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You may think that spouses or live-in significant others need a breather from each other after a year-long, 24/7 forced bit of “togetherness”. However, we think just the opposite! These longtime love birds need to jump back on the bandwagon of newly dating partners who have been longing for one-on-one time. As the weather turns and the nation re-opens, it is clear that more than ever we all need a little more fun and a lot less stress. That is why we have jotted down a few date idea favorites around the property.

Whether you are looking for a night of romance, a day of pampering or a basket of fun, Annapolis Town Center has what you need to keep that spark going.

A Pampering Experience

A rejuvenating escape may be the best date idea yet for 2021. Nothing says I love you more like a full day of relaxation and tranquility, side-by-side with your partner. Thanks to the Town Center, there are a number of ways you can get to pampering. Book a couple’s massage or bodywork therapy at About Faces Day Spa & Salon. Get her nails done at the highly sought-after Paint Nailbar. Or, have a couple’s makeover session at Salon Unlimited! It feels good to take care of yourself – together!

An Evening Out

Who else is ready for someone else to cook a great meal?! Or, maybe you are just excited to wear something other than lounge clothes. Get out of the house and treat you and your loved one to a casual or romantic dinner date. Annapolis Town Center boasts a variety of restaurants to fit everyone’s palate. Enjoy dinner and a show at Ziki Japanese Steakhouse with their Hibachi tables. Indulge in a Napa-inspired experience at Cooper’s Hawk Restaurant and Tasting Room. Share flavorful, Asian-inspired entrees and innovative cocktails at P.F. Chang’s China Bistro. Catch a game and a great brew at Gordon Biersch Brewery & Restaurant. Or, keep it simple and visit one of the many quick-stop eateries like NEO’s, Burgers Grilled Right, Giolitti Deli, and Mission BBQ.

Shopping Made Fun

Shopping may seem like a bit of a bore for a date idea. But, there are plenty of ways to make it fun and exciting. Mix it up a bit and have a fashion show. Or, become each other’s personal shoppers. Set a spending limit and let the gift-giving commence. Annapolis Town Center has an array of retailers that boast the trendiest clothing items and accessories. Shop from tenants like Anthropologie, Charm City Run, J. Jill, Lou Lou Boutiques, and South Moon Under. Once you are finished, grab a few drinks at one of the many restaurants or head over to Bin201 for some take-home refreshments.

Hands-On Approach

Let your creative side shine. Muse Paintbar hosts a number of instructor-led painting sessions throughout the week. Bring your loved one and test your skills, all while sipping on wine for this fun and interactive date. Paper Source also hosts a variety of craft classes, workshops, and events to further explore your artistic side. Looking instead to create your own personalized date experience? Head over to Whole Foods and grab all the perfect fixings for a picnic. Annapolis boasts a ton of great locations to sit, eat, chat, and enjoy the great outdoors. Whole Foods has the snacks, refreshments, and cutlery for the ultimate spread.

The holiday season is officially here and we’re ready to help you celebrate. Join us at the Annapolis Town Center where you’ll have plenty of chances for the whole family to have fun and build lasting memories. Experience the season as you do all your gift shopping, decorating, and take in other magical activities and traditions. This year, we’re putting a twist on our usual holiday gatherings, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it!

Tree Lighting

Celebrating the Holidays may look a bit different this year, but some traditions remain. This year, our 12th annual Annapolis Town Center Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 21 will offer you the chance to experience the holiday magic and celebrate safely with one of two ticketed holiday events:

Holiday Vinyls & Vino

November 21 | 5:00 – 7:00 pm

With the help of our friends from Vintage Views: A Wandering Bar and DJ Crawdads, guests will enjoy a front-row seat to Santa lighting the Christmas Tree. For just $20, ticket holders can enjoy a fun evening of wine cocktails, graze boxes, and sweet boxes, all while taking in the magic of the season. Plus, each ticket includes one complimentary glass of holiday wine. Space is limited.

 

Drive-in Movie Featuring Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch

November 21 | 5:00 pm

We all have our own list of must-watch holiday movies to help welcome in the season. Bring the whole family out for a viewing of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch at our drive-in movie lot. A $50 ticket gives you entry to the movie, a complimentary popcorn bucket, and a live stream of the annual Tree Lighting prior to the show. You’ll even get a visit from Santa himself! Space is limited.

