Thrifting in Baltimore: Cheap, Unique and Always an Adventure

I am excited to share some of my favorite thrift and second-hand shops with you today. I realize not everyone is into wearing used clothes (for the record: I absolutely am), but when it comes to furniture and décor for the home, buying used is so much more economical—and unique. I love all things historic and can’t turn down a bargain, so I end up getting almost all of my furniture, clothes, and other home goods in thrift stores (or by helping friends move out and receiving their left-behind stuff). You’ll notice through my photos that both Tim & I love vintage Americana, maps and flags—luckily for us, there’s a lot of this stuff to be found at thrift stores!

My advice when thrifting is to take your time. It’s a real adventure to pick through random assortments of all kinds of stuff—you never know what you might find! I prefer to go on rainy days when I have nowhere to be. Here are a few of my favorite places to shop second-hand. There are many, many more out there but these are my usual haunts. Some of these places don’t have websites, so here’s a map to help you find them:

View Auni's Favorite Thrift & Antique Stores in a larger map

Thrift stores

Value Village on York Road (Govans): Although almost all of these shops are hit-or-miss, I pretty much always find a gem at this Value Village. I have found a lot of professional clothes here, as well as some awesome cowboy boots, this USA Olympics sheet set (who is excited for the Olympics this year?!), and this creepy little figurine. The store is not extremely large, so it’s easy to stumble upon the good stuff. My favorite find from this store is this cartographic-themed dish set (now our “fancy” dishes)—we had these out at a party and some friends of ours told us they had donated the set to Value Village! Oh, Smalltimore.

Village Thrift on North Avenue: I can imagine this is a favorite shopping destination for MICA students considering its proximity to campus. Both the clientele and the inventory vary widely. They have a sizeable home goods department that covers the entire front and back of the store. When I was there last week I found this Brownie camera from the ‘50s (unfortunately, the film isn’t made anymore so I can’t really use it) for $7; we also got a set of six bicentennial glasses (hard to photograph) there. Check out the Village Thrift on Sundays or Mondays when everything is ½ price!

 

Village Economy (Essex): I consider this to be the granddaddy of all thrift stores. This place is a sure bet because it is HUGE, although Essex is quite far from the city and nearly impossible to get to without a car. They stock pretty much anything you could ever imagine here. I recall their kitchen section was quite well-supplied, and I’ve found some cool ladies’ clothes there as well. I’ve heard this is a good spot for costumes and crazy get-ups that you’ll only wear once…

Brooklyn Park Thrift Store: The reputation of this store, located just over the line in Anne Arundel County, had built up pretty high expectations in my head and I was a bit disappointed when I finally went. Like the Essex store, the large size means that there is a considerable selection from which to choose. This is supposedly one of the area’s best, so it’s definitely worth a visit for the second-hand connoisseur. 

GBMC Nearly New Sale: The sprawling hospital complex in Towson hosts a volunteer-run rummage sale each fall and spring. The selection and prices totally depend on which day you go (earlier = more selection, higher prices; later = more picked over but insanely cheap prices), so be sure to weigh your priorities when determining when to go. In addition to tons of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, they sell games, athletic equipment, dishes, stationery, electronics, artwork, holiday decorations and other random stuff. We have gotten a lot of use out of this USA Trivia game that I bought for $1!

Value Village on Eastern Avenue (Highlandtown): This surprisingly large store on Eastern Avenue could provide hours of entertainment, browsing their aisles upon aisles of clothes. We ended up getting a handsome little side table there for a reasonable price—it’s cheap enough that if I decide to paint it some bright color, I won’t feel bad if it turns out horribly.

Goodwill on Greenmount (Waverly): I’m not in love with this small-ish Goodwill store, but I have donated tons of stuff here when moving and know people that have found interesting things here. Plus, it’s close to the Baltimore Book Thing and Pete’s Grille!

Goodwill in Fells Point: Like the Waverly location, this store is too small to find a whole lot of interesting items. However, it’s always worth popping in for a visit when strolling the neighborhood.

Salvation Army on Joppa Road (Towson): I haven’t been here in a while, but this was a popular destination when I went to Goucher. Their selection is quite large and I believe their furniture is usually of high quality.

Antique stores

Second Chance: This nonprofit salvages usable materials and provides green-collar job training for “those with employment obstacles”. They sell the reclaimed building supplies and furnishings in their 200,000 square foot retail space, making it a financially viable operation. They truly provide a second chance both for the salvaged furniture and home wares as well as the employees in their workplace development program. I have yet to visit the new consolidated warehouse just off Russell Street, but I would encourage anyone looking for high-quality, previously owned furniture to visit Second Chance. Second Chance does not sell at thrift store prices but there is a wide range of options. We got this Singer sewing machine-turned-butcher block for $100 and I love it!

