If you’re anything like us (read: snowball snobs) you know exactly what you’re ordering once you step up to your favorite roadside stand this season.

As Baltimoreans, we all have our preferences. (Egg custard or Skylite? Domed top or pointy top? Marshmallow on top or in the middle?) But no matter what combo fills your cup, nothing beats the feeling of chopping away at the refreshing treat—especially when it’s the perfect ratio of ice to syrup—once the humidity sets in.

To get you ready for summer, we’ve rounded up a few of the best spots in town to get your fix. Among them is Ice Queens in Locust Point, whose mother-daughter duo sat down with us to discuss their signature New Orleans-style snowballs. (We see some of your eyes rolling, but, trust us, they’re incredible. Read the Q&A at the end of our list to find out why.)

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The Bus Stop: Options are endless at this dessert haven off of Hanover Pike in Upperco, but the snowballs are likely the most refreshing item on the menu. Unique takes on the classic cup of ice include DIY half-and-half flavors, a blended snowball (two flavors blended together), or the “Lollipop,” which layers a snowball with vanilla or chocolate soft serve. 15513 Hanover Pike, Upperco

Chestnut Ridge Volunteer Firehouse: Take the scenic route along the winding roads of Greenspring Valley to mix and match your favorite flavors from the stand in front of the firehouse—which acts as an annual fundraiser for the organization. 12020 Greenspring Ave., Owings Mills

Chill Snowballs & Ice Cream: Living up to its name on Main Street in Reisterstown, this family-friendly stand from brothers Todd and John Hays—who have been slinging snowballs since the ’80s—is an ideal spot to wind down on a summer night. Enjoy a lengthy list of classics, diet flavors, and signature concoctions like Unicorn and Tollhouse Cookie. 249 Main St., Reisterstown.

Crushed Velvet Shave Ice: Let’s get this out of the way right from the jump—Crushed Velvet serves shave ice, which isn’t technically a snowball, but still a very fun, unique spin on our city’s chilled treat. Taking inspo from the Hawaiian delicacy (a more fine and fluffy, rather than crunchy, texture topped with homemade syrups and formed in a dome shape atop a small bowl), the Key Highway stand (which is moving to Hampden soon) offers signature flavors like Peach Melba and Chocolate-Covered Cherry. Be sure to give the owners a follow on social for updates on community events and pizza-and-dessert deals with its neighboring sister-spot, Key Neapolitan by Verde. 1302 Key Highway. 

Emmorton Snowballs: This Bel Air institution, which began as a tiny structure off of Emmorton Road in the summer of 1981, quells sweet tooth cravings with flavors ranging from green apple and strawberry to signature mixes like the Blood Orange (cherry and orange) and Down on the Ocean (banana, coconut, and pineapple.) 101 E. Wheel Rd., Bel Air.

Friendly Snowball: The name fits the vibe at this Joppa Road community fixture, equipped with tables, umbrellas, and greenery that make you forget you’re in a Parkville parking lot. Around since 1984, the family-owned spot prides itself on its marshmallow, which can be added to more than 50 flavors. Stick with the classics, or go for premiums like Raspberry Cordial, Caramel Apple, or Milky Way. 2025 E. Joppa Rd., Parkville

Go Melvo Sno-balls: Run by namesake founder Melvin (Melvo) McMahon and his son, Jeff, this 30-year-old snowball staple has a fleet of roving trucks that can often be found at schools and sports games around town. Plus, on hot days, you can count on the trailers stationed in Severna Park and on the beach at 146th Street in Fenwick—where you can pour your own marshmallow. Fan-favorite Melvo medleys include the Cruel Summer (watermelon and Skylite) and the Cal Ripken (orange and egg custard.) Multiple locations including 104 Maple Ave. Severna Park.

Ice Queens: The fluffy snowballs at this Locust Point favorite are an homage to the finely shaved ice that’s popular in New Orleans (see our Q&A, below.) But the shop has passed the Charm City test—with options ranging from old-fashioned egg custard to Peaches N’ Cream and Chocolate-Covered Strawberry. 1648 E Fort Ave.

Icy Delights: Many locals have become acquainted with this local snowball chain, which has been around since the ’90s and boasts nine shops and stands scattered everywhere from Parkville to Brewers Hill. The business has become known for its signature style, which tops its  cups with a plastic dome cover and provides a long spoon for stirring. The brand has also made a habit of placing marshmallow in the middle of the ice—so don’t get discouraged if you have to dig around for it. Multiple locations including 3930 Fleet St.

Kona Ice: Neighborhood kids (and adults) are likely familiar with the island tunes that signal one of the snowball trucks from Kona’s fleet is nearby. But the chain also boasts a longtime stand in Parkville, where you can find palm trees, straw umbrellas, and all of the classic flavors, plus rotating specials like lavender lemonade and blueberry açai. If you want to pair your ice with something savory, grab a soft pretzel, hot dog, or order of nachos and stay a while. 3326 E. Joppa Rd. Parkville.

