November 2025 Updates

November settles gently over Southern Maryland, wrapping the region in a calm, golden stillness. The fields fade to soft browns, and the last of the tobacco barns stand silhouetted against low, silver skies. Along the Patuxent and Potomac rivers, morning fog rolls in thick and slow, lifting to reveal quiet coves and glassy water reflecting the muted colors of late autumn.

The days carry a hint of wood smoke and salt air — a reminder that the Chesapeake is never far away. Local roads wind past roadside stands selling the last of the harvest, and small towns like La Plata, Leonardtown, and Indian Head glow with early holiday lights and community spirit. Oysters come into season, crab pots are stacked high for winter, and neighbors gather for Thanksgiving dinners and fall festivals that celebrate the land and water that define this place.

In Southern Maryland, November is a month of gratitude and reflection — a bridge between the warmth of harvest and the quiet promise of winter.  

I hope this holiday you get to spend time with friends and family.  Its important for your mental health. Get out and make memories with the ones you love whenever you have a chance.  

Zaxby's official opening date is November 12th at Waldorf Marketplace.  3068 Waldorf Market Pl.

The Heat Lab opens at Armory Square in Prince Frederick November 22nd. 417 Solomon Island Road North.

 

 

 

October 2025 Updates

 October is the month where autumn truly comes alive. The air turns crisp, leaves transform into shades of red, orange, and gold, and cozy traditions begin to take center stage. It’s the season of pumpkins on porches, warm drinks in hand, and weekends spent at harvest festivals or exploring scenic fall landscapes.

There’s also a touch of magic in October—cool evenings made for bonfires, the glow of jack-o’-lanterns, and the anticipation of Halloween at month’s end. It’s a time to slow down, savor the beauty of the season, and embrace both the comfort and mystery that fall brings.

I hope everyone is doing well and is ready for the holiday season.  I don't want the warm weather to end.  People are very grumpy out here.  Please be kind to one another,  It does not take much.

  

Looks like this year in Waldorf, after Spirit Halloween we will be getting Spirit Christmas!  They are located in Waldorf Marketplace.  I'm interested to see what they have to offer.

Maman Joon Persian Kabob is opening soon at 2215 Crain Highway next to the new World Food Supermarket in Waldorf.

Rice and Spice coming soon to the Westlake Shopping Center in Waldorf.

Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls is coming soon to Waldorf at 3176 Crain Highway next to Marcos Pizza.  The company has been in business since 2014 and has six locations in Maryland.  This will be the first in Southern Maryland. https://www.masonslobster.com/locations/waldorf-md/

Qdoba Mexican Eats now open at the Shops at Waldorf Center.  2952 Festival Way, #607 in the same area as Chilis, Xfinity, Ledo's and Sweet frog. 

Weis in Leonardtown is having their Grand Opening October 16th at 7 a.m.  40845 Merchants Lane at The Shops at Breton Bay.

The Pampered Peach Wax Bar coming soon to Waldorf Plaza Shopping Center.  This is their first location in Maryland. 

Crunch Fitness now open at 3035 Waldorf Marketplace.

The Med Beauty Spa Grand Opening October 16th at 10072 Southern Maryland Blvd, Dunkirk, MD

Charleys Philly Steaks coming soon to Prince Frederick at 832 Prince Frederick Blvd. next to Patriot Urgent Care and between Panda Express and Chick fil A.

September 2025 Updates

September marks the quiet shift from summer’s warmth to autumn’s embrace. The days are still touched by lingering sunshine, but cooler evenings hint at the season ahead. It’s a month of transition—students return to school, routines settle back in, and nature begins its slow transformation as leaves start to change. September carries both the energy of fresh beginnings and the comfort of familiar traditions. It’s a time to refocus, set new goals, and enjoy the balance between summer’s freedom and fall’s cozy rhythm.

I hope everyone that returned to school had a good first week.  Getting the family back into routine is always a pain.  Loving this weather so far.  Enjoy is while it lasts!

