Our annual celebration of all things awesome in the Baltimore region.
Edited by MAX WEISS
Written by Lauren Bell, Ron Cassie, Ken Iglehart, Jane Marion, Jess Mayhugh,
Amy Mulvihill, Gabriella Souza, and Lydia Woolever with Lauren Cohen and Michelle Harris.
Additional writing by Camryn Beaumont, Marisa Haber, and Cassandra Miller.
Photography by David Colwell, Mitro Hood, Mike Morgan, Christopher Myers,
Sean Scheidt, Scott Suchman, and Justin Tsucalas.
Best of Baltimore
Best of Baltimore 2017
Our annual celebration of all things awesome in the Baltimore region.
EDITED BY MAX WEISS. Written by Lauren Bell, Ron Cassie, Ken Iglehart, Jane Marion, Jess Mayhugh,
Amy Mulvihill, Gabriella Souza, and Lydia Woolever with Lauren Cohen and Michelle Harris.
Additional writing by Camryn Beaumont, Marisa Haber, and Cassandra Miller.
Photography by
David Colwell, Mitro Hood, Mike Morgan, Christopher Myers,
Sean Scheidt, Scott Suchman, and Justin Tsucalas.
What could possibly be better than our annual Best of Baltimore issue? More of it! This year, we have the most winners ever—410 to be exact—reflecting the best in dining, shopping, wellness, arts, and more in the region. We’ve also added a new category: Best Baltimoreans—our way of giving a little love to the people who make this town so extraordinary. And because we like to have fun around these parts, we added a new way for you to suss out the winners—quizzes! See how well you know the Best of Baltimore by playing along.
ANTICIPATED FILM
Step
We’ve seen the trailer and we couldn’t be more excited. This documentary—which made a splash at Sundance—chronicles the lives of the seniors of The Baltimore Leadership School for Young Women’s step team, and captures the heartbreak and triumph that comes as these courageous teens aim to become the first in their families to attend college.
ART GALLERY
Galerie Myrtis
This Old Goucher institution continues to open our eyes to just how relevant art can be. Its timely, sophisticated exhibits that address the black experience—like To Be Black In White America—were some of this year’s artistic highlights.
2224 N. Charles St. | 410-235-3711
ART SCENE DOYENNE
Cara Ober
It’s hard to find a part of the art scene that Cara Ober hasn’t affected in some way. Her website BmoreArt.com is a constant chronicler of cultural goings-on, plus, she’s launched a speaker series, and an art journal. You go, girl!
ARTS MARKET
The Exchange at ExittheApple
This seasonal pop-up at the Greenmount art space of creative powerhouses Jamyla and Pierre Bennu features community, music, and art in a fun, approachable atmosphere.
2334 Guilford Ave.
AUTHOR APPEARANCES
Starts Here! Reading Series
Jen Michalski has a keen eye for merging local writers with out-of-town talents who pair well with Baltimore's aesthetic.
BOOK
Love Slaves of Helen Hadley Hall by James Magruder
On the surface, Magruder’s chronicle of college love is a rom-com romp, but a few chapters in, you begin to realize how deep he takes you into his characters’ lives. The novel is sneakily edifying (but still fun).
BREAK-OUT THEATER COMPANY
Iron Crow Theatre
After a hiatus to rebuild with a brand-new team, Iron Crow came back swinging. This season’s sexy, aggressive, professional productions of queer-celebrating plays announced they mean business—show business, that is.
45 W. Preston St. | 443-637-2769
CELEBRATION OF OLD AND NEW
Parkway Theatre
We may have wondered if it would work, but seeing is believing, as this renovated theater (and home of the Maryland Film Festival) expertly blends new graphic touches with historic details.
5 W. North Ave. | 443-438-6144
COMMUNITY HUB
Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center
It's remarkable what can happen under one roof: On any given day, you can watch budding ballerinas, listen to jazz greats, take in an exhibit, or marvel at the legendary namesake's piano.
847 N. Howard St. | 410-225-3130
ART THAT GIVES BACK
Arts Every Day
This organization, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary, works to ensure that students of Baltimore City Public Schools have access to music, painting, literature, and all things arts.
Artesanas Mexicanas
We applaud these 16 women, who regularly meet at the Creative Alliance, and their dedication to preserving the traditions (think vibrant piñatas) of Mexicans living in Baltimore.
Baltimore Youth Arts
This arts education and job readiness program focuses on young people who’ve been involved with the justice system, providing artistic and entrepreneurial opportunities so they can hone their talents.
Melanin Records
You might remember Believe in Music, the educational organization behind the song "Believe in Baltimore.” Now, those same talented students have created a record label and we can’t wait to hear their first tracks.
Muse 360 ARTS
From dance to entrepreneurial studies to an international travel program, this arts organization ensures that youth of diverse backgrounds are able to expand their horizons.
REASON TO FIND SOMETHING TO PRINT IN 3D
Open Works
If you’ve ever wanted to try your hand as a maker—be it a furniture craftsman, graphic designer, or inventor of your choosing—this Greenmount West spot is the place for you. The best part? There’s a trove of mind-blowing 3D printers that are free to use with your day pass.
1400 Greenmount Ave. | 410-862-0424
CONCERT
Rise Bmore
This yearly performance, which recognizes the anniversary of Freddie Gray's death, gathers artists—from Peabody professors to hip-hop ingénues—who represent a cross section of our city.
COSTUME AND SET DESIGN
The Tempest at Annex Theater
Shakespeare has never looked better. The lead character wore fur pelts and a cape that doubled as a floor covering, and soldiers donned brocade pantaloons—which the audience could see thanks to the genius of an elevated stage.
219 Park Ave. | 443-228-6745
CREATIVE LADY GET TOGETHER
Society of Excellent Women
In the spirit of celebrating girl power, this monthly meet-up brings together Baltimore’s best and brightest females for activities like tie-dye workshops and zine discussions. Wonder women, indeed.
DANCE PERFORMANCE
Vincent Thomas, What’s Going On
A dance professor at Towson University and an extraordinary talent, Thomas found the perfect muse in Marvin Gaye, bringing this legendary soul singer to life in a breathtaking production.
DISCUSSION
Building an Inclusive Baltimore: A New Lens For Inclusion at The Baltimore Museum of Art
We were curious why Beyond Conflict, an organization that helps unite communities in places like South Africa, would be interested in our arts community. But as audience members began to express feelings of marginalization, we realized what might be possible if Baltimore was always this open.
EAST-SIDE ART SPACE
Y:ART Gallery & Fine Gifts
This Highlandtown gallery is a hub of artistic expression in an otherwise sleepy neck of its up-and-coming neighborhood, with hands-on community workshops, interactive artist talks, and exhibits by renowned artists like photographer Connie Imboden.
3402 Gough St. | 443-928-2272
FACE LIFT
CENTER STAGE
Maryland’s 54-year-old state theater underwent quite the transformation. When it re-opened this spring to reveal a luminous lobby, re-designed fourth-floor theater, and impeccable design touches, we were on our feet.
700 N. Calvert St., 410-332-0033
ECLECTIC FESTIVAL
Charm City Fringe
Fun, funky, and full of eclectic spirit, this celebration of independent theater shows us that everyone can belong. The result is always entertaining.
EVENT TO NURTURE YOUR INNER WRITER
CityLit Festival
Workshops, panels, and this year, a chance to hear from legendary Johns Hopkins alum Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie—in our opinion, there’s no better way to find inspiration.
GET
Hamilton comING to the Hippodrome
To reference one of the acclaimed musical's lyrics, we weren’t throwing away our shot. And you can see Hamilton in all its Tony- and Pulitzer Prize-winning glory next season, as Baltimore was picked as one of a handful of cities to host the touring production.
12 N. Eutaw St., | 410-837-7400
IMPACTFUL EXHIBITS
Platform Gallery
This downtown gallery was a key figure in promoting artists with fresh perspectives and exhibits that packed a punch. And recent news that the space is changing hands has us both disappointed and excited for its next iteration.
116 W. Mulberry St. | 443-433-6294
found art
@Baltimoretype
Do you pause to admire the faded lettering on one of Charm City’s downtown warehouses? If so, then this is the Instagram account for you. It celebrates the wonders of iconic Baltimore type, including neon, street signs, and stained glass house numbers.
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MATCH THE ART
See if you can determine which masterpiece belongs to these Best of winners.
1
ARTIST TO WATCH
Stephen Towns
Towns rewrites history so evocatively that it takes our breath away. This year, he astounded us as his acclaimed "Take Me To the Stars" exhibit at Galerie Myrtis gave us a new appreciation for our often-unsung black forefathers and mothers.
2
COMMEMORATION OF A BALTIMORE ART ICON
“Grace Hartigan: The Late Paintings” at C. Grimaldis Gallery
It was magical to walk amidst Grace Hartigan’s colorful canvases at this Mount Vernon gallery. While the late MICA professor’s works have been featured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim, they were on display for local art lovers—and it felt like she was home.
3
ELEVATED MAGIC EYE
Eulogies for the Past Present by Phaan Howng
We literally got lost inside this installation—the swirling, psychedelic, hand-drawn masterpiece covered everything but the ceiling of a room at School 33 Art Center and, after a few heart-pounding minutes, had us swearing we saw objects that weren't there.
4
RISING STAR OF THE ART WORLD
Amy Sherald
Her show at The Armory in New York sold out before it even opened, and her work is now at the Smithsonian's just-opened African-American history museum. We're so glad that the nation is recognizing what we've known all along—that Sherald is a brilliant painter whose portraits will knock you off your feet.
5
EXHIBIT
Matisse/Diebenkorn
This was the show-stopping, must-see art event of the year, drawing art lovers from across the country and world. Perhaps the most valuable takeaway was how lucky we are to have our incredible Cone Collection, the world’s largest assemblage of works by Matisse.
Tap for Answers
Answers: 1. Stephen Towns; 2. Eulogies for the Past Present by Phaan Howng; 3. Amy Sherald; 4. “Grace Hartigan: The Late Paintings” at C. Grimaldis Gallery; 5. Matisse/Diebenkorn
MONUMENTAL UNDERTAKING
Promenade
Single Carrot Theater wowed us with this production that moved the audience through neighborhoods in a bus to examine Baltimore's boundaries. The execution appeared effortless.
MOVE
Baltimore Improv Group
There’s no better setting for improvised comedy than a black-box theater's blank canvas, and the full-of-gumption Single Carrot Theatre is a perfect partner for this grassroots group.
2600 N. Howard St. | 888-745-8393
NEW PRESS
Press Press
A band of wordsmiths started this project that features zine- and publication-making workshops, book binders, and a small press that is open to all. In other words, they’ve made our teenage dreams come true.
427 N. Eutaw St.
ONE-OF-A-KIND THEATER COMPANY
Submersive Productions
It might sound kooky, but you should give immersive theater—where performers break the rules and interact with the audience—a try. Particularly when it’s performed by this venerable company that takes you to a different world.
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX EVENT
Art/Sound/Now at The Walters Art Museum
Trust us—these unique concerts will make you see art in a different way. They take patrons inside the Walters’ galleries, where musicians perform works inspired by some of the museum’s most breathtaking art.
PERSISTENCE
Le Mondo
For years, most of the 400 block of Howard Street sat dormant. But this summer, after three years of planning, fundraising, and re-building, the first part of this unprecedented art space and performance venue opened, proving that with hard work, anything is possible.
406 N. Howard St. | 443-990-0947
PHOTOGRAPHER
Audrey Gatewood
Her photographs are eye-catching and engrossing, documenting protests, dance parties, and the incredible souls of creatives who call Baltimore home. Her frames capture what defines us as a city.
POETRY ANTHOLOGY
ChaOs Theories by Elizabeth Hazen
This collection unveils universal emotions in a simple yet profound way. The Hopkins writing seminars grad shows us her art form's true beauty.
PLACE TO EXPERIENCE ART
Maryland Art Place
At Saturday night openings, the walls of this Bromo mainstay ring with the chatter of art lovers, and with good reason. The exhibits on the main floor, and at upstairs gallery Terrault, are timely, varied, and insightful.
218 W. Saratoga St. | 410-962-8565
personal instagram
@Christopher_Bedford_BMA
BMA director Christopher Bedford’s Instagram account was the star of Baltimore’s Venice Biennale coverage. Bedford documented all the behind-the-scenes action—including an unforgettable Naomi Campbell appearance—at the U.S. pavilion, where the BMA helped curate the work of artist Mark Bradford.
Election Commentary
Guerrilla Girls at the BMA
This fearless female artist collective always has a way of putting everything in perspective. And in an election season full of ups and downs, it was nice to be reminded that rebellious art is always a constant.
SHOWCASE OF A FREE SPIRIT
Throw
The documentary on East Baltimore native Coffin Nachtmahr, who coped with insecurity by becoming good——winning-national-competitions good——at throwing a yo-yo, was a Vimeo Staff Pick and the director’s choice at the Telluride Mountainfilm festival.
THOUGHT-PROVOKING INSTALLATION
Light Happenings II at Light City
We couldn't walk by this immersive Light City work without stopping. Labbodies, a performance art laboratory envisioned by Hoesy Corona and Ada Pinkston, stirringly examined devastating moments in U.S. history.
TOUR
Doors Open
Simply put, this yearly exploration of Baltimore’s hallowed spaces is pretty damn cool, with free admission to more than 50 buildings, from the Phoenix Shot Tower to the George Peabody Library.
TRIBUTE
DUOX4Odell’s by Wickerham & Lomax
Odell’s, the legendary Baltimore dance club that closed in 1992, was resurrected in this installation by Sondheim-winning duo Wickerham & Lomax on display during Light City. It wasn’t so much nostalgia as it was an aesthetically groundbreaking imagining of the future.
UNIQUELY BALTIMORE MOMENT
Cry-Baby Revival with Rye-Baby
The Senator Theatre went Meta Baltimore when it screened John Waters’ beloved Cry-Baby (young Johnny Depp . . . swoon) with a pairing of Union Craft's Rye-Baby beer. Former actors and die-hard fans were in full drape and square garb, and all were proud to be from Baltimore.
USE OF SPACE
The Contemporary presents The Ground at Hutzler’s
At this exhibit from Baltimore’s nomadic modern art museum, you couldn’t help but marvel. It wasn't just Michael McKean's thought-provoking work——it was the long-vacant department store’s beauty and sense of what came before.
