Posts about Baltimore Living

10 Baltimore Businesses To Support During Black Business Month

Black Business Month is here, and it's time to celebrate our local entrepreneurs. Celebrated annually in August, Black Business Month was established in 2004 to acknowledge and appreciate Black-owned businesses and their contributions to our economy. Here are 10 Black-owned businesses in Baltimore you can support this month, and all year long! Fishnet Located in Mount Vernon Marketplace, Fishnet’s menu features items such as fish & chips, crab dip, and Baja fish wraps. At Fishnet, the quality of every plate served starts with the quality of its fresh fish, which is responsibly and sustainably source from regional waters whenever possible. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fishnet (@eatfishnet) Cheezy Mike’s Food Emporium Also located in Mount Vernon Marketplace, Cheezy Mike’s serves up warm and gooey elevated comfort food with a cheese focus! Cheezy Mike's celebrates the place where food and entertainment intersect, and memories are created. The restaurant also offers vegan options! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Vernon Marketplace (@mountvernonmarketplace) Taharka Brothers Ice Cream Well known for serving up classic flavors along with a constantly evolving roster of delightful, small-batch flavors beloved in Baltimore, Taharka Brothers’ award-winning ice cream lineup includes favorites like Honey Graham, Mintflix & Chillz, Key Lime Pie, and Caramel Crunch. Taharka Brothers is focused on creating an impactful, profitable business managed and operated by young adults from some of Baltimore’s most troubled neighborhoods. The menu features rotating seasonal and one-time flavors inspired by local happenings and a handful of “collaborations” with other local small businesses throughout the year! View this post on Instagram A post shared by TAHARKA Bros. Ice Cream (@taharkabros) The Doll House Boutique Since 2003, The Doll House Boutique has been committed to providing fashion that ranges from couture to simple and stylish staples and providing local designers with a platform to showcase their collections. The Doll House is in the heart of Mount Vernon, in a cozy boutique, where the infamous display window gets all the glory. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Doll House Boutique (@dollhousemtvernon) Pandora’s Box Boutique Pandora's box boutique is a mod, vibrant, ever-evolving privately-owned lifestyle store located in Federal Hill. Much like the city of Baltimore, the customers at Pandora's Box come from various backgrounds and have different stories, but they still have so much in common. The brands featured at Pandora’s Box support local designers, jewelry makers and artisans, and promote social change, individuality, support for women and overall happiness. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pandora's Box Boutique (@shoppandorasboxboutique) Drama MaMa Bookshop Drama MaMa bookshop is a “journal lovers paradise” featuring locally made journals and accessories. Through the workshops offered by the bookshop, you can also learn to create your own “book box” wooden bullet journals. View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Drama Mama Bookshop 🤓📒 (@dramamamabookshop) Art of Balance Wellness Spa Art of Balance offers an unprecedented experience where guests can truly learn to balance it all. A destination within a destination, where the importance of discovering the best version of yourself is at your fingertips. The spa’s holistic approach to treating the entire person is about embracing who you are and exploring how the balance of mind, body and spirit is integral to bringing forth the best of you. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Art Of Balance Wellness Spa (@artofbalancespa) The Urban Oyster The Urban Oyster is both the first female and black-owned oyster bar in Maryland. The restaurant is “sort of a movement” for those who prefer quality food in a relaxed atmosphere! The menu features oysters in the raw, soups, steam pots and more! View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Urban Oyster (@theurbanoyster) Bar One Bar ONE is a dining experience curated for you. It’s about good people coming together in a space to be ONE…ONE vibration, ONE energy, ONE good time, ONE bar… Bar ONE. The menu features items including Jamaican oxtail dumpling stew, king crab legs, curry chicken and more! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bar ONE Baltimore (@baronebaltimore) Off The Rox Wine & Beer Off the Rox is a wine and beer boutique, conveniently located in Highlandtown. The store offers an appreciable selection of wines and craft beers, all handpicked and carefully selected. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Off The Rox (@offtherox) Black Business Month gives us an opportunity to focus on a community that is too often underrepresented when it comes to access to capital and opportunities to build wealth. Join us in celebrating the Baltimore Black-owned businesses and their important contributions to our economy.