One Sweet Moment: The team at this famous wooden porch in Hamilton has been greeting guests for more than 30 years. The lengthy menu of both shaved and crushed ice snowballs showcases more than 150 choices, categorized by regular flavors, specialty mixes, sour selections, and cream concoctions (think: Creamy Colada and Root Beer Float.) Don’t forget to try the new-ish egg custard soft serve. 2914 Hamilton Ave.

Opie’s Soft Serve and Snowballs: Grabbing an after-dinner treat at this sweets shop has become a community tradition in Catonsville. Flavors range from strawberry to cotton candy, and—if you’re having a hard time choosing between a snowball or ice cream—go for the signature “Snowcream,” which layers soft-serve in the middle and on top of the ice. 1603 Edmonson Ave., Catonsville.

Original Hawaiian Island Snowballs: This summer hangout off of Liberty Road in between Randallstown and Eldersburg has been enticing locals for decades with its tasty treats and daily specials. Though it offers funnel cakes, soft pretzels, gelatis, and ice cream sundaes, the shop is best known for an array of more than 100 snowball flavors ranging from pear and tangerine to Fireball and strawberry-banana. 10636 Liberty Rd., Holbrook

The Peggy: After purchasing Walther Gardens in Hamilton-Lauraville last year, Christopher Heller—of The Margaret Cleveland home and garden shop in Bolton Hill—renamed the property’s beloved snowball stand “The Peggy,” after his great-grandmother. Expect fresh flavors made with pure cane sugar (Candied Orange, Cookie Butter, and French Raspberry, to name a few) and a fun new logo on your pink cup. 

Aside from that, Heller is committed to preserving the history of the community gathering spot—dubbed the oldest snowball stand in the country—as well as its age-old egg custard recipe. 3501 Southern Ave.

Quality Snowballs: Stationed just across the street from its sister-spot, The Food Market, on the Avenue in Hampden, this 10-foot shipping container churns out big flavors with toppings like fresh fruit, whipped cream, candy pieces, condensed milk, and torched marshmallow. If you’re feeling adventurous, try concoctions like banana with Oreos or rainbow cream with Nerds. 1014 W. 36th St.

Snoasis: Nothing screams summer like squishing your toes in the sand at this beachy Timonium mainstay—which first debuted in 1977. You can pretty much get any flavor under the sun (we’re partial to multi-colored Rainbow, pictured above) and finish it off with drippy marshmallow or the secret-recipe vanilla topping, for good measure. 30 E. Padonia Rd., Lutherville-Timonium

Stouten’s Marina and Snowball Stop: This neighborhood gem located at Stouten’s Marina on the water in Dundalk has something for everyone, whether you’re jonesin’ for a fruity flavor or in the mood for a peanut butter and jelly snowball (grape topped with peanut butter sauce.) The stand is even equipped with a drive-thru window for the scorchers when it’s too hot to step away from the A.C. 817 Wise Ave., Dundalk 

Summer Shack Snowballs: It’s difficult to drive down Falls Road without making a pit stop to this family-owned stand, which offers outdoor seating and plenty of sidewalk chalk to occupy little ones. Head to the royal blue awning to order a colorful cup (think Georgia peach, pink bubble gum, and Tutti Frutti.) 2339 W. Joppa Rd., Lutherville-Timonium

The Snowball Stand: Tucked away in Woodstock, this community gem off Route 99 has been a Howard County favorite since its inaugural summer in 1974. Gather in the gazebo to slurp standouts like blue raspberry, mango, and cola. Be sure to also check out the rotating “flavors of the day” sprawled on a chalkboard sign out front. 1970 Woodstock Rd., Woodstock

The Snowball Effect

How Ice Queens became one of the most popular sweet shops in Locust Point.

By Marie Bosslett

In 2020, mother-daughter duo Melanie and Dasia Kabia opened Ice Queens Snoball Shop on East Fort Avenue in Locust Point. Four years later, its popularity has, well, snowballed, with locals continuing to line up around the block to get a taste on warm days.

We caught up with the bubbly owners to discuss their start, favorite flavors, and what it’s been like to bring their signature New Orleans-style ice to Baltimore.

How did Ice Queens come to be?
Dasia Kabia: I worked at a snowball stand in Southwest Baltimore County for five years and got inspired. I shared the idea with my pediatrician, who is from Louisiana, and she became my “Angel Investor” who gave me my first loan.

Melanie Kabia: When she was young, Dasia’s grandmother used to take her to the same snowball shop that she ended up working at, so it’s a cool family tradition. Snowballs are nostalgic, so it was easy for us to fall in love with the idea.

What is a “New Orleans-style” snowball?
MK: The machine we use was patented in New Orleans and gives super finely shaved ice. We’re still a traditional Baltimore snowball shop with classic egg custard and marshmallow recipes, but you’re also getting that New Orleans twist with sweet cream and fruit.

DK: In my opinion, New Orleans has found a way to make the best ice. Combining a Baltimore snowball with it was a match made in heaven. It’s exactly what I wanted.

Do you often get Baltimore purists who are critical of trying something new?
DK: Of course.