HouseWerks at Bayard Station: This is another seriously amazing place to visit—an architectural salvage yard housed in an historic railroad station. I would say they cater to the rusted-industrial-chic designer’s aesthetic. Plan to spend a few hours poking around the iron gates, school desks, giant box of plastic letters, and 100+ pieces of a religious mosaic in the yard. I didn’t see any marked prices, but I have a feeling most of these curated objects are quite pricey. I would suggest going to feast your eyes and imagination, not to buy anything specific.

 David’s on the Avenue (Hampden): I have been in here a number of times without finding anything of interest at all, but the last time I went I saw an amazing mint green ‘60s kitchen cabinet, lots of well-priced living room furniture in great condition and tons of vintage maps and flags. I bought 12 maps at $.50 each and popped a few in embroidery hoops for very cheap, fast homemade wall art. We are planning to get a real couch (the cheapo IKEA futon we got off Craigslist two years ago just isn’t cutting it anymore) in the near future and David’s is going to be one of the first places we look.

Vanessa’s Vintage Treasures (Federal Hill): Vanessa herself greeted me in this little storefront in the shadow of Cross Street Market. She made conversation as I browsed her mountains of vintage costume jewelry, plates, textiles, and stationery—and offered me a nice discount for buying a number of items together. The shop might appeal to a more feminine crowd, but I would recommend it to anyone looking for some nostalgia in Federal Hill.

Avenue Antiques (Hampden): It’s possible I like this place so much simply because I live near it, but I almost always find something interesting at Avenue Antiques. They have three entire floors stocked by various antique dealers with wares ranging from pianos to ‘80s dresses to needlework to campaign memorabilia. I have bought some used but not antique items here (including a purse and a skirt) and always enjoy perusing their vintage postcard collection. Hampden is a treasure trove for antique seekers, with Millbrook Antiques (tons of postcards and paper goods), the Turnover Shop (furniture), Hampden Junque (kitschy memorabilia), Sturgis Antiques (variety), and some other more upscale furniture shops along the Avenue. Of course, Woodward’s Auction House used to be located right next to Avenue Antiques but has recently moved to East Baltimore. ­­­

DeBois Textile Co.: I don’t really understand what all they sell at DeBois Textile Co., but I went after seeing their ad in City Paper for years and was slightly confused. The front room of their Pigtown warehouse has upscale (and expensive) vintage clothes and wholesale textiles. The rest of the 65,000 square foot space contains giant cardboard boxes of loosely categorized used (not vintage) clothes and a loading/unloading/work zone. I left empty-handed but perhaps you will find something exciting in this curious establishment.

A final note: my dear friend Krystal—a Baltimore native—runs a really unique online home décor shop called Esther & Harper and blogs about it too. If you are looking for some vintage inspiration for your day, check out Krystal’s interesting collection!

New (to me) restaurants in Baltimore

I’m the first to admit that I not what you’d call a “foodie.” I don’t enjoy cooking and therefore dine out a fair amount (although I try to keep to a limited budget). Of course Baltimore has many, many, many restaurants I’ve never been to, but here’s a sampling of some dining establishments that I’ve discovered recently—complementing my old stand-bys (The Dizz, Sip & Bite, Common Ground) nicely.

Annoula’s Sobo Café: This sunny Federal Hill café isn’t particularly inviting from the outside—I walked right past it en route to Cross Street Market many times—but I was totally impressed with the quality of its food, the cheery atmosphere and the reasonable prices. I went for lunch and thoroughly enjoyed the rich homemade mac and cheese, which was only $6! The service was prompt and friendly. They make their own breads in house and also offer lunch options to go. I would most definitely recommend the Sobo Café for a weekday lunch, Sunday brunch or a date night.

Red Canoe and Zeke’s: These two standout coffeeshops are pretty much the only reason I trek all the way up Harford Road to Lauraville (I’m sure it’s a lovely neighborhood, but it’s way outside the Jones Falls corridor, where I spend most of my time). Red Canoe is a combination bookstore and café with a very family-friendly vibe. They have quite a few seating options—including a spacious backyard—and the entire space is so comfortable, it feels like someone’s living room. I think Red Canoe is the perfect spot for a rainy Sunday afternoon—you can grab a light lunch and a big cup of coffee while reading. Zeke’s storefront, just a few blocks north on Harford Road, is a very cool space with large windows, a remarkable tin ceiling and very simple décor. They have amazing pastries for sale in addition to coffee (to drink now or later). I was also delighted to learn they sell giant burlap coffee bags for $1-2!

Mem Sahib: If you’re looking for a great lunchtime deal near downtown, look no further than Mem Sahib in Lexington Market. I don’t quite understand how this classy, formal establishment has stayed in business for seven years, as the neighborhood can be (or can appear to be) somewhat unsavory after dark. However, it is a perfect choice for a lunchtime office outing with its colorful, expansive, ornate interior and all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for $10. I sincerely hope they are able to attract a steady lunch crowd and stay in business.