5 Mount Vernon Spots to Try During Baltimore Restaurant Week

Baltimore Restaurant Week is back and we’ve got the scoop on the best deals to score from Mount Vernon restaurants! Don’t miss your chance to enjoy brunch and lunch deals starting at just $10 and multi-course, pre-fixe dinner deals starting at $25! Fishnet At Fishnet, the quality of every plate starts with the quality of the fish, which is responsibly and sustainably sourced from regional waters whenever possible. At Fishnet, they use every part of the fish in their scratch kitchen and keep the menu small and focused. Fishnet is driven by the goal of making high-grade fish and seafood as accessible, and as approachable, as possible. Plus, Fishnet is found just a hop, skip and a jump away at Mount Vernon Marketplace! Stop by and check them out! Topside Take it easy at Topside, Baltimore’s favorite rooftop overlooking our beautiful and historic neighborhood, Mount Vernon. During Restaurant Week, enjoy a three-course meal from T opside’s seafood-centric menu for just $45! Café Fili Plan-forward foodies will enjoy a two-course Mediterranean lunch from Café Fili for just $15 during Restaurant Week! The restaurant offers plenty of vegan and vegetarian options! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baltimore Restaurant Week (@bmorerestaurantweek) The Owl Bar Located in the Historic Belvedere, Owl Bar offers a rich history and delicious food and drink! During Restaurant Week, enjoy a three-course dinner for just $38! Did you know The Owl Bar’s famous patrons have included F. Scott Fitzgerald, Will Rogers, Prince and more? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baltimore Restaurant Week (@bmorerestaurantweek) Tio Pepe Tio Pepe offers authentic, homemade Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine and an extensive wine list. Restaurante Tio Pepe is an excellent choice for date night, family celebrations or anytime you want something other than the standard fare. During Restaurant Week, enjoy a three-course dinner for just $45! With almost 100 restaurants participating in Baltimore Restaurant Week, your choices are nearly endless! Whichever local Bmore spot you choose to support, you’re sure to have a delicious and memorable meal!

5 Reasons to Visit Mount Vernon Marketplace This Summer

One of the biggest perks of living at 500 Park Avenue Apartments has got be being neighbors with Mount Vernon Marketplace ! Mount Vernon Marketplace offers the finest, freshly prepared artisanal foods right here in Baltimore's historic Mount Vernon district. With purveyors offering everything from fresh local oysters to Korean style bibimbap to artisan pizza, there is something for every food connoisseur at MVM. If you haven’t been to the Marketplace lately, here are 5 reasons why you should go right now! Let Someone Else Do the Cooking At Mount Vernon Marketplace, there’s no need to worry about meal prep, kitchen clean-up, or deciding on a menu that satisfies everyone. The wide variety of vendors offers delicious menu items sure to accommodate everyone in the family, even your pickiest eaters. Did you know you can host an event for up to 200 people at MVM? To learn more or to book your event, visit mtvernonmarketplace.com! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Vernon Marketplace (@mountvernonmarketplace) Escape the Heat and Cool Off Beat the heat of a Baltimore summer by grabbing a refreshing and nutritious smoothie from Fresh Monday's Inc.! Made with local produce and packed with essential vitamins and nutrients, it’s just what you need to refresh and refuel. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mount Vernon Marketplace (@mountvernonmarketplace) It Pays to Be Loyal Join Fishnet’s "Sailors Club" and start earning delicious rewards! Get a 25 point welcome bonus and unlock $5 OFF for 50 points. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fishnet (@eatfishnet) Conquer the Colossal Crab If you haven’t tried to Colossal Crab sandwich yet, really…what are you waiting for? The viral Local Oyster and Baltimore Foodie creation is so good it was featured on Netflix’s Fresh Fried & Crispy ! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chyno: The Blue Bearded Foodie (@thebaltimorefoodie) Enjoy Happy Hour at The Brand-New Centre Bar Baltimore's newest destination for craft cocktails is now open! Offering a full bar service in the center of Mount Vernon Marketplace, Centre Bar is the perfect place to enjoy happy hour this summer. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Centre Bar (@centrebarmvm) Come Home to 500 Park Avenue! Just an easy walk from Downtown Baltimore and adjacent to the Charles Street restaurant district, 500 Park Avenue offers Studio, 1 & 2 BR apartments with a modern architectural aesthetic. Our apartment homes boast 10 foot ceilings, stylish built-ins, European-style cabinetry, breathtaking city views and so much more.

