Nothing rings truer than Tracy Turnblad’s high-pitched voice belting this out as she dances in the opening of Hairspray. Baltimore has so much to offer, and I feel proud whenever it is recognized on the national or world stage as the great city it is. No, I do not live on The Alameda, or in Federal Hill, or on North Avenue, or Pratt Street. I live miles north of the heart of our city. My relationship with Baltimore may be illegitimate or insignificant, but to me Baltimore is home. Baltimore is not only my home, but also the home of Michael Phelps, the greatest Olympic Champion. Baltimore is home to Cal Ripken Jr., the Iron Man, and Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives. Baltimore is home to Johnny Unitas and to Johns Hopkins Lacrosse. Baltimore is home to the blue crab, and to Bertha’s mussels, and to Old Bay seasoning. Baltimore is home the greatest and most consistent defense in the National Football League, and it is home to the National Anthem. Baltimore was a part of the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War. It was THE dividing line between North and South. It is home to cultural movements and to the NAACP. When it comes to great cities, Baltimore is a VERY close second to Boston.
Yes, we have problems in Baltimore. I may me sheltered from or unexposed to these issues, unaware of their depth and significance. Yet I see a stronger Baltimore. Even driving through the “tough” neighborhoods, I see painted row houses, community gardens, children and young men playing games of touch football, and I see an incomparable mixture of culture and tradition. There are so many great things to see and do in Baltimore while simultaneously supporting the local community.
My favorite thing to do in Baltimore is go to the Waverly Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings. Located near Pete’s Grill (home of the Michael Phelps Breakfast of Champions), the farmers market boasts the best of the local farming communities. There are fresh, crisp apples that are five times the size of ones you will see even at Whole Foods. After taking a bite of one of these, you will not buy apples from a store ever again. There is Gracie’s Gotcha Ginger, which was featured on Food Network. This family from Trinidad & Tobago specializes in making chutneys, salsas, and really anything imaginable with the prized spice. Broom’s Bloom dairy is another fantastic choice, offering selections of homemade dairy products, notably the creamy ice cream. The farmers market is filled with colors, sounds, smells, and textures that can be overwhelming. In a good way. Children pick out flowers with their mothers and one can smell the fresh brewed coffee wafting over the packed crowd.
Baltimore is currently working to restore the Charles North region, another one of my favorite areas. In Charles North, one can dine at Sophie’s Crepes or at the new Tapas Teatro for excellent fare, followed by a movie at the historic Charles Theatre. My favorite item at Sophie’s is the affordable peanut butter and chocolate crepe. At Tapas, I recommend the eggplant, the molasses soaked salmon, and the paella, which comes in a huge portion, big enough for two, at $17. Their desserts are also awesome, but you might want to save room for a snack at the Charles. The Charles hosts a number of events and movie series, including foreign films, operas, documentaries, or most recently a Barack Obama sponsored debate watch. Spending time in this region is fun and inexpensive.
The Inner Harbor offers tourist destinations, but there is nothing wrong with a local taking a paddleboat ride from time to time. Fogo de Chao, a new Brazilian steakhouse is promising, and the waterfront is always beautiful. In my opinion, the National Aquarium, designed in the 60’s, will always be timeless and state of the art. Harbor East offers another movie theatre, upscale restaurants, and retail shopping. The Pier Six concert pavilion features top artists with great regularity.
Federal Hill is great for Sundays, offering the Cross Street Market, great shopping, and plenty of bars filled with Ravens fanatics. Light Street offers unlimited opportunities for spending a weekend in Baltimore. Fells Point, too, boasts old school charm, and Blue Moon Café is a Food Network favorite. There is a great yarn shop and there are many other cafes on Aliceanna Street, and Alexander’s Tavern on South Broadway is affordable yet classy. These two neighborhoods are also filled with great boutiques, trendy stores, and quirky shops, locally run and supplied. With Hamden comes classic Baltimore culture, and to get the full Charm City Experience you have to stop by Cafe Hon.
Finally, Belvedere Square offers live concerts on weekend nights in the summer, and the market is home to Atwater’s, an exceptional sandwich and soup restaurant that doubles as a bakery. The Market also features an Italian specialty store, a health foods section, a homemade candy-stand, smoothies, ice cream, and sushi. It is pleasant to enjoy this fare while sitting at an outside table on a sunny day. Across from the market is a great Irish restaurant, Ryan’s Daughter, and numerous stationery, furniture, and clothing shops. A new addition is the hip eatery Crush, which combines traditional American food and comfort food with upscale twists (think Lobster Mac & Cheese)! Nearby is a skate shop, and the revered Senator Theater. Nothing makes a party like renting out a private viewing box at one of the oldest movie theaters in the area. Roland Park, Mount Washington, and Charles Village also offer countless opportunities to enjoy Baltimore.
There are so many great events in Baltimore, from the Fell’s Point Festival to the Baltimore Marathon, to the bicentennial celebration of Fort McHenry (now in planning). Baltimore is filled with history, culture, diversity, and passion. So come down for a Ravens game and go check it out.
What about the awesomeness that is Canton???
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