Please excuse my cell-phone camera photo of Mem Sahib's bright orange interior.

Zach & Jack Food: Tucked into the basement of the Women’s Industrial Exchange (in the space formerly occupied by Sofi’s Crepes), this petite lunch counter is worth a visit. Jack and Zach stick to a very limited menu of all local, organic ingredients—they list their vendors on a chalkboard for all to see. I enjoyed a homemade sweet potato-based veggie patty on a Kaiser roll with a side of (homemade) chips. Although the menu was limited they did offer many gourmet toppings to choose from, and snacks to go as well.

Mount Washington Pizza and Subs: This carry-out spot in the village of Mount Washington is in serious need of a designer, or at least a fresh coat of paint, but once you get past its stark, fluorescent-lit interior you will be impressed with their delicious Indian dishes. We ordered naan, shahi paneer (which comes with rice) and samosas as a light dinner but were surprised to pick up enough food to feed two for dinner with plenty leftover—and the whole meal was just $16. It looks like they have an extensive menu of other types of food (hence the “Pizza and Subs” in their name), but I plan on trying another Indian dish if I go there again.

Roland Park Bakery and Deli: This bakery is dangerous for my sweet tooth as their pastries and desserts are always tempting, but they also have breakfast sandwiches and lunch items. In general, there are few frills—all coffee is served in those white Styrofoam cups with birds on them—but this results in very reasonable prices. I often buy four pastries for less than $5. The owner and staff are always friendly, greeting regulars by name and asking everyone how they’re doing. This cheery neighborhood spot was located in the shopping plaza in Roland Park for twenty years, but relocated last year to Chestnut Avenue in Hampden. I love the sunny interior with exposed brick, and having any business there at all is lovely since this building was vacant for so long.

Next on my agenda are Liquid Earth in Fells Point, Hersch’s Pizza in South Baltimore, and the Land of Kush in Mid-town.

I’m very excited for the bevy of other eateries that are coming to Baltimore in the coming months. The ever-popular Woodberry Kitchen is rumored to be opening two new ventures—a coffeeshop in Union Mill (the awesome mixed-use development in a former mill on Union Avenue, next to the Woodberry Light Rail stop) and "Half Acre," a bistro on Falls Road. Read story here. Hampden is also welcoming Food Market on the Avenue (started by the former chef of City Café) and a second Milk & Honey Café in the former Chesapeake Restaurant space at Charles and Lanvale; story here. I’m also looking forward to the Friday afternoon Charles Street Farmer’s Market starting up again in May. Although there were just a few vendors there last year, I’m sure it will be stronger this spring. My friends Katie and Marie have started a seriously delicious snack company, Kinderhook Snacks, and I’m ready to stock up on their homemade Cheez-Its! And speaking of restaurants opening, did you hear there is now a Panera on Baltimore Street and a Chipotle in Mount Vernon?

Best Baltimore-area day trips

Lifelong East Coast residents may take it for granted that we can easily travel to a different state and back in a day, but the proximity of so many interesting sites, cities and states on the East Coast still fascinates me. I love the fact that just an hour away from Baltimore you can experience a totally different pace of life—Maryland truly lives up to its moniker of “America in Miniature.” In the past year I’ve tried to take advantage of Baltimore’s location—straddling the North and South, Atlantic coast and Appalachian foothills—by going on many day trips. Of course, there are plenty of adventures to be had further away (i.e. New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, the far western parts of Maryland, lower Eastern Shore, etc.) but today I’ll share some of my favorite destinations within a two-hour drive of Baltimore. Just a warning—if you’re not into history and historic sites, these might not interest you…


Civil War sites
The Civil War Sesquicentennial, which will continue into 2015, is a great time to explore the hallowed battlefields in our midst. Antietam, which lies just south of Hagerstown, is remembered as the bloodiest one-day battle in American history. Significant markers of Lee’s Maryland campaign are still striking to see today, including Dunker Church, the Cornfield, and the Burnside Bridge. I’d recommend capping off your visit to Antietam with ice cream from Nutter’s in the well-preserved town of Sharpsburg, just minutes from the battlefield. This September will be an exciting time in the area, with the “Maryland, My Maryland” commemoration of the Battles of South Mountain and Antietam—complete with reenactments, concerts, lectures and a festival. If you haven’t been to Frederick, stop by the National Museum of Civil War Medicine to complement what you learn at the battlefield—or keep in mind that Frederick is just a wonderful place to visit anytime (walkable downtown, lots of great restaurants, beautiful canal, well-preserved architecture)!  Gettysburg, the bloodiest battle in the entire Civil War, is worth the trip across the Mason-Dixon Line (it’s just a few minutes north of Emmitsburg in Frederick County). A few shots from a trip to Antietam in August:

Downtown Sharpsburg

 If you’re really up for a day packed full of Civil War battlefield tours, head south to the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park in Virginia, referred to as “the bloodiest landscape in North America” on its National Park Service website. There are four battlefields within fifteen miles of each other: The Wilderness, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania Court House. By the end of the day it may seem exhausting and repetitive, but the significance of each is really extraordinary. I would highly recommend taking a ranger-guided tour at Chancellorsville to learn how Stonewall Jackson was wounded, and trips to both the Union and Confederate cemeteries in the area. Our time at Fredericksburg Battlefield was greatly enhanced by using the Civil War Trust’s awesome (and free!) Battle App, which provided multimedia such as video and audio to help illuminate the events that transpired there in December 1862. The town of Fredericksburg is a pleasure to walk around and I would whole-heartedly recommend Sammy T’s restaurant on Caroline Street for a quick bite. Photos from our trip to Fredericksburg in November:

Fredericksburg Battlefield

 Confederate trenches at Spotsylvania Court House

 Chancellorsville

 Wilderness Battlefield

Bloody Angle at Spotsylvania Court House

Spotsylvania Confederate Cemetery

Eastern Shore 
There are countless sleepy small towns to explore on the Delmarva peninsula, but my personal favorite is Chestertown. This central Eastern Shore (Kent County) town is amazingly well-preserved and has a definite colonial feel to it. I’m sure it’s lovely year-round, but I would totally recommend going to the Chestertown Tea Party Festival on Memorial Day weekend. Even if you’re not a big fan of colonial reenactments, the Tea Party Festival is a lot of fun for visitors of all ages—especially at the end of the day, when everyone watches the “colonists” dump “tea” into the Chester River with great fervor. A few May 2011 festival photos:

Other memorable festivals on the Eastern Shore are the annual Tuckahoe Steam and Gas Show, held at the Talbot County Fairgrounds outside Easton each July, and the Chesapeake Folk Festival at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in gorgeous St. Michael’s at the end of July. I was almost completely unaware of what was going on at the Tuckahoe Show—vintage steam tractors are not my area of expertise—but loved the opportunity to soak up this authentic Eastern Shore tradition…and to try Maryland beaten biscuits for the first time!

If you have a little extra time for your day trip, get to the Shore via the Bay Bridge but drive back through Cecil County (route 213 and then 95). There are some lovely, historic small towns sprinkled throughout Cecil County, including North East, Elkton and Port Deposit. One fun fact about Elkton is that it was a very popular place for couples to elope until a 1938 law instituted a 48-hour waiting period before marriage.

I love the Live Bait vending machine in North East.

Other Destinations 
If you don’t have the time or energy to make it all the way to the Shore or western Maryland, you can always have a good time in our own backyard. I thought of Howard County as strictly suburban until I went to the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival at the county fairgrounds last May. I don’t knit or own sheep, but I had a delightful time learning about shearing, spinning, and shepherding. There were also really unique and well-priced antique vendors and delicious snack options, which sure make me happy. Of course, Ellicott City is another quintessential historic Maryland town that is sure to please if you enjoy antique shopping, railroad history, and/or fine dining.

These bags are all full of wool!

Annapolis, the state capital, is just an hour south of Baltimore but its nautical, preppy, old-money vibe makes it feel light-years away. It took me four years of living in Maryland to finally make it there, but I think a trip to the State House is something every Marylander should do at least once. Finally, I love the Harford County town of Havre de Grace immensely. It will always hold a special place in my heart as the place where Tim proposed, but even before that I loved strolling its tidy main streets and admiring its beautiful Victorian homes. Its natural setting at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay makes for a striking view, which you can enjoy by walking along the waterfront to the Concord Point Lighthouse. The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum surprised me with its high-quality exhibits and the Maritime Museum is also worth a visit. I totally adored the Candlelight House Tour in December, sponsored by the Lock House Museum. Havre de Grace is also an important War of 1812 site, with plenty of bicentennial happenings coming up in the next two years—check them out here.

 I love the Victorian houses along Union Avenue in Havre de Grace!

 Concord Point Lighthouse

 My day trips lined up for 2012 include Historic St. Mary’s City in Southern Maryland; New Market (antiques), Brunswick (railroad museum) and Harper’s Ferry (Civil War site); and the Halloween Mummer’s parade in Hagerstown in October. Please let me know if you have any recommendations for other local trips!

A much-overdue update

I’ve been living in the area for over five years now, and Baltimore has never ceased to amaze me with its ample opportunities. In fact, it’s sometimes overwhelming to keep track of everything that happens around this town! Although the winter is traditionally a slow time of year—it seems like many Baltimoreans go into hibernation mode in January and February—I am confident there will be plenty to do in the coming weeks.


