the County Administration Buildings and courthouse.
Olde Town Upper Marlboro offers many amenities within walking distance of its residences. One such place is School House Pond. Consisting of 12 acres of pond and parkland School House Pond offers a fishing pier, photoblind, 3/4 mile boardwalk, picnic area and nature trail.
Approximately 658 residents call Olde Town Upper Marlboro proper home. Many of the homes are of a historical nature. There currently are only two homes for sale.
14500 Elm Street $425,000 14518 Church Street $549,900
From the tree lined streets to the brick lined sidewalks of downtown Olde Town Upper Marlboro is an Olde towne community near Washington DC that offers quiet enjoyment of years gone by with the amenities of today and tomorrow.
About the Author-Martha Brown is a Maryland Realtor® and Certified Residential Specialist who will happily assist you with the purchase and/or sale of residential real estate in the Annapolis Metro areaincluding all of Anne Arundel County, Calvert County, Charles County, Queens Anne's County and Northern Prince George's County. Cities served include Annapolis, Arnold, Bowie, Chesapeake Beach, Chester, Crofton, Crownsville, Davidsonville, Deale, Dunkirk, Eastport, Edgewater, Galesville, Gambrills, Glen Burnie Harwood, Huntingtown, Lothian, Mayo, Millersville, Odenton, Pasadena, Prince Frederick, Queenstown, Riva, St. Leonard, Severn, Severna Park, Shady Side, Stevensville, Upper Marlboro, and Waldorf.
All photographs and/or written material and content produced by Martha Brown. All rights reserved and may not be re-produced or replicated without express written permission of Martha Brown, real estate agent with Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. Copyright 2009. Martha Brown
Martha Brown CRS GRI
Long & Foster Real Estate, Inc. 2191 Defense Hwy. Crofton, MD 21114
800-735-5122 x5011
‘You're Maryland Home Connection'
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