If you are new to the city or feel like you need some change in your typical day-to-day activities, you are in the right place! Baltimore is home to over 12,000 small local businesses that offer something unique for every visitor or resident. Now more than ever it is important that we uplift the establishments that shape Baltimore into the place that it is by supporting the workers and owners of our favorite coffee spots, thrift stores, music shops, and eateries. Explore, enjoy, and engage one fun-filled day at a time.
In this edition of itinerary to independent Baltimore we will be focusing on the neighborhood of Hampden. Hampden is home to many shops, restaurants, bars, tattoo parlors, etc. There’s always something to do and a new small business to explore and, evidently, fall in love with.
Whether you’re a caffeine addict or not, the best way to start your day of exploration is by grabbing a bite. If you want an easy to-go option that offers a wide muffin selection, breakfast sandwiches, and every caffeinated or non-caffeinated beverage of your dreams for a reasonable price, then Common Ground is the place to go. Though COVID has shut down their indoor seating, the café has adapted well by creating a very streamline ordering system, offering some seating on the sidewalk, and creating a window area where you can pick up your order easily from outside.
The next stop on the independent business tour is shopping.
Whether for clothes, music, or oddities there’s something for everyone. Starting with music, Celebrated Summer and Strawberry Fields are both great locations for browsing through extensive music selections. If you’re looking to grow your vinyl collection across all genres Strawberry Fields should be your first stop. Don’t be fooled by the front section full of antiques, postcards, knick-knacks, art, and other treasures, in the back room there’s a collection of over 3000 vinyl’s you are sure to find something that suits your fancy. For more CDs, Celebrated Summer would be a good choice due to their variety of inventory from CDs to cassettes and vinyl records. Both of these locations are reasonably priced, so you won’t have to worry about breaking the bank.
If you are more focused on finding a new statement piece of clothing or another pair of sturdy jeans, then visit Milk and Ice Vintage and Change my Mind Vintage. Both stores offer an eclectic collection of clothing that is reasonably priced.
Change My Mind Vintage is essential for finding colorful pieces and with their well-organized layout, you’ll have no problem finding exactly what you need. They also have a great collection of art in the very back! The staff is very helpful and always willing to share the story of the pieces they have collected over time. Change my Mind also supports local artisans that want to sell their pieces such as jewelry and accessories.
Moving on to Milk and Ice Vintage, though they are a bit more expensive, this consignment shop will be sure to fill any need, especially if that need is denim and flannels. Milk and Ice carries a variety of vintage pieces ranging from more delicate silk camis to the perfectly worn in t-shirt. The front of the store boasts a collection of rare oddities, jewelry, books, music, and knick-knacks to sift through if you have to wait for friends to finish trying on the many clothes they’ve picked out.
At the end of a long day there’s nothing like meeting up with friends for some drinks and a snack.
If you want to enjoy a drink or two in a relaxed atmosphere, Atomic Books is a fun option to consider. The bookstore and bar hybrid offers a more laid-back environment if you are just looking to sit-back and have a conversation over drinks with friends in the middle of the week.
If you’re looking for something a little more upbeat with a wider range of food options, The Bluebird is the place to be. A little bit more elegant in nature, this bar is a great way to end the night in style. Order one of their specialty cocktails, take a couple pictures of the artfully crafted drinks, and wind down from an eventful day with good company.
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