 

Holiday Stroll

November 28

In support of Small Business Saturday, the Annapolis Town Center is happy to host our first-ever Holiday Stroll on November 28. Enjoy an eventful day that will surely get you in the spirit! Sip and shop as our retailers open their doors and bring the shopping experience to the sidewalks, conveniently creating a holiday market. Get crafty during a wreath-making workshop on the Green hosted by The Chesapeake Wreath Company. Easily find the right gift for your loved ones from one of our women-owned businesses and guest pop-up shops like Scout & Molly’s, Sit. Stay. Play., and Beautifully Wilde Boutique Mobile Airstream. And, adding to the holiday magic – pick up your perfect tree for the season at the Town Center’s own Christmas Tree Lot in partnership with Whole Foods!

Make sure a trip to the Town Center is part of your plans for this holiday season. There are more events coming your way, so follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on events and happenings.

In case you haven’t noticed the presence of pumpkin-spice on nearly every menu, I think it’s safe to say that we have fully transitioned into an autumn food palate. Squash soups, pumpkin desserts, and kettle corn. You know – the classics. And even more importantly, it’s a time for gatherings with loved ones, typically with food present. Even though  get-togethers might look different, you can find all the fall foods you might be craving at the Annapolis Town Center. 

Gordon Biersch

Gordon Biersch is one of those restaurants that serves up a little bit of everything; with every dish being equally as delicious! From fish to pizzas and even burgers, there’s something to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Especially with their addition of their seasonal menu, featuring Chicken Schnitzel, Bavarian Pretzel, and Drunken Salmon. All of this accompanied, of course, with Gordon Biersch’s Oktoberfest beer. If you’re dining in, enjoy fresh craft beer on tap or take it home in a growler. And, when you sign up for their rewards, you’ll get 10 GB Bucks for your next visit. Let’s be real, you’ll definitely be going back!

P.F. Changs China Bistro

Let  P.F. Changs China Bistro help with everything you might need to make it your next family gathering happen. Catering is as easy as 1 – 2 – 3 with their new Individual Meals; the perfect limited-contact option for groups of all sizes. With their variety of wok-fired meals, there is something for everyone at the table. Plus, when you order through the app, you can have it delivered right to your door, and you can earn points while doing it when you sign up for their rewards! And,  before you check out, make sure to look at their cocktails to-go to save you an extra trip to the liquor store. 

Ziki Japanese Steakhouse

If you went to Annapolis Town Center’s Dinner on the Boulevard, then you know how absolutely mouth-watering Ziki Japanese Steakhouse is. Great sushi? Yes. Delicious Lunch Box specials? Yes. And, will hibachi always hit the spot? Absolutely! Call ahead and make a reservation to enjoy the overlook view. Or, if you want to stay in your sweatpants, you can order online. But, make sure you order for everyone in the house. These are leftovers you’ll want to keep your eyes on!

NEO Pizza

If you have a house full of picky eaters, Neo Pizza will always be a dinner saver. Yes, you can get one of their classic pizzas or even create your own. But, you can also enjoy one of their burgers, subs or salads. Neo has a certain way of satisfying everybody’s appetite. Enjoy on their patio or order carry-out or delivery from any room in the house. 

No matter how you want to spend time gathered with friends and family this fall, the Annapolis Town Center can ensure something delicious is on the table. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on events and happenings. 

The Annapolis Town Center has always made it a priority to foster a sense of community with our guests, employees, residents, and tenants. As the ongoing public health situation continues to evolve, it is our promise to our community to remain proactive. Per Governor Hogan’s guidelines, many restaurants, bars, and other dining options are currently operating under modified schedules and serving options.

The Annapolis Town Center is pleased to announce that many of our dining retailers remain open, operating under modified hours, ready to serve you via delivery or carry out. 

This is a challenging time for many. Help support local businesses and their employees while maintaining a sense of normalcy by picking up your Town Center favorites for lunch or dinner! 

Below is a complete list of our restaurants availability:


Whole Foods

  • Salad Bar Open Daily: 10am-8pm
  • Hot Bar Open Daily: 10am-2pm and 4pm-8pm

P.F. Chang’s

  • Open Daily till 9pm 
  • Take-out orders only.
  • Free chicken wrap with purchase of an entree.

Baltimore Coffee & Tea

  • Monday-Friday: 7:00am-3pm
  • Saturday: 9am-4pm
  • Sunday: 9am-2pm
  • Take-out orders only.

Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar

  • Open Daily: 11:30am-8pm
  • Curbside pickup and 3rd party delivery only with limited menu.

Neo Pizza

  • Sunday-Thursday: 12pm-9pm
  • Friday-Saturday: 12pm-10pm
  • Take-out orders and 3rd party delivery only.

Giolitti Deli

  • Open Daily: 10am-7pm
  • Take-out orders only.