STORYTELLING
Fades & Fellowship
This traveling theatrical troupe uses the barbershop as a backdrop to discuss local and national issues for the African-American community. Its poignant and provocative narration will have you hooked.
fadesandfellowship.com
TRANSFORMATIVE ARTIST
Naoko Maeshiba
In each of her performances, this Baker Artist Award winner pushes dance to its limits, making her work less about coordinated steps and, particularly in the case of last fall’s Subject/Object, more about the feelings and sensations that movement evokes.
AFTER-CONCERT PARTY
BSO After Hours
Where else can you grab a cocktail, chat about a brilliant orchestra, and, in one case, have that night’s soloist break out his instrument in the lobby?
Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St. | 410-783-8000
ALBUM
Bond St. District’s A Church On Vulcan
Whether readying for a night out or running after a long day’s work, this is the album we play to feel like we can do anything. The dynamic duo pours pure fire into their debut; put on “Show Me Your Hands” and try to sit still.
MUSIC VIDEO
Joy Postell’s “Consciousness”
This fierce mini-film will have you remembering the name of this neo-soul singer. Addressing issues faced by African-Americans, Postell channels role models——Billie Holliday, Nina Simone, Angela Davis——and nearly becomes them. But best of all, she remains unabashedly bold and true to herself.
BADASS FRONTWOMAN
Corynne Ostermann
We bow down to the Natural Velvet vocalist whose rip-your-heart-out wails make her punk-rock royalty. The band’s latest video for “It’s All Mine”? Nuff said.
COMPOSER
Dan Deacon
From the eerie score behind the Rat Film documentary to a musical accompaniment for the New York City Ballet, this local electronic artist and mad scientist composer is giving John Williams a run for his money.
DANCE PARTY
Ottobar
If you love to dance, the Ottobar has you covered with its plethora of themed parties, be it hip-bumping to Beyoncé and Jay Z, or swaying to your emo faves.
2549 Howard St. | 410-662-0069
DJ
Trillnatured
Jessica Hyman might be the city’s most ubiquitous beat maker, keeping the art scene in good vibes as she spins her soulful, jazz-influenced club mixes.
HOMECOMING
Future Islands
With Sam Herring swaying (and sweating) across the stage, and all walks of Baltimore life (like the great John Waters) in tow, Future Islands’ four-night stint at the Ottobar in April made it feel like our hearts—full of local love—just might explode.
IMPROMPTU DANCE CLASS
FKA Twigs’s Baltimore Dance Project
Last July, after our 2016 Best of went to press, this British phenom came to Baltimore for a concert and hosted a surprise workshop at Lithuanian Hall for any dance lover who showed. The energy was electric—as FKA Twigs said, "For five hours, we created this atmosphere that just kept growing.”
IN-STORE PERFORMANCES
The Sound Garden
What do Korn, Dru Hill, Robin Thicke, Third Eye Blind, and All Time Low have in common? Probably nothing besides performing at this intimate Fells Point record store.
1616 Thames St. | 410-563-9011
LABEL GROWTH
Friends Records
We weren’t sure if “expansion” meant “change” when the Baltimore record label announced it was growing last summer. But Friends continues to put out the city’s most anticipated albums—Wing Dam, Bond St. District, Blacksage, Natural Velvet—with more kickass energy than ever before.
LOCAL LEGEND
Lafayette Gilchrist
Jazz lovers are guaranteed to have run into this world-renowned icon playing the keys in his trademark chapeau. His feats as a composer are especially poignant and timely, like his piece “Blues for Freddie Gray,” which has brought ecstatic crowds to their feet.
KILLER CONCERTS
BLUES
Baltimore Blues Society Blues Jam
On Wednesdays, the American Legion in Fells Point features the best blues in town by both old-soul musicians and rising stars like Quinton Randall.
1746 Fleet St. |
410-276-9195
FAMILY
WTMD’s Saturday Morning Tunes
Kids can rejoice at this awesome new concert series, tailored just for them. Tip back a juice box and get ready to rock out.
1 Olympic Pl. | Ste. 100, Towson, 410-704-8938
FOLK
An Die Musik’s Folkal Point Series
In this new series, the jazz and classical venue shifts to folk music, with intimate sets by local string-pushers like Letitia VanSant and Caleb Stine.
409 N. Charles St. | 410-385-2638
FREE
Peabody Institute
The storied music conservatory’s recent season came with a bonus for music lovers: All concerts would be free. Talk about breaking down barriers to access—Peabody, we applaud you.
1 E. Mount Vernon Pl. | 667-208-6500
JAZZ
The Session at Tabor Ethiopian Restaurant
One of Baltimore’s best-kept secrets, this Monday night session, led by trumpet star Clarence Ward III, has the hottest freestyle jazz this side of New Orleans.
328 Park Ave. | 410-528-7234
ONGOING LEGACY
Tom Hall
It was a sad day when Tom Hall performed his last concert as the Baltimore Choral Arts Society conductor earlier this spring. Thankfully, his creative presence carries on through local airwaves every weekday at noon during Midday on WYPR.
RISING STAR
Snail Mail
Before she’d even graduated high school, indie-pop singer Lindsey Jordan graced the SXSW stage, got rave reviews from Pitchfork, and was courted by record labels. But it’s no fluke—her lush, lo-fi melodies, garage-band guitar, and openhearted lyrics belie her 17 years.
SHOWCASE OF THE HUMAN VOICE
Embody
That time Shodekeh led a hoard of local musicians (Dan Deacon, Wendel Patrick, Brooks Long, J Pope, etc.) and the packed house at WTMD on a musical journey, combining sounds into an oddly beautiful symphony? Let’s just say we never knew we could sound so cool.
sushi
sushi sono
On any given night, this bustling spot is packed with in-the-know fish fanatics looking for high-quality sashimi, nigiri, and rolls you’ve not seen anywhere else. Make a reservation or queue up with the throngs spilling out the front door.
10215 Wincopin Circle, Columbia | 410-997-6131
ALFRESCO DINING
Cosima
Eating en plein air doesn’t get any better than this—from the sight of glowing string lights to the smells of rosemary growing in the garden to the sounds of Jones Falls waters to the tastes of soul-satisfying pasta.
3000 Falls Road | 443-708-7352
AMBIANCE
Peter’s Inn
Charm City changes in a New York minute, but Peter’s is steadfastly old school. Think tattooed barmaids, Baltimore bric-a-brac, and a ladies’ bathroom with hair spray, hon.
504 S. Ann St. | 410-675-7313
ASIAN GROCERY
H Mart
Han Ah Reum is a Korean phrase for “one arm full of groceries,” but you’ll need a wheelbarrow to help you haul a wide array of authentic Asian goods like fish cakes and young radish kimchee.
Multiple locations, including 3301 N. Ridge Road, Ellicott City | 443-574-3456
BARBECUE
Andy Nelson’s
This Cockeysville “Q” joint, owned by former Baltimore Colt-turned-champion-pitmaster Andy Nelson, still scores after 35 years with its smoky, sticky, saucy ribs served on paper-lined trays.
11007 York Road, Cockeysville | 410-527-1226
BIRTHDAY CAKE
Graul’s Market
Need a cake with an edible image of your family Fido or perhaps a beach scene including an actual umbrella and chair? For cakes that are simple yet sublime, Graul’s has got it covered (in icing, of course).
7713 Bellona Ave., Ruxton | 410-823-6077
BODEGA
Chuck’s Trading Post
The Wild West meets Hampden with this hybrid grocery store/restaurant selling everything from rabbit and quail to antifreeze, as well as creative skillet dishes and cleverly named sandwiches like the Butch Cassidy (cheese steak, charred onions) and the Johnny Cash (Black Forest ham).
1506 W. 36th St. | 410-366-0178
BOUTIQUE GROCER
Rooster & Hen
This charming general store is our new favorite year-round farmers’ market with its outstanding selection of organic produce, farm-fresh dairy, and regional goods.
2302 Frederick Road, Catonsville | 443-341-6166
BREAD
Cunningham’s Cafe & Bakery
We can live on bread and water alone, as long as the loaves—crusty, crumby, airy—are out of the ovens of this fermentation-obsessed bakery.
1 Olympic Pl., Towson | 410-339-7730
LOCAL PRODUCTS
CHOCOLATE SHOP
The Velvet Chocolatier
When the craving kicks in, brown-bag-it with a sack of chocolate from this darling Stevenson spot. Creamy caramel cups are an Oprah Favorite Thing. Ours, too.
10403 Stevenson Road, Stevenson | 410-365-9883
COOKIES
Kinderhook Snacks
Whether it’s coconut honey macaroons or chocolate chili cookies, the sweets from this Charles Village-based bakery are chunky and chewy and score a perfect 10 on the satisfaction scale.
Various locations, including Whole Foods Market, 1001 Fleet St. | 410-528-1640
GRANOLA
Woot!
The vegan, wheat-free exotic mixes made by this Remington company turn what is often nothing more than a sugary snack masquerading as healthy fare into an actual superfood. Case in point: the delectable Almond Lavender.
5609 Hess Ave. | 410-913-0385
HOT SAUCE
Huckle’s
Huckle’s is everywhere we look—food fests to farmers’ markets. We favor jalapeño for everyday and habanero when we’re feeling frisky.
hucklessauce.com
jam
Atwater’s
We love a good jam session with Atwater’s house-made preserves. There’s no skimping on fruit, it’s never cloyingly sweet, and the flavors (hello, Italian plum and vanilla!) are always unique.
Multiple locations, including 529 Belvedere, Ave. | 410-323-2396
BREAD SERVICE
La Cuchara
It’s a struggle to fend off the carb-averse movement, but Carrie Goltra’s lovely loaves—smoked pumpernickel, fennel sourdough—are the perfect protest.
3600 Clipper Mill Road | 443-708-3838
BREAKFAST
Ground & Griddled
All hail Dave Sherman, the king of breakfast sandwiches, whose masterpieces are smothered in avocado, scattered with arugula, and topped with a gloriously gooey fried egg.
R. House, 301 W. 29th St. | 443-681-1901
BUNS
The Bun Shop
The buns at this adorable hipster cafe range from demure (Cornish pasty with beef, potatoes, peas) to decadent (guava-and-cheese). The Vietnamese coffee is a nice touch.
239 W. Read St. | 410-989-2033
BURGER
Wicked Sisters
No one in his or her right mind can resist the Insanity Burger. The chuck, brisket, and short rib patty is deliciously composed, along with eight innovative ingredients, plus a squishy brioche bun that helps you hoist from plate to palate.
3845 Falls Road | 410-878-0884
CAFe
Dovecote
The delectable pastries, inviting neighborhood vibe, and warm staff of this family-run business would be enough of a draw on their own, but we also love the socially minded mission, including free community produce and ongoing support of local artists and chefs.
2501 Madison Ave. | 443-961-8677
CHEESE MARKET
The Wine Source
A hard-to-find cheddar, knowledgeable affineurs (Adam, and Caitlin, we stand in awe of your cheesy wisdom), and abounding pairing opportunities prove that this specialty shop really does stand alone.
3601 Elm Ave. | 410-467-7777
BAGELS
GREG’S BAGELS
When Greg Novik sold his 30-year-old beloved bagel business, we knew there would be a big (bagel) hole to fill, but new owner Tommy Hearn has followed in Novik’s footsteps, hand rolling, boiling, and baking boffo bagels.
519 E. Belvedere Ave. | 410-323-9463
CHINESE
Asian Court
Most of the Chinese food we eat in this country bears little resemblance to the real thing. You can taste the difference in this heavy-hitting hole-in-the-wall, where you start with the dim sum but can’t go wrong with most of the menu.
11105 Resort Road, Ellicott City | 410-461-8388
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE (CSA)
One Straw Farm
Long before anyone knew what CSA stood for, Joan and Drew Norman were selling produce from their farm. The quality is high, drop-off sites are convenient, and their website recipes tell us how to use that bag of beans from our share.
19718 Kirkwood Shop Road | 410-343-1828
CONCEPT WE LOVE
Gather Baltimore
A big shout-out to this nonprofit that redistributes surplus produce from the Baltimore Farmers' Market & Bazaar to underserved citizens where access to healthy food is in short supply.
5500 Harford Road | 443-990-1627
DATE NIGHT SPOT
Alma Cocina Latina
The food is spicy, the drinks are strong, the equatorial vibe is alluring, and chef Enrique Limardo is easy on the eyes at this bewitching Venezuelan spot.
2400 Boston St. | 667-212-4273
DINER
Broadway Diner
You’ll need hours to page through the epic menu at this 24-hour Highlandtown dive, but we promise that it will be time well spent. You’ll be rewarded with scrumptious Disco Fries, Greek omelets, tuna melts, and bottomless cups of coffee for your efforts.
6501 Eastern Ave. | 410-631-5666
DIY Salad
Wit & Wisdom
Costing the same—or less—than chains and markets charging by the pound, this checklist-style salad (pine nuts, please) is one of the best-kept culinary secrets in town. It’s everything you want a salad to be—fantastically fresh, flavorful, and on our best-dressed list, too.
200 International Dr. | 410-576-5800
OUTSIDE-THE-BOX EVENT
Art/Sound/Now at The Walters Art Museum
Trust us—these unique concerts will make you see art in a different way. They take patrons inside the Walters’ galleries, where musicians perform works inspired by some of the museum’s most breathtaking art.
DOUGHNUTS
Center Cut Doughnuts
We were stoked when this Hampden Farmers’ Market mainstay, peddling glazed gems in flavors like butterscotch bourbon and cannoli, transitioned to a brick-and-mortar last January.
3528 Chestnut Ave. | 667-303-3604
DRAG BRUNCH
G.A.Y. Lounge
Whether you are singing along to a Spice Girls hit, or laughing so hard you can't sit still thanks to host Abbi Kadabra, this bottomless brunch offered every Sunday is sure to keep you moving.
518 N. Charles St. | 443-438-5868
foODIE INSTAGRAM
@blk.sugar
This BLK//SUGAR baker and R. House resident is a media maven, tempting us with her sweet treats through must-follow stories and drool-inducing photographs popping with color and creativity.
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TASTE TEST
Can you come up with these foodie Best Of winners in our Jeopardy style quiz?
1. Bookstore Café
This Charles Village cafe has a lit lunch that titillates the taste buds, while also providing nutrition for the old noggin; also a village name in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
2. Chef
This James Beard Award-nominated, lupine-named chef owns the Harbor East haute-cuisine spot that shares its name with a South Carolinian city.
