Best of Baltimore
Best of Baltimore 2024: Lifestyle & Wellness
Our annual celebration of the best that Charm City has to offer.
Edited by Janelle Erlichman Diamond and Christianna McCausland
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCHAUN CHAMPION
Mobile Shop
LITTLE CLOVER BUS
We knew that the love child of Amy McManus, owner of Roland Park’s popular flower shop Crimson & Clover Floral Design, and a minibus would be fun, but we had no idea it would be this adorable. What’s known as a “skoolie conversion” involved painting the bus fern pink, decorating it with plant sketches by local calligrapher Lynn Cipollone, putting down a fun new floor, and adding wooden tables and a comfy orange recliner—the better to choose your pre-made bouquet from. The bus has been landing at pop-ups all over the city and every time we see it, it makes us smile.
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CENTENARIAN
BETTY COOKE
If jewelry maker Betty Cooke, who passed away peacefully on August 13 at age 100, had hung up her hat three decades ago, it still would’ve been an extraordinary career. But she just kept going. Throughout the years, her geometric yet graceful pieces have been donned by all the most stylish women in Baltimore. Her gift and clothing store, The Store Ltd., which opened in 1965, remains a Cross Keys fixture. In 2021, The Walters Art Museum did a major retrospective of her work, officially confirming what we already knew—that her designs are museum-worthy. And locals loved seeing her, with her signature white pixie cut, toiling away in her small office/studio in the back of The Store Ltd. For her 100th birthday this past May, Cross Keys celebrated with a special cake, a public presentation in the courtyard, and a card designed by MICA’s Ellen Lupton and signed by Cooke’s many adoring fans. Is there a status beyond legend?
CUSTOM CHAPEAU
JERRILL SANKEY
Looking for something unique to keep the sun off your face and up your style? Look no further than local hat designer Jerrill Sankey, owner of Creative King headwear. Sankey designs and sews limited edition bucket hats and short- and long-bill ball caps using recycled and vintage fabrics like old Polo clothing, nylon jackets—even silk scarves. Have your own material you want immortalized in a hat? Sankey does custom work, too.
MY FAVORITE STORE IN BALTIMORE:
“Someone bring Trohv back! I miss them so much! But now my favorite store in the city is Shananigans Toy Shop in Roland Park. With having kids, it’s the store my wife and I have visited most frequently.”
—HILTON CARTER , PLANT GURU
DEPRIVATION FLOAT
TRUTH MIND & BODY
Paddling about in a dark, enclosed room may not be everyone’s vision of relaxation, but devotees swear by the positive benefits of the floats at this Hunt Valley-based wellness center. Floaters access the float suite and then step into a float cabin—a sound- and light-proof room with a deep tub filled with enough Epsom salts to be denser than the Dead Sea. While you can leave the star lights on and even keep the door cracked open (we see you, claustrophobes), the idea is to close yourself into this womb-like space and float your stress away. Other reported benefits of this weightless, sensory deprivation experience are increased creativity and pain management.
JUICE CLEANSE
PURE RAW JUICE
This local chain has grown to 10 locations, expanding on the promise of healthful, on-the-go eating. For those who believe food is medicine, this is the place to drink your fruits and veggies. As the name promises, the juices are super pure; the detoxifying mini shots, for example, are cold-pressed daily in Towson. While we’re comfortable stopping in for the occasional glass jar of “Rx pink”—kale, spinach, celery, ginger, and more—those who really want to double down on the health benefits can order a one- or threeday juice cleanse. We like that Pure Raw is committed to locally sourced ingredients, sustainable packaging, and community outreach, like “Pure Madness,” their answer to March Madness, featuring Towson University athletes.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCHAUN CHAMPION
Aromatherapy
SOBOTANICAL
The minute you walk into this Clipper Mill apothecary, the stress instantly oozes out of your body, and you feel like you can tackle the world. Or maybe it’s just the Calm Your A** Down magnesium lotion talking. Whatever the case, this gorgeous space, usually with its garage door opened to the outside world, works wonders. It boasts a custom aromatherapy bar, along with products that are all handcrafted in small batches at the warehouse. The face, body, and hair potions all smell divine, and the staff is always knowledgeable and charming. Don’t know where to start? Try one of the popular events or book a consultation.
STRETCH IT OUT(SIDE)
EXERCISE IN NATURE
YOGA WITH A VIEW
Waterfront Wellness
May through October, Waterfront Partnership sponsors free outdoor fitness classes like yoga and Pilates at a variety of scenic city waterfront locations, so you can actually take that sun salutation literally.
GARDEN OF EASE
Wellness at Ladew Topiary Gardens
You know “tiptoe through the tulips,” but how about tai chi through the topiary? Throughout the warmer months, the lawns at Monkton’s Ladew Gardens are given over to wellness programs.
YOGA ON A PIER
B’More SUP Pier
If you think B’More SUP is only for paddle board enthusiasts, think again. June through September, they offer outdoor yoga overlooking Bear Creek at the Sparrows Point Country Club.
HOT HOUSE
Homestead Gardens’ Yoga in the Greenhouse
Homestead Gardens has reimagined “hot yoga” with its seasonal offering of classes in its lush greenhouses at the Davidsonville location.
ANIMAL THERAPY FOR ALL
Goat for the Soul Yoga
Bringing together yoga and animal therapy, Goat for the Soul offers classes at its Carroll County farm and at events around the region, where you can stretch with the added benefit of fun, feisty, four-legged friends.