Bin 201

  • Open Daily: 10am-6pm
  • pickup and free delivery within Annapolis area.

Gordon Biersch: Closed for 30 days.

Ziki Japanese Steak House: Closed until further notice.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant: Closed until further notice.

 

Lunch is the most versatile meal of the day because it spans the spectrum of foods and the sizes of servings.  Lunch is also the most neglected meal, often skipped because people don’t want to take the time to stop and eat while shopping or running errands.  But when your shopping or errands take you to or near Annapolis Town Center, lunch is easy.  You can’t go wrong with any of the dozen or so options, plentiful free parking, and convenient to-go options.

Lunch at ATC

Image courtesy of Giollitti.

Hungry for Italian?  Try Giollitti Fine Italian Market & Delicatessen. The Giolitti family opened its first dairy shop in Rome in 1889, and it is still going strong.  Mary and Gene Giolitti moved to Annapolis and opened Giolitti in 1992.  The lunch menu shows off the restaurant’s outstanding Italian cuisine at reasonable prices.  Look for daily and weekly specials! They are currently open every day for carryout from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Lunch at ATC

Beer at Gordon Biersch, courtesy of the author.

Hungry for a relaxed lunch with great food and adult beverages?  Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant started in California over twenty years ago as a dream of bringing together fresh, handcrafted beer and made-from-scratch, world class cuisine. Gordon Biersch in ATC fulfills the dream and offers an American version of a German beer hall’s warmth and cheer (“gemütlichkeit”).  Join the Rewards Program for even more ways to enjoy Gordon Biersch.   Grab your favorites via delivery!

Lunch at ATC

Entry to Paladar, courtesy of Paladar.

Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar, a fun Latin American restaurant, features freshly prepared guacamole, slow-roasted and grilled meats, fresh seafood, and homemade salsas. Latin music sets the tone at the bar, which offers over 75 selections of rum and an excellent wine list.  On Taco Tuesdays margaritas are $5 and tacos are $3.50. They’re offering a drive-up ordering service, as well as delivery!

Need a place that has great food and an accommodating take out option? Try P.F. Chang’s. Their chefs hand-roll every dim sum, hand-chop and slice all vegetables and meats, scratch-cook every sauce, and wok-cook each dish. 

Lunch at ATC

P.F. Chang’s, courtesy of the author.

Crave some quick, delicious, and healthy food?  Zoe’s Kitchen specializes in simply delicious Mediterranean cuisine; Whole Foods offers a great selection ; Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company has counter service and wholesome food and beverages; Neo’s serves artisan pizza, gourmet paninis, fresh salads, small plates. 

Lunch at ATC

Courtesy of Whole Foods.

As you can see, no matter what’s for lunch, Annapolis Town Center is happy to provide it!

 

Written by Jane Green.

Whether it’s the first date, a special occasion or a weekly ritual, Annapolis Town Center provides fun, unique options that suit all budgets and interests for Annapolitan couples. The variety of bars, restaurants and shops (plus easy, ample parking) sets the mood and will quickly become your go-to spot for those romantic evenings.

Image courtesy of the author

Start with a Drink

Most of the restaurants offer a large bar area for a pre-dinner beverage, but a couple are definitely worth an early arrival, especially for happy hour. Paladar Rum Bar and Gordon Biersch Bar serve up a diverse selection and sociable vibe that brings people together. Wine tasting at Bin 201 and Cooper’s Hawk Tasting Room are also great starting points for a memorable date night.

Image courtesy of the author

Grab a Bite

Although you can extend your cocktail hour into dinner at Paladar, Gordon Biersch and Cooper’s Hawk, there are several other restaurants that provide different cuisines and ambiance. Enjoy the flavors of the orient at P.F. Chang’s or Ziki Japanese Steak House with mouthwatering dishes such as crispy honey chicken, sushi and hibachi – a date night favorite! For a more casual evening, NeoPizza is convenient, delicious and budget-friendly. Their unique pizza toppings, beer and wine menus easily elevate a simple meal out.

Image courtesy of the author

Roam the Shops

Annapolis Town Center offers several enticing stores to roam around in walking distance to the bars and restaurants pre or post dinner. In addition to the several high-end furniture stores such as Ethan Allen and Restoration Hardware, stroll hand-in-hand through Anthropologie and Lou Lou Boutique to browse and possibly treat your special someone. If your date night is a big success, Smyth Jewelers and Wren Bridal are also readily available!

Netflix and chill has nothing on a night out at Annapolis Town Center! Wine and dine your special someone with flavors from around the world in the comfort of your hometown.