I grew up there. Born and raised until I moved to the West coast a few years after college. So when I was there over the weekend for a friends wedding, I killed time before my flight back to Portland wandering around some of my favorite areas.
Belvedere Square
One of my favorite places in Baltimore. Belvedere Square just feels like home to me. It originally opened in 1986 and was recently renovated in 2003. When I was younger, my Mom and I would go there for groceries and food. I distinctly remember the red-orange tile floor which still remains. It’s home to Atwater’s {a Baltimore staple and a favorite for breakfast and lunch}, Plant Bar {my go-to spot north of downtown for juices, smoothies, and vegan food – the açaí bowl is delish}, Pure Chocolate by Jinji {the most out of this world vegan chocolate made with chocolate sourced from around the world – she’s so talented}, Hex Ferments {kombucha and sauerkraut}, and a handful of other eateries. They have everything from raw food to smoked meats to lobster rolls and everything in between, including ice cream.
Hampden
The original HON neighborhood. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, then Google, “HON Baltimore”. There are tons of restaurants, bars and vintage shops and boutiques in Hampden, especially on 36th street AKA “The Ave”.
The Food Market on 36th, Woodbury Kitchen {always my first choice when I visit} in Clipper Mill, Artifact Coffee {good food AND coffee}, Golden West Cafe {grass-fed meat and great vegan options} and Gertrude’s in the Baltimore Museum of Art are all great choices for food, and if you’re looking for coffee check out Spro on The Ave. My Mom and I used to go to Hon Cafe at least once a week when I was younger. It by no means is farm-to-table or organic {at least I don’t think}, but it’s worth checking out if you’ve never been.
13.5% is great wine bar on The Ave and The Bluebird Cocktail Room and Pub is one of my favorite spots for a drink – the decor and ambiance alone is worth a visit. If you’re looking to furnish your apartment or pick up a cheeky card, stop into Trohv on The Ave and try not to walk out with anything.
Harbor East
Harbor East is a more recently developed area of downtown Baltimore, just next to and walking distance from Fells Point. I used to work in the area and spent many afternoons wandering around the neighborhood. Anthropologie, Madewell, Warby Parker and J.Crew all have locations in Harbor East, as well as a few local boutiques like South Moon Under and Sassanova.
The Four Seasons hotel bar is a great spot for drinks and Ouzo Bay serves up some delicious seafood right on the water. There’s also a Whole Foods and a Sweetgreen near by if you like me and looking for big leafy salads. They are still developing the area with more shops and restaurants. Rumor has it that a Plant Food and Wine and Double Zero are opening up there. {I’m so excited!!!} If you live in Baltimore, I highly recommend both of them regardless of if you are vegan or not.
Fells Point
One of the oldest neighborhoods {established in the 1760’s} in Baltimore and another favorite of mine. It’s one of the few areas of Baltimore that still has cobble stones streets {do not recommend wearing heels}. It’s filled with restaurants, bars, and shops and is a great spot to walk around during the day or hit the town at night. Stop into one of the bars on Thames Street and get yourself an Orange Crush {they are dangerously delicious} or grab a booze-free juice at Plant Bar at Harbor Point.
It’s also home to The Broadway Market, a year round indoor market that was originally built in 1786 and is currently getting remodeled. I stopped in one of the finished buildings and it’s gorgeous.
No matter how long I live on the West Coast, I think a part of me will always call Baltimore home. It is of course, Charm City.
XO
-S