Baltimore's Summer Even Lineup

With Memorial Day Weekend coming to a close, summer is - unofficially - here! There’s tons of fun in the sun to be had in Baltimore this summer. So lather up that sunscreen; we’ve rounded up 12 can’t-miss events happening near us! AFRAM View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baltimore AFRAM (@baltimore_afram) The AFRAM Festival is a celebration of African American life, music and culture in Druid Hill Park this Juneteenth. Among the AFRAM’s headlining acts , The O’Jays will perform one of their last shows before heading into retirement . AFRAM Restaurant Week will also return June 12-19 . Some of Baltimore’s favorite, Black-owned eateries will create special dishes for everyone to enjoy! Baltimore Pride View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚 ❤️ 🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride) One of the oldest Pride celebrations in the country, Baltimore Pride 2022 promises to host one of the most epic celebrations yet . Pride 2022 will feature events all month-long , including the official Pride kickoff and ribbon cutting ceremony on June 20 th ! Summer Restaurant Week View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baltimore Restaurant Week (@bmorerestaurantweek) Presented by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Visit Baltimore, Baltimore Restaurant Week returns starting July 22 nd for 10 days of affordable and exclusive tastes of the city’s vibrant culinary scene! Baltimore Restaurant Week features approximately 100 of the best dining establishments in central Maryland. Restaurants participating in Restaurant week will offer dining deals with including multi-course prix-fixe lunch, brunch and dinner menus. Bromo Art Walk View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bromo Arts District (@bromoartsdistrict) Experience the Bromo Arts District during a night of artistic performances, exhibits, and open studios this June 23 rd . Curate your own tour and visit the 20+ participating creative groups , including Baltimore Jazz Alliance, Everyman Theater, Lexington Market and more! B&O Farmers Market View this post on Instagram A post shared by B&O Railroad Museum (@borailroad) The B&O Farmers Market has returned for its third year this summer. Located in the front parking lot of the B&O Railroad Museum, the farmers market will be open from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM on Thursdays through September 29. The market plans to serve as a one-stop shop for fresh local produce, flowers, crafts and a variety of food and desserts. Baltimore By Baltimore View this post on Instagram A post shared by Waterfront Partnership (@waterfrontpartnership) Baltimore by Baltimore (BxB) is a music and makers festival series hosted every first Saturday of the month through October at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater. This free celebration of the music, makers, and munchies that make Baltimore truly special features rotating selection of emerging Baltimore producers. BMORE LIT: A Baltimore Summer Series View this post on Instagram A post shared by Baltimore Together (@baltimoretogether) Bmore Lit features events in and around Baltimore just for teens ! While the rest of the events are currently TBD, the series kicked off May 30 th with an event at Rash Field, which featured a live DJ, photo booth, gaming station and more! Baltimore 4th of July Celebration View this post on Instagram A post shared by BOPA (@promoandarts) 4th of July festivities are returning to the Harbor this summer! Enjoy an Independence Day filled with fun events like American Visionary Arts Museums’ Pet Parade, an Orioles vs. Ranges baseball game, live music performances, and of course, the fireworks! Cherry Hill Arts & Music Waterfront Festival View this post on Instagram A post shared by Cherry Hill Fest Baltimore (@cherryhillfest.baltimore) Returning for its 6 th year, this free festival will feature musical performances, food trucks, exhibits, vendors and a fireworks show overlooking the Patapsco River! The festival is being held at Middle Branch Park on the 4 th of July. Moonrise Festival View this post on Instagram A post shared by Moonrise Festival (@moonrisefest) Moonrise is back for the 2022 edition at Pimlico Race Course. This 2-day festival music festival will feature multiple stages and a lineup that will feature acts such as AC Slater, Lost Kings, Zedd and more. Made in Maryland Festival Kurtz’s Beach annual Made in Maryland Festival celebrates our great state with a festival be packed full of live music, live jousting, children’s activities, food, drink and local vendors and makers! Maryland Fleet Week and Flyover Baltimore 2022 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maryland Fleet Week & Flyover Baltimore (@mdfleetweek) Maryland Fleet Week is coming back to Baltimore’s port September 7-13. The Maryland Fleet Week celebrates the rich maritime traditions of the Chesapeake Bay with visiting Navy and local ships as well as a variety of vessels. What's your favorite Bmore summer event? Let us know in the comments!