A little personal update for you: I can’t believe it has been such an incredibly long period—fourteen months—since I last updated this, but I plan to make it a monthly ritual. In that past year I’ve tried to keep up with both familiar (Monument Lighting, Art Scape, the State Fair, Great Halloween Lantern Parade, afternoons in Druid Hill Park, etc.) and new events as well as go on lots of day trips throughout the Mid-Atlantic. In addition, I’ve also gone through some job changes, had seemingly endless car troubles, traveled out of state a few times, started going to the gym, learned to sew, saw several friends move away, and most recently, got engaged! It’s been a very busy year and at this point it seems like life is just going to get busier, but I’m going to make a concerted effort to maintain this blog.



My old neighborhood, Remington



Druid Hill Park after Hurricane Irene



The Rotunda at the B & O Railroad Museum


A few new Baltimore discoveries to share:
• Charm City Circulator: the new city shuttle bus is great. Sure, it doesn’t go everywhere and it rarely comes every ten minutes as promised, but it is a FREE and usually quiet, clean and friendly ride. I take the Purple Line up and down the Charles-St. Paul street corridor a few times a week and am so thankful for this great city service. If you haven’t rode the Circulator yet, it’s certainly worth a try.
• Baltimore Heritage: This nonprofit heritage and preservation organization organizes an amazing variety of work in the city, ranging from behind-the-scenes tours of historic landmarks to Young Preservationist Happy Hours, lectures, neighborhood advocacy, awards and stimulating social media. I joined about 85 preservationists, planners, historians, archivists and other individuals at the Bmore Historic “unconference” in December and was floored to meet so many wonderful folks dedicated to promoting, preserving and learning more about Baltimore’s history. I would say Baltimore’s history is one of its best assets and it has been an absolute pleasure to learn more about it through Baltimore Heritage!



Lovely Lane United Methodist Church


• History Museums: I’ve also been soaking up Baltimore history through its great museums lately. For a few months I worked as an Educational Interpreter at the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, the historic house where, in 1813, an independent woman named Mary Pickersgill sewed the 15-star, 15-stripe, 30x42’ American flag that flew at Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore in the War of 1812, which inspired Francis Scott Key to write what would become our national anthem. The Flag House is located in a great spot on Pratt Street in Little Italy and is definitely worth a visit—the War of 1812 is a fascinating part of American history. If you haven’t already caught wind of the War of 1812 bicentennial that kicks off this spring, check out the cool Star-Spangled 200 website to learn more about the commemorations that will be taking place. I would highly recommend a trip to Fort McHenry for anyone—locals, visitors, even international tourists—because of its unique history (it played an important role not only in the War of 1812 but the Civil War and even World War I as well), beautiful grounds (great view of the harbor) and facilities (the brand-new Visitor’s Center is extremely high-tech) and knowledgeable staff. Other (not necessarily War of 1812-related) museums I’d recommend are the B&O Railroad Museum and the Museum of Industry.



Civil War weekend at Fort McHenry


• Center Stage: My fiancé Tim started working at the state theater of Maryland, Center Stage, almost a year ago and we’ve been lucky enough to see most of their shows since then. The scale of the theater really surprised me at first—it seems so unusual for theaters to have such a comprehensive staff of professional costume makers, prop managers, audio technicians, set builders, etc—but it certainly proves that it is a heavyweight in the East Coast theatre scene. I have never been a die-hard theatre fan but I’ve really enjoyed learning more about it through the shows they have produced in the past year.
• Liam Flynn’s Ale House: Tim has also been involved in a new soccer pub in town, Liam Flynn’s in the old North Avenue market in Station North (by Baltimore: Open City and the Wind-Up Space). If you are a fan of English Premier League soccer, Liam’s is a no-brainer. We usually go on weekend mornings to catch the games, but I’m sure it’s a lovely hangout spot at night too.
• Barry Levinson: The Baltimore-born and raised filmmaker celebrated the 30th anniversary of his classic Diner with a special screening and Q&A at Hopkins in December. The screening has inspired me to revisit some of his other somewhat autobiographical films that take place in Baltimore: Avalon, Tin Men and Liberty Heights. His work is truly poignant and although the settings are somewhat specific to Charm City, his characters appeal to a vast audience.


And a few upcoming day trips that I am super excited about:
• Paper Americana Show (Cecil County): The Singerly Fire Company of Elkton will host this vintage paper goods (think maps, prints, books, postcards, etc.) extravaganza on Saturday, January 28 from 10:00-4:00. We went last year and had such a wonderful time picking through this treasure trove of cool old collectibles.
• National Outdoor Show (Dorchester County): The 67th annual National Outdoor Show will take place in Golden Hill on February 24 & 25. Although the festival includes a variety of activities, its main attraction is the world championship muskrat skinning competition. I’ve been meaning to check out this Eastern Shore tradition since watching the film “Muskrat Lovely” at the Chesapeake Folk Festival—which introduces the teenagers who compete in the Miss Outdoors beauty pageant while learning to hunt, trap, skin, fish, etc.