MK: Every day. But we always convince them to try something they may not have had before. That’s a fun challenge for us.

How does it feel to have such a large presence in the community?
MK: It’s an amazing surprise. In two months, we went from two to 20 employees. It’s so humbling and encouraging to have that connection with our customers. It warms our hearts to know that we’re sharing a part of our family just through a snowball.

DK: It’s been an honor to watch my dream grow like this. Starting a business in the middle of the pandemic at 22 years old was very scary, but I always had the community supporting me.

What are your favorite flavors?
DK: Strawberry Shortcake. It’s delicious, looks pretty, and is very Instagrammable.

MK: Our Old Fashioned, which is an egg custard with sweet cream and marshmallow. But Mango Tango is also on my favorites list.

From the late 1970s through the mid 1980s, much of my childhood was spent frequenting the local corner stores. My friends and I would go after school and all throughout the summer. All the neighborhoods—Canton, Highlandtown, and what is now Brewers Hill—were positively full of them.

The corner stores I remember sold groceries, meats, snacks, drinks, milk, sodas, snowballs, candy, and even Pinky Hi-Bounce balls, metal jacks game sets, and wooden paddle balls. As a young child, I ate ice cream kiddie cups with a wooden spoon, and as a teen, I devoured snowballs—but only certain flavors: sky blue (which tasted, well, blue), grape, spearmint, or egg custard topped with marshmallow.

Even though corner stores were prevalent in Southeast Baltimore, there’s surprisingly not a lot of written history about them. So, I decided to go straight to the source and reached out to six families of corner store owners to get a real feel for what life was like for them.

URBAN VILLAGES
Retired Senator Barbara Mikulski essentially grew up in a corner store. Her parents, William and Chris Mikulski, purchased their first shop, Willy’s, as newlyweds in 1935. It was located at 718 S. Eaton St., in what is today Brewers Hill.

“People didn’t have cars, so they lived in urban villages, where everything was within walking distance, and they shopped in the same area,” says Mikulski. “There were little mom-and-pop stores on the corners that met basic needs—a baker’s shop, a grocery store, a shoe repair, etc. Then there was the Avenue [Eastern Avenue] where we would shop for the rest.”

Mikulski’s parents purchased a house near the shop at 715 S. Eaton St., and they rented out the apartment above Willy’s. “You usually rented to a relative or somebody you knew from work or church,” she says.

According to Eric Holcomb, author of The City as Suburb: A History of Northeast Baltimore Since 1660, before the 20th century, there was no “separation of uses” in terms of zoning. “That’s why corner stores could have your house, your store, and even your warehouse in the same building,” says Holcomb.

In Willy’s early days, Mikulski’s father ran the store, and her mom kept the books while taking care of their daughters and household. When the store got busy, “Miss Chris,” as she was known to the neighborhood kids, helped out. I remember her always throwing a candy bar into the paper bag filled with my mom’s purchases.

While they initially sold canned goods and meats, as her father was an accomplished butcher, Mikulski says that her parents were forward-thinking when it came to the business.

“When World War II was over, my mother told my father that women were going to move from canned goods to frozen food. My father had one of the first freezers in the neighborhood in that store,” Mikulski says.

If her parents knew someone was ill, they would send young Barbara to their homes with their orders. They wouldn’t let her accept a tip. “You’re the grocer’s daughter. Be kind and be helpful,” they’d tell her.

Mikulski remembers the basement of their corner store being used as a fallout shelter during WWII for vulnerable populations.

“My father was an air raid warden. He and one of the other guys in their late 20s would patrol the neighborhood. And if there was ever an air-raid siren, my father’s place was one of the designated shelters,” she says. “The elderly or anyone with children would go into the basement and wait until the air raid was over. There were canned goods down there for them if needed. Whether it would’ve ever really worked, who knows?”

Her parents retired and sold the store in the early 1970s. For a while, it was used to sell meats and for catering. Now, it’s a private home that you’d never know was once a corner store.

“People didn’t have cars, so they lived where everything was within walking distance and shopped in the same area. There were mom-and-pop stores on the corners that met basic needs.”

SUPPORTING HER FAMILY
In 1957, Baltimore City firefighter Lee MacKenzie died of a heart issue. Like many men of his generation, he was the sole supporter of his family. Although she received a small amount of money from the Widow and Orphan’s Fund, his widow, Mary Magdalene “Lena” MacKenzie, needed to support her children.

So, MacKenzie bought an already existing store at 3225 Foster Ave. at the corner of Foster Ave. and Bouldin St. in Highlandtown. At the time, she and her children lived nearby at 3217 Foster Ave. and rented out the upstairs apartment above the store. Four years later, when her daughter Elinor married Jim Benzing, MacKenzie sold them that house, and she and her daughter Maria moved into the accommodations directly behind the store, while continuing to rent the upstairs.

Known as MacKenzie’s Confectionery, the store sold only key essentials since there was an A&P grocery store nearby. That included milk, bread, and eggs, plus a soda fountain—where she and Maria would make fountain sodas, milkshakes, hand-dipped ice cream, ice cream floats, and snowballs.