Something I hear a lot is about how there is nothing for kids and adults to do as far as recreation.  It's aways "they should build this or that".  Well unfortunately we need a someone to actually do it.  Your county does not build bowling alleys, Dave and Busters, mini golf courses and so on.  It takes a group of investors to put up the money and buy or lease a property and get it done.  The name brands have requirements before they even look at your site.  Lets take a look at Dave and Busters as an example.  From their website:  

Super-regional Draw: 
• 700,000 to 1,000,000 daytime population (within 10 miles) 
• Average guest travels 22 minutes to visit our stores.

So if we look at the mall as our spot to build, Charles County has a estimated 2024 population of approximately 174,478.  Daytime population means the people that don't leave the area for work. If we do a ten mile radius from the mall we only get to around 208,000 people. So unfortunately we are not even close to their requirements.

These kind of places are a big risk.  No only do you depend on people showing up and spending money but you know people are going to beat the crap out of your machines and they will need to be constantly repaired due to wear and tear.  So you can see why people would be apprehensive about getting into this type of business.  Of course it also does not help when people constantly bash where they live online like its some sort of war zone.  You don't realize businesses do their research and see that stuff.  So why would they come?  Think before you speak.

Sheets will have its Grand Opening September 11th at 37692 John Knight Drive, Charlotte Hall, MD

Foster's Grille is now open at Armory Square in Prince Frederick.

Raw Juice and Wellness Lab soft opening this week at Merchants Square 4455 Crain Highway White Plains.

The Farmhouse is expanding from Gambrills to the new Fairway Village Shopping Center located at Billingsley Road and St. Charles Parkway. Known for its farm-to-fork dining philosophy and rustic-chic ambiance, The Farmhouse promises to deliver the same elevated yet approachable dining experience that has made its Gambrills location a favorite. From cozy interiors and private dining spaces to menus crafted with local ingredients, this new spot is set to become a must-visit destination in Charles County.

Zaxby's has given me a new tentative opening date of November 3rd, 2025 for their new Waldorf Marketplace location 3068 Waldorf Market Place.  Dates are always subject to change.  They are now hiring.

Aldi is now open in Prince Frederick at Armory Square and in Charlotte Hall at 37548 Traveled Lane.

Avid Hotel showing an opening date of October 16th at 23274 Three Notch Rd, California, MD.   Dates are always subject to change.

Dollar Tree has been signed as a tenant for Laurel Glen Shopping Center in California, MD

Edit:  It did not open as stated.  Maybe the 4th.  Qdoba Mexican Eats is showing an opening date of September 27th at the Shops at Waldorf Center.  2952 Festival Way, #607 in the same area as Chilis, Xfinity, Ledo's and Sweet frog.  Dates are always subject to change. Qdoba has locations all across the United States. This is the first Qdoba in Southern Maryland.  

World Food Supermarket is showing a Grand Opening date of October 1st at 2215 Crain Highway in Waldorf.

August 2025 Updates

Welcome to August . The Bridge Between Summer and Fall.  As the final full month of summer, August carries a unique blend of energy and reflection. The days are still long and sun-soaked, but there's a quiet shift in the air. A gentle reminder that autumn is just around the corner. It's a time for last-minute getaways, back-to-school preparations, and soaking up every ounce of summer warmth before the season turns. Whether you're savoring beach days or gearing up for a productive fall, August offers a perfect balance of relaxation and anticipation.  

"Live in the sunshine. Swim in the sea. Drink in the wild air." – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Sprouts Farmers Market is now open at the Shops at Waldorf Center. 3000 Festival Way, Waldorf, MD

The Home Depot has been approved by St. Mary's County Planning for the Lexington Exchange Development in California, MD.  The 136,750 sf building will sit behind Royal Farms and the Chipotle.

UDLC Play Place Grand opening Saturday August 16th 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It takes over the former kickboxing space at 11483 Berry Road in Waldorf next to Wawa.

"At UDLC Play Place, children are encouraged to explore, learn, and grow in a secure and fun-filled environment. Our space is designed for fostering independence and social skills while ensuring parents have a chance to relax or connect with others. We also welcome daycares, homeschoolers, and field trips for elementary school students."   

Weis Charlotte Hall will have their Grand Opening Thursday August 21st at 7 am.  30015 Three Notch Road. 

Aldi in Charlotte Hall, MD is showing an opening date of September 17th.  29920 Three Notch Road. 