11 Festive Holiday Events in Baltimore

Baltimore really turns on the charm during the holiday season. Whether you’re looking to lace up your ice skates, take in a gorgeous light display, or do some holiday shopping, the city has a holiday event for you! We’ve rounded up 11 of the best holiday events Baltimore has to offer! Due to COVID-19, events and attractions may not be operating as normal. Make sure to double check hours and operating procedures before you attend an event! Light Up the Night - Chanukah Downtown B’nai Israel is launching Light Up the Night Chanukah menorah lightings this year to help bring Chanukah to downtown Baltimore. Stops on the Light Up the Night Chanukah menorah trail are to include lightings December 1 st through 3 rd ! YJP Drinks & Dreidels Chabad of Downtown’s Young Jewish Professionals group will host a Chanukah party at Bond Street Social December 2 nd from 7:00pm – 10:00pm. The event will include a menorah lighting, hors d’oeuvres, gourmet latkes and donuts, a premium open car, and a cash bar. 50 th Annual Monument Lighting Photo: @DowntownBaltimore 2021 marks the 50 th anniversary of the Baltimore tradition of illuminating the historic Washington Monument in Mount Vernon Place! This year’s lighting will take place December 2 nd from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. The night will include caroling, food and good cheer. Fireworks cap the evening marking the official start of the holiday season. Make sure to stop by WPM Real Estate Management’s table at the Holiday Makers Market to warm up and enter to win exciting prizes! The 48th Annual Mayor's Christmas Parade Photo: Gerard Buckleman The 48th Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade will be held on Sunday, December 5th, 2021, at 1:00pm. The parade will feature giant balloons, marching bands, Santa, local media celebrities and elected officials, Miss Yuletide and more! Miracle on 34 th Street Photo: @Miracleon34thSt No list of Baltimore holiday events would be complete without Hampden’s “ Miracle on 34th Street .” Every year starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving and ending New Year’s Day, residents of the 700 block of 24 th Street between Chestnut Avenue and Keswick Road put on a vibrant display of holiday lights and decorations for all to enjoy. Visit between 6:00pm and 10:00pm for your best chance to see all the lights on at the same time. Check out these FAQs before you go! Christmas Village Photo: @bmorechristmas Christmas Village in Baltimore is an indoor/outdoor holiday market at West Shore Park at the Inner Harbor, modeled after the traditional Christmas Markets in Germany. Visit the market through Christmas Eve to enjoy traditional European refreshments while you shop for a large variety of international holiday gifts, ornaments, jewelry and more! Plus, make sure to take a ride on the Christmas Village carousel and Ferris wheel while you’re there! Inner Harbor Ice Rink Photo: @WaterfrontPartnership Located at the top of the Amphitheater – 201 E Pratt Street - The Inner Harbor Ice Rink season runs until January 17, 2022. Enjoy some beautiful harbor views while you skate, then grab a seasonal treat from Harborplace ! The Polar Express ™ Train Ride Photo: @BandORailroadMuseum Don your pajamas and climb aboard The B&O Railroad Museum’s Polar Express select dates December 2 - 12! During this immersive live performance, the conductor will punch your golden tickets, the chefs will dance and sing, the hobo will offer his special brand of wisdom, and The Polar Express will be read aloud for all passengers. When the train arrives at the North Pole, you’ll enjoy Santa’s Winter Village with crafts for kids, an array of model railroad layouts, opportunities for photos with Santa, and more! Zoo Lights Photo: @MarylandZoo Visit The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore through January 2 nd to enjoy this festival of lights shaped like wildlife! Visit the Zoo after hours to enjoy the lighting installation from the warmth & comfort of your own car . While on the lookout for your favorite animal shapes, you’ll be dazzled by over 100k LED lights that highlight some favorites from the Zoo. If you prefer to hoof it, you can also travel the course by foot and visit Zoo Central for snacks, hot chocolate, and free train & carousel rides. Candy Lane Photo: @DowntownBaltimore Candy Lane is a larger-than-life candy-themed experience with installations, thousands of lights, and seasonal entertainment. Be awed by the 24-foot-tall ice cream cones and candy forests while strolling the paths of Center Plaza and experiencing Downtown in a sweet, new way. Plus, enjoy vendors such as Deddle’s Mini Donuts, Flash Crabcakes Co., Lattimore’s Funnel Cakes and more! Candy Lane is open each Wednesday through Sunday through December 23 rd . In addition, a Not So Silent Night soirée will take place at Candy Lane on December 16 from 7:00pm – 11:00pm. This 21+ holiday party will include an open bar, sugary treats, and a dance party in the middle of Candy Lane. Themed outfits are encouraged! Winter Village by Four Seasons Photo: @FourSeasonsHotelBaltimore Four Season Hotel Baltimore's seasonal Winter Village has returned to the hotel's outdoor terrace! Visit the rooftop terrace Fridays through Sundays until January 30 th to enjoy a winter wonderland complete with an 1,800 sq. foot synthetic skating rink, all new cabanas with sleek fire pits for rent, festive food, and beverage, and so much more.