“When the egg man dropped off eggs to grandma’s [store], he would drop eggs off at our house too,” recalls Chris Benzing, her grandson. “I thought the egg man came to everyone’s house, because for us that was normal.”

Behind the counter, MacKenzie sold packs of cigarettes, some canned goods, cereal, soap, detergent, toilet paper, and other shelf-stable items. She also sold knickknacks, small toys, and greeting cards on a spinning rack.

Like many corner store owners, she didn’t keep stock in bulk, as vendors would come by weekly and take orders on what she needed. The next week, they’d deliver them. According to Mikulski, this is why many stores were on the corner of blocks or alleys—to make delivery easy.

The MacKenzies lived in the small apartment—living room, galley kitchen, one bedroom—behind the store, through a doorway that was always open. Their bathroom, with its clawfoot tub, was in the basement, which was also used for storage.

“The basement was the scariest. We raced through it. It wasn’t finished, and it just had their bathroom and furnace,” says Leah Benzing, a granddaughter.

“That’s where she also had all the flavors for the snowballs in big containers on a table,” adds Barbara Smith, another granddaughter.

The store front had a doorbell attached, which would ring in the kitchen. That way, if their grandmother and Maria were having lunch when the store was empty, they would know when a customer arrived.

In 1975, MacKenzie sold her store to one of her vendors, and it became Dawn’s Confectionery, named after the owner’s daughter. It’s now a rowhome.

MISS CASS’
In 1961, three months after Theresa Buerhaus Pratt was born, she and her four siblings moved with their parents to a corner store at 3800 Fait Ave. and Eaton St. in what is now Brewers Hill. Her father, George, worked full-time, and her mom, Cass, stayed home with the kids. Officially called Buerhaus Confectionery Store, it was known by the neighborhood as Miss Cass’ or just Cass’.

Although it was less than a block away from Mikulski’s parent’s shop, Miss Cass sold items the nearby store didn’t have, like comic books, newspapers, Tasty Kakes, and cigarettes. There was also a glass case of penny candy, and they sold snowballs out of the garage on the back of the house.

During many summer breaks, Pratt would work at the snowball stand three days a week from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. Before opening, she’d mix the marshmallow and mix flavors. Upon closing, she would count the money, roll the coins, and wipe everything down with bleach.

“But I got paid $5 a day,” says Pratt proudly.

Behind the store was their living room, kitchen, and the garage. Upstairs were three bedrooms, one for the four girls (who slept in two double beds), the middle room for their brother, and the back one for their parents. While she enjoyed living at the store, Pratt says there was one downside. The store opened directly into their living room, and her mom insisted on keeping one of the French doors open at all times.

“She would never close it, and it would drive us nuts because you’d be sitting there on the couch trying to watch TV or doing your homework, and if someone wasn’t right in the store to wait on them, they’d stick their heads into our living room while saying, ‘Anybody home?’” says Pratt.

In the late 1970s, Miss Cass moved the snowballs inside the store. She began selling Stewart Sandwiches, a popular, pre-packaged, refrigerated brand of pizza, hot dogs, and grilled cheese sandwiches, which customers like me would take out of the fridge and hand to Miss Cass for toasting. Even though they were cooked in the plastic, my friends and I thought they were absolutely delicious.

As time passed, people were driving more to stores, so they weren’t visiting Cass’ as much and business really dropped off. Pratt says her mom even tried to make it into a corner coffee shop, with coffees, teas, and pastries. But it just didn’t work. The store closed in 2014.

“My mom was so sad,” says Pratt. “She really loved all the kids who came to the store.”

STILL IN BUSINESS
Luigi Di Pasquale came to America from Italy when he was 14 years old. He worked for the railroad but didn’t like it and eventually left. In 1914, he opened a corner store at 3700 Claremont St. across from Our Lady of Pompei in Highlandtown. The building was so large, Luigi used the extra rooms as a boarding house for local men.

“We sold everything in the Italian line, from spaghetti on down,” says his son, Leo Di Pasquale, 95.

After Luigi married, he and his wife, Anna, had seven children, all of whom grew up to help at the store for a time.

“Every time mom had a baby, she kicked one of his borders out to make room for all of us—until it was all family,” says Leo with a laugh.

In the early days, besides selling groceries and candy, Leo says they had live chickens, turkeys, pigs, and goats available to be butchered for customers. Joe Di Pasquale, Leo’s nephew, who runs the family business now, says his grandparents also manufactured bleach in the alley.

In 1988, Joe and his brothers and sisters assumed ownership of the business from their dad, Luigi Jr., and moved it to 3700 Gough St., still in Highlandtown. Joe says over the years, suppliers gave them advice on how to keep the store running—stick with specialty items.

While Di Pasquale’s Italian Market still exists, it transitioned from the typical corner store to a deli and a casual eatery offering everything from subs and sandwiches to brick-oven pizzas and pasta dishes. They also grew to four locations.