3. Comeback
This homey Hamilton restaurant reopened in late December after more than a year of hibernation. The return of its farm-to-table dinners and brunches has us whistling, “Oh my darlin’ . . .”
4. Comfort Food
Known for its Southern staples like shrimp and grits and barbecue pulled pork, this corner Butchers Hill spot is named after a popular Mexican novel.
5. deck
This new fine-dining spot, whose name means “lemon” in French, boasts spectacular outdoor seating area.
6. Duck Fat Fries
This Baltimore spot for duck fat fries takes its name from a seasoning created by combining two elements from the Periodic Table.
7. greek
This 40-year-old Greektown gyro-slinging shop (with two new outlets in Canton) cures our hankerings for Hellenic fare and is named for the birthplace of Pythagorus.
8. New Seafood Spot
This nautical-themed Riverside restaurant boasts a well-priced seafood menu and was the namesake ship that ran aground on Gilligan’s Island.
9. sugar fix
We’re sweet on this recently opened Harbor East outpost owned by Food Network star and ace baker Duff Goldman.
10. Whiskey Selection
This Riverside dive—which has the biggest selection of whiskey in the city—is a common term for a person who spends a lot of time in bars.
Tap for Answers
1. What is Bird in Hand? 11 E. 33rd St., 410-814-0373
2. Who is Cindy Wolf? 1000 Lancaster St., 410-332-7373
3. What is Clementine? 5402 Harford Road, 410-444-1497
4. What is Water for Chocolate? 1841 E. Lombard St., 410-675-7778
5. What is Citron? 2605 Quarry Lake Dr., 410-363-0900
6. What is Salt? 2127 E. Pratt St., 410-276-5480
7. What is Samos? Three locations, including 3745 Boston St., 410-276-0165
8. What is Minnow? 2 E. Wells St., 443-759-6537
9. What is Charm City Cakes? 618 S. President St., 410-235-9229
10. What is Barfly’s? 620 E. Fort Ave., 443-682-7227
EMPANADAS
Bar Vasquez
When you’re in the mood for a hot pocket, this Argentinian steakhouse is where you go. Each one is a marvel, but the empanada de bife (with Uruguayan sirloin) is proof positive that good things come in small, piping hot, purse-shaped packages.
1425 Aliceanna St. | 410-534-7296
FARMERS' MARKET FARE
Samosas at The Curry Shack
Whether you favor the flavors of Jamaica, Burma, or Greece, every country’s cuisine is covered with these highly seasoned half-moon shaped parcels filled with chicken, beef, and even bison at this 32nd Street Farmers Market stand. Don’t dilly-dally—they sell out fast.
400 E. 32nd St. | 410-917-1496
FOOD FAMILY
The Karzais
Between The Helmand, B A Bolton Hill Bistro, Tapas Teatro, and Pen & Quill, keeping up with the Karzais can be tricky. The Brits have their royals, but Baltimore has this dining dynasty, related to the first family of Afghanistan. (Co-owner Qayum’s brother is the country’s former president.)
FOOD HALL
Belvedere Square Market
We think it’s great that food halls are cropping up all over town, but our heart still belongs to Belvedere. This market boasts favorite foodie stops including Neopol Savory Smokery for smoked fish, Atwater’s for soups/salads, and Ejji Ramen for customizable noodle bowls.
529 E. Belvedere Ave. | 410-404-9773
GELATI
The Cow
A cold one at this Reisterstown institution is well worth the long wait for a house Italian ice (Skylite to s’mores) sandwiched between creamy custard.
201 Main St., Reisterstown | 410-526-1800
GLUTEN-FREE MENU
Harmony Bakery
Harmony features an outstanding array of GF options from the top of the menu (house-made bagels) to the bottom (quinoa burgers). Winning items include the vegan flatbread and lemon doughnuts.
3446 Chestnut Ave. | 410-235-3870
GOURMET TO-GO
The Corner Pantry
When you need some grab-and-go, stop in at this British bistro. It’s likely you’ll be wooed by the altar of sweets (yummy-beyond-belief sugar pop tarts, currant scones), but don’t ignore owner-chef Neill Howell’s delectable, daily specials.
6080 Falls Road | 667-308-2331
HAPPY HOUR
Parts & Labor
Grab a seat at the bar for one of Baltimore’s best deals. Less than $10 gets you a glass of wine, multiple rounds of craft beer, savory snacks (meat sticks forever), or one of the city’s juiciest burgers.
2600 N. Howard St. | 443-873-8887
HIDDEN GEM
Villagio Cafe
There’s nothing fancy about this BYOB family-run Persian place in Stoneleigh, but the heaping platters of charbroiled and expertly marinated beef, lamb, and chicken shish kebabs and stews are dripping with flavor and a total bargain for under $15.
6805 York Road | 410-372-2200
HOST WITH THE MOST
Patrick Del Valle at Petit Louis Bistro
This maître d’ knows most patrons’ names, delivers double-kisses to regulars, and does it all with a smile that could outshine the Eiffel Tower at night. His entire existence seems singularly focused on making us happy. Mission accomplished.
4800 Roland Ave. | 410-366-9393
ICE CREAM FLAVOR
Champagne Papi at The Charmery
This Hampden ice cream haven is known for its inventive and robust flavors, but this champagne-based treat with poppy seeds dedicated to rapper Drake was the “Best I Ever Had.”
801 W. 36th St. | 410-814-0493
INCUBATOR
B-More Kitchen
We love the commercial kitchen concept supporting fledgling foodies (Bottoms Up Bagels, Green City Kitchen) at B-More Kitchen, a food incubator that helps upstarts get their feet on the ground without the cost of having their own kitchens.
5609 Hess Ave. | bmorekitchen.com
INDIAN
Ananda
This Indian-fare gem sparkles on every level—from the stellar service to the striking ambiance (the fireplaces, stained-glass windows) to stupendous dishes like crab Malabar and lamb chops roasted in the tandoor oven.
7421 Maple Lawn Blvd. | Fulton, 301-725-4800
ITALIAN COLD-CUT SUB (WITHOUT THE COLD CUTS)
Rosina Gourmet
Sometimes you want an Italian cold-cut sub without the calories. Enter Rosina’s Traditional Turkey. Made exactly like their stellar Traditional Italian, it substitutes turkey for cold cuts, without sacrificing deliciousness.
Various locations, including 1300 Thames St. | 410-244-0488
JEWISH DELI
Edmart
With hand-sliced nova, brisket, and knishes, here’s a Pikesville deli that rivals the big boys in the Big Apple. Repeat after us: “Nosh heaven.”
1427 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville | 410-486-5558
LOBSTER ROLL
Loch Bar
Yes, we’re a crab town, but this lobstah roll proves that we don’t put all our crustaceans in one basket. A toasted New England-style split-top bun gets stuffed with chunks of succulent butter-poached Maine lobster, served warm and nearly naked.
240 International Dr. | 443-961-8949
MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE
Terra’s Kitchen
If you want to cook a gourmet meal without the hassle of shopping, Terra’s Kitchen delivers high-quality, well-priced, and pre-portioned ingredients to your door, whether you’re in the mood for orange beef with cashews or cod with mustard-caper sauce.
844-485-3663
CRABHOUSE
Schultz’s Crab House
The 67-year-old Schultz’s claws its way to the top with knotty pine, Keno, billiards—and Bohs—at the bar, and local crabs, served dozens of ways, whenever possible. Not convinced? The James Beard Foundation dubbed it an “American Classic” in 2017.
1732 Old Eastern Ave., Essex | 410-687-1020
MEATBALLS
Ekiben
Smothered in spicy coconut black peppercorn sauce and topped with crispy aromatics and fresh herbs, these explosive little flavor bombs must be on the menu in heaven.
1622 Eastern Ave. | 410-558-1914
MEAT MARKET
John Brown General & Butchery
Butchering is an art, and nowhere is that practice more perfected than at Ben Frey’s and Robert Voss’ boutique slaughter shop selling every kind of cut-to-order meat (face bacon, oxtail) and charcuterie (blood sausage) as well as an off-the-charts Italian cold cuts sandwich. There are even wines to match the meat.
13501 Falls Road, Cockeysville | 410-891-8549
MOBILE OFFICE
R. House
When you just need to get away from the ho-hum of the office, R. House offers the perfect landing for your laptop. There’s great grub, free Wi-Fi, plenty of plugs for your devices, and flights of nitro coffee if you really need to shift into hyperdrive.
301 W. 29th St. | 443-347-3570
MUSSELS AND MUSIC
Bertha’s
With taverns a dying breed in Fells, we especially appreciate Bertha’s and its dimly lit charms. Our ideal night: Thai mussels, a can of Resurrection, and the live tunes of Americana band Whale Show.
734 S. Broadway | 410-327-5795
NERD HANGOUT
BAMF Café
It’s named after the sound that Nightcrawler makes when he teleports, its Wi-Fi password is the numbers from Lost, and it has nerd-themed, delicious sandwiches. Need we say more?
1821 N. Charles St. | 667-930-3371
New Bakery
Roggenart
Roggenart elevates the bread and pastry scene with European delights both savory (olive bread sticks, Bavarian pretzels) and sweet (chocolate brioche, pain au raisin).
5722 Falls Road | 443-835-4443
OYSTERS
The Local Oyster
This Mount Vernon marketplace mainstay is the Cheers of Charm City with an incredible array of raw oysters and mouthwatering Bay bivalves roasted with Old Bay butter and Parmesan.
520 Park Ave. | 844-748-2537
PASTRIES
Don’t even think about skipping dessert at Gunther & Co. in Brewer's Hill, where a dessert course is anything but optional.
3650 Toone St. | 443-869-6874
PIZZA
Homeslyce
All the pizzas here are excellent, but we’re obsessed with the 1741 Reci-Pie including pesto, pineapple, and sausage on a chewy crust. It’s like all of our favorite toppings got together to delight us.
Various locations including 336 N. Charles St. | 443-501-4000
PLACE TO IMPRESS OUT-OF-TOWNERS
Magdalena
When we really want to wow our city slicker friends from far and wide, we book a table at Magdalena. From inside a turn-of-the-last-century brownstone, Mark Levy produces plates that rate amid Matisse-like murals, velvet curtains, and rich leather banquettes.
205 E. Biddle St. | 410-514-0303
POKÉ
Hilo
The Hawaiian fish fad has found its home at this R. House stall where lauded chef Munehiro Mori’s bowls are nothing short of mind-blowing.
301 W. 29th St. | 443-681-1910
PRIVATE ROOM
Points South Latin Kitchen Wine Room
Anyone can reserve this private wine-lined room in Points South’s lower level. Impress up to six friends, while feeling so fancy you’ll want to watch for paparazzi when leaving.
1640 Thames St. | 443-563-2018
PRIX FIXE
Puerto 511
On weekends, chef Jose Victorio’s hole-in-the-wall transforms into a Peruvian dinner party where he pampers guests during an exquisite six-course home-country meal so prettily prepared it could qualify for Netflix’s Chef’s Table.
102 Clay St. | 410-244-8837
THURSDAY EVER
blacksauce kitchen
By Thursday, we’re in need of some serious treat-yourself time and Blacksauce delivers with its new brick-and-mortar business, open one day only (at the former Sterling’s Crab and Oyster House) for finger-licking smoked meat sandwiches and biscuits we dream about all week.
401 W. 29th St. | blacksaucekitchen.com
RAMEN
Kippo
This Fells Point spot elevates the ramen trend, with beautiful bowls, great service, and tons of beer options. Between bowls, start with the gyoza, finish with green-tea ice-cream sandwiches.
606 S. Broadway | 667-212-4841
RECLAMATION
Tersiguel’s French Country Restaurant
Chef Michel Tersiguel’s lemons-into-lemonade approach to reopening his Ellicott City restaurant after last summer’s flood devastation inspired a beautifully revamped menu, showcasing rotating dishes and daily desserts.
8293 Main St., Ellicott City | 410-465-4004
RENOVATION
The Elephant
Rather than wield the wrecking ball, Linda Brown Rivelis and Steve Rivelis honored the 19th century building that houses their new restaurant, restoring Tiffany glass, antique Waterford, and fireplaces cast by a famed sculptor. The result is exquisite.
924 N. Charles St. | 443-447-7878
SANDWICH SHOP
The Wine Merchant
With the world spinning ever faster, we like a simple slice of the past—in the form of cold cuts like turkey and Swiss on rye or roast beef and horseradish on a roll—at this old-fashioned Greenspring Valley institution.
10741 Falls Road | 410-321-6500
SERVER
Bob Ellison at The Prime Rib
This veteran Prime Rib staffer amazes us with his table talents, whether he’s replacing a soiled cloth napkin or serving steak with seamless efficiency. Better still, with every meal, he breaks into song and showers us with Borscht Belt humor (ba dum ching).
1101 N. Calvert St. | 410-539-1804
SERVICE
clavel
There's a reason for the lines at this Mexican mecca. While you wait, the servers and bartenders take good care of you and, during your meal, they're highly knowledgeable about every single ingredient on the menu. No wonder the staff (all close friends with each other) even hangs out there when they're not working.
225 W. 23rd St. | 443-900-8983
SNOWBALL STAND
Walther Gardens
This 84-year-old Hamilton hideaway/garden shop has kept up with the times—serving everything from classic egg custard with marshmallow to creative candy bar-inspired flavors.
3501 Southern Ave. | 410-426-0546
SOLO DINING
Lobo
Thanks to welcoming bartenders, an amazing raw bar, inventive cocktails, daily specials like pho night, and a cozy ambiance, Lobo is our favorite spot to go stag.
1900 Aliceanna St. | 410-327-0303
SPECIALTY MARKET
The Market at Highlandtown
With unique international finds such as jars of Indian butter (ghee), Korean ramen, and unusual cuts of meat at cut-rate prices, Highlandtown puts the super in supermarket.
3801 Eastern Ave. | 410-563-7488
SPOT THAT NEVER LETS US DOWN
Linwoods
One would think that after nearly three decades of toiling over a hot stove, Linwood Dame would readily rely on old standards—au contraire. Each time we dine here, we make a new delicious discovery—and we’re never disappointed.
25 Crossroads Drive, Owings Mills | 410-356-3030
SUPERMARKET
Trader Joe’s
We’ve always loved this global grocer, but we are over the moon for the chain’s new locale—with an additional 600 feet of square footage, a greater selection of products, a huge parking lot, and museum-worthy Maryland-themed murals celebrating everyone from Divine to Edgar Allan Poe, created by the staff, no less.