Have a great January, Baltimore!

My apologies for not writing much this summer—I have no excuse now that I’m no longer in school—but please enjoy reading about Baltimore this fall. The 60 degree breeze blowing right now feels downright cold after so many months of humidity, but I love it!


First, a few notes about recent happenings:
• If you haven’t already been to the Maryland State Fair, go today—it closes tonight! I absolutely love that it attracts all different types of people from all over the state, and the 4H competitions are fascinating. Of course, fresh peach sundaes and baby animals (and Justin Bieber) are hugely popular as well. We took the Light Rail and enjoyed the day immensely.


• Have you ever heard of Apartment Therapy? It is a great interior design blog that features houses and apartments all over the US. Recently some friends of mine were featured on the site (thanks to the awesome Baltimore blogger, Virginia) for their amazing Charles Village home. Check it out!
• A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of attending an open house/demonstration at Gilah Press + Design, which is literally a five minute walk from my house, which was really interesting as I’d never seen the letterpress process before. This was just one part of the AIGA Baltimore letterpress series going on this fall—don’t miss the others!
• I am thrilled that my favorite local restaurant/bar, The Dizz, has opened a second location in Hampden! Their menu has remained pretty similar (besides the fact that it’s now typed instead of handwritten!) and their prices are still reasonable. However, the view from the Grandview (at 3838 Roland Avenue) is spectacular…and the average age of the patrons has been raised significantly as the new establishment is in a senior center. See a slideshow here.
• This weekend I made the trip down to Glen Burnie to shop at CRW Flags, definitely one of the only flag shops I’m familiar with. If you are looking for any kind of flag, or even flag-related paraphernalia such as stickers, clocks, mugs, shirts or windsocks, this is your place.

Events to look forward to in September and October:
• Saturday, September 11 is going to be jam-packed with all kinds of festivals and events. I personally am excited to attend RemFest/Community Health Fair in Remington, held 11-4 at the Church of the Guardian Angel, as well as the bigger HampdenFest on the Avenue—classic fun. If you’ll be on the east side, don’t miss the Ukrainian Festival and Flea Market in Patterson Park that weekend.
• September 11 is also Defender’s Day at Fort McHenry—where you can experience reenactments, fireworks, and live music at the historic fort on the harbor.
• Sunday, September 19 is the opening day of Between Fences, a traveling exhibit produced by the Smithsonian, at the Montpelier Mansion in Laurel. Also that weekend is the Maryland Wine Festival at the Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster (which I’ve heard is amazing in itself). And finally, allso that weekend is the Appalachian Heritage Festival at Frostburg State University, which sounds like a lot of fun.
• The 15th annual Baltimore Book Festival takes Mount Vernon on September 24-26. The free event is always a lot of fun for bibliophiles. This year, visiting authors include Holly Robinson Peete, Rodney Peete, Barbara Bradley Hagerty, Nigel Barker, Ree Drummond, Michele Norris, Sherri Sheppard, Judge Glenda Hatchett, Jesse Ventura, Warrent St. John, Amy Dickinson ("Ask Amy") and Matt & Ted Lee.
• September 24-26 is also a big weekend elsewhere in the state. If you head west to the lovely little town of Cumberland, you can check out the C & O Canalfest/Railfest. Their website explains the festival as “three fun filled days of live music, fireworks, children's activities, train excursions, great food, original artwork, canal boat tours, Allegany County Sheriff's Office charity train pull to benefit Special Olympics, National Kidney Foundation charity bike ride, and much more!” On the other side of the state, the Chesapeake Film Festival will take place across the Eastern Shore that weekend.
• On September 30, from 7-9 pm, One Less Car and the Baltimore Department of Transportation/Bike Baltimore to host the National Association of City Transportation Officials Cities for Cycling (C4C) summit at the University of Baltimore. Their website says, “the Thursday evening forum will be interactive, educational, FREE, and open to the general public. It will include an array of bicycle infrastructure, advocacy initiatives and programs that have been successful in other cities with a Q&A session at the end.” One Less Car will also be hosting their Tour de Port bike ride around the harbor on Sunday October 3. Both should be wonderful!
• Internationally acclaimed primatologist and activist Jane Goodall will speak at Goucher College on Wednesday, October 13. Tickets are going fast but can be reserved online.
• One of my hands-down favorite festivals of all time is the Autumn Glory Festival in Garrett County, the westernmost stretch of Maryland that begins to feel a lot like West Virginia. It is held October 8-10 throughout the county, but the big Autumn Glory Parade is Saturday, October 9 in downtown Oakland. If you’re into farmer’s markets, religious puppet shows, authentic Amish whoopie pies, quilt and craft shows, clogging, camping in state parks, and banjo jamming, then you must check it out. The three-hour drive from Baltimore is lovely as the foliage is turning.
• Celebrate Druid Hill Park’s 150th Anniversary with a community/history/sports festival on Saturday, October 16. This park is such a gem—help Friends of Druid Hill honor it!
• The Great Halloween Lantern Parade, produced by the Creative Alliance and the Nana Projects each year in Patterson Park, will be a lot of fun on Saturday, October 30. And speaking of spooky fun, Remington’s Huntington Ave will become “Hauntingdon Avenue” on Halloween again this year.
• I am most looking forward to Free Fall Baltimore! The Baltimore Office of Promotion and the Arts does a fabulous job of putting together these free events and passes throughout the month of October. I can assure you there is something for everyone, so make sure to check out their website for all the details. I can’t wait to go to museums like the Baltimore Museum of Industry and AVAM on their free days (Sun Oct 3,10,17,24 & 31 11am - 4pm for BMI and October 24 for AVAM)! Below are lectures that really caught my eye:
o MARYLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY: Author Anne Draddy will discuss her work, Druid Hill Park: The Heart of Historic Baltimore, and Barry Kessler, former Director of the Baltimore City Life Museums, will speak on Jewish relations in Druid Hill Park. Thurs Oct 14 6:30 pm – 8pm, Maryland Historical Society – 201 W Monument Street
o BALTIMORE ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION: Internationally recognized African American architect Philip Freelon will speak on Sat Oct 16 6:30pm, Morgan State University Student Center Auditorium – 1200 Argonne Drive. Advance reservations are not required.
o BALTIMORE HERITAGE, INC.: Race and Place in Baltimore Neighborhoods. Join Baltimore Heritage for a series of walking tours through three Baltimore neighborhoods, Old West Baltimore, Greater Rosemont and Sharp Leadenhall, and a public lecture on race and place in Baltimore. Each tour was developed by a scholar with experience in Baltimore history working in collaboration with neighborhood organizations. The neighborhood walks and lecture aim to stimulate an informed discussion about historical experiences of residents and institutions in Baltimore’s historically segregated African American communities.
• Streetcar Suburbs to TOD at the West Baltimore MARC Station with Dr. Edward Orser. Meet at the West Baltimore MARC Station, Southwest corner of North Smallwood and West Franklin Streets, Sat Oct 16 10am - 12:30pm. Historic Sharp Leadenhall: Past, Present, and Future with Betty Bland-Thomas. Meet at Leadenhall Baptist Church, 1021 Leadenhall Street, Sat Oct 23 10am - 12:30pm