“We expanded the kitchen and the menu, and we caught the prepared foods wave,” explains Joe.

Forno, which is still at the Gough St. location, is a little restaurant with a speakeasy feel. They kept a lot from the old corner store, so it looks like a museum of days gone by. And although the shop on Claremont St. has been gone for decades, it still sports a painted mural of the original Di Pasquale family and some of their wares.

“Everything in the neighborhood was close then,” says Leo. “And we were all there, working together in the store.”

THREE GENERATIONS OF LOU’S
Kristan Barbarino Wilson isn’t sure when her grandparents, Ida and Louis Barbarino, first opened Lou’s Confectionery corner store at 3401 Hudson St., but she remembers her parents, Joseph and Sharon, buying it from them in the mid-1970s.

Located across the street from what was then Canton #230 school and just a few blocks away from St. Brigid’s School, the store did a hearty business selling snacks, ice cream, soda, and candy to kids as well as canned goods, deli meat, steaks, pork chops, and cigarettes to adults.

Wilson’s grandparents lived on the first floor of the house next door, which the family also owned. Her family lived upstairs of both the shop and the house, as the second floor in each was connected. Wilson and her friends loved going into the store after closing time—truly kids in a candy store.

“We had central air in our house and store and the same phone number for both. When my parents got a phone call, but were in the store, we would yell through the air vent, ‘Pick up the phone!’” Wilson recalls with a laugh. “It was fun!”

NOT-ON-THE-CORNER STORE
In October of 1976, Libby and John Maciolek purchased Walt & Theresa’s, a store in the middle of the block at 3033-35 Hudson St. in Canton and renamed it John and Libby’s Confectionery. (Why many of these corner stores called themselves “confectioneries”—meaning a store that sells candy—no one seems to know, as they sold much more than sweets. Maybe they thought it sounded fancy.)

John and Libby’s carried groceries, canned goods, sodas, ice cream, snacks, and snowballs. In 1980, their daughter Laura Maciolek Stanton became manager, and her mom changed the store’s name again, this time to John and Libby’s Variety. In 1982, they expanded and began selling more groceries, packaged goods, penny candy, and seasonal toys.

During the spring and summer, Stanton remembers their tremendous snowball business that would have people lining down the block—especially for her mom’s homemade egg custard. Stanton, her sister, and their parents lived behind and above both sides of the store.

“My mom treated my friends like her daughters. We used to love having sleepovers because we’d come down after the store closed, and my friends could have all the ice cream, chips, and soda they wanted,” she recalls. “We had pinball machines, so it was almost like we had our own arcade, too.”

Stanton still owns the original penny machine from 1912. Many corner stores had them, and some were called “Bullseye.” Kids would put a penny in the top, and it would move down a pegboard, much like the Plinko game on The Price Is Right. If it landed in the right space at the bottom, you won a five- or ten-cent piece of candy.

As Canton was revitalized, fewer customers frequented their store. They couldn’t make a living anymore and closed in 2004. “When the community found out we were closing, they were devastated,” says Stanton. “There aren’t any stores like ours in Canton anymore. That was a different time.”

This article first appeared in our May 2026 issue. If you connected with it, consider becoming a print subscriber. 

Any local cafe, restaurant, or bar that you step into this weekend will likely be acknowledging St. Patrick’s Day. After all, Baltimore’s food and drink scene is known for going all out with bar crawls, pints of green beer, and festive food specials (see: the green-and-orange swirled bagels at THB or the shimmery St. Patrick’s Day cupcakes at Cake by Jason) around the big day in mid-March. But if you’re looking to take a more authentic route, you can’t beat a barstool at one of the area’s Irish pubs.

At the welcoming watering holes that we round up below, you can grab a Guinness, listen to real-deal tunes, and fill up on everything from classic corned beef and cabbage to hearty Shepherd’s pie while toasting the Emerald Isle. 

An Poitin Stil: At this Timonium fixture, a jam-packed itinerary includes nightly food specials, drink deals, performances, and events leading up to the annual St. Patrick’s Day blowout. Starting at 9 a.m. on March 17, the pub will offer tons of specials and all-day live music. 2323 York Road, Timonium.

Claddagh Pub: Head to Canton for the annual Meet in the Street at this fan-favorite pub. The two-day celebration on O’Donnell Square will kick off on Friday, March 13, highlighting food and drink specials and four local bands—including Crushing Day and Starcrush.  2918 O’Donnell St.

Delia Foley’s: Throw on your green getup and a pair of sunnies for this annual block party in Federal Hill—where you can chow down on wings, grab a pint, and jam to nonstop live music both inside and outside March 14. 1439 S. Charles St. $10 cash cover. 

Guinness Open Gate Brewery: In true Guinness fashion, Halethorpe’s renowned beer behemoth is celebrating with all things brews and bagpipes this weekend. Guinness’s Irish Village will feature aptly themed food stalls, traditional music, trivia, and, of course, plenty o’ pints. There are also ticketed experiences on offer, including admission to the new Hidden Harp tiny pub on the grounds, as well as guided food and beer pairings.  5001 Washington Blvd.