800 Kenilworth Drive, Towson | 410-321-0278
TOAST
Ceremony Coffee
We’d like to make, well, a toast to the toast at this Mount Vernon (and new Harbor East) coffee spot, where thick slices of multi-grain are piled high with heavenly combinations. Smoked salmon with Greek yogurt, red onion, and “everything seeds” is but one of their toast-forward offerings.
520 Park Ave. | 443-835-1659
UNDER THE RADAR CHEF
Thomas Zippelli
Thomas Zippelli has worked coast to coast in two of the finest taste temples in the country (French Laundry, One Eleven Madison Park). He’s back in his hometown HoCo, cultivating relationships with local farmers to source artful, fantastically fresh seasonal cuisine at The Turn House.
11130 Willow Bottom Road, Columbia | 410-740-2096
USE OF A BALL JAR
Preserve
Beets, radishes, peppers, cabbage, carrot, fennel—no vegetable is safe at this cozy Annapolis hot spot that jars, pickles, and ferments its fresh produce to brighten any dish (though we happily devour the brined beauties on their cold, crunchy lonesome).
164 Main St., Annapolis | 443-598-6920
USE OF A BLOWTORCH
Sailor Oyster Bar
With only a blowtorch and a toaster oven, and a bar as the prep area, this one-of-a-kind Anne Arundel spot specializes in designer toasts and raw bar treats. It succeeds swimmingly.
196 West St., Annapolis | 410-571-5449
VIEW
L.P. Steamer’s
Why go anywhere else when this crab house roof deck offers you a hot pile of bright-red beauties with a front-row seat of the Domino Sugars sign?
1100 E. Fort Ave. | 410-576-9294
WRAP
Yuba and String Bean Wrap at Mr. Chan’s
This veggie wrap crammed with crunchy string beans and yuba (tofu skin) is a one-dish delight. Dunk it in duck sauce—and that’s a wrap.
1000 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville | 410-484-1100
Bartender
Sam White at Gnocco
What pairs best with Italian food? Amazing drinks, of course. As a former bartender at Cinghiale who has also spent time in Italy, Sam White certainly knows his way around an Italian wine list, and can also craft cocktails inspired by the beautiful country. We especially like his take on an Aperol spritz or the classic Negroni.
3734 Fleet St. | 443-449-6540
Bar Crawl
Highlandtown Basement Bar Tour
For more than 10 years, residents have opened up their homes and businesses for revelers to drink Natty Boh and chat with neighbors. Best afternoon ever.
highlandtown.com
foodie twitter
@robicellis
Whether she’s tweeting about sheet pans, sharing carrot-cake recipes, or providing links to her sidesplitting humor pieces, (“In Sickness, In Health, In White Castle,” “A Dish Named ‘Ham Balls’ Almost Ruined My Marriage”), the James Beard Award nominee for food writing is one to follow.
Bar Food
Cask & Grain
Portside Tavern’s sister bar, Cask & Grain, is beautiful both in its décor and on the plates turned out by chef Paul Hajewski. Start with the generously portioned cheese plate and end with the sous-vide pork collar.
2823 O’Donnell St. | 443-948-5576
Bar Menu
R. Bar
Besides serving up inventive cocktails, R. Bar has a fun, flow-chart menu to help guests navigate drink choices based on mood, time of night, and even relationship status.
301 W. 29th St. | 443-347-3570
Beer
RaR
These craft beers feature fun labels and full flavor, like the top-selling Nanticoke Nectar——or as we like to call it, the nectar of the gods. Make the trek to Cambridge for their long-line, day-drinking release days.
504 Poplar St., Cambridge | 443-225-5664
Beer Garden
Crossbar Der Biegarten
After years of struggling to launch, Crossbar finally opened its doors this past year in Federal Hill amid much fanfare. We see why with its huge, light-filled space and delicious German beers, like the Schöfferhofer Grapefruit Weizen from Frankfurt.
18 E. Cross St. | 443-438-4013
Biker Bar
Handlebar Café
Think more Schwinn than Harley at this cafe with a bike shop in the back. We love the vibe, as well as the energizing cocktails like its alcoholic cold brew and mezcal margarita.
511 S. Caroline St. | 443-438-7065
Boozy Parties
Baltimore Whiskey Company
Not only do the guys at BWC make award-winning spirits, they know how to party. Take their monthly dance night at De Kleine Duivel. Or their comedy shows at Joe Squared. Or their punk rock dance parties at the Ottobar. Basically, they are the Energizer bunnies of booze.
thebaltimorewhiskeycompany.com
Cocktails by Glassware
Coupe
One for Ghost at Bookmakers
31 E. Cross St. | 443-438-4039
Collins
Violent Delights at Verde
641 S. Montford Ave. | 410-522-1000
Rocks
Vin D’Orange with gin at Hersh’s
1843 Light St. | 443-438-4948
Wine
Pimm’s Cup at Pen & Quill
1701 N. Charles St. | 410-601-3588
Shot
Evil at Mum’s
1132 S. Hanover St. | 410-547-7415
Bottomless Brunch
Little Havana
Before #BrunchSoHard hashtags, Little Havana was improving our Sundays one mimosa at a time. And they’ve still got it——with a beautiful waterfront patio, mouthwatering entrees like huevos rancheros, and bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas. Best $21 we spend all weekend.
1325 Key Highway | 410-837-9903
Brewery
Monument City
It’s been incredibly fun to watch Monument City’s journey from contract brewing at Peabody Heights to opening a brewhouse in Highlandtown. Brothers Ken and Matt Praay couldn’t be nicer and their 51 Rye IPA couldn’t be more delicious.
1 N. Haven St. | 443-529-8131
Brewing Team
Union Craft
From Kevin Blodger, whose German beer knowledge led to releases like Balt Altbier, to Lynn Pronobis, whose chemistry background fuels the cask program, the team at Union never stops. The brewery is creating so much demand that it's moving to a space with triple the capacity.
1700 Union Ave. | 410-467-0290
Character
Jeff Cahill
As whimsical as the Riverside bar itself, Bar Liquorice owner Jeff Cahill makes customers feel right at home with free bread pudding or popcorn from a machine in the back. Pro tip: Get him talking about his grandmother.
801 E. Fort Ave. | 443-708-1675
Coffee Shop
Order & Chaos
Not surprisingly, a coffee shop owned by ad agency Planit has great branding and a skater vibe, but what is surprising are the superior extracting skills of the baristas, who make killer cups of boutique brews.
1410 Key Highway | 410-244-1111
Décor
Sugarvale
No matter the season, we like the ceiling art at this Mount Vernon cocktail bar. Local craft contingent Make Tribe created ethereal snowflakes for winter and lush ivy and flowers for spring.
4 W. Madison St. | 410-609-3162
Distillery
Lost Ark distilling
With art deco labels and historic Maryland names, this Columbia distillery is pumping out flavorful spirits. We are big fans of the summer spiced rum.
9570 Berger Road, Columbia | 443-279-6178
Dive Bar
1919
Life doesn’t get better than listening to live alt-country and throwing back Dr. Pepper shots at this bar decorated with strung lights and animal masks.
1919 Fleet St.
Dog-Friendly Bar
Blue Pit BBQ
With paw prints in the logo, it’s no secret that a Blue Pit requisite is: must love dogs. Hit up the barbecue joint’s back patio for a four-legged frenzy, with peak cuteness during BARCS yappy hours.
1601 Union Ave. | 443-948-5590
Event
Ryes Up
For six years, B&O Brasserie bar manager Brendan Dorr has run an event where the city’s best bartenders concoct delicious rye cocktails all to benefit the Maryland chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. What’s not to love?
2 N. Charles St. | 443-692-6170
Fancy Bar
the Cannon Room
Fells Point went upscale this year with the opening of the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore hotel. Our favorite space is the intimate 25-seat Cannon Room. Bonus: There’s a real War of 1812 cannon on display.
1715 Thames St. | 443-552-1400
Gay Bar
The Baltimore Eagle
This Station North icon has finally been restored to its former glory, with a revamped sports bar, gallery space, upstairs nightclub, and signature leather shop.
2022 N. Charles St. | 410-200-9858
Handiwork
The Grill at Harryman House
In the tavern room of this Reisterstown restaurant is a multi-shelf, wooden bar complete with a moving library ladder. The best part is that owner John Worthington built the new bar himself.
340 Main St., Reisterstown | 410-833-8850
Hangover Cure
Wild Kombucha
When we need a pick-me-up, this fermented beverage brand does the trick. Go for ginger-grapefruit to settle your stomach or elderberry for something sweet.
9 W. Aylesbury Road, Timonium | 410-252-2850
Hidden Bar
Paulie Gee’s
Walking into the huge, expansive space that is Paulie Gee’s, you’d never know there is an intimate bar with a ski-lodge feel in the back.
535 Chestnut Ave. | 410-889-1048
Juice Bar
Pure Raw Juice
Go green at Pure Raw with its cold-pressed drinks, acai bowls, and holistic elixirs, like the Flu Shot of lemon juice, honey, ginger, and cayenne that has us feeling like a million bucks.
Multiple locations including 6809 York Road, Towson | 410-377-7873
Liquor Store
Wells Discount Liquors
New crafty (read: pricey) liquor stores are all the rage, but we prefer the reliable service and expertise of Wells, which has been stocking our home bar for more than 80 years.
6310 York Road | 410-435-2700
Mocktails
Woodberry Kitchen
We love Woodberry Kitchen's menu for teetotalers, served in fancy glasses with fun, fresh garnishes. Try the aptly named Next Best Thing, with blackberry, chili, sage, and house-made club soda.
2010 Clipper Park Road | 410-464-8000
New Bar
Bluebird Cocktail Room
This massive space above De Kleine Duivel in Hampden has been transformed into a romantic European bistro with gold accents, a literary theme, and some of the finest tasting cocktails in town.
3602 Hickory Ave.
Original Concept
Wet City
When Wet City opened in the old Dougherty's Pub space in the summer of 2016, everything about it was refreshing—from its minimalist design to its strong, slushy cocktails.
223 W. Chase St. | 443-873-6699
Pitchers
Tio Pepe
When we hear the word pitcher in this town, we only think one thing: the beautiful, hand-painted vessels that Tio Pepe’s powerful red sangria has been flowing out of since 1968.
10 E. Franklin St. | 410-539-4675
Rare Finds
Of Love & Regret
Every time we sidle up to this Brewers Hill bar, known for its Stillwater Artisanal beers, we learn about a new Japanese whiskey, Scandinavian cordial, or Croatian wine. Now that’s our kind of education.
1028 S. Conkling St. | 410-327-0760
Save
Annabel Lee Tavern
Hearts were as broken as Edgar Allan Poe’s when Annabel Lee Tavern in Canton announced it was closing for financial reasons. Luckily, two local investors stepped up to keep the macabre mainstay alive.
601 S. Clinton St. | 410-522-2929
Sip and Shop
Sobo Market
Enjoy an old fashioned during your weekly shop with a grab-and-go section that offers milk, eggs, salads, and local products like Michele’s Granola and Mouth Party Caramels.
13 E. Randall St. | 410-685-6605
Taproom
Key Brewing
Taprooms are the new bars and Key Brewing does theirs right: video games, a pool table, DJs and live music, and—depending on the night—snacks from Small Batch BBQ.
2500 Grays Road, Dundalk | 410-477-2337
Vinyl Night
Idle Hour
The record player at Idle Hour gets a ton of action. There’s the BYOV night on Mondays and Friends Records night, when bands like Bond St. District and Blacksage come by to spin.
201 E. Fort Ave. | 410-989-3405
Winery
Old Westminster Winery
When three siblings are a farmer, a chemist, and a marketing whiz, the logical next step is to open a winery. Our ideal Friday night is sipping on fizzy Pét-Nat Albariño and listening to live music outside the beautiful tasting room.
1550 Old Westminster Road, Westminster | 410-881-4656
ORIOLE
Dylan Bundy
This fresh-faced right-hander has sneakily become the O’s ace. On May 18, his streak of eight consecutive quality starts finally came to an end, but with his big arm, vast arsenal of pitches, and cool-as-a-cucumber disposition on the mound, we’re certain he’ll be starting a new streak very soon.
TEAM
Baltimore Blast
In April, the Baltimore Blast rallied to beat Soles de Sonora 9-8 in overtime. The victory marked the indoor soccer team's second championship in a row and ninth overall. What other professional sports team in Baltimore can say that?
RAVEN
Brandon Williams
Reasons we love nose tackle Brandon Williams: He has anchored the Ravens' defense for the past three seasons, he’s an NFL.com 2017 AFC player to watch, and, of course, those amazing locker-room dances.
HIRE
Juan Dixon at Coppin State
Two things Baltimore loves: Former Terps superstar Juan Dixon and a good redemption story. When Dixon——who was banned from the International Basketball Federation for steroid use——was brought on to coach the Coppin State men’s basketball team, we got both.
ATHLETE
Gervonta “Tank” Davis
Davis’ performance this January—stopping defending world champion Jose Pedraza with a seventh-round knockout—remains the sports highlight of the year in Baltimore. The 22-year-old looks like he’ll be around a while, too—winning his follow up with a three-round TKO.
SUNFLOWER FIELD
Maryland Agricultural Resource Council
As fall approaches, Marylanders will feel an inexplicable urge to snap a selfie in front of a field of sunflowers. We suggest these 3.5 acres worth of blooms.
1114 Shawan Road, Cockeysville | 410-887-8973
Ace races
BIKE
Gran Fondo Maryland National Championship
Offering courses for cyclists of all abilities, the Gran Fondo comes to Frederick every September and finishes with great food and beverage in the historic downtown.
151 S. East St., Frederick
COMBO
Iron Girl Triathlon
Even after a .62-mile swim, a 16-mile bike ride, and a 3.1-mile run, the event's supportive crowd will put some pep in your step.
Centennial Park, 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City
ROAD
Sole of the City 10K
We like this race because it always benefits local charities and its April date virtually guarantees temperate (read: not insanely hot) weather. The after party doesn’t hurt either.
1713 Whetstone Way
WACKY
Squeakness
Watching the precious porcines race at the annual Pigtown Festival makes us squeal with delight—and the name is utter perfection.
763 Washington Blvd. | 443-908-7038
WATER
Annual Baltimore Dragon Boat Challenge
Don’t let the whimsically decorated boats fool you, these 500- and 2,000-meter Inner Harbor heats are serious business, attracting teams from as far away as New York.
