It’s time for another Live Like A Local destination!
Live Like A Local is a series I wanted to create in an effort to expand the travel section of my blog beyond where I live and have personally been. I wanted to create a resource for anyone reading who might be 1. traveling to other areas, 2. live in other areas or 3. moving somewhere new! I’ve been to some cool places, but I haven’t lived everywhere and what is better than some insider knowledge, eh?!
View all my Live Like A Local posts here.
Now, on with the show…Today we are visiting Baltimore, Maryland!
Name: Megan Campbell
City: Baltimore, MD
What is it about Baltimore that makes it different from other cities?
The Baltimore and Maryland pride that residents have is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. You can’t wait through the Inner Harbor in the summertime without spotting a Natty Boh or Maryland flag tattoo, shirt, shorts, etc. The people of Baltimore are proud to live here and will talk to anyone about the great things Charm City has to offer!
What is the best time of year to visit?
SUMMER! Visitors can ride in the Inner Harbor via a dragon boat, Watermark Cruise or Spirit Cruise. There are music and food festivals almost every weekend in the Inner Harbor and throughout the city. Fort McHenry is a quick ride from the harbor on the free Charm City Circulator and visitors will learn about Baltimore’s history. Pro Tip: Did you know that Baltimore is the birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner? Hop on the Charm City Pedal Mill for a daytime bar crawl or take a Ghost Tour in Fells Point as the sun sets and the air turns cooler. Watch the Orioles play at Camden Yards (named the most beautiful ballpark), hunt for street art by world famous artists or just sit on a park bench and watch the Inner Harbor Street Performers entertain a crowd. There are so many amazing outdoor activities in Baltimore during warmer months that can easily fill a weekend trip.
Are there any cool festivals or annual events that are not to be missed here?
Light City is our newest festival and is one you should definitely try to attend! 2018 will be the third year of Light City is a free festival of light, music and innovation. The footprint takes up the Inner Harbor and the view from the Baltimore’s World Trade Center is one that can’t be missed!
Christmas time is magical in Baltimore especially if you visit 34th Street in Hampden. One block of houses has decorated with thousands of lights each holiday season for so long that it’s not a clause built into leases of the homes on that particular block. You MUST participate! Folks come from near and far, grab a hot chocolate with homemade marshmellows from The Charmery and wander down the street checking out the lights. No matter how many times you visit there is always something new to see!
Places to eat?
This is literally the hardest question to answer, but I’ll give it a try!
If you are looking for pizza head to… HomeSlyce Pizza Bar
If you are looking for greek food I recommend…Samos
If you are looking for good Italian cuisine make a reservation at…Tagliata
If you are looking for a gourmet donut… Diablo Doughnuts
If you are looking to pick crabs Baltimore style grab your mallet and head to…L.P. Steamers
If you are looking for soul food walk over to…Ida B’s Table
If you are looking for the best tacos and margs sit outside at….Papi’s Tacos
If you are looking for bottomless mimosas and bloodys and a delicious brunch visit…The Waterfront Hotel
Places to shop and what to buy? (What is the area known for?)
For higher-end shopping head to Harbor East and pick up goodies from Free People, South Moon Under, Anthropologie, J.Crew, Warby Parker and Under Armour to name a few.
For more eclectic and local goods I HIGHLY recommend Hampden. From handmade metal sculptures to local granola and soaps there is a wide variety of goods in Hampden to pick up and take home with you. Grab a pack of Berger Cookies, a can of Old Bay seasoning and a bag of Berger Cookies for the road!
What do you do on a Friday night?
Fells Point is the best neighborhood to spend a Friday night in. I recommend getting there around dinner and either enjoying tacos with a waterfront view at Barcocina or juicy burgers made of exotic meats at Abbey Burger. They have every from bison to kangaroo to duck and even a peanut butter burger. After dinner wander down the cobblestone streets to Thames Street and bar hop until the early morning. Live music, specialty drinks and delicious bites can be found at almost every bar!
Cool places to stay?
The Ivy Hotel is a gorgeous addition to Baltimore that has Instagrammable details around every corner. There’s also the option to stay in a classic Baltimore row home via Airbnb. You can’t deny the exposed brick and rooftop deck views!
If there isn’t a major airport nearby what is the best way to get there?
BWI is a short 15-20 minute drive from downtown Baltimore but the city is also really easy to get to via car if you’re already on the East Coast.
Special thanks to Megan for showing us all around beautiful Baltimore! If you’re planning a trip to Maryland or want to learn more, be sure to follow Megan on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. She also blogs over at Soup of The Day so be sure to check her out there, too 🙂
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