Aldi in Prince Frederick is showing an opening date of September 10th at Armory Square. 429 Solomon's Island Road North.  Opening dates are always subject to change.

Michaels is showing an opening date of August 29th at their new location in Armory Square at 409 Solomons Island Road North in Prince Frederick.

July 2025 Updates

 I hope everyone is having a nice July.  Its been very warm and rainy but I still love the summer months. You’ve probably heard someone say we’re in the “dog days of summer.” But what exactly does that mean? Is it just a catchy phrase for sweltering heat—or is there more behind the expression? The “dog days of summer” refer to the hottest and most stifling stretch of the season, typically falling between early July and mid-August. It’s the time when the days feel endless, the air thick, and everything slows down—when even the dogs seem to laze in the shade, too hot to move. But the phrase isn’t just about summer vibes. It actually has its roots in ancient astronomy. The term dates back to the Greeks and Romans, who noticed that during this part of the year, the star Sirius—also known as the “Dog Star”—would rise with the sun.

Sirius is the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, or “Greater Dog.” Ancient sky watchers believed that its appearance in the morning sky added extra heat to the sun’s power, making this period especially intense. Thus, the phrase dies caniculares, or “days of the dog,” was born. 

So go out there and enjoy the weather, get out on the water, visit a beach or soak in the pool.  It won't last forever.  

MedStar Health Urgent Care is opening a new location Tuesday July 15th at 45870 East run Drive in Great Mills.

The Heat Lab and Mathnasium have been added to the list of tenants for Armory Square in Prince Frederick.  

Southern Maryland Seafood Co. is now open at Rosewick Crossing Shopping Center in La Plata.

220 Rosewick Road

Scramblers now open in Lexington Park, MD. 21911 Three Notch Road.  6:30 am to 3:00 pm

June 2025 Updates

June marks the joyful arrival of summer in full swing—a month where long days, warm nights, and vibrant colors come together in perfect harmony. It’s the season of sunshine, blooming gardens, and outdoor adventures. From the smell of backyard barbecues to the sound of laughter echoing from parks and beaches, June is the heartbeat of summer.

Lots of things on the horizon but for whatever reason its the same old thing.  Delays.  No one can ever say who's fault it is.  Sometimes its the government and sometimes its the tenants.  Its ridiculous how long its taking for stores to open and other projects to get going.  All we can do is wait.

Raw juice market and wellness lab has signed on at Merchants Square Shopping Center in White Plains. 4455 Crain Highway.   We were happy to have helped broker the deal.

Crunch Fitness Says they will be open at the end of August 2025.  Not only are they taking over the former AC Moore space but also the nail salon and spa space next to it for their spin classes.  Escape nails and spa will move to the other side of the center next to Three Brothers.

Bubbalou's BBQ and artesian sandwiches opened June 6th at 36 Dalrymple Road in Sunderland, MD

Sardi's Peruvian Chicken has been added to the tenant list at Fairway Village Shopping Center in St. Charles.  Sardi's has 15 locations across Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania. 

Sprouts Farmers Market will open August 1st at the Shops at Waldorf Center.

ATI Physical Therapy now open at the Charles County Plaza.  3281 Plaza Drive in Waldorf.

May 2025 Updates

As spring hits its stride, May bursts onto the calendar with warmth, color, and a gentle sense of renewal. Nestled between the brisk beginnings of spring and the heat of summer, May is a month that invites us to slow down, soak in the sunshine, and reawaken our ambitions.

May feels like a deep breath after a long winter. With more daylight and warmer temperatures, our energy levels tend to rise. It’s an ideal time to revisit New Year’s goals, try something creative, or commit to healthier habits. Nature reminds us that growth takes time—but also that the right season can make all the difference.

Don't forget to call your moms and tell them how much you love them!

"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!" - Robin Williams

Qdoba Mexican Eats will be coming to the Shops at Waldorf Center.  More details as we get them.

Boone's Bagels Marketplace coming this fall to 41654 Fenwick Street Leonardtown, MD.  They are now hiring.

World Class Billiard Room is now open at Berkley Square in Waldorf.  2720 Crain Highway.

Calcium Dental now open at Brandywine Crossing Shopping Center.  15805 Crain Highway.