1010 Hull St.
ACTIVIST ACTIVITY
Baltimore Floatilla
This annual five-mile paddle from Canton Waterfront Park to the Inner Harbor has established itself as a great way for eco-warriors to get out on the water and raise awareness about harbor and bay health. The after-party with food and live music is just a nice bonus.
baltimorefloatilla.com
BIKING TRAILS
Patapsco Valley State Park
Champion mountain biker Marla Streb once told us that Patapsco is “as good as it gets” for off-road biking. No argument here. Try the trails at the Avalon Area.
5120 South St., Halethorpe
BIKE RIDE
Civil War Century
This 102-mile loop through Western Maryland and Central Pennsylvania encompasses three Civil War battlefields, several state parks, and about 6,961 feet of climbing that will take your gluteus to the maximus.
civilwarcentury.com
CAMPING
Janes Island State Park
Facilities at this Eastern Shore park range from bare-bones to heated and air-conditioned cabins. For a happy medium, snag one of 49 campsites with electrical hook-ups.
26280 Alfred Lawson Dr., Crisfield
CONSERVATION ORG
Valleys Planning Council
Founded in 1962 to preserve Baltimore County’s rural western valleys, this nonprofit has helped curb sprawl, boost property values, and protect land and views in the Greenspring, Caves, and Worthington valleys.
thevpc.org
DRIVING RANGE
Northwest Driving Range
We’re big fans of low-key community assets, and this no-frills driving range in Mount Washington certainly qualifies. It’s evenings-only during the week but open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the weekends, with buckets of balls starting at just $5.
2101 W. Rogers Ave. | 410-664-2824
NEW ECO EVENT
Baltimore Birding Weekend
In May, Patterson Park Audubon Center and Conservation Community Consulting joined forces to host the city’s first-ever weekend of bird-watching, happy hours, and yes, even an Orioles’ game. Birdland, indeed.
baltimorebirding.com
FISHING (RURAL)
Gunpowder River below Prettyboy Reservoir
Between Hereford and Hunt Valley, a river runs through it. Chock full of wild trout and unspoiled nature, it’s a favorite spot of legendary linesman Lefty Kreh. And if it’s good enough for Lefty . . .
FISHING (URBAN)
Patterson Park Boat Lake
Bring your rod and reel to this 2.5-acre lake for catch-and-release largemouth bass and bluegill, plus rainbow trout you can keep.
GARDEN
Ladew Topiary Gardens
The Edward Scissorhands-esque topiaries are only part of Ladew's appeal. There are also gardens dedicated to water lilies, roses, and wildflowers, plus a historic mansion and butterfly house.
3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton | 410-557-9570
GOLF COURSE (PRIVATE)
The East Course at Five Farms
Membership has its privileges, and for links lovers the best perk of belonging to the Baltimore Country Club is access to this par-70, A.W. Tillinghast-designed masterpiece.
11500 Mays Chapel Road, Lutherville | 410-252-6505
I already feel like I'm jumping higher and running faster after eating these Air Jordans.
social media
@MrTrashWheel
For more than 11,000 Twitter users, the voice (and googly-eyed face) of Baltimore’s harbor is Mr. Trash Wheel. And what a good one he is. Serving up sassy quips, memorable memes, and sobering stats about water quality, Mr. Trash Wheel maximizes his social media fame for good.
PARK PLACES
PARK (URBAN)
Lake Montebello
We love this 102-year-old city reservoir park for its bike and pedestrian lanes, workout stations, disc golf course, and wildlife watching (turtles, waterfowl, etc.).
Lake Montebello Dr.
PARK (RURAL)
Cromwell Valley Park
This park’s 460 acres may be only a stone’s throw from the beltway, but when you’re among its stream valleys and forested slopes, you’ll feel miles away from it all.
2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Parkville | 410-887-2503
NEW PARK (URBAN)
Easterwood/Sandtown Park & Playground
What was once a block of vacant rowhomes in West Baltimore is now a tidy park with swings, picnic tables, barbecues, a Little Free Library, and chess stations. Open since April, it shines as an example of neighborhood redevelopment.
1500 N. McKean Ave.
NEW PARK (RURAL)
Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park & Visitor Center
This new visitor’s center, surrounded by thousands of acres of Eastern Shore wilderness, opened in March and honors the Underground Railroad’s most noted conductor.
4068 Golden Hill Road, Church Creek, 410-221-2290
AD-HOC PARK
The Coldstream Homestead Montebello Sculpture Park
Where others saw yet another vacant lot, artist Lisa Dillin saw potential. With support from local government, businesses, and nonprofits, she commissioned sculptures from eight artists that turned the lot into a makeshift outdoor gallery.
1450 Homestead St.
GOLF COURSE (PUBLIC)
Bulle Rock
Want to play a nice course, but can't afford a club membership? Head to this Havre De Grace 18-holer, consistently ranked as one of the best public courses in the U.S.
320 Blenheim Lane, Havre De Grace | 410-939-8887
HIKING TRAIL
Appalachian Trail
Hiking Maryland's part of the Appalachian Trail is totally doable. Don’t try it in flip-flops or anything, but this 41-mile stretch between Harpers Ferry, WV, and Pen Mar, PA, is relatively unchallenging and a good way to pick up trail cred.
ISLAND
Smith Island
As Maryland’s only remaining inhabited offshore island, this Eastern Shore oasis is a step back in Tidewater time.
smithisland.org
NATURAL ODDITY
Soldiers Delight Natural Environment Area
This 1,900-acre preserve boasts an unusual serpentine-soil ecosystem that contains more than 39 rare, threatened, or endangered plants, insects, rocks, and minerals.
5100 Deer Park Road, Owings Mills | 410-922-3044
NATURE CENTER (RURAL)
Irvine Nature Center
Irvine Nature Center has it all: over 1,000 acres of land, six miles of trails, prolific programming, a 17,200-square-foot main building full of exhibits, and a raptor aviary.
11201 Garrison Forest Road, Owings Mills | 443-738-9200
NATURE CENTER (URBAN)
Masonville Cove Environmental Education Center
The best thing about Masonville Cove is that its 100 acres of protected habitat and exhibit-filled green building exist at all. (It was once a polluted eyesore along the South Baltimore shoreline.) The second best thing is its mascot, Squirtle the Turtle.
1000 Frankfurst Ave. | 410-246-0669
NATURE CENTER TREND
Butterfly Houses/Gardens
The prettiest pollinators are proliferating thanks to butterfly houses at Ladew Topiary Gardens, Irvine Nature Center, and Lake Roland Nature Center and pollinator gardens at Willow Grove Nature Center in Cromwell Valley Park, Marshy Point Nature Center, and Masonville Cove.
REC LEAGUE
Baltimore Sports & Social Club
For almost 20 years, BSSC founder Mike Cray has been getting Baltimoreans to mix and mingle on the field/court/diamond/etc. Frankly, the leagues are more about camaraderie than competition—and that’s exactly right.
baltssc.com
PICNIC SPOT
Sherwood Gardens
There is no finer way to wile away an afternoon than to grab provisions from your favorite eatery and bask in the bounteous blooms of this Guilford green space.
4100 Greenway | 410-785-0444
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PICTOGRAM Puzzler
Can you decipher the Best-of winners from these visual clues?
1. Best CATALYST
This Charles Village cafe has a lit lunch that titillates the taste buds, while also providing nutrition for the old noggin; also a village name in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
2. Best PLAYGROUND
This James Beard Award-nominated, lupine-named chef owns the Harbor East haute-cuisine spot that shares its name with a South Carolinian city.
3. Best DOG PARK
This homey Hamilton restaurant reopened in late December after more than a year of hibernation. The return of its farm-to-table dinners and brunches has us whistling, “Oh my darlin’ . . .”
4. Best BEACH
Known for its Southern staples like shrimp and grits and barbecue pulled pork, this corner Butchers Hill spot is named after a popular Mexican novel.
Tap for Answers
1. Parks & People Foundation
There’s nary a green space in Baltimore that this org has not aided. Whether providing strategic planning for the Gwynns Falls Trail, running youth sports programs, or offering grants for neighborhood greening projects, Parks & People does it all.
parksandpeople.org
2. Angel Park
This new Perry Hall playground is designed to entertain not just fully abled kiddos, but those with special needs, too. And the park’s backstory——it was conceived by parents who lost their son to leukemia—is downright inspiring.
9685 Honeygo Blvd., Perry Hall
3. Quiet Waters Park
After some work to combat erosion, the dog beach at this Anne Arundel County park reopened last July. Now Fido can once again frolic in the South River or play in the park’s two landlocked dog zones.
600 Quiet Waters Park Road, Annapolis | 410-222-1777
4. Hart-Miller Island State Park
You’ve got to work to get there—the island, located off the coast of Essex, is only reachable by boat, kayak, or other personal watercraft—but the reward is more than a half-mile of generally uncrowded sandy beach and hundreds of acres of trails, campsites, and untainted wilderness.
POOL
Sagamore Pendry pool
Is it crazy to check in to a hotel just to gain access to its pool? Maybe! But who wouldn’t want to lounge by the new Sagamore Pendry Baltimore hotel's rooftop infinity pool, sip a cocktail from its bar, and enjoy its peerless harbor view?
1715 Thames St. | 443-552-1400
SKATEPARK
Skatepark of Baltimore
This recently completed 25,000-square-foot skaters paradise in Hampden offers bowls, ramps, pipes, and more. You name it, it’s here, 365 days a year, totally free.
1201 W. 36th St.
SWIM PROGRAM
Twilight Swim by Baltimore City Recreation and Parks
Complete with a DJ, these periodic adults-only evenings at city public pools are godsends for those wanting to beat the heat without having to share the water with an entire kindergarten class.
THRILL
iFly Indoor Skydiving
Using vertical windtunnels, indoor skydiving simulates freefall without that whole jumping-out-of-a-plane bit. It’s perfect for the suburban adrenaline junkie who also needs to stop at Ikea.
8209 Town Center Dr., Nottingham | 667-888-4359
TREE
Arbutus Oak
Near beltway exit 49, this 320-year-old white oak is living history. Legend has it that General Lafayette passed by during the Revolutionary War, and numerous Native American artifacts found nearby further suggest cultural significance.
VIEW (RURAL)
King and Queen’s Seat
Once you summit this outcropping in Harford County’s Rocks State Park, you become the ruler of all you survey—which is a lot.
3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road, Jarrettsville | 410-557-7994
VIEW (URBAN)
Middle Branch Park
Need a selfie scene that really says “Baltimore”? Try this South Baltimore waterfront spot for a heart-swelling perspective of the downtown skyline.
3301 Waterview Ave. | 410-396-3838
URBAN FARM
Whitelock Community Farm
There are bigger farms in Baltimore City, but we don’t know of another that has integrated so seemlessly into its neighborhood. From weekly farm-stand days to monthly morning yoga sessions and potlucks, Whitelock puts the “community” in community farming.
WATERFRONT ADDITION
Sandlot
While we look forward to the permanent park that will one day fill out this corner of Harbor Point, for now we are enjoying the volleyball and bocce courts, hammock lounge, beach area, and casual Spike Gjerde restaurant standing in its stead.
1000 Wills St.
BEST BALTIMOREANS
In a time when Baltimore is still reeling from a rise in violent crime that began shortly after the death of Freddie Gray, we also seem to have more emerging leaders than ever. It is people like those highlighted over the next two pages that give us hope our beloved Baltimore will become the kind of inclusive, just, bountiful city of dreams that we know it can be. Illustrations by Danielle Sylvan.
Ed Berlin
When scrolling down a screen often supersedes cracking open a hardback, we’re lucky to have folks like Ed Berlin pushing the local literary scene forward. With multiple degrees in law and international affairs under his belt, Berlin and his wife, Ann, moved back to his native Baltimore from New York in 2012 to buy The Ivy Bookshop in Mount Washington. In doing so, he not only revitalized one of the city’s last remaining independent literary hubs (maintaining solid yearly sales growth), but also created a nexus for writers by spearheading readings, speaker series, and even a newfound partnership with James Beard Award-winner Spike Gjerde.
Together, Berlin and Gjerde opened Charles Village bookstore-cafe Bird in Hand last fall with the goal of recreating the vibe of beloved artsy hangouts like the old Louie’s Bookstore Cafe in Mount Vernon. With a locally sourced menu and 2,500-title collection, the spot has quickly become a go-to for Johns Hopkins students and local bookworms alike. Because, as Berlin puts it: “You can’t have good coffee without good books.”
Ericka Alston-Buck
As the founder of the Kids Safe Zone and Family Support Center, Ericka Alston-Buck has been working tirelessly for the residents of West Baltimore for the past two years. After the uprising following the death of Freddie Gray in police custody, she recognized a need for a safe haven for the youth of the Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood. Instead of waiting for someone else to take action, Alston-Buck stepped in and converted a former laundromat into a place for children to play, learn, and express themselves.
Since then, Alston-Buck has expanded into a larger space that now includes a Family Support Center and Women With Children program as well. “Whether we have 100 kids in here or 10 kids here, the mission and vision has been sustained,” she says.
Calvin Butler
Baltimore Gas and Electric, the nation's oldest utility, had a memorable time in 2016 celebrating its 200th birthday. 2016 also proved a big year for Calvin Butler, the company’s first black CEO. Last year, in response to the economic frustration expressed by many in the city after the death of Freddie Gray and subsequent protests, Baltimore Gas and Electric, in partnership with The Johns Hopkins University and 25 local companies, helped launch BLocal, an initiative to build, hire, invest, and purchase locally.
Less than 12 months after the start of the project——co-chaired by Butler, along with Hopkins president Ron Daniels and Hopkins Health System president Ron Peterson——BGE and its parent company, Exelon, spent $43 million with city-based, diverse businesses.
Under Butler’s direction, BGE passed its overall diversity and inclusion goals in 2016, with 27 percent of its spending going to women-, minority-, disabled-, and veteran-owned companies and the company also became a founding partner of Light City. Additionally, Butler assumed the responsibility of serving as chair of the United Way of Central Maryland’s annual fundraising campaign as BGE employees logged more than 20,000 hours volunteering with nonprofits in 2016.
In recognition of his civic and corporate leadership, the Baltimore Museum of Industry named Butler the 2017 William Donald Schaefer Industrialist of the Year.
