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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.

I long for the holidays meandering around stores with my Grandmother; touching a fabric, smelling a candle, tasting a chocolate sample, listening to holiday music being piped in to add to the festive mood. Shopping was an event. It appealed to the senses in a way internet shopping can’t. And you know what else those afternoons did? They created memories. Memories that I hold dear to my heart.

Recently, my mother and I decided to spend a few hours at the Annapolis Towne Center to recreate those days and tick off our shopping list. Here are just a few suggestions to please everyone on your list this year.

The Cocktail Lovers

Know a couple with the lovely Braxton Wine and Spirits Cabinet from Great Gatherings? Help them stock it with quality wines and spirits from Bin 201.

The Retro Gamers

Who WOULDN’T want to take a trip down memory lane with an air hockey table or standup arcade of Miss Pac Man and Galaga? Find both at Great Gatherings.

The Keepers of Your Secrets

My dogs know everything, and still love me. Naturally they deserve the best. Stop by Loyal Companion and pick up some treats, balls, collars and bully sticks for your furry friends.

The Ornament Maker

Pier 1 Imports is the perfect place to find just the right decorations that show off your festive spirit. From gorgeous new ornaments to holiday table accessories and unique gifts to seasonal accents, Pier 1 has something for everyone on your list.

The Anglers

All Tackle has everything the anglers need from rods to bait and tackle, all weather gear, a vast line of YETI items and books written by local authors. They also have a large selection of footwear and apparel to choose from.

The Resolution Maker

For those who stick to their resolutions, stop into Charm City Run and pick up their must haves to pound the pavement. Everything from new running shoes, apparel, gloves, socks and energy snacks.

The Planner

2020 is on our doorstep. Another year, and decade, to get it right. Paper Source has you covered for all of your datebook and planner needs. While there, pick up all of the holiday wrapping you’ll need to wrap up the haul you just scored in a single afternoon!

The Sunday Sauce Maker

Giolitti’s Deli reminds me of my Grandmother who religiously made Sunday Sauce. Know someone like her? Stop by and stock them up on everything you need to put together an Italian Festa!

The Cannibis Curious

Cannibis is the craze now, isn’t it? Visit About Faces Day Spa & Salon and check out their Cannibliss Organic Skincare line.

The New Mom

There is no end to the gifts that new moms deserve.

Check out Dear Mom wine from Giolitti’s – it is a no brainer; Patchology under eye patches (my favorite) from About Faces Day Spa and Salon; Pajamas and slippers from Anthropologie; and a cozy wrap from Lou Lou.

The Family

Put down the phones and play a board game as a family! Pick one up at Great Gatherings. Or, grab all of the home décor knick-knacks you need at Bed Bath & Beyond to show off how much you admire your loved ones.

The Caffeine Cravers

Baltimore Coffee & Tea Company made it easy to buy for my dyed-in-the-wool caffeine nut friends. With plenty of flavors of both teas and coffees, this stop is a must.

 

Blog written by Aimee Lubin.
All images courtesy of author.

Everyone talks about how Thanksgiving is overshadowed by Christmas celebrations. And, even more so, no one ever talks about smaller, yet still relevant, days! As an undiagnosed shopaholic, Black Friday and Small Business Saturday are the days I get excited for! The rituals of getting out my reusable shopping bags, mentally prepping for long lines, and making gift lists (and checking it twice) are my way of getting ready for the holiday season. If you’re a seasoned holiday shopper, then you know that you’ll find more success going to one sole location rather than bothering with traffic and driving here and there. Lucky for you, I have all the ins-and-outs of how and where to do that: Annapolis Towne Centre.

Holiday Valet Lounge

First, let’s talk parking. Holiday shopping is meant to be merry and bright, not a hassle. So, skip the chaos of finding a parking spot this season and enjoy the Annapolis Towne Centre’s complimentary Holiday Valet Lounge – a special gift to you! Drop your car, shop the shops, and come back to a warm lounge as you enjoy a hot cup of cocoa, play some board games, and wait for your car to brought right to you.
The Holiday Valet Lounge, presented by Brothers Services, is open during the following dates:
November 29-December 1
December 6-8
December 13-December 24
Hours: M-Sa 11am-8pm, Su 11am-6pm

Charm City Run

Talk about local! Charm City Run is anticipating all of your gift needs and is offering a ton of sales – perfect for picking up some gifts for your sporty friends. Enjoy 20% off apparel with the purchase of 2 or more pieces; buy 3, get 1 free sock; and slashed apparel and shoe markdowns! Plus, if you spend $100 or more you’ll receive a  limited-edition reusable shopping bag-perfect for the rest of your shopping spree! Not hooker yet? They’ll be having offers onsite for so much more, like:

  • Winter 5K Training Groups Start – Last chance to sign up for training groups before prices increase!
  • Breakfast and decorations sponsored by Under Armour (buy on your own and send receipts to Lizzy for credit)
  • Ongoing Garmin promos ($100 OFF Forerunner 935, 945 & Venu; $50 off vivoactive 3 &4)
  • One day Garmin sale – Fenix 5 Slate Gray with Black band – $299 ($200 off)

 

Baltimore Coffee and Tea

A perfect pit-stop during your day is, of course, Baltimore Coffee and Tea! During the craziness of it all, they will be sampling local gourmets, like the amazing Popsations Popcorn, Michelle’s Granola and Scones, and Mouth Party Caramels!. They make a great quick munch to give you just that little extra shopping fuel or a gift for those in your life with a sweet tooth.

The Joint Chiropractic

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t able to be wrapped. The Joint Chiropractic are having a buy 10 visits, get 2 free offer from November 25th- December 2nd. Chiropractic care can be a great way to manage pain caused by everyday life or just a great way to spend a treat-your-self day!

About Faces Day Spa & Salon

Speaking of treat-your-self, About Faces Day Spa & Salon has a great Small Business Saturday sale where all (yes, ALL) retail products are 20% off! It’s the perfect place to find a gift for that hard to shop for niece or friend. Whether its haircare, body care, nail care, skincare… well, you get the gist.

Scout & Molly’s

Wandering into Scout & Molly’s while visiting the Annapolis Towne Centre is inevitable. And, during the Black Friday and Small Business Saturday weekend, it will be even more irresistible. Not only will clearance items be 50% off, but sweaters will also be 30-50% off. Perfect for upcoming holiday parties, office festivities, or Christmas gifts!

Newk’s Eatery

Ah yes, it’s about halfway through your shopping spree and after lugging bags and running from store to store, you’ve worked up an appetite. After 4pm, stop in to Newk’s Eatery where you can take advantage of their mix-match 4 for $24 dinner special that is sure to hit the spot.

a la mode intimates

Everyone loves shopping with a drink in hand. From November 29th through December 1st, shoppers at a la mode are welcomed with bubbly beverages as they browse through savings of up to 75% off select merchandise!

Paper Source

So you’ve checked off everything on your list and now you’ve realized that you have been cycling through the same 6 wrapping paper’s tucked away in your basement. For Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, Paper Source (Closed Thanksgiving Day) will be offering their signature Holiday Rolled Wrap and Holiday Boxed Cards BOGO at 50% off from November 27th through December 2nd.

Blog written by Lu Foster.