THINGS TO DO:
Duckpin Bowling in Dundalk — This is a truly Baltimore experience. These lanes are stuck in the 1950s in the best way possible. It almost feels like you’d still be allowed to smoke inside. On Fridays, games are only $5.
https://www.facebook.com/
Aquarium — This is the best aquarium I’ve ever been to. There’s an option for a shark tour with a marine biologist, where you can walk over them on the catwalks. 10/10 kid activity.
https://aqua.org
Patterson Park — Grab an ice cream at Bmore Licks (bmorelicks.com) and take a stroll around Baltimore’s living room—Patterson Park. Highly recommend visiting the Patterson Park Observatory:
https://explore.
Peabody Library — This place looks like a goddamn movie. So dramatic and absolutely worth a visit. If we had an unlimited wedding budget, we would’ve gotten married here instead of at our house.
https://www.library.jhu.edu/
Walters Museum — After enjoying the Peabody Library, stroll over to the Walters Museum. It’s always free and has an incredible permanent collection.
https://thewalters.org
American Visionary Art Museum — Dedicated to self-taught and outsider artists, this museum is fun and full of Baltimore-specific art. It also has THE BEST gift shop I’ve ever been to.
https://www.avam.org
Rawlings Conservatory & Druid Hill Park — Druid Hill Park is great for getting a little lost in the city. Lots of winding paths to enjoy. The Rawlings Conservatory is one of the oldest glass conservatories still standing in the U.S.—a must for botanic lovers.
https://rawlingsconservatory.
Pilates with Julia – Saturday @ 10:10 AM — If you know anything about me (Emma), I’m a Pilates girl to my core (lol). My favorite class ever is with Julia. Classes are on Tuesday/Wednesday at 6 PM and Saturdays at 10:10 AM. Start off our wedding day with a mat Pilates class! Located in the Guardian Baltimore Gym (2227 Huntingdon Ave). $10 via cash/Zelle/Venmo. Questions? Email Julia: jberos@gm.slc.edu
Balto — Lauren’s favorite vintage shop—full of Baltimore treasures. Skip the cheesy magnet and grab a very cool trucker hat.
https://baltovintage.com/
The Book Thing — A one-of-a-kind bookstore open once a month—everything is FREE.
https://bookthing.org
Round Falls — Near Druid Hill Park, this hidden waterfall has a small pathway and a peaceful sitting area—a city oasis.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/
Great Blacks in Wax Museum — Features 150 life-sized, life-like wax figures. It’s the only wax museum in the U.S. dedicated to preserving African American history.
https://www.greatblacksinwax.
B&O Railroad Museum — Just two blocks from our house—yet somehow we’ve never been. Great for kids!
https://www.borail.org
Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) — Next to the Hopkins campus, this museum features stunning architecture and incredible art. Afterward, grab a bite at Gertrude’s.
https://artbma.org
Leakin Park — Famously featured in the Serial podcast. Fun fact: over 75 bodies have been found here since the 1940s. Don’t let that deter you—it’s full of beautiful trails and even has a four-story mansion hidden inside. Our friend Patrice lived nearby for years and swears it’s not haunted.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
Sherwood Gardens — Tucked into one of Baltimore’s ritziest neighborhoods, this garden is the perfect place to lay out a blanket and take in the fall colors. Wander the surrounding streets to admire the historic mansions.
https://www.sherwoodgardens.
Port Discovery — I’ve never been—because you can’t go unless you have children, which is TYRANNY. But I’ve heard it’s super fun and similar to the old children’s museum in Oregon.
https://www.portdiscovery.org
RESTAURANTS / COFFEE:
Nick’s Fish House — Quintessential Watertown USA vibe. Dock bar, live music, crabs, and orange crushes. Expect some thick Maryland accents.
https://nicksfishhouse.com
Thames Street Oyster House — Best raw bar in the city. Our friend Maddy works there—she makes a killer drink. Afterward, stroll along the historic Baltimore waterfront.
https://www.
Le Comptoir du Vin — If you're coming to our welcome party, you'll get to enjoy Le Comp. This spot looks like it’s in Europe—not Baltimore. Amazing food and owned by our friend Rosemary Liss. Half the staff will probably be at the wedding.
https://www.comptoirbaltimore.
The Prime Rib — As seen in The Wire (Season 2, 2003)—and truly hasn’t changed since. Think 1940s supper club with mob vibes. Lauren recommends the dirty gin martini with a blue cheese olive, and I say go for the banana split.
https://theprimeribs.com
Blueprint Coffee — A newer spot near the BMA with incredible pastries and coffee. Grab a bite and head to the museum.
https://www.instagram.com/
Good Neighbor — A Baltimore staple with gorgeous interiors and a serene courtyard. Buy an art book and sip a cappuccino. Located near Hampden—a fun neighborhood to walk around.
https://goodneighborshop.com
Sophomore Coffee — A personal favorite. All my friends work here and they make a mean matcha. On weekends, the courtyard next door opens at 11.
https://sophomorecoffee.com
Clavel — My former employer—and the sexiest restaurant in town. Oaxacan food that is chef’s kiss. I basically survived nursing school on staff meals here. Get there early or be prepared to wait.
https://barclavel.com
Fadensonnen & Chachi’s — Lauren’s former employer. Natural wine, sake, and beer with a dreamy courtyard. Across the courtyard is Chachi’s—famous for chicken and pierogis.
Ekiben — A Baltimore legend. Asian fusion and delicious. I recommend the Yuzu Lemonade and the Tofu Brah Bowl.
https://ekibenbaltimore.com/
Doppio — New bakery and cafe in town. They make amazing Sicilian pizza by the slice and killer pastries. I hate waiting in line, but it’s worth it.
https://www.doppiobaltimore.
Neopol — A 10-minute walk from our house. Incredible in-house smoked fish.
https://www.
Faidley’s — Best crab cake in the game. Located in the historic Lexington Market—one of the oldest public markets in the country (I think… I’m not going to Google it).
https://www.faidleyscrabcakes.
Dipasquale’s — Family-owned and operated Italian deli. Amazing sandwiches and fresh-filled cannoli. One location is right on the water.
https://www.dipasquales.com
Club Charles — Dive bar to the stars! Affectionately called Club Chuck—John Waters’ favorite bar. He was kinda rude to me here once, and you too deserve that experience.
1724 N Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201