Zeke Cohen
One of a cadre of young, progressive city councilmen elected last fall, Zeke Cohen made his election count within days after his swearing-in, speaking out with clarity and passion against a change in the state bus-pass system that was causing students to miss after-school activities. Cohen kept the issue alive for several months, including helping to organize a “bake sale for buses” event to raise money for additional passes for students, before Under Armour and the Baltimore Ravens pledged to fully fund the evening bus program for the rest of the year.
The 31-year-old former teacher also proved an outspoken advocate for the city’s $15 minimum-wage bill, which won a broad majority of City Council support, but was later vetoed by Mayor Catherine Pugh (who had pledged while campaigning to support such a measure). Shortly after resolving the bus-pass issue, the 1st District councilman led efforts to stop U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents (ICE) from further raiding the Southeast Baltimore community he represents following the arrest of several residents.
Finally, Cohen went toe-to-toe with Fox News host Tucker Carlson over the immigration issue and ICE raids, proving once more, whether you agree with his politics or not, that he won’t back down from a fight he believes in.
Gemma Hoskins and Abbie Fitzgerald Schaub
The Keepers—the Netflix docu-series about widespread sexual abuse at Southwest Baltimore’s Archbishop Keough High School in the ’60s and ’70s and the 1969 murder of Sister Catherine Cesnik, a nun and former teacher at the school—was so unrelentingly dark that it could have been unwatchable. What made it bearable were the very likable women at the heart of the narrative, including Keough-alums-turned-amateur-sleuths Gemma Hoskins and Abbie Fitzgerald Schaub.
Now sixtysomethings and retired from teaching and nursing, respectively, Hoskins and Schaub have spent the better part of the past 20 years chasing down leads, interviewing potential eyewitnesses, and navigating byzantine bureaucracies to uncover evidence that can—once and for all—answer the question emblazoned on Netflix’s promotional materials: “Who killed Sister Cathy?” (Hoskins and Schaub believe that whomever killed Sister Cathy may have committed other local murders, too.) As the documentary revealed, answers remain elusive, but in a promising development, Baltimore County police relaunched the investigation into Cesnik’s murder last year.
Adam Jones
Ever since the O's acquired Adam Jones from the Seattle Mariners in 2008, the center fielder has been a constant source of power and precision on the field and a clubhouse morale booster off of it. But this past year Jones has been even more impressive. A spotlight has shone on his charity work, such as when he and his wife, Audie, donated, with the Orioles Charitable Foundation, $75,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Baltimore for the fourth consecutive year. This particular donation will include $10,000 for Youth of the Year Scholarship Awards with the rest being used to renovate the O’Donnell Heights Boys and Girls Club gymnasium. “These kids are not looking for handouts, just someone to believe in them,” Jones said. “I believe in them.” He also showed grace under extreme pressure when Boston Red Sox fans yelled racial epithets and threw a bag of peanuts at him at Fenway Park. Jones let his opinion be heard without stooping to a low level and got an extremely important conversation started about racism in the sports world——and elsewhere. “Walk in my shoes, you’ll understand that,” Jones said. “For people to defend other people and act like this, it just shows that there’s a bigger problem.”
Cahree Myrick
Checkmate! Baltimore can now add “home of the national chess champion” to its list of bona fides. Twelve-year-old Cahree Myrick dominated the United States Chess Federation SuperNationals in Nashville this May, becoming the first competitor from the Baltimore Kids Chess League to win an individual national title. Finishing with an unblemished 7-0 record, Cahree prevailed over 249 students from 28 states.
The straight-A seventh grader has been playing chess since first grade at The Green School of Baltimore. Today, as a member of coach Lesa Horne’s chess team at Roland Park Elementary/Middle School, Myrick practices against his peers and plays five games a day. But that’s not enough for Cahree; he spends his free time challenging adults at Reflection Eternal Barbershop to perfect his game. According to his mom, Yuana Spears, he’s got a fierce poker face that leaves his opponents oblivious to his next move. “Cahree's facial expression never changes,” she says.
Catalina Rodriguez-Lima
After the election of President Donald Trump, who would later sign an executive order to ban immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim countries from entering the U.S., Catalina Rodriguez-Lima was out front in Baltimore, answering questions about our status as a “welcoming city.” When the Trump administration announced plans to ramp up U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement deportations across the country, leading to a series of high-profile arrests earlier this year, she helped the city announce a private legal defense fund for immigrants and refugees called Safe City Baltimore, managed by the Open Society Institute-Baltimore.
As director of the Mayor’s Office of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, Rodriguez-Lima is the leading local advocate for the city’s fast-growing immigrant community, which makes up some 8 percent of our 615,000 residents. A native of Ecuador, she works to educate newcomers about their rights and promote their positive impact on neighborhoods like Highlandtown. Under her leadership, the city has also created the New Americans Task Force to retain and attract immigrants. Once they arrive, she helps them find jobs, buy homes, and open their own businesses.
Joyce Scott
Passionate, brilliant, hilarious, and unflinchingly honest, no artist represents Baltimore better than Joyce Scott. Whether it’s in her eye-opening, intensely layered beadwork, sculpture, and performance art, or in the memorable, entertaining conversations she’ll strike up with just about anyone—Scott has defined the city’s art scene as much as it has defined her. Growing up in Sandtown-Winchester—where she still resides—Scott received her first artistic instruction from her mother, internationally renowned fiber artist Elizabeth T. Scott. She went on to graduate from the Maryland Institute College of Art, and last year, after decades of accolades and exhibits around the world, Scott won a $625,000 MacArthur “genius grant”—re-affirming what plenty of us already knew. She’s using it in part to explore another Maryland hero—Harriet Tubman—in a large-scale sculptural exhibit. One of her greatest strengths is her awareness of what she brings to Baltimore, and the larger world. “My best voice is as an artist,” she says. “It’s not as a preacher. I’m not a politician. I’m none of those things, but I am a good artist.”
Dr. Leana Wen
Since taking over the city’s sprawling health department in early 2015, Leana Wen, a 34-year-old former ER doc, has implemented numerous programs and policies designed to address health disparities in the city and tackle emerging health crises, ranging from opioid abuse to Zika.
Within the past 12 months, she helped expand public access to the over-the-counter opioid overdose antidote naloxone; oversaw completion of the first citywide, neighborhood-level health report since 2011; and launched a series of community conversations in support of her Healthy Baltimore 2020 initiative, which aims to halve health disparities in the city over the next decade. Simultaneously, she continues to speak out on national public-health issues such as gun violence and health care through op-eds and appearances at high-profile conferences. And she’s done all this while pregnant with her first child, due this month. Frankly, we don’t know how she does it, but we’re glad she does.
VIDEO REPORT
Joy Lepola
WBFF investigative reporter Joy Lepola’s story—“Body cam footage from Lor Scoota vigil confrontation shows no rock- or bottle-throwing”—refuted claims by police that mourners at the popular Baltimore rapper's vigil had been violent.
ARCHITECT BLOG
Klaus Philipsen
Local architect and urban designer Klaus Philipsen’s postings on urban architecture, adaptive reuse, preservation, and transportation trends—especially when linked to Baltimore—are thoughtful and hyper-informed.
BODY OF WORK
Marc Steiner
Peabody Award-winning talk radio host Marc Steiner ended his two-decade weekday run on Baltimore airwaves, leaving Morgan State’s WEAA in July. Hardly the retiring type, Steiner intends to use his Charles Village-based Center for Emerging Media to launch up-and-coming local journalists.
Political Facebook Groups
CITY POLITICS
Baltimore City Voters
The best place online for wide-ranging and thoughtful civic engagement. Key rule: “This group is for city residents/voters only.”
TRANSPORTATION
Baltimore Transit
Largely the destination of public transportation enthusiasts and policy wonks, but few things are more important to a city than the efficient movement of its people.
BIKE COMMUTING
Bikemore Unofficial Public Forum
With more than 3,000 members, the city’s bike commuting community is growing. So is the debate over bicycle infrastructure needs.
FREE SPEECH
Marylanders Blocked by Larry Hogan on Facebook
In response to our governor’s blocking of some 450 people from his official Facebook page, activist Matt Gonter created the appropriate censorship response.
FRESH TAKE
BRACE: The Baltimore Redevelopment Action Coalition for Empowerment
Lawrence Brown, assistant professor at Morgan State University, moderates the often sharp critique of the city’s redevelopment policies and policymaking.
It may not be possible to ruin porn for america, but hey, we took a shot or two. 6 weeks out for HBO's "The Deuce".
@AoDespair
David Simon—journalist, author, Wire creator, and self-proclaimed “Angriest Man in Television”—is one of the most funny, sarcastic, and insightful voices on the 140-character medium. His tweet-war with Caves Valley partner Arsh Mirmiran over the redevelopment of the Cross Street Market earlier this year was the stuff of legend.
DATA DIVE
‘Dismissed: Tenants Lose, Landlords Win in Baltimore’s Rent Court’
The Sun’s Doug Donovan and Jean Marbella did yeoman’s work in digging up the personal accounts—and figures—that reveal how the deck is stacked against Baltimore tenants who complain in rent court of uninhabitable conditions.
DEFENSE OF SCIENCE
Joseph Ganem
The chair of the physics department at Loyola University Maryland penned a scathing indictment of politicians who turn their backs on science and data, touching on issues from the environment to infrastructure to gun violence.
DOCUMENTARY
Rat Film
Directed by Baltimore’s Theo Anthony, Rat Film explores the city’s systemic poverty and racism through the lens of Charm City’s seeming irreducible rat infestation. Richard Brody of The New Yorker called it, “One of the most extraordinary, visionary inspirations in recent cinema.”
INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE
Len Lazarick
The publisher of MarylandReporter.com, Lazarick has lived in Columbia for 43 years and, on the eve of the 50th anniversary of the city’s founding, documented Columbia’s story in an incredibly detailed 12-part series, “A Memoir of a City.”
INVESTIGATIVE STORY
‘Jared Kushner’s Other Real Estate Empire’
In collaboration with The New York Times, ProPublica journalist and Baltimore-based writer Alec MacGillis documented the vast, local, low-income housing complexes owned by the president’s son-in-law's company—and how his real estate managers push around tenants.
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BEST OF THE NEWS CYCLE
A brief quiz on the memorable, unusual, and important stories of the past year.
1. Actual headline: “Police: Sheep nabbed in Frederick after night on the lam.”
2. After breaking her campaign promise to support a $15 minimum wage, Mayor Catherine Pugh said: “I don’t think they would make me swear on a Bible.”
3. Donald Trump puts ketchup on his crab cakes.
4. Trace levels of methamphetamines are affecting bug and bacterial life in streams around Baltimore.
5. Ravens’ coach John Harbaugh channeled Voltaire—“I may not agree with what you say, but I’ll defend it until death your right to say it”—in response to 49er QB Colin Kaepernick’s refusal to stand for the national anthem in protest of black oppression.
6. Since the April 2015 riot, the ongoing surge in gun violence in Baltimore is, as best anyone can tell, without precedent in modern U.S. policing history.
7. Teachers at Westminster High School were told to take down posters with the slogan “We the people are greater than fear” and an image of a woman wearing an American flag hijab.
8. Then Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake banned WYPR reporter Kenneth Burns without offering any evidence of wrongdoing.
9. WBAL reporter Omar Jimenez dropped a rap EP earlier this year.
10. Baltimore is one of the best cities for creatives and jobseekers. And pigeons.
Tap for Answers
1. True: The Frederick News-Post
2. True.
3. True, at least according to what Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersburger hears.
4. True.
5. True.
6. True, according to Peter Moskos, an associate professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and a former Baltimore police officer.
7. True.
8. True.
9. True.
10. True, true, and true (maybe).
PHOTO ESSAY
Poly’s Championship Season
City Paper photographer Reginald Thomas II’s chronicling of the joy, pain, and soul of the Baltimore Polytechnic Institute’s boys’ basketball team and their coaches jumped from the page. It demonstrated that the old saying, “Boys will be boys,” should not always have a negative connotation.
MEDIA COVERAGE
‘Z on TV’
The Sun’s David Zurawik, winner of the 2017 National Press Club’s Arthur Rowse Award for Press Criticism, was at his best this past election year deconstructing the secret genius of then-candidate Donald Trump’s news-cycle-starting tweets and mass-marketing techniques.
PODCAST
Female Trouble
The Baltimore Sun’s podcast hosted by Quinn Kelley offers listeners a chance to get to know the women artists, activists, politicians, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit leaders doing compelling work across the city in a rare, long-form interview setting.
PORT COVINGTON COVERAGE
Baltimore Brew
The Brew’s indispensable reporting and analysis about Kevin Plank’s planned city-within-the-city won a “Best of Show” award this year from the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association.
PROFILE
‘The Trials of Marilyn Mosby’
National magazine writer (and former Baltimore staffer) Wil Hylton’s 8,000-word The New York Times magazine profile of City State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby revealed the toll that prosecuting the officers involved in the arrest of Freddie Gray took on her marriage, her office, and her psyche.
PUBLIC SERVICE
Juvenile Justice
Erica Green, who left The Baltimore Sun for The New York Times several months ago, did terrific education reporting here. But perhaps no single story Green wrote was more searing than her investigative piece documenting the disproportionately harsh treatment facing young women in Maryland’s juvenile justice system.
ACUPUNCTURE
Mend
Have headaches, back pain, muscle tension, and/or anxiety? Put a needle in it! Mend champions holistic medicine with its acupuncture—both private and the less expensive communal—and mental health services.
Two locations, including 2700 Remington Ave. | 410-235-1776
CLASS PLAYLIST
Corepower Yoga
The instructors at CorePower Yoga keep things fresh with lots of musically themed classes. Our favorites include Taylor Swift vs. Exes and Fast and Furious Sculpt, featuring hit songs from the movies.
Several locations, including 1321 Dock St. | 410-324-7476
CROSSFIT
Harbor East CrossFit
Harbor East CrossFit is dedicated to getting people in the door. And they’re just as dedicated to keeping them there with personalized service and kick-butt—literally—workouts.
510 S. Eden St. | 240-888-2206
FAMILY-FRIENDLY GYM
The Y in Towson
Your tykes will have a blast at this community hub—whether participating in sports clinics, getting creative at after-school programs, or whooshing down the indoor waterslide.
