In my last entry I mentioned SEVERAL times how the waterfront promenade of the harbor has so much to offer. I hate to sound repetitive but I think you know what’s coming…MORE neighborhoods along the waterfront promenade.
Continuing east from the Convention Center and Inner Harbor are two great neighborhoods for a taste of new and old Baltimore. One, modern development and the other steeped in history and charm.
Harbor East
This is a newer neighborhood that has had an influx of development in a short amount of time. I would describe this area as: live where you play. First thing to know is that
Harbor East
you’ll find lots of dining options. The most noteworthy is Charleston, run by Cindy Wolf, winner and nominee of numerous James Beard Foundation Awards. Also new to the area is The Four Seasons Hotel. Here you can experience luxury accommodations, have a business meeting over drinks or treat yourself to a spa day. However, the highlights of this trendy development are the great shops and restaurants.
Under Armour. For the exercise enthusiast, or maybe just those that like the atheleisure look, stop by Under Armour’s ‘brand house’. For those not in the know, Baltimore is home to the famous athletic company Under Armour (company headquarters across the way has become a part of Inner Harbor landscape)
Movies. If you didn’t get a chance to see Guardians of the Galaxy 2 before the Meeting maybe you’ll have time to check it out at Landmark Theaters Harbor East. This theater is adjacent to Katyn Memorial statue, the focal point of the neighborhood.
There are also loads of other shops to duck in and out of while exploring the neighborhood.
Fell's Point
Grab a cone and walk the historic streets
or stop to enjoy a drink with colleagues in Fell's Point.
As long as you’re out for a stroll keep, heading east along the waterfront until you reach historic Fell’s Point. Baltimoreans simply calling it ‘Fells.’ These streets have seen the likes of many a sailor, abolitionists (Frederick Douglas stayed here until he escaped north to freedom) and even television series (90’s drama Homicide Life on the Streets was filmed where what is now a swanky hotel, The Pendry).
Honestly, since my days in university this is THE place to come for bar hopping on warm evenings. There is a positive and friendly energy here. Maybe the flowing alcohol has something to do with it? BUT it’s also wholesome enough that you’ll often see families walking while enjoying ice cream and street performers into the evening hours.
Baltimore National Heritage Area. Walking tours with student discounts and kids under 12 are FREE!!
Baltimore Ghost Tours. Once upon a time this area was known for being filled with colorful characters and debauchery. It's bound to be full of haunted streets and pubs…right?!
The Horse You Came in On Saloon. How could I possibly mention ghosts in Baltimore without dropping the name of macabre writer and one time Baltimore resident, Edgar Allen Poe. This bar is one of the oldest in Baltimore and is said to be haunted…by Poe himself. This was supposedly a favorite watering hole of Poe’s and one of the last places he visited before he died.
Live music
Cat’s eye pub. Has no website but they do have a Facebook page. Small bar packed with great live blues acts from across the country.
Bertha’s. A Baltimore institution for the mussels but also known for the almost nightly live music.
Harbor Tours
Urban Pirates Baltimore. A pirate-themed cruise that takes a short ride around the harbor. Parties during the daytime are geared towards kids and families. In the evening adult groups can have the same good time with the option to BYOG…Bring Your Own Grog!
Water Taxi. if you haven’t discovered them yet from the Inner Harbor this is a fun way to get from point to point along the water.