We just recently had the pleasure of discovering one of Annapolis's best kept secrets! Whether hungry for lunch or planning a big meal, The Ugly Pig in St. Margarets is the only place I know of where you can buy local meat- as in Anne Arundel County local- that has been raised on a European model diet without any exposure to petroleum products. All their produce is sourced as locally as humanly possible and from farms with strict standards. 

They offer a fabulous gourmet sandwich menu and plenty of complimentary sides with everything made in-house. While the bread dough isn't made in-house, it is baked fresh right there everyday. We came home with some fresh bacon and gorgeous pork tenderloins which were far better than any pork tenderloin I had tried before. Even the consistency of the meat was totally different than the vacuum sealed ones you get at the grocery store- and in a better way! We didn't even marinade them- just salt, pepper, olive oil and some grain mustard with Worchester sauce mixed together right before searing on the grill- and the flavor was fantastic. You immediately can tell these pigs were fed the best. 

Located at 1841 St Margaret's Rd Annapolis, you can call them at (410) 571-3060 and don't forget to like them on Facebook @TheUglyPigAnnapolis 

Personally, I like to get my yoga fix. 

Ridgely Retreat is located in West Annapolis, one block off Rowe Boulevard. One step into our world and you’ll be enveloped in the peaceful ambiance we all are seeking in these hurried times. Enjoy a massage, indulge in a facial, or unwind in one of our many classes. On of the most wonderful things about Ridgely Retreat is they guarantee you will reemerge relaxed, more introspective, and fully rejuvenated!

In today’s fast-paced life, it is time for you to turn inward for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Ridgely Retreat has been specially designed to offer you a peaceful ambiance and environment to recharge. You will soon experience your mind and body working together more naturally. Offering classes in Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, NIA, and Meditation, you will sense your spirit and reemerge more introspective and calm.

Ridgely Retreat offers specialized care for infertility, fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic pain. With their team approach to wellness and healing, they take you on a journey of nurturing care and support that is needed to live a healthy life.

Not to mention they also have a great boutique!

You can make your appointment, take a class or find out more but visiting their website at www.ridgelyretreat.comwww.ridgelyretreat.com

Future History Now is committed to making our community a viable place to live, work and play. Through the collaboration of at-risk youths and local, professional artists, FHN provides the opportunity to teach life skills necessary for success in school, work and life. Their goals include:

• Implement art projects that promote increased use of public outdoor spaces and provide opportunities for kids to learn the importance of teamwork, dedication and persistence to becoming a self-sufficient member of society.
• Unite communities through art projects that promote city pride, collaboration and investment.
• Provide a network for contemporary artists, kids, and residents to leave their mark on the city.
• Learn math, history, practical applications and problem-solving tasks through the art-making process, structured with the help of professional artists to result in high-quality community art.

Founded by Julia Gibb and Jeff Huntington. Julia is a native Annapolitan who earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1995 at the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC. She currently writes for Annapolis’ local art magazine, Up.St.Art, and has recently become an activist and arts advocate. Jeff Huntington earned a Master of Fine Arts in 1997 from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1995 from the Corcoran School of Art in Washington, DC. His work has been exhibited internationally over the past 25 years and is currently represented by Porter Contemporary in New York City, Reyes+Davis in Washington, DC and The Annapolis Collection Gallery in Annapolis, MD. 

Click the image above to learn more about Future History Now.

The self-proclaimed "Jewell of Annapolis" is a great place to visit this time of year to get into the holiday spirit. They are currently preparing to host a number of holiday occasions which you can check out by clicking the image above. It's a great way to step back in time and experience Annapolis from the 19th Century, through demonstrations and tours.

The Hammond-Harwood House is a five part Anglo-Palladian (derived from 16th Italian architect Andrea Palladio) mansion that features some of the best woodcarving and plasterwork in America. It maintains a kind of symmetry and system of proportions that are rarely seen in buildings of this period. While most 18th century structures were fashioned by amateurs and artisans, the Hammond-Harwood house was clearly the work of a trained professional architect. In addition to the architecture, the house features a wide variety of period decorative and fine arts.

The mission of the Hammond-Harwood House Association is to preserve, for public education and enjoyment, the architecturally significant Hammond-Harwood House museum and its collection of fine and decorative arts.

Be Home is a place where as soon as I walk in I am in my dream living room, minus some of the merchandise, of course. Each of their products, from furniture to knick knacks, exudes a level of quality that can be hard to find in today's mass produced world. Whether I'm shopping for a last minute house-warming gift or a new sofa, this is a one-stop-shop for classic decor. And in addition to a store front, they also offer custom interior design.

Be Home has been around since 1999 and is locally owned and operated. They strive to offer "fine home furnishings, decorative accessories and gifts for best friends." 

You can find them on Maryland Avenue or reach them at 410-280-8616. 

In Home Stone was a key contributor to making our house a home, so we want to acknowledge them for their incredible variety to choose from and their great customer service. At In Home Stone, their top priority is offering professional, attentive service throughout the entire process, from design to installation. They help you coordinate the components for your entire project, from flooring to countertops, and fireplaces to backsplashes. A trip to their sprawling showroom is the only one you need to make in your search for natural stone or tile. 