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MALL
GREEN SPRING STATION
The days of traditional malls seem to be numbered, so it’s no surprise that mixeduse retail centers are thriving—and that most definitely includes the one at the corner of Falls and Joppa. What makes Green Spring work so well seems to be the variety of shops—shoes, home goods, both mens and womens wear, flowers, lingerie, bridal, and even a store just for teenagers—along with a big parking lot and a few appealing spots for a lunch break. (Take advantage of all the outdoor seating.) The boutiques, almost all women-owned, participate in the annual fashion show and popular Makers Market. And many of the stores—Becket Hitch, Wee Chic, Francesca Bridal, and Sassanova—have seen a second concept open in the station.
MASTER MASSAGE
METTA INTEGRATIVE WELLNESS COOP
Those who have had a massage at this Hampden-based center use words like healing, intuitive, calming, and highly skilled to describe the experience. Others simply say it’s the best massage they’ve ever had. While all the therapists are trained in Swedish and deep tissue massage, they are able to customize each experience to meet the wellness needs of the individual client, with techniques like cupping, aromatherapy, and craniosacral massage. We also like that they make wellness accessible to all, via a sliding scale pay model for those with qualifying financial needs.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY TYRONE SYRANNO WILKENS
Specialty Goods
MODERN WORLD
And suddenly, one day, Modern World appeared on The Avenue in Hampden and all was right in the world. This bodega is stocked full of countless (and delicious) nonalcoholic spirits, fun snacks (like BonBon Swedish candy and BjornQorn popcorn), hip pantry staples (tinned fish in gorgeous packaging), and quick gifts like flower bouquets from Juniper Farm and cute glassware. Take that, Brooklyn. Not sure which bottle of nonalcoholic booze is for you? The staff is always happy to offer suggestions, or stop by one of the many tastings and decide for yourself.
SPA
THE SPA AT THE IVY
One way you can tell that the Spa at the Ivy Hotel gives extremely personalized service is by reading the reviews. It’s rarely, “the venue is lovely” or “the spa had nice services.” It’s always specific references to the staff, a la, “I had a massage today with Taquita and it was one of the best messages of my life” or “The staff went above and beyond—James, Calvin, Janelle, Theresa, Anthony, and everyone else were so kind and accommodating!” Other reviewers tout the spa’s tranquility, beauty, and spectacular views of Baltimore. And bonus: There’s complimentary valet parking, and spa guests can order food from the Ivy’s critically acclaimed restaurant, Magdalena. Is this what heaven looks like?
SUITS
CHRISTOPHER SCHAFER CLOTHIER
The showroom on Aliceanna Street—look for the pink building—is one part high-end clothier and all parts man cave heaven. Owner Christopher Schafer learned the art of measuring and design while living in London. He took all that knowledge and mixed it up with his love of cars, music, skateboarding, and Baltimore to create Christopher Schafer Clothier. When someone comes in for a custom suit, there are over 40 measurements taken to ensure a perfect fit, and then the fun begins, as customers choose everything from the lapel style to the stitching color to the lining.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICAH E. WOOD
YOGA TEACHER
JESSICA ITZOE
With her sinew and strength, Updog Yoga teacher Jessica Itzoe looks like she’s straight off the cover of Yoga Journal, and her poses are pure perfection. But what’s equally inspiring is that she sees the potential in every student—whether you’re a first-timer or a daily practitioner. Her classes are just the right blend of rigorous and relaxing, and no two are ever the same, which keeps us on our toes, even when we’re not balancing on them.
TATTOO STUDIO
LOVE STRUCK TATTOO
When you get a really great tattoo, you want to show it off to everyone. The problem is, the more people know how great a tattoo artist is, the harder it is to get an appointment. Such is the case with Samantha Ford, owner of Love Struck Tattoo, on Maryland Avenue in Annapolis. Her lines are perfect, her colors are ideal, and she is patient and lovely (which is good when you are spending several hours together). The word is already out—she has a long waiting list. And, oops, we may have just made it worse.
VINTAGE MARKET
BMORE FLEA
We can’t get enough of this vintage and craft market popping up all over Baltimore, including Ministry of Brewing, Harbor Point, and Peabody Heights Brewery. The vendors all have stellar collections, ranging from apparel (including vintage/ reworked clothing, jerseys, and even some western ware) to jewelry, art, and home décor. But what we especially love is it’s an event—tons of cool people hanging out and shopping. There are always dogs, lots of food vendors, including crowd favorite Tia’s Italian Ice, and, depending on the locale, really cold beers.
COURTESY OF @CURRENCYSTUDIO
INSTAGRAM WINNER
CURRENCY STUDIO
@CURRENCYSTUDIO
Created in 2007 by Michael Haskins Jr., Currency Studio is a lifestyle brand that is “influenced and driven by art and architecture.” What began as a line of T-shirts has evolved into a complete collection of clothing and accessories—and there’s no better place to understand Currency than its social media feed. Sometimes there are photos of the objects that influenced the collection. Other times, it’s the exhibit that runs alongside the collection at Haskins’ North Avenue space. And these aren’t just quick iPhone snaps. They are beautifully orchestrated and deftly curated. Scanning the feed is like being invited to the cool kids’ lunch table.
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Explore The Winners
Best of Baltimore 2024
Home & Service
Edited by Janelle Erlichman Diamond and Christianna Mccausland
Best of Baltimore 2024
Lifestyle & Wellness
Edited by Janelle Erlichman Diamond and Christianna McCausland