James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant: Can’t make it across the pond? Just head to James Joyce in Harbor East. The fan-favorite fixture will be hosting a holiday extravaganza on the big day, with classic eats, live pipe bands, and Irish dance performances. 616 President St.

Kelsey’s Irish Pub: The shamrock shenanigans at this Ellicott City favorite just get better with age. A special family day on March 15 will offer balloon art and live music. On March 16, raise an early toast to St. Patrick’s Day on Irish time (7 p.m.) to get little ones (and yourselves) home at a reasonable hour. On the actual day, the pub will open at 8 a.m. for kegs and eggs, followed by bag pipers and a lineup of live bands. 8480 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City.

Looney’s Pub: All locations of this homegrown pub chain—which operates venues in Perry Hall, Bel Air, Maple Lawn, and College Park—have their own set of specials and performers booked for St. Pat’s weekend. Hit up your local Looney’s to jam to the live bands, plus look out for beat-the-clock deals (the earlier you arrive, the better), Irish brunch dishes, and more shenanigans. Locations vary. 

Mick O’Sheas: Visit this Mt. Vernon stalwart to get a front-row seat to the St Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday. As always, the team brings the same energy on parade day as it does on March 17, featuring live music, dance performances, and food specials all day long. (Choose from comforting bangers and mash, fish and chips, Shepherds pie, corned beef Reubens, and more.) 328 North Charles St.

Shannon’s Pub & Grille: At this festively decorated hangout near Lansdowne, come decked out in your green and gold to line your stomach with everything from Shepherd’s pie to wings to crab cakes before ordering a pint. This year, the spirited St. Patrick’s Day festivities will also feature live bag pipers and lots of corned beef and cabbage. 4401 Annapolis Rd. 

Slainte Irish Pub and Restaurant: Forever a favorite in Fells Point, this Irish pub and soccer fan headquarters offers traditional pub grub all the time. But the vibes are at an all-time high throughout March, when you can find rotating specials like Irish espresso martinis and Shepherd’s Pie empanadas. Swing by during St. Patrick’s Day weekend to dig into classics such as corned beef sandwiches, fish and chips, Dubliner mac and cheese, and the famous Irish bibimbap bowl. 1700 Thames St.

Ye Olde Emerald Tavern: Billed as “Baltimore’s St. Patrick’s Day headquarters,” this Parkville staple routinely hosts a multi-day bash featuring an outdoor live music tent and a ton of food specials. Come hungry to enjoy wings smothered in Guinness sauce, corned beef and cabbage with potatoes, Shepherd’s Pie, bangers and mash, and Irish potato soup. 8300 Harford Rd, Parkville.

Looking for a more comprehensive guide to St. Patrick’s Day bar crawls, concerts, and family-friendly events? We’ve got you covered, here.  

As we near the end of 2025, you’ve likely started thinking about where you’re going to be when the countdown starts on December 31. For some, the answer might be simple—your couch. (We hear you!) But for anyone hoping to start out 2026 with confetti cannons, Champagne wishes, and midnight kisses, there are plenty of marvelous celebrations —ranging from casual bar bashes to spectacular soirées—taking place all over town. (Need a dining reservation? We’ve got you covered for that, too. Check out our NYE Dining Guide, here.)

Whether you want to go somewhere sequins are mandatory, or would rather scope out some free family fun, we’ve got it all. Here are the local events that should be on your radar as we embark on 2026: 

Bar Bashes

Bar Santa New Year’s Eve Bash: Just like that, it’s time to say farewell to the holiday pop-up bar that has been bringing the holly-jolly vibes to the old Paulie Gee’s space on Chestnut Avenue in Hampden. From 5-11:30 p.m., enjoy signature square pizzas by chef Craig Falk, plus caviar and Champagne specials. Then walk a block over to 34th Street for the famous Baby New Year ball drop at midnight.

The Bluebird’s New Year’s Eve: Hampden’s intimate, twilit cocktail bar is throwing a multi-floor bash from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets are all-inclusive, providing guests with four hours of decadent cocktail sipping, bar snacks, a live DJ, a photo booth, and a Champagne toast to the calendar’s curtain call. Price: General admission is $150, limited reserved tables in the Cocktail Room are $190. 

Bunny’s Cluck & Shuck NYE Bubble Bash: The Bunny’s team—famous for their fried chicken and Champagne pairings—is gearing up for their third-annual New Year’s celebration in Fells Point. As long as you are “Ready to Party” (the official dress code), you will fit right in. Tickets include four hours of flowing Mumm brut and rosé, unlimited bar snacks, an oyster bar from 9-11 p.m., and more festive fun. Price: Single admission is $125. 

Canton Block Party: Cowboy Row and El Bufalo—owned by local restaurant group Dragonfly Hospitality—are joining forces to put on a boozy bash. This double dose of nightlife features access to all of the O’Donnell Square hotspots, a live DJ at El Bufalo, and open bars all night. Price: Tickets start at $72. 