600 W. Chesapeake Ave. | 410-823-8870
FULL SERVICE BOUTIQUE GYM
True Balance Studio
True Balance is the ultimate for fitness, nutrition, and recovery with small group training classes like Zumba, Barre, and kickboxing. Owner Ali True-Smith also provides a personalized dietary regime and a massage therapist on-site.
672 York Road, Towson | 410-303-2951
HEAD RUSH
Movement Lab
It might sound daunting, but once you slide into a silk swing at this Remington spot’s aerial yoga class, flipping upside down will seem like a walk in the park.
301 W. 29th St. | 443-388-9191
HOST WITH THE MOST
Patrick Del Valle at Petit Louis Bistro
This maître d’ knows most patrons’ names, delivers double-kisses to regulars, and does it all with a smile that could outshine the Eiffel Tower at night. His entire existence seems singularly focused on making us happy. Mission accomplished.
4800 Roland Ave. | 410-366-9393
PERSONAL TRAINING
INLINE
This three-story facility in Canton offers cardio machines, a full Pilates studio, and plenty of open space for single, double, or small group training.
2318 Boston St. | 410-522-0562
-
head of the class
Use the clues below to uncover which of Baltimore's best fitness instructors we are describing.
1. Not even two invasive knee surgeries can keep this Yoga Works instructor from teaching inspiring and rewarding yoga classes.
2. Achieve the impossible in this instructor's no-holds-barred spin classes at REV or the MAC, complete with the perfect soundtrack—think 2Pac and Jay Z.
3. You’ll hone your yoga technique in this blue-haired instructor’s intense classes at either M.Power or Movement Lab.
4. This independent well-being coach and fitness instructor even has a calming voice, perfect for allowing you to achieve meditation.
5. If you follow this instructor and founder of FloYoFit on Instagram you know she is always on the go teaching classes at multiple gyms and planning retreats in dreamy locations.
6. Born and raised in Brazil, this instructor and Movement Lab owner knows how to move—just head to one of her Nia classes for proof.
7. This trainer kept it in the family, opening Sweet Science, a waterfront fitness and boxing studio with her father.
8. A Lululemon ambassador, November Project co-leader, and REV spin instructor, this guy brings a crazy amount of passion to all he does.
9. You may catch this sprightly instructor at the MAC, Core Cycle, or ACAC in Timonium head banging in her spin classes to Halestorm.
10. Whether it’s a boot camp or a personal training sesh, this Reflex Fitness instructor and owner knows what it takes to see results.
Tap for Answers
1. Camille Moses-Allen
2. Eddie DeVaughn
3. Elyza Dolby
4. Jason Williams
5. Jessie Benson
6. Lola Manekin
7. Jasmina Price
8. Nick Rodricks
9. Pam Bennet
10. Reese Ashe
WAY TO FEEL THE BURN
Power Barre at Barre
This class has been described as barre on steroids with bursts of high-energy cardio intervals. We’re pretty sure the phrase “hurts so good” was made for this place.
2586 Quarry Lake Dr. | 410-486-8480
LOCAL GEAR
Prosper Wellness
We could love Prosper Wellness for its comfy cork yoga mat alone, but the possibility that you could then take that mat on one of their wellness retreats to a place like Costa Rica makes the purchase all the more alluring.
prosperwellness.net
PLACE TO BUMP INTO PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES
Under Armour Gym
Local sports celebs go hard at this performance center on the UA campus at Tide Point, which boasts top-of-the-line equipment and a turf field overlooking the Inner Harbor.
1020 Hull St. | 410-752-0300
FITNESS EVENTS
ON THE MAT
Cat Yoga at M. Power Yoga
The two most challenging things about this class—which lets cats available for adoption roam the studio—are keeping your focus on the instructor and not leaving with a new furry friend.
3600 O’Donnell St. | 410-534-9642
ON THE FIELD
November Project at M&T Bank Stadium
In January, free workout group the November Project staged its largest session yet with almost 300 people “just showing up” for a special early morning workout on the Ravens’ field.
november-project.com/baltimore-md
AT THE ZOO
Free to Breathe Yogathon
This eight-hour marathon of back-to-back yoga classes at the Maryland Zoo was made easier by the village of awesome vendors on hand and the fact that the proceeds benefitted non-profit Free to Breathe and lung cancer research.
freetobreathe.org
IN THE STREET
FIT + Fitness Festival
Five years old and still going strong, this annual outdoor fitness fest in Harbor East features free classes by the MAC, Under Armour, Lululemon, and more.
820 Aliceanna St.
AT A BREWERY
Yoga on Tap at Diamondback Brewing Co.
First the poses flow, then the beer. What’s not to like about this monthly collab between Arrow Yoga and Diamondback Brewing Company?
1215 E. Fort Ave.
POSITIVE IMPACT
Back On My Feet
We’re all about the mission of this nonprofit, which uses running to provide structure, promote self-esteem, and encourage strength in those transitioning out of homelessness.
1017 E Baltimore St. | 410-675-7500
RETREATS
Arrow
Clear your head with a yoga practice in a dream destination—Costa Rica, Spain, and New Zealand to name a few. Let Arrow help you find your om away from home.
Live-arrow.com
STRESS RELIEF
9Round Fitness
Need to blow off steam after a tough day? 9Round offers guided circuit-training sessions every 30 minutes; all you have to do is walk in.
3713 Boston St. | 443-743-3832
CLASS WITH A VIEW
Pop-Up Yoga
It’s so much easier to achieve the perfect crow pose when your backdrop is the expansive harbor view at Canton Waterfront Park.
3001 Boston St.
STUDIO AMENITIES
M. Power
This state-of-the-art studio in Canton pays attention to detail, with spa-like locker rooms, controlled heating systems, and even cushiony cork floors that are antimicrobial.
3600 O’Donnell St., Ste. 100 | 410-534-9642
TRAINING GROUPS
Charm City Run
Whether you’re a novice runner taking on that first mile, or a cardio junkie training for that marathon, Charm City Run provides a community that pushes each client to their fullest potential and encourages everyone to achieve their goals in stride.
charmcityrun.com
VENUE
Sanctuary Bodyworks
Escape the hectic big-gym environment and try a workout underneath painted ceilings and alongside beautiful stained glass in this serene church-turned-fitness-center that truly makes your body feel like a temple.
710 S Ann St. | 443-438-3566
WATER WORKOUT
Capital SUP
We love indoor yoga and spin, but sometimes a change of scenery is warranted. That’s where Annapolis’ Capital SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) comes in, with classes that test your core and balance in the water.
Multiple locations including 808 Boucher Ave., Annapolis | 410-919-9402
WOMEN’S SELF DEFENSE
Krav Maga Maryland
Not only is Krav Maga Maryland a great workout, but it offers knowledge and basic training to keep you safe. Taught by women, for women, these seminars held about three times a year aim to teach practical defense techniques against attackers.
8865 Stanford Blvd. | 410-872-9194
BROW AND LASH CARE
The Loft
Upgrade your brow and lash game inside this tranquil, boutique-style space with treatments like brow henna (to create the perfect shape) or flawless lash extensions.
518 S Conkling St. | 443-682-7595
HANDMADE BEAUTY PRODUCTS
Oyin Handmade
The Baltimore-based line created by husband and wife duo Jamyla and Pierre has products for the whole family. Their cruelty-free, natural lines include cleverly named products like Boing!, a curl styler; Funk Butter, a natural deodorant; and NoAshAtAll cocoa butter lotion.
2103 N. Charles St. | 410-601-3198
NATURAL HAIR CARE
Naturally Chic Salon
No flat irons here! This salon’s mission is to empower Black women to feel comfortable in their natural state. Whether you’re treated by Ziyadah, Myra, or Yoko, you will leave with beautifully styled hair and a personalized regimen to maintain its health.
911 E.Fort Ave. | 410-929-3654
LATE NIGHT SPA
Seoul Spa USA
Soak in an herb infused hot tub, lounge in the Himalayan sea salt room, or simply pull up a massage chair at this Woodlawn spa open until midnight during the week and open 24 hours on the weekend.
6901 Security Blvd., Windsor Mill | 410-277-3939
MAKE-UP ARTIST
Caitlyn Meyer
With more than 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, a vast editorial portfolio, and celebrity clientele, Caitlyn Meyer makes sure you are always putting your best face forward.
caitlynmeyer.com
MANICURE
Nail Candy Shop
Nail technicians? As if. We think of the ladies of Nail Candy as artists. Specializing in trendy shaping and detailed designs, they will give your nails the red carpet treatment.
8885 Centre Park Dr.,Columbia | 410-997-0001
COLORIST
Holly Burnham
Smoke and Mirror’s Holly Burnham is a true artist—she is also an amazing photographer—always taking her craft to the next level with sun-kissed balayages, perfect styling, and bold pops of color that are guaranteed to give your friends hair envy.
811 W. 36th St. | 667-930-3974
@katekatebear
Not only is Kate Rowe an instructor at BeachFit Baltimore, but she is an extremely active member of the Baltimore fitness community, documenting her day-to-day healthy lifestyle with motivational posts and the occasional puppy photo.
SPA TREATMENTS
AMBIANCE
The Spa at the Ivy
The serene music, aromatic essential oils, and stunning view of a quiet courtyard make you forget that you’re in the middle of bustling Mount Vernon.
205 E. Biddle St. | 410-514-6500
BODY TREATMENT
Harbor Scrub at the Four Seasons
This three-part treatment includes a hydrating scrub, full body massage, and scalp massage that will leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized from head to toe.
200 International Dr. | 410-576-5800
BODY WAXING
Red Door Spa
Red Door transforms an often-unpleasant treatment into a luxury experience. Skilled estheticians use the utmost care removing unwanted hair on any part of the body.
42 Village Sq. | 410-323-3636
FACIAL
About Faces Day Spa & Salon
“Restore the balance of mind and body” with the anti-stress facial at About Faces that includes a massage of the back, face, and hands. Mmmm.
Several locations including 1501 S. Clinton St. | 410-675-0099
MASSAGE
Salon by Debbie
Experience raindrop therapy, a form of aromatherapy treatment that involves dropping essential oils along your spine, followed by a massage and warm towels.
Multiple locations including Spa on the Avenue, 8165 Honeygo Blvd. | 410-931-1130
MOBILE MASSAGE
Zeel
Visit Zeel's website and simply schedule a same-day massage from a highly rated therapist who will travel to you. You read that correctly.
Zeel.com
PEDICURE
Olivia
Parking may be tricky, but the pedicure is totally worth it. The tranquil ambiance, natural products, and friendly staff here elevate the typical nail salon experience. Bonus: The constant HGTV shows add to the relaxed environment.
2110 Eastern Ave. | 443-708-5133
SALON
Crafted hair studio
With windows overlooking Chestnut Avenue, bright turquoise walls covered in local art, and some of the most fun stylists in town, Crafted offers tons of services for women (ombre or updos) and men (beard trim and color).
3526 Chestnut Ave. | 443-885-9073
TREASURE TROVE
Baltimore Vintage Expo
The BVE, held this spring at the Ideal Art Space, was akin to sifting through dozens of the coolest closets, with costume jewelry and shift dresses that would make even Jackie O drool.
ACTIVEWEAR
Princeton Sports
Whether you’re in search of an all-weather cycling jacket, crisscrossed yoga tank, or chic pair of Lole leggings, Princeton Sports is on point with the latest active attire.
Multiple locations, including 6239 Falls Road | 410-828-1127
ATHLEISURE
Vita
Vita is the go-to “athleisure” boutique for clothes that make you feel fashionable even while running after kids and picking up groceries. The store wins even more points for offering minimalist jewelry and functional handbags to pull your look together.
516 E. Belvedere Ave. | 410-435-8482
CAFFEINATED SHOPPING
Baby’s on Fire
We love this new Mount Vernon hangout, because you can sip pick-me-ups like lavender lattes while thumbing through bins of old, new, and gently used records.
1010 Morton St. | 443-885-9892
COLLABORATION
Keepers Vintage and Knits, Soy & Metal
Erica Bentley and Letta Moore joined forces in November to create an innovative shopping experience with vintage clothing and candle making workshops.
229 W. Read St. | 443-278-3958
CUSTOM SUITS
Christopher Schafer
Thanks to a tailor apprenticeship in London, Christopher Schafer is the go-to sartorial wizard in town if you want a sharp suit with extra European flair.
1400 Aliceanna St. | 410-404-5131
DENIM SELECTION
Jean Pool
With over 15 denim brands—think Paige, Joe’s, and Hudson—and in-store alterations, Jean Pool will customize the perfect pair for you.
92 Village Sq. | 410-466-1177
FREE SMELLS
In Watermelon Sugar
When in doubt, follow your nose. The only thing sweeter than the store’s selection of home furnishings is the inviting smells of rosewater and honeysuckle emanating from the beauty and bath products.
3555 Chestnut Ave. | 410-662-9090
KID’S BOUTIQUE
Wee Chic
Wee Chic has officially mastered the art of dressing the modern child. Whether shopping for your fifth-grade-fashionista or your trendy toddler, you won’t leave the store empty-handed.
2360 W Joppa Road., Lutherville-Timonium | 410-878-7400
RARE FINDS
T-SHIRTS
Ten Car Pile Up
Owner Shane Gullivan understands the value of a vintage Rolling Stones tour shirt and his collection of vintage tees would impress even the most stylish rock star.
511 York Road, Towson | 410-832-5246
READY TO WEAR
Bottle Of Bread
One glance at Bottle Of Bread’s Instagram will convert any vintage clothing skeptic. Each outfit pictured is ready to walk out the door—little to no alterations needed.
216 W. Read St. | 443-963-9388
MIX
Hunting Ground
The way Hunting Ground seamlessly mixes dated pieces and contemporary lines is a breath of fresh air in the vintage-shopping scene.
3649 Falls Road | 410-243-0789
SOCIAL MEDIA
Milk & Ice Vintage
Kate and Angie know what fits work for you, and their affinity for pop-culture references helps bring their visions to life.
833 W. 36th St. | 410-889-1009
ACCESSORIES
The Zone
Calling all costume jewelry fanatics. The Zone is the place for one-of-a-kind baubles.
813 N. Charles St. | 410-539-2817
KNIT THERAPY
Lovelyarns' Stitch-In
Forget business as usual. On February 17, Lovelyarns invited knitters and crocheters of all levels to participate in an in-store “Stitch-In” to make “Pussyhats” and “Knitted Knockers” as a show of support and solidarity for women’s rights.
