If you’ve ever strolled around Church Circle in historic Downtown Annapolis, you’ve surely seen the iconic vendor selling beautiful bouquets of fresh flowers along the sidewalk. His stunning displays are magnets that attract the eyes and attention of nearly every passerby, causing many to stop in their tracks. What you probably don’t know is this gentleman did not find this prime location by accident. Several years ago he was hired by the proprietors of the nearby Reynolds Tavern to draw attention to their historic building and in bring customers who were previously unaware of their business. This has proven to be a savvy business move that was the perfect solution for Marilyn and Wes Burge, who began working at the legendary tavern in 2004 after an unlikely journey landed the couple back in Marilyn’s home state of Maryland.
Prior to their tenure at Reynolds Tavern, Marilyn and Wes worked together at Disney for years, and, even though she loved her time in Florida, Marilyn found herself homesick for the Chesapeake Bay, the Orioles, the changing seasons, and everything else that makes Maryland an amazing place to live. The couple began job searching and eventually answered an ad in the Capital Gazette looking for someone to run a local bed and breakfast. They traveled to Annapolis to interview for the positions at Reynolds Tavern, the oldest tavern in Annapolis and one of the oldest in the United States, and instantly knew it was the opportunity they were seeking. Determined to land the positions any way possible, Marilyn and Wes built a good rapport with the owner of the business, and were ultimately offered the jobs. Two weeks later, the Burges moved to Annapolis.
To this day, the couple still maintains three bedrooms above the historic building, which is also home to an English tea room, basement pub (named ‘1747’, after its year of inception), and outside patio that each offers a different experience for Reynolds’ patrons. It is these varying experiences that make Reynolds a favorite among locals, including thousands of students, administrators, and families of the nearby United States Naval Academy.
Upon first moving to Annapolis, the Burges didn’t know much about the United States Naval Academy. That all changed when they befriended the family of a plebe who stayed at their bed and breakfast after the conclusion of Plebe Summer. Marilyn and Wes got to know the young man and his relatives so well that they now consider them an extension of their own family. Over the years, the Burges have hosted naval weddings, graduation parties, and other events that allowed them to meet and get to know more and more members of the Navy and Naval Academy.
Now, the UNSA is deeply embedded in the fabric of Reynolds Tavern and the Burges go out of their way to host events that celebrate their midshipmen neighbors. As the Navy prepares for its upcoming 238th birthday in October, Reynolds Tavern prepares for their own Navy birthday bash. The tavern will host a month-long Oktoberfest celebration that coincides with the Navy birthday, as well as several other exciting events.
The outdoor patio, which acted as a stage for the Annapolis Shakespeare Company throughout the summer, will be transformed into a beer garden for Oktoberfest, including hanging lights and communal tables. The festivities will kick off on September 27 with a stein hoisting competition hosted by Sam Adams, in which multiple heats will be held to see who can hold a full liter stein the longest. Prizes will be awarded to participants and winners. The pub, which features a Southern influenced menu, top of the line beer, wine, and spirits, and Sunday brunch, will be the home for an October 4 tap takeover by Schlafly Beer, which will include an appearance by the owner of the company. On October 10, Reynolds will host its premier Navy birthday blowout, as part of the Downtown Dining-Out promotion (October 7-13), featuring dinner, drinks, live music by Baltimore’s ilyAimy, and complimentary (Navy) blue cupcakes.
Finally, as part of their Navy celebrations, Reynolds will be featuring a “Fair Winds & Following Seas” specialty drink similar to their Pub Punch that is immensely popular with midshipmen. The tavern has partnered with Blue Ridge Vodka, who donates $1 of every bottle sold to the Navy Seals Foundation.
Under the careful watch of Marilyn and Wes Burge, Reynolds Tavern has evolved into the perfect combination of past and present. The Burges’ connection to the Navy and local community are sure to go a long way in maintaining the historic legacy of their establishment, and preserve it for many more generations to come. If you’re wandering around Church Circle this October, stop for the flowers, stay for the food and drinks, and simultaneously enjoy the excitement and tradition of two of Annapolis’ oldest entities.
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION:
As part of the government shut down effective October 1, 2013 the USNA band march on Maryland Avenue and musical tribute on the State House steps in honor of the 238th NAVY birthday scheduled on Monday October 7th between 4 and 5:30 pm EST has been cancelled.
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