A Book Lover's Guide to Baltimore

Once upon a time…before Baltimore adopted the motto of “Greatest City in America”, benches across the city were etched with another maxim - “Baltimore: The City That Reads.” Packed with offbeat bookstores and storybook libraries and having been home to many famous poets and authors over the years, Baltimore surely is the perfect destination for any bookworm. Heck, we even named our NFL team after a famous poem! Whether you’re a Baltimore native or a bibliophile visiting for the weekend, here are the can’t-miss literary hot spots to discover in Charm City. The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum Photo Credit: 2021 Poe Baltimore Edgar Allan Poe once lived at this house with his aunt, grandmother and two cousins. It has been very well preserved from its original state, so you can walk on the same floors and wander within the original walls that Poe once did! Among other significant artifacts, visitors to the Poe House can see the writing desk and chair where their famous poet created some of his earliest works . The annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards is also held across the street from the Poe House. The free event, which coincides each year with Poe’s death day, features Poe-themed performances, art, vendors, and food. Westminster Hall & Burying Ground Photo Credit: AndrewHorne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Westminster Hall is an architectural landmark . The imposing brick church was built in the early 1850s. Among the historical figures buried here are famed poet Edgar Allan Poe and his wife and mother-in-law. It’s Poe’s final resting place in this cemetery which the mysterious masked figure – known only as the Poe Toaster – paid a yearly tribute to the famous writer. The tributer ( whose identity is still unknown ) would visit Poe’s grave each year on the anniversary of his death – and leave 3 roses and a bottle of cognac. Emmanuel Episcopal Church Photo Credit: @emmanueldowntown The first woman in history to receive a Pulitzer Prize for poetry , Edna St. Vincent Millay, frequently read during meetings of the Maryland Poetry Society at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon. Millay’s readings at Emmanuel Episcopal Church were no doubt riveting. Millay was known for her progressive political stances, frank portrayal of both hetero and homosexuality, and, above all, her embodiment and description of new kinds of female experience and expression. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s House Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun The last place famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived with his wife Zelda was at this Bolton Hill house . The Fitzgeralds’ time in Baltimore was a tumultuous one. Zelda spent her weekdays hospitalized at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital for mental illness. Fitzgerald himself struggled with alcoholism and debt during his time in Baltimore. Nonetheless, Fitzgerald once wrote “I love Baltimore more than I thought— it is so rich with memories— it is nice to look up the street and see the statue of my great uncle ( sic) and to know that Poe is buried here and that many ancestors have walked in the old town by the bay. I belong here, where everything is civilized and gay and rotted and polite. And I wouldn’t mind a bit if in a few years Zelda and I could snuggle up together under a stone in some old graveyard here. That is really a happy thought and not melancholy at all.” While living in the home on Park Avenue, Fitzgerald published his last novel - Tender Is the Night . Although the house is not open to the public, you can see a blue historical designation on the outside of the rowhome. The Fitzgeralds were also laid to rest not too far away – at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rockville, Md. Gertrude Stein’s House Photo Credit: Smallbones, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Gertrude Stein and her brother Leo lived at this house on East Biddle Street for about six years, before moving to Massachusetts for college. Life in Mount Vernon influenced much of Stein’s later work, including Ida: A Novel and the short story “Q.E.D.” H.L. Mencken House Photo Credit: @henrymenckenhouse H.L. Mencken lived in Baltimore for more than 45 years and wrote for many city publications, including “The Baltimore Sun.” He was given the nickname the “Sage of Baltimore.” He lived in this brick rowhouse with a view of Union Square from 1883 until his death in 1956. It was recently renovated to become a museum dedicated to the author’s life and works. Walters Art Museum Photo Credit: The Walters Art Museum Books come from all over the world to live at the Walters Art Museum in Mount Vernon. The