Baltimore might be the “Birthplace of the Star-Spangled Banner” and the resting place of Edgar Allan Poe, but in a city of renowned museums and attractions, award-winning restaurants, and endless entertainment options, a lot of cool places get overlooked. From quirky to outdoorsy, discover these spots in the nooks and crannies of Maryland’s largest city.
1. Papermoon Diner
This offbeat diner is a Baltimore favorite due to its dazzling collection of kitsch and extensive comfort food menu. Thousands of unique Pez candy dispensers line the walls as Barbie doll and baby doll creations poke their heads and limbs out from the many, many mannequins that live under carousel horses dangling from above.
The eclectic temple of pop culture paraphernalia is worth a visit just for the photo-op, but the food is pretty darn good too. They serve classics like pancakes, waffles, and omelets alongside unconventional dishes like the Morning Glory—meatloaf for breakfast anyone? There’s something on the menu for everyone, including salads, sandwiches, quesadillas, pasta, and vegetarian options. Order the bacon milkshake—not just to say you did, but because the combo of maple syrup and bacon crumbles blended with your choice of vanilla or chocolate ice cream is actually delish.
Address: 227 W 29th St, Baltimore, MD 21211
2. Graffiti Alley
Literally hidden behind the Motor House, this L-shaped alley in the States North Arts and Entertainment District of Baltimore serves as an ever-rotating outdoor art gallery of self-expression for local artists. Vibrant colors cover every square inch of the walls (and even the trash cans). Owned by the Graffiti Warehouse, this hidden urban Baltimore gem makes a marvelous Instagram photoshoot backdrop.
Address: Graffiti Alley, Baltimore, Maryland
3. Bazaar
Located in Hampden, this oddity store and gift shop is unique, to say the least. They sell taxidermy and osteology specimens, medical antiques, prints, photos, books, and jewelry among other odds and ends. Who doesn’t need some dangly earrings made with human teeth? Other unusual finds displayed in this small row house include Victorian hair art, skulls, anatomical charts, diaphonized specimens, postmortem photography, but they also have air plants, candles, and greeting cards. Bazaar also hosts regular taxidermy workshops, so check their website for upcoming ones.
Address: 3534 Chestnut Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211
4. The Walters Art Museum
Often overshadowed by the Baltimore Museum of Art or the American Visionary Art Museum, The Walters Art Museum is located in the heart of the city in Mount Vernon-Belvedere. Opened in 1934, the public art museum displays an extraordinary millennia-spanning collection from 5,000 BCE to the 21st century, encompassing 36,000 objects. Masterpieces run from ancient Roman sarcophagi to delicate Russian Faberge eggs, and there are always traveling and circulating exhibitions. The best part? Admission is free!
Address: 600 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201
5. Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore
With the Sherwood Gardens and Cylburn Arboretum getting all the attention from floral fans, this glass palace nestled in Druid Hill Park often gets overlooked. The Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens of Baltimore, or the Baltimore City Conservatory for short, is a conservatory/greenhouse and botanical garden that displays plants from around the world. There are five areas with different environments for flora: the 1888 Palm House, the Orchid Room, Mediterranean House, Tropical House, and Desert House.
Thirty-five flower beds surround the conservatory, making it a beautiful place to picnic in nice weather. The building is the second oldest surviving glass botanic conservatory in the US and is on the National Register of Historic Places. At the gift shop, you can buy cacti, succulents, tropical plants, and herbs propagated by Baltimore City Conservatory’s own collection. On Wednesdays during the summer, the conservatory stays open late for the Druid Hill Farmers Market.
Address: 3100 Swann Dr, Baltimore, MD 21217
6. Jones Falls Trail
Located next to the largest park in the city, Druid Hill Park, Woodberry Woods doesn’t get much attention. Winding through its woods is the little-known Jones Falls Trail and its namesake stream. Bike or walk the 10-mile path along the stream toward Cylburn Arboretum and enjoy the scenery along the way. Make sure to check out the new bridge over Northern Parkway.
Address: 4915 Greenspring Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21209
7. Annabel Lee Tavern
via Annabel Lee Tavern
While the Edgar Allan Poe House and the gothic writer’s burial site are popular points of interest, this pub is packed with a plethora of Poe-inspired decorations. Named after the last completed poem composed by Poe, the tavern is decked out in ravens, complete with a quote from the famous author over the door. Popular menu items include the buffalo mushrooms, duck fat fries, and crab dip flatbread pizza. Top it off with a themed cocktail, like the Edgar, made with lucid absinthe and hot water, served with a rock candy swizzle stick. You’ll find this homage to the great poet a bit off the beaten path in Canton.
Address: 601 S Clinton St, Baltimore, MD 21224
8. R. House
via R House
The self-proclaimed “launchpad for Baltimore’s most exciting chefs,” this industrial-chic food hall, located in a former body shop in Remington, has 10 different gourmet food stalls with 10 different chefs serving up a smorgasbord of global cuisines. There’s something for everyone, including pizza, poke, tacos, arepas, breakfast sandwiches, crab cakes, Korean barbecue, Mediterranean street food, and dessert. The space seats 350 people, so you’ll never have to wait for a taste of local culture and cuisine. R. House also hosts pop-ups and game nights and has a bar right in the middle of the action.
Address: 301 W 29th St, Baltimore, MD 21211
9. WC Harlan
This under-the-radar watering hole is actually one of the best cocktail places in Baltimore. Blending effortlessly into Remington’s assorted rowhomes, the Prohibition-inspired speakeasy is marked only by chalk on a side door that says “entrance”. We can’t stress this enough: WC Harlan’s handcrafted cocktails are out of this world.
Try the $8 cocktail du jour, a punch bowl, a classic cocktail, or opt for a $2.50 beer. This spot was Lane Harlan’s first entry into Baltimore’s bar scene back in 2013. The dim, cozy, and intimate bar is a great place to take a date or gather with friends. This “hidden gem” is actually quite popular, so get there early before it fills up. If you can’t get in, Harlan’s other ventures, Clavel, down the street, and Fadensonnen, a beer garden and natural wine and sake bar in Old Goucher, are also great options.
Address: 400 W 23rd St, Baltimore, MD 21211
10. The Book Thing of Baltimore
What’s better than a bookstore? A bookstore where all the books are free! This volunteer-run used bookstore is only open from 9am-5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Its mission is to “put unwanted books into the hands of those who want them”, and so far it’s on the right track. Due to the overwhelming amount of donations they’ve received lately, the store is not accepting book donations. That’s great news for you, booklovers! Bring a big ol’ bag or two and fill up on free titles!
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