Charles Street Block Party: If you plan to make your way through Federal Hill’s bustling bar scene as we count down to 2026, this is your one-way ticket to a memorable midnight. Sister spots Wayward Bar & Kitchen and Liv’s Tavern are coming together to bring you open bar access, live DJs, and a Champagne toast as the ball drops. Price: Ticket packages start at $76.   

Sleazy Speakeasy at The Club Car: A jam-packed lineup of DJs and performers will take the stage at this Station North hub from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Come dressed for a “Prohi-bitchin'” party and enjoy dimly lit drinks and dancing. Price: $5-10 admission.

Dutch Courage’s New Year’s Eve Party: Have the year’s last dance at Dutch Courage in Old Goucher, which is throwing a patio DJ dance party from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Killer food, an open bar, and a complimentary Champagne toast are all included for ticket holders. Price: Tickets are $125.    

Magooby’s NYE Comedy Takeover with Larry Lancaster: Laugh your way into 2026 with Baltimore’s own OG comedian Larry Lancaster. Opt for the 7 p.m. show to enjoy the open bar and head home before the ball drops. Or score 10 p.m. seats for a Champagne toast at midnight and post-show DJ and dancing. Price: $97.50.

Bmore Girly NYE Girl Dinner at NOLA: Whether you’re riding solo or planning a girls night, join the ladies with Bmore Girly for this three-course dining event at NOLA Seafood & Spirits. Dress to impress to enjoy an appetizer, entree, dessert bar, and Champs at midnight, plus music and tons of photo ops. Price: $65.

NYE Party at Peabody Heights: Before the seltzer toast and keg drop at 9 p.m., the community-focused taproom in Abell will be pouring beers, dishing out eats from its on-site food truck, giving out free pint glasses, and hosting a dance party with disco jams by Chiffon. If you have other plans, be sure to stop by for 15 percent-off all carryout items. Price: Free admission.

NYE at Power Plant Live!: For some real-deal midnight mania, unlock access to seven bars at Power Plant Live. The downtown district will boast DJs at each bar, dropping different tunes ranging from country to EDM. Tickets include an all-inclusive food and drink package, party favors, a glass of bubbly at midnight, and a Times Square-style ball drop in the center of it all. Price: General admission starts at $62.

NYE at Prima Dopo: Say “arrivederci” to 2025 at this Italian eatery in Fells Point. The team is uniting with the organizers of local run club MVE Social to offer epic live DJ sets, a three-and-a-half hour premium open bar, and a midnight buffet. Price: General admission is $85. 

Dance Parties  

Sweet Spot New Year’s Eve at Metro Baltimore: Get ready to dance the year away to club classics as local drag superstar Baby hosts a night of festive fun. Per usual, Sweet Spot founders Andre Cawley and Chris Uhl are bringing the beats and pouring complimentary Champagne at midnight. The event runs from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m., so be sure to wear your most sturdy dancing shoes. Price: Tickets are $25 in advance and $40 at the door. 

Midnight Retro NYE at The Point: At its Fells location, The Point is transforming into a decked out wonderland full of neon shimmer. (Photo backdrops will be plentiful for your NYE snaps!) With tiered ticket packages, you can choose from free admission with a cash bar or go all out with buffets, an open bar, and more. A DJ will be posted up behind the booth spinning retro throwbacks until 5 a.m., providing dance fuel as The Point pulls an all-nighter right into the brunch rush on New Year’s Day. Price: Packages range from free to $168.  

Cheers to That at Mama Koko’s: You know that fancy ‘fit that’s been hanging out in the back of your closet waiting for the perfect occasion? Put it on. Attendees at this bash at Mama Koko’s in Old Goucher will be dressed to the nines for dancing, passed apps, and a toast at twelve. Spring for VIP to skip bar lines and score comfy couch seating. Price: $110.

Offstage Presents: Off the Record: If you don’t plan on coming home until sunrise, stop scrolling. The house music mavens with Offstage are hosting an all-nighter at 614 Water Street (in the Power Plant Live district) featuring more than 20 DJs across three stages. Admission packages vary based on entry times. When you plan your night, be sure to take into account the $2 Surfside power hours between 9 and 10 p.m. and 4 and 5 a.m. Price: Tickets range from $12-50.

All Mighty Senators New Year’s Eve Bash: Spend the wee hours of the night at the Ottobar in Remington, where Baltimore greats Eze Jackson and All Mighty Senators will bring the soul. Doors open at 8 p.m. for a full night of dancing across 2025’s finish line. Price: Tickets are $38.  

Big Blowouts 

The Bygone Ball: Spend New Year’s Eve surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the Inner Harbor on the top-floor of the Four Seasons Baltimore. Not only is this the perfect place for a front-row seat to the fireworks, but you will also take advantage of a premium open bar, live DJ entertainment, and a full buffet of drool-inducing bites. Price: General admission starts at $284.