museum’s extraordinary collection of rare books and manuscripts includes more than 900 illuminated manuscripts, 1,250 of the first printed books, and an important collection of post-1500 deluxe editions. First-printed editions of ancient texts by great thinkers such as Aristotle and Euclid, diaries written by Napoleon, and intricate bindings crafted by Tiffany are also among the jewels you can enjoy at this free museum. Atomic Books Photo Credit: @atomicbooks While Baltimore is f illed with charming independent bookstores, Atomic Books, where famed Baltimore native John Waters collects his fan mail , is among the ones you absolutely can’t miss. “Literary finds for mutated minds” are the slogan of this independent Hampden bookstore, which has been curating an eclectic selection of comics, books, zines, and art for more than 20 years, and features a cozy bar in the back for hosting events. Enoch Pratt Free Library Photo Credit: @theprattlibrary The main branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library takes up nearly an entire city block near Mount Vernon. An entire room at the library is dedicated to American writer H.L. Mencken, and there is also a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s letters, poetry, and photographs—and even a lock of his hair. One of the oldest free public library systems in the United States, there are 22 additional branches throughout the city and surrounding area. George Peabody Library This expansive library in Mount Vernon near the Washington Monument has been described as a “cathedral of books” and is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Peabody Library ‘s atrium is surrounded by six tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies. The library’s 300,000 volume collection is open for perusal by the public, and it houses an impressive amount of H.L. Mencken’s writings. However, the library is currently closed due to Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 response , so make sure you check to make sure it’s open to the public before planning a visit! Baltimore Book Festival The Inner Harbor is turned into a book-lover’s paradise during this weekend-long festival . Hundreds of author appearances, readings and book signings take place, and exhibitors and booksellers set up shop in booths along the water. There are workshops, panel discussions, live music, and concessions, as well as plenty of hands-on activities for kids.Once upon a time…before Baltimore adopted the motto of “Greatest City in America”, benches across the city were etched with another maxim - “Baltimore: The City That Reads.” Packed with offbeat bookstores and storybook libraries and having been home to many famous poets and authors over the years, Baltimore surely is the perfect destination for any bookworm. Heck, we even named our NFL team after a famous poem! Whether you’re a Baltimore native or a bibliophile visiting for the weekend, here are the can’t-miss literary hot spots to discover in Charm City. The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum Photo Credit: 2021 Poe Baltimore Edgar Allan Poe once lived at this house with his aunt, grandmother and two cousins. It has been very well preserved from its original state, so you can walk on the same floors and wander within the original walls that Poe once did! Among other significant artifacts, visitors to the Poe House can see the writing desk and chair where their famous poet created some of his earliest works . The annual International Edgar Allan Poe Festival and Awards is also held across the street from the Poe House. The free event, which coincides each year with Poe’s death day, features Poe-themed performances, art, vendors, and food. Westminster Hall & Burying Ground Photo Credit: AndrewHorne, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons Westminster Hall is an architectural landmark . The imposing brick church was built in the early 1850s. Among the historical figures buried here are famed poet Edgar Allan Poe and his wife and mother-in-law. It’s Poe’s final resting place in this cemetery which the mysterious masked figure – known only as the Poe Toaster – paid a yearly tribute to the famous writer. The tributer ( whose identity is still unknown ) would visit Poe’s grave each year on the anniversary of his death – and leave 3 roses and a bottle of cognac. Emmanuel Episcopal Church Photo Credit: @emmanueldowntown The first woman in history to receive a Pulitzer Prize for poetry , Edna St. Vincent Millay, frequently read during meetings of the Maryland Poetry Society at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Mount Vernon. Millay’s readings at Emmanuel Episcopal Church were no doubt riveting. Millay was known for her progressive political stances, frank portrayal