Mid-summer fun

Happy Fourth of July weekend--and, since I haven't posted in a really long time, happy summer as well! I hope everyone’s had a chance to do some barbequing, swimming, or just relaxing this summer. Instead of heading to the Harbor for the Fourth this year, we tried to watch the fireworks from the Rotunda parking lot. I was terrified that the unsupervised small children lighting off fireworks in the parking lot were going to do some serious damage, but luckily everyone went home in one piece.





It’s supposed to heat back up to 100 this week. Don’t let the heat get the best of you or stand in the way of going to these upcoming festivities:

• Check out the Chautauqua living history lecture series, across the state July 5-15. The CCBC Catonsville site is the closest to Baltimore and features Frederick Law Olmsted, Thurgood Marshall and Sacagawea July 8-10
• I loved the free world music and crafts festival Salsapolkalooza at the Creative Alliance last year. This year don’t miss the family fun on July 10.
• The Native Berry Festival, also July 10, at Herring Run Park (northwest Baltimore) promises to be a good time with local food and drinks, live music and a lovely setting. I’ve never been to Herring Run so I look forward to exploring a new part of town!
•Caribbean Carnival at Druid Hill Park, July 9-11
• The Tuckahoe Steam Show on the Eastern Shore that weekend also sounds like it would be a great experience. Craft vendors, steam engine demonstrations, flea market…I do love a good festival!
• Baltimore American Indian Center’s Pow Wow at the State Fairgrounds in Timonium, July 17 & 18.
• ARTSCAPE takes place July 16-18! ArtScape is so incredibly huge, there is always plenty for everyone to enjoy. Although the crowds and heat can be overwhelming, this Baltimore tradition really is worth it. Cool down in the air-conditioned theatres by watching a music or dance performance, wander through the crowd of vendors, let your imagination run wild at the interactive and avant-garde Charles Street bridge installations (don’t miss the art cars), eat some greasy fried food or find the falafel, and do some of your own art!
• WhartScape, July 22-25. Venues TBA. Wham City’s music and arts festival is not my scene, personally, but certainly a hotbed of hipster culture and an experience to behold.
• This year’s water ballet by Fluid Movement is JASON and THE AQUANAUTS: 20,000 Legs Over The Sea. I hope to catch the Druid Hill Pool performances July 24-25 but the Patterson Park shows the following weekend should be delightful as well. I was skeptical about paying $10 the first time I went, but the whole production is so amazingly complex, it is worth it.
• If you’re in town on Sunday, August 1, stop by the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House for their neighborhood Ice Cream Social from 2-5 pm. I’ve never been to the Flag House but this would be a great opportunity to check it out.