Because they insist on unmatched quality and a diverse selection, they purchase the finest quality stone directly from Brazil, Norway, India, Italy and Australia. Vendors from the most reputable and robust international quarries source stunning, resilient natural stone and deliver it to them directly. Since they serve as both your supplier and distributor, In Home Stone can pass the value directly to you, their customers. Working with In Home Stone means their customers never have to compromise quality to get the best price for their investment.

A locally owned business, In Home Stone understands the sensibilities of their Bay Area friends and neighbors. They're invested in the community and have a stake in your satisfaction. They enjoy a shared commitment to showcasing the best the industry has to offer in materials, craftsmanship and service. Their tenured, skilled staff members - more than 40 of them - are top-notch professionals, and each one takes pride in their work. Whether you’re updating your kitchen, bathroom or office space, your satisfaction is their passion.

You can reach them at 410-626-2025 for their Marble & Granite showroom in Annapolis, or at 410-626-2725 for their Tile location in Edgewater 

Annapolis Home is a luxury magazine that explores the dynamic home scene in greater metropolitan Annapolis, Anne Arundel County and the Eastern Shore while showcasing the latest designs in landscaping, architecture, remodeling, and interior design. The magazine is unique in that it also investigates the garage as both a functional and creative space and the dock as integral to Chesapeake Bay living.

​I have the privilege of knowing Mr. Haywood and Ms. Taylor, co-publishers, and enjoy reading each issue. They have a true eye for great local design, but above all they show tremendous respect for the housing industry as a whole. There are so many people and businesses behind each great house, and Annapolis Home always does their best to showcase  them. Each year they show their honor with their Design Awards, which we were fortunate enough to attend a few weeks ago and it really was a privilege to be in a room of so much talent and ingenuity. 

Keep an eye out for the next issue; you won't be disappointed. 

Thompson Creek Window Company is the Mid-Atlantic region’s premier home improvement replacement products company. In 2015, they were ranked the #14 on Qualified Remodeler's annual list of the top 500 replacement contractors in the United States. They have been customizing and manufacturing replacement windows, doors, gutters and siding in the Mid-Atlantic region for more than 30 years. Their products deliver time and again, improving a home’s energy efficiency and increasing home values, curb appeal and sheer comfort.

Thompson Creek Window Company windows and gutter systems are custom manufactured, installed and serviced from their family owned and operated factory in Landover, Maryland – eliminating costly and inefficient middle parties. They're so sure you’ll love our products that they'll back everything up with a transferable double lifetime guarantee.
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At Thompson Creek, they're your friends and neighbors. They're proud of their history in the Mid-Atlantic region and proud to help their communities improve the comfort and conditions of their homes.

Founded in 1991 by Toni Ray on her dining room table, Hobo handbags, wallets, clutches and purses have become a staple item for women across the country. After years of designing and making the bags for a D.C. store, Toni decided to create her own brand by spending her life savings and taking her daughter and future son-in-law to NYC with her to present the first collection.

You can visit our own downtown location on Green Street to shop all that Hobo has to offer or just click the image above to shop online! 

410-849-6520
​2831 Pennypond Lane, Annapolis

In the 1920’s on the corner of 4th and Chester Ave, George Washington Davis opened a confections and general store, which turned into Davis’ Lounge by the 1940s for the local watermen in the neighborhood. In 1986, the corner building became Davis’ Pub as we know it today. True to its founder, Davis’ Pub has stayed a local, neighborhood joint with good, affordable food. Tourists find it, locals frequent it. Davis's makes an effort to keep the restaurant "green" through a number of incentives, and friendly dogs are always welcome outside. It is truly an Eastport landmark where "There are no strangers, only friends you haven't met."

Creating Communities was established in 2007 when award-winning jazz musician and creative artist Rob Levit recognized the need for innovative arts programs for underserved children and adults in Anne Arundel County. Our mission is to use the power of music, art, movement and photography to reach learners who need more than traditional modalities of learning and expression. Our work allows these groups to make their own choices and life decisions through experiential learning, the creative process and personal reflection. Our vision is to create communities where the arts are an integral component of our social fabric, where the power of creativity connects, enriches and transforms lives.
Creating Communities’ programs target underserved communities, with a particular focus on low wealth, vulnerable young people. Our goal is to use arts-based alternative educational opportunities to teach artistic skills, life skills, academic competencies, community service, and employability skills.

Creating Communities currently offers a number of after school programs at Bates Middle, Eastport Community Center and the Eastport United Methodist Church one a day a week at each location. 

If you are interested in learning more, please click the image above or email Rob Levit, the founder of Creating Communities, to sign up for volunteering. Volunteers are always needed, especially on Tuesday afternoons from 3:45 to 5:00pm at the Eastport Community Center. You can also follow Creating Communities on their Facebook page 

Michael and Jenny started Annapolis Candle out of a love of historic Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay. The scents are intended to invoke a feeling of being present in the city or on the water through their hand-poured soy wax, which is a renewable source and burns cleaner than other waxes. You can find their products in many local shops or online. They offer customized candles for weddings and events and have become popular gifts for all occasions. Visit their mothership at Candles off Main in Harbor Center on Solomons Island Rd (Store F) for lots of local offerings and more.