of both hetero and homosexuality, and, above all, her embodiment and description of new kinds of female experience and expression. F. Scott Fitzgerald’s House Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun The last place famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived with his wife Zelda was at this Bolton Hill house . The Fitzgeralds’ time in Baltimore was a tumultuous one. Zelda spent her weekdays hospitalized at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital for mental illness. Fitzgerald himself struggled with alcoholism and debt during his time in Baltimore. Nonetheless, Fitzgerald once wrote “I love Baltimore more than I thought— it is so rich with memories— it is nice to look up the street and see the statue of my great uncle ( sic) and to know that Poe is buried here and that many ancestors have walked in the old town by the bay. I belong here, where everything is civilized and gay and rotted and polite. And I wouldn’t mind a bit if in a few years Zelda and I could snuggle up together under a stone in some old graveyard here. That is really a happy thought and not melancholy at all.” While living in the home on Park Avenue, Fitzgerald published his last novel - Tender Is the Night . Although the house is not open to the public, you can see a blue historical designation on the outside of the rowhome. The Fitzgeralds were also laid to rest not too far away – at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Rockville, Md. Gertrude Stein’s House Photo Credit: Smallbones, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons Gertrude Stein and her brother Leo lived at this house on East Biddle Street for about six years, before moving to Massachusetts for college. Life in Mount Vernon influenced much of Stein’s later work, including Ida: A Novel and the short story “Q.E.D.” H.L. Mencken House Photo Credit: @henrymenckenhouse H.L. Mencken lived in Baltimore for more than 45 years and wrote for many city publications, including “The Baltimore Sun.” He was given the nickname the “Sage of Baltimore.” He lived in this brick rowhouse with a view of Union Square from 1883 until his death in 1956. It was recently renovated to become a museum dedicated to the author’s life and works. Walters Art Museum Photo Credit: The Walters Art Museum Books come from all over the world to live at the Walters Art Museum in Mount Vernon. The museum’s extraordinary collection of rare books and manuscripts includes more than 900 illuminated manuscripts, 1,250 of the first printed books, and an important collection of post-1500 deluxe editions. First-printed editions of ancient texts by great thinkers such as Aristotle and Euclid, diaries written by Napoleon, and intricate bindings crafted by Tiffany are also among the jewels you can enjoy at this free museum. Atomic Books Photo Credit: @atomicbooks While Baltimore is f illed with charming independent bookstores, Atomic Books, where famed Baltimore native John Waters collects his fan mail , is among the ones you absolutely can’t miss. “Literary finds for mutated minds” are the slogan of this independent Hampden bookstore, which has been curating an eclectic selection of comics, books, zines, and art for more than 20 years, and features a cozy bar in the back for hosting events. Enoch Pratt Free Library Photo Credit: @theprattlibrary The main branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library takes up nearly an entire city block near Mount Vernon. An entire room at the library is dedicated to American writer H.L. Mencken, and there is also a collection of Edgar Allan Poe’s letters, poetry, and photographs—and even a lock of his hair. One of the oldest free public library systems in the United States, there are 22 additional branches throughout the city and surrounding area. George Peabody Library This expansive library in Mount Vernon near the Washington Monument has been described as a “cathedral of books” and is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The Peabody Library ‘s atrium is surrounded by six tiers of ornamental cast-iron balconies. The library’s 300,000 volume collection is open for perusal by the public, and it houses an impressive amount of H.L. Mencken’s writings. However, the library is currently closed due to Johns Hopkins University’s COVID-19 response , so make sure you check to make sure it’s open to the public before planning a visit! Baltimore Book Festival The Inner Harbor is turned into a book-lover’s paradise during this weekend-long festival . Hundreds of author appearances, readings and book signings take place, and exhibitors and booksellers set up shop in booths along the water. There are workshops, panel discussions, live music, and concessions, as well as plenty of hands-on activities for kids.