Top Neighborhoods to Explore Near Harbor East
July 2, 2019
Fell’s Point
To the east of our Harbor East community is Fell’s Point, a neighborhood rich in history. Fell’s Point is home to numerous waterfront restaurants and bars – some of the best in the city. Recently established is the new Broadway Market, which is home to an array of decadent and delicious food; there really is something for everyone here: whether you want Korean, Thai, or seafood. A few places you’ll want to be sure to check out are Bertha’s Mussels — maybe you’ve seen the green bumper sticker around town with “Eat Bertha’s Mussels” written on it? They are known to have some of the best mussels in the city. Another local favorite for some delectable seafood is Thames Street Oyster House, where you’ll need to make a reservation because this restaurant is always packed. For our history fanatics out there, be sure to enjoy a drink, some bar snacks, and live music at The Horse You Came in On Saloon. This is Maryland's only bar to operate before, during, and after Prohibition, and is the last bar to serve Edgar Allen Poe a drink before he passed away.
Canton
Further east of Fell’s Point is Canton, a waterfront community bustling with local shops, restaurants, and fantastic parks. The Canton Waterfront Park is where numerous events and concerts are hosted for the community. Near the waterfront park are a few new water-facing restaurants that are sure to deliver great flavors and cocktails while you sit back and enjoy the gorgeous view of the harbor. The heart of Canton is a collection of popular bars and restaurants frequented by locals and visitors alike. On our must-eat list is Southern Provisions, a spot that combines Southern flare with a Baltimore twist. For our seafood lovers, we highly recommend the crab cake at Mama’s on the Half Shell, and if you like to throw back an oyster or two, you can’t go wrong at Lee’s Pint and Shell, where over 300,000 oysters have been served. Canton is diverse in the fact that there’s also a strip mall where people can enjoy runs to Target, Harris Teeter, Michael’s, and numerous other conveniences.
Mount Vernon
Centrally located in Baltimore just north of the Inner Harbor is Mount Vernon: home to an eclectic mix of museums, bars, and restaurants. Explore historical art collections within The Walters Art Museum, which encompasses 36,000 objects from around the world. Immerse yourself in rich history at a former speakeasy called The Owl Bar, where numerous celebrities who visited the bar have their pictures lining the walls. During Prohibition, when the Belvedere Hotel’s basement was stocked with whiskey, the owl’s eyes would wink, and locals would come and gather. When you get hungry, be sure to swing by Mount Vernon Marketplace for a bite, as a dozen vendors offer global cuisine, cheeses, beer, sandwiches, and more in this dynamic food court. Mount Vernon is the city’s cultural and historic center, and a place you won’t want to miss.
Federal Hill
Located south of the Inner Harbor is Federal Hill. The neighborhood is named for the prominent hill that is easily viewed from the Inner Harbor area and offers great views of downtown. Federal Hill Park is adjacent to the quirky American Visionary Art Museum, which specializes in showcasing outsider art. Federal Hill is known for its lively nightlife scene around bars, live music venues, and great restaurants. The Abbey Burger Bistro is a popular date night spot due to its extensive list of unique meat for burgers. Nearby, Crossbar is Baltimore’s very own take on a traditional German Biergarten. Trendy boutiques sell upscale fashion and decor while Cross Street Market has stalls stocked with fresh produce and prepared foods. Federal Hill is a lively neighborhood with lots for all to enjoy.
Locust Point
Situated to the east of Federal Hill is another neighborhood rich in history, Locust Point. Glowing red on the city skyline each night is the Domino Sugar sign, which has become a Baltimore icon. The sign represents the Domino Sugar Refinery, which processes seven million pounds of sugar a day. Domino Sugar isn’t the only large brand to be located in Locust Point, it’s also home to Under Armour which is located in the former Proctor & Gamble soap factory. Most importantly Fort McHenry, the birthplace of our National Anthem, is in this established neighborhood. The National Park is open to the public year-round and offers visitor programs and special events, like ranger-led “flag talks” and morning and evening flag changes.
Although it might be tempting to stick around Harbor East given that everything you might need is right at your fingertips, make sure to get out and explore. No matter what neighborhood you decide to adventure in, from the historic Federal Hill to the Canton Waterfront Park, your journey through Baltimore’s neighborhoods will be an exciting and eye-opening perspective into one of America’s greatest cities.