Other recurring events that promise big fun:
• I honestly can’t keep track of all the farmer’s markets in this area, but these are always a lot of fun. Towson and Irvine Nature Center (Owings Mills) host big ones on Thursdays, Waverly’s is on Saturday, and of course the big downtown market takes place each Sunday.
• Swimming in the city’s municipal pools can be a refreshing way to cool off. I’m so happy they are able to stay open this summer (until 7:00 pm Monday-Saturday and 6:00 on Sunday)—despite threats to the Parks & Rec budget—because the Roosevelt Park Pool in Hampden is beyond awesome. I love it!
• Outdoor movies across the city. I’ve been to the Hopkins, Cross Keys and Wyman Park Dell series but have yet to check out the free outdoor movies at Little Italy, AVAM or Fells Point.
• If you haven’t already been to Taharka Bros. Ice Cream in Mount Washington, you must go!! Delicious flavors, generous servings at reasonable prices, awesome location (just off the light rail, next to Whole Foods), and wonderful mission. Check out their mobile cart and local festivals—but make a point to stop by their retail space some time.
• Pretty much every county in Maryland will be hosting a county fair this summer, so check each county’s department of commerce webpage for some smaller-scale local fun.
• First Thursday concerts at the monument in Mount Vernon
• First Fridays on the Avenue in Hampden—a classic
• Rent a paddleboat or canoe for $9/hr at Centennial Park in Howard County.
• Go on a day trip to Gettysburg! So awesome that this historic battleground is just over an hour from Baltimore.

I hope everyone has been out enjoying the lovely springtime weather which graces the Mid-Atlantic this time of year. It has been just perfect for a bike ride on the Jones Falls Trail, a walk around Druid Hill, or a backyard BBQ! Love that.

Unfortunately I missed out on the Sheep & Wool Festival last weekend but caught the Kinetic Sculpture Race as well as a day trip to Emmitsburg. The latter is a small town in Frederick County, only about 15 minutes from Gettysburg (PA). A lovely place if you are ever out that way. I’m also happy that the downtown Farmer’s Market has begun for the season! Make sure to check that out on Sunday morning until noon.





Of course, there are a smattering of goings-on taking place in the next few weeks, including:
• Maryland Film Festival this weekend
• Also this weekend, the 93rd annual Flower Mart at the Monument. I went today on my lunch break and bought myself some Taharka Bros ice cream...yum!
• Open House at the Danish Embassy in DC on Saturday, May 8, featuring the theme of Danish architecture.
• Also Saturday, May 8 is From Mountains to Maryland: The Appalachian Out-migration to Baltimore, at the Creative Alliance. Part of their Urban/Appalachia project.
• Mother’s Day, of course, is this Sunday…don’t forget to send some flowers, make a card or call your mom!
• The Preakness Parade and Race, a long-standing Maryland tradition, on May 15
• The opportunity to see Baltimore’s unique folk art with the leading authority on the subject will take place at the Painted Screens Pilgrimage, also on May 15. Read more below!

I want to share a bit about the activities of Maryland Traditions, a program that celebrates the folk and traditional arts of our fine state. Staffed by the talented folklorists Elaine Eff and Cliff Murphy at the Maryland State Arts Council, they offer a master and apprenticeship program in traditional arts each year as well as a variety of individual events, meetings and smaller programs. They study and sustain the many traditions that make Baltimore—and all of Maryland—the quirky, charming, colorful place it is.

I plan on attending Cliff’s From Mountains to Maryland: The Appalachian Out-migration to Baltimore event this weekend and am really interested in the CA’s Urban/Appalachia project. According to their website, Urban/Appalachia “unearths stories and songs of decades of migration between Baltimore and Appalachia, and unveils new collaborations across seemingly oppositional cultures.”

And a bit more about Elaine’s Painted Screen Pilgrimage on May 15. Although $35 sounds steep for those of us without a lot of disposable income, this is really going to be a fantastic opportunity to get up close and personal with the foremost expert on Southeast Baltimore’s famous folk art form of painted window screens. After a continental breakfast and film screening, a bus will take tour goers from Little Bohemia to Fells Point. The tour begins and ends at The Patterson (Highlandtown). Enjoy!!

The annual Maryland Traditions Gathering & Showcase is another big event to look out for, coming up on June 10 at the Creative Alliance. More details to follow, but mark it on your calendars now!

One final note: I stumbled upon this wonderful cut-out map of Baltimore on etsy the other day…how beautiful is it?