3610 Falls Road | 410-662-9276
LOCAL CRAFT MARKET
For The Greater Goods
This May, more than 50 amazing local vendors gathered at R. House for the fifth installment of the For The Greater Goods Market, featuring handmade wares. We wanted it all!
bwillow.com/for-the-greater-goods
LOCALLY MADE TEES
Fly Nerd
Baltimore-based Mimi Tomlin uses her background in graphics and fashion to design geek-chic T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories for all ages.
mimidre.com
NEW BOUTIQUE
Bear Fox Babe
This new addition to Ellicott City’s Main Street offers designer samples and overstock styles from NYC and LA showrooms. Owner Macy Della also provides personal shopping and a rental option for formal wear.
8026 Main St., Ellicott City | 443-846-8085
ONE OF A KIND SHOES
Ma Petite Shoe
What do Rubik’s Cubes, Mickey Mouse, and R2-D2 have in common? They can all be found on the footwear at Ma Petite Shoe. With brands like Irregular Choice, you’re promised styles that are truly one of a kind.
832 W. 36th St. | 410-235-3442
DESIGNER TO WATCH
Bishme Cromartie
You’ll want to remember the name Bishme Cromartie. The Baltimore native’s beautifully structured garments have been seen on songstress Andra Day, former Spice Girl Mel B, and most recently actress Dascha Polanco at the BET Awards.
bishmercromartie.com
PHOTO OP
Katwalk Boutique
Owner Toni James shows love to her customers, naming each of them a “Katwalk Kutie” and snapping a shot of them in the famous fashion seat with their avant-garde purchases.
1709 Aliceanna St. | 410-669-0600
PLACE TO SHOP FOR DAD
J.S. Edwards
When shopping for a dapper dad, it’s best to find a store that has a little bit of everything. This standby certainly delivers with its array of suits, sportswear, and accessories in brands ranging from Robert Graham to Hugo Boss.
1809 Reisterstown Road, Pikesville | 410-653-2266
POP-UP SHOP
Made In Baltimore
It was that much easier to find unique gifts while also supporting Baltimore artisans thanks to the Made in Baltimore pop-up shop that took over the retail space above Hampden’s Doubledutch
boutique last holiday season.
1021 W. 36th St. | 410-396-9508
-
word jumble
Use the clues below to unscramble the names of these Baltimore fashion staples.
1. ACCESSORIES // saoanSasv
This boutique takes accessorizing seriously, with to-die-for shoes from Loeffler Randall and a serious selection of stylish bangles and tassel earrings.
805 Aliceanna St. | 410-244-11142. ADDITION // thuR Sawh
Relocating in September, this high-fashion haven will be a great new addition to the fast growing The Shops at Kenilworth.
68 Village Sq. | 410-532-78863. BOOKSTORE // alsNorm
This tried-and-true Waverly hangout boasts an eclectic assortment of books, plus the occasional poetry reading.
425 E. 31st St. | 410-243-68884. CASUAL WEAR // uPn!ch
One step into this store and you’ll feel like you’ve entered a Pinterest board. This Fed Hill boutique is bursting with outfit inspiration.
1132 S. Charles St. | 443-885-94355. SHOPPING PERKS // pyopP & Slaelt
With regular in-store pop-ups, a recurring Ladies Night Out sale, and a customer rewards program, this wonderful Fells Point shoe shop knows how to treat its shoppers right.
728 S. Broadway St. | 410-522-19706. DRESSES // leoubdtchuD
Who needs pants when there is a selection of dresses from contemporary lines like En Crème, reworked vintage frocks from Ark Works, and local handmade styles from Becky Jane Sews.
1021 W. 36th St. | 410-554-00557. GIFTS // vrohT
While this is the best place to shop for others, it’s hard not to adopt the “two-for-me, one-for-you” shopping technique at this Hampden favorite.
921 W. 36th St. | 410-366-34568. STORE VISUALS // ghiBridets
Each of this store’s three locations is stocked with the latest apparel, gift, and accessory trends on beautiful tables and handmade triangle shelving.
Several locations, including 732 S. Broadway St. | 410-522-13379. ONE-STOP SHOP // teSwe Ethbeliza eaJn
One visit to this Ellicott City shop is all you need to stock up on the cutest clothes, gifts, home goods, and décor.
8125 Main St., Ellicott City | 410-465-640010. SPLURGE // adgsHanb ni eth tyCi
We dare you to control yourself in this store full of the latest designer handbags and accessories.
840 Aliceanna St. | 410-528-1443Tap for Answers
1. Sassanova
2. Ruth Shaw
3. Normals
4. Punch!
5. Poppy & Stella
6. Doubledutch
7. Trohv
8. Brightside
9. Sweet Elizabeth Jane
10. Handbags in the City
REASON TO GO TO TOWSON TOWN CENTER
Zara
Zara, and its assortment of on-trend and affordable wardrobe staples, is the only reason we would battle that four-level parking puzzle.
825 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson | 410-825-1101
RESURRECTION
Men’s clothing at South Moon Under
After a six-month hiatus, South Moon Under did us all a favor and brought its menswear collection back, restocking with trendy T-shirts from The Poster List and sustainable hoodies by Alternative.
815 Aliceanna St. | 410-685-7820
BLOGGER
@neverbeenso
Following along with Never Been So is like having a portable best friend who gives you the best fashion and lifestyle advice daily. Whether you’re checking out her blog, Facebook, or Instagram, Ashley doesn’t let you miss a beat.
neverbeenso.com
MEN’S SHOES
FOR RENT SHOES
Slide into premium brands like Asics, Puma, and New Balance at For Rent Shoes, Baltimore’s exclusive sneaker spot. You’ll find kicks you’ll want for keeps.
515 Cathedral St. | 443-873-9928
SHOPPING PERKS
Angel Park
Not only is Angel Park the sole place in the city to shop for brands like All Good and local favorite 16SixteenLife, but you can celebrate your purchase with a complimentary shot of Tullamore D.E.W. whiskey at the register.
1707 Aliceanna St. | 410-669-0600
SHOWROOM SHOPPING
A Day N June
The walls are lined with local artwork and the clothing—both vintage and contemporary—is thoughtfully chosen and arranged by owner Lindsey Brown.
208 S. Pulaski St. | 443-314-8995
THROWBACK TOYS
Shananigans Toy shop
Unleash your inner kid with old school board games, Matchbox cars, and Polly Pocket at this Roland Park fun factory.
5004 Lawndale Ave. | 410-532-8384
FURNITURE SHOWROOM
CEDAR & COTTON
Raina Smallwood and Nasira Latif’s showroom is expertly curated and filled to the brim with vintage finds.
208 S. Pulaski St. | 443-990-1427
ANTIQUE HOME FINDS
Charlotte Elliott
Collectors make this Hampden antique shop a go-to for scoring everything from vintage china and copperware to ancient masks and tribal art.
835 W. 36th St. | 410-243-0990
ANTIQUE FURNITURE REPAIR
Dovetail Restoration
Antiques are great, but they have a way of disintegrating the minute you touch them. When that happens, head for Dovetail Restoration. They do it all: furniture repair, caning, upholstery, veneer restoration, and leather top replacement, as well as building custom furniture.
1120 E. 30th St. | 410-243-8300
ARRIVAL
West Elm
Mid-century modern lovers rejoiced—and most likely spent a lot of money—when West Elm opened its doors at Harbor Point in September.
1301 Dock St. | 410-244-0121
CONSIGNMENT
The Turnover Shop
Whether you’re unloading a lifetime of silver, china, antiques, and art or shopping for cool retro pieces, this shop should be your first stop.
3855 Roland Ave. | 410-235-9585
COMPUTER SERVICE
Cyberguys
The super-geeks here really know their stuff and their prices are quite reasonable considering the virtually life-saving fixes they can make. They work on PCs and Macs, and make house calls for a small consideration.
1544 York Road, Lutherville | 410-560-0100
DESIGN CUES
Becket Hitch
It’s safe to say that if we see it in Becket Hitch, we want it in our home. Owner Kohli Flick has curated the most beautiful selection of home goods and décor. Make sure to check out the Hygge & West wallpaper—swoon worthy.
2360 W. Joppa Rd., Lutherville-Timonium | 410-296-4818
DOGGIE DAY CARE
Good Doggie Day Care
It’s the ultimate playgroup for canines, with a super attentive staff, convenient hours for working owners, sensible safety rules, and an awesome layout. If Fido passes the entry “interview,” then you have it made.
529 W. 29th St. | 410-889-3031
ECLECTIC MIX
Nouveau
Nouveau Home & Interior Design fuses its Mount Vernon roots and modern glamour with reclaimed vintage picks for the most stylish of mash-up home décor.
10 W. Eager St. | 410-962-8248
FENCING
WEACO
Anybody can buy an ugly fence, but these ornamental-iron experts make fencing an art form—and much stronger than most other options.
2144 Harford Road. | 410-467-5114
GREENERY
Green Fields Nursery & Landscaping
Rows of perennials, houseplants, and tropicals line the greenhouse walls of this plant paradise at Northern Parkway and Falls Road. If the selection doesn’t get you, the super friendly and knowledgeable staff will.
5424 Falls Road | 410-323-3444
HANDMADE GOODS
Sandtown Millworks
For anyone who cherishes furniture with real character and charm, Sandtown Millworks is the place to go. Working with salvaged wood and metal scraps from row homes and the like, the shop creates gorgeous pieces with lots of hometown history.
1830 Belt St. | 410-929-5816
DAMAGE CONTROL
APPLIANCE REPAIR
Mr. Appliance of Owings Mills
Let’s take bets on which will break first—the dryer, dishwasher, fridge, microwave, or dishwasher? Tape this number to the fridge. You’ll thank us later.
mrappliance.com/ownings-mills | 410-514-8415
ELECTRICIAN
Miles Electric Co.
In business since 1969, this family-owned company gets high marks for both its residential and commercial wiring work, and also specializes in fire-alarm systems and generators.
7210 Rutherford Road, Windsor Mill | 410-597-8219
LOCKSMITH
Advanced Security Safe & Lock
Whether you need help with a balky key, lock-out, or high-tech security upgrade, this 10-year-old outfit has it covered.
6318 Reisterstown Road | 410-764-2001
PEST CONTROL
Rosenbloom Pest Control
Got creepy crawlies? Whatever’s bugging you, Sholom Rosenbloom and his staff can deal with it, from rodent extermination to mosquitoes, fleas, cockroaches, termites, and bedbugs.
35 Walker Ave. | 410-358-5583
PLUMBER AND HVAC
Atlantic Mechanical
Plumbing. Heating. Cooling. Deadly dull stuff, right? That is, until it breaks. Which is when you can count on the great service of this 50-year-old firm.
6615 Reisterstown Road | 443-213-1804
HARDWARE STORE
Falkenhan’s Hardware
This Hampden hole-in-the-wall is your classic small-town hardware store: Every inch is crammed with all the widgets you’d ever need. But don’t bother searching for that left-handed gimlet yourself: Only the staff knows where stuff is.
3401 Chestnut Ave. | 410-235-7771
HOUSEWARMING GIFTS
Su Casa
Find the perfect piece to add a unique flare to any room. From rugs to the latest kitchen knick-knacks, they have something for even your pickiest friends.
901 S Bond St. | 410-522-7010
ITEMS FOR YOUR DREAM HOME
The House Downtown
Fulfill your ultimate HGTV fantasy at this bright haven in Belvedere Square. We love the plush pillows, lavish linens, lamps, and collection of modern conversation pieces.
524 E. Belvedere Ave. | 410-464-1440
LANDSCAPER
J.D. Outdoors
Arborist Jason Davidov and his crew do great work, get the job done quickly, and really should charge more—but don’t tell them that.
5 Greenlea Dr. | 443-691-3550
PLACE TO FILL A WHITE WALL
Publications and Multiples Fair
This annual exposition put on by Open Space brings together more than 150 different artists and vendors from across the country to sell any multiples of their work, including prints, paintings, comics, and zines.
Openspacebaltimore.com
RUG CLEAR AND REPAIR
Cunningham’s Rug Cleaning
These people do more than just clean Bokharas: They are masters at repairs and restorations (such as after fires and floods), color correction, and reweaves.
6610 Amberton Dr. | Elkridge, 443-561-3000
HOME FOR A PHOTOSHOOT
Hilton Carter
Chances are you’ve seen his plant filled abode on Instagram, West Elm’s Front + Main blog, or even in our very own home section. Wherever it’s spotted, Hilton Carter has us wishing we had his green thumb.
hiltoncarter.com
SPRINKLER SYSTEMS
Chesapeake Irrigation and Lighting
If you’re contemplating a sprinkler system, these are the pros to go with. Their systems are durable and easy to operate, and Chesapeake’s year-round service is the best.
405 Headquarters Dr., Millersville | 410-987-2969
STATEMENT PIECES
Wishbone Reserve
One thing is for certain: Owners Julie Lilienfeld and Athena Hoffberger have an eye for design. Wishbone Reserve is a treasure trove of furniture, fixtures, and other fineries from the past.
5730 Falls Road | 443-961-3376
STORE TO GET LOST IN
Second Chance
This nonprofit’s sprawling warehouse is a wonderland for DIYers who love cool old stuff. Mostly culled from deconstructed old homes, there’s everything from furnishings, antiques, doors, and windows to lighting fixtures, art, and lots more.
1700 Ridgely St. | 410-385-1700
WINDOW CLEANERS
Friendly Neighborhood Window Cleaning
Windex whiz Sean Carr is the go-to guy for homeowners in all of Baltimore’s tonier ’hoods—and he’s worth the waiting list.
1210 Corbett Road, Monkton | 410-733-5511
WINDOW INSTALLATION
Pella Windows & Doors
Pella is the place to go for people who don’t want off-the-shelf plastic windows (think custom or historic homes). And they get bonus points for knowledgeable sales people.
Multiple locations, including 11309 York Road, Hunt Valley | 410-698-1950
WOOD FLOORING
Jason Brown Wood Floors
The wood-floor fixers to the stars, this company’s pricing is always fair, and they can do it all, from refinishing, repairs, putting in borders or inlays, or installing from scratch.
7828 W. Moreland Ave. | 410-668-9131
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Food & Drink
At Maryland’s Only True Tea Farm, a Couple Faces the Ups and Downs of Harvesting Their Own Blends
Ten years after purchasing Heron's Meadow Farm in Woodbine, Lori and Bob Baker continue to develop their tea-growing skills in a challenging environment—but it's still their "little slice of heaven."
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