Nestled along the picturesque Baltimore Harbor, Fells Point invites visitors to experience its rich history and vibrant local culture in one of the Maryland city’s most charming and storied neighborhoods. Many of the 18th century row homes and warehouses have been transformed into stylish hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Here you can wander the cobblestone streets, poke around a vintage record store, or listen to jazz at a local saloon. Winter is the perfect season to discover the city’s unique attractions and learn how Baltimore played a pivotal role in Early American history.
How to Get There
Getting to and around Baltimore is easy. Take Amtrak to Baltimore’s Penn Station, then hop aboard the Charm City Circulator, a free shuttle bus that makes the rounds to key parts of the city. From Penn Station, take the purple line, then switch to the orange line at Pratt Street. Just about one hour north of Northern Virginia, Fells Point also has street parking, or try the Fleet & Eden Garage.
History
In 1726, Baltimorean bothers Edward and William Fell acquired land along deepest section of the Patapsco River where they began a shipbuilding business. Throughout the 1700’s, the bawdy maritime hub prospered and was settled by merchants, sailors, and pirates. The town’s shipbuilders produced 10 percent of all ships for the entire United States, including the famous USS Constellation from 1790 to 1840.
Throughout the 19th century, waves of Europeans immigrants arrived in Baltimore, finding work in the shipyards and factories of Fells Point. Maryland’s manumission laws brought free Black people to the area, including abolitionist Frederick Douglass. These newcomers established their own communities, including nearby Little Italy with its old school Italian eateries.
Where to Stay
Make a weekend of it by checking into the chic Pendry Baltimore. Part of a massive revitalization of downtown Baltimore, the Pendry was once a 1914-era recreation pier in the historic Fells Point. Decades later, the waterfront building was used as an immigrant processing hub, ferry stop, and community center until it fell into disrepair and was abandoned in 1937.
After a $60 million renovation, the landmark was transformed into a luxury hotel by Under Armour founder Kevin Plank. The waterfront pool and bar is used year-round for outdoor movies and events. The guest rooms have balconies where you can watch the sunset over the skyline. It’s an ideal location for enjoying Baltimore’s nightlife, dining, and attractions.
Things to Do
History buffs should explore Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Site. Tours explaine the fort’s significance to the country’s survival during in the War of 1812. This is where Francis Scott Key penned the words to the “Star Spangled Banner.”
Winter Village Skate on the fifth-floor terrace of the Four Seasons Baltimore is open Wednesday through Sundays until March 15. After taking a spin, warm up beside the fireplace with snacks or rent a semi-private heated cabana.
Writer Edgar Allen Poe lived in Baltimore in the early 1830’s, returning periodically, until in October 1849, he mysteriously died. Learn the story at the Edgar Allen Poe Museum & Historic House and visit Poe’s grave at Westminster Burying Ground on Fayette Street (Baltimore’s NFL team was named for Poe’s famous story The Raven).
Visionary Art Museum symbolizes the quirky, independent spirit of Charm City. The museum’s collection of eccentric art is housed in the stunning glass building at the foot of Federal Hill. The exhibit Fantastic Realities displays 130 new pieces honoring the museum’s 30th anniversary. Save time for the gift shop.
Where to Shop
Fells Point is known for its independent retailers and friendly shopkeepers. Highlights include Su Casa, a destination store for furniture, home décor, and crafts made by local artisans. Sheep’s Clothing sells a curated collection of clothes, jewelry, and accessories imported from Great Britain. The Seasoned Olive is the place to stock up on holiday décor, locally made gifts and cocktail essentials.
E.C. Pops features Maryland-centric merchandise — think Old Bay and Orioles memorabilia — along with toys and candy. The Gift Shop by Brightside sells clothing with a youthful attitude, including its own label. Mahogany Makers represents independent creators selling original art and clothing, including tie-dye treasures by Alkebu-Lan.
Where to Dine
Sacré Sucré pastry studio creates confections in every color of the rainbow and artful coffee creations. Good luck choosing from this dazzling array of eclairs, petit gateaux, croissants and macarons. Kneads bakeshop and café functions as a local’s hangout at all hours. Patrons can grab a pastry or sit down to enjoy crab cakes on the all-day menu. The café is connected to H&S Bakery, a Baltimore institution since 1943.
Have a hearty brunch at Bunny’s Buckets & Bubbles, a diner owned by Chef Jesse Sandlin. The local gem is known for fried chicken in a bucket and bubbly cocktails. The Horse You Came In On Saloon is the oldest continually running saloon in America. It was also the last place poet Edgar Allen Poe was seen before his death. Established in 1775, the waterfront bar still draws crowds for nightly live music.
Formerly St. Michael’s Church in Fells Point, Ministry of Brewing is now a craft brewery and educational center for high schoolers learning lab skills. Local founders serve a variety of homemade beers on tap.
Baltimore’s delicious Ekiben is the top place to sample Asian and Ethiopian bowls and sandwiches. The fast casual restaurant was a James Beard semifinalist. Local favorite Little Donna’s is named after owner Robbie Tutlewski’s grandmother. The eclectic menu of Yugoslavian dishes and tavern style pizza pies are served in a cozy bistro.
Belly up to the bar at Johnny Rad’s Pizzeria Tavern. Order a craft beer and play some Skee-ball until the seriously good pizza and sandwiches arrive.
Feature image courtesy Renee Sklarew