New Year’s at Atlas Quarter: Speaking of the Bygone, four of its sister restaurants in Harbor East are uniting to throw a massive party where guests are invited to venture from one venue to the next. Adjoining properties Tagliata, Italian Disco, The Elk Room, and Monarque will offer standing buffets, open bars, and live entertainment—ranging from piano to jazz—at each spot. Price: Tickets start at $194.

The Beautiful Room at Bar V 2.0: At the Baltimore Peninsula, Bar V 2.0 (formerly Bar Vegan) is featuring beats spun by DJ Kaos, passed apps, signature cocktails, and a full-bar Champagne toast when the clock strikes twelve. Price: Tickets start at $76.

Charm City Countdown: Head to the Hilton BWI for an unforgettable celebration spanning 17 party zones. Throw on your hot pants to embrace the Studio 54 theme, complete with an open bar, gourmet buffet selections, karaoke, a silent disco, and a massive balloon drop and countdown at midnight. Price: Tickets range from $129 to $259. 

New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball at The Garden Rooftop: For a mysteriously magic midnight moment, come in your best masquerade mask and party until next year (literally.) While under the cover of your disguise, dance to live DJs, snack on yummy hors d’oeuvres, and clink glasses at midnight. Price: Ticket packages start at $44.

NYE Gala at The Lord Baltimore Hotel: Bid farewell to 2025 at a historic venue that screams elegance. General admission ticket holders can enjoy a live DJ, musical performances, a photobooth, buffet bites and sweets, and an open bar in the hotel’s time-honored Calvert Ballroom. VIP guests get all that and more, including overnight accommodations and a late checkout. 

Mobtown NYE: Mobtown Ballroom’s annual end-of-year rager is back at its Station North digs. All ticket holders are in for a night of live music from the legendary LPM Band, plus performances, cocktails, late-night snacks, a Champagne toast, and a DJ spinning past midnight. Come in cocktail attire, and accessorize with face painting and shimmery add-ons (plus take-home trinkets) available when doors open at 8 p.m. Price: General admission is $65. 

New Year’s Eve Baltimore Dine and Cruise: Sail into new beginnings aboard Watermark’s luxury yacht on the Inner Harbor. Start the evening with dinner at Facci on Light Street before bundling up to board the Annapolitan II across the street. The two-hour booze cruise will highlight an open beer and wine bar and prime views of the fireworks show at midnight.  

The Last Indulgence: New Year’s Eve at Ulysses: Inside Mt. Vernon’s esteemed boutique hotel, Ulysses, bar venues Ash—Bar and Bloom’s will feature a boozy Bacchanalian affair with Prohibition-era cocktails, food, games, live cabaret music, and even some risqué performances. Price: Reservations can be made via Resy.

Fireworks and Family Fun 

Inner Harbor Drone Show & Fireworks: Once again, the Mayor’s office is lighting up the night sky with a dazzling display of fireworks  over the Inner Harbor. Family-friendly, pre-firework entertainment starts at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater at 6 p.m., followed by the countdown  just before midnight. This is a great opportunity to skate to live music—as the Inner Harbor Ice Rink will be open. Price: Free admission

The Charmery’s Kiddie Scoop Ball Drop: For families with little ones who can’t quite make it to midnight, this early ice cream-filled party is a great option. For the 12th year, The Charmery is hosting a ball drop at its Union Collective ice cream factory ahead of schedule at 8 p.m. Arrive early at 5:30 p.m. to catch all the festivities, including glitter tattoos, special ice cream flavors, adult beverages from Union Craft Brewing, and tunes from DJ Sir Scoops-A-Lot. Price: Free admission/Pay as you go. 

New Year’s Eve at The Lot: Gather with Northeast Baltimore neighbors on Harford Road from 4-7 p.m. for a pre-bedtime celebration of crafts, music, and the very first New Years Eve Crab Trap Drop—which will come down at 6 p.m.

Noontime New Year at Port Discovery: Ring in 2026 by learning something new with the educators at Port Discovery. Spend the day participating in hands-on art projects, interactive experiences, and more themed fun. Count down at noon to celebrate new beginnings together before nap time. Price: Free with museum admission, which is $24.95. (Kids under 1 are free). 

Noon Year’s at Cross Street Market: In Federal Hill, gather with your playdate pals for face paint, party favors, dancing to DJ tunes, and more family activities. Be sure to grab lunch before the big balloon drop at 1 p.m.

Hard to say how it all started, but it’s a known fact that a typical Jewish Christmas is most often celebrated over Chinese food. (Could it be that when immigrants came through Ellis Island to the Lower East Side of New York, dumpling houses were not far from the shtetl?) It’s known that many families not celebrating the holiday have a Yuletide tradition of going for Chinese food and a movie. Other cultures have even adopted the custom, too.

“It’s one of our busiest days of the year,” says Joey Chiu’s manager Mimi Yu.

It just doesn’t feel like Christmas without a plate of moo goo gai pan.

Everyone has their go-to spots, and new ones are opening all the time. But if you need some help deciding where to order, here are a few of Baltimore’s Chinese food restaurants that are open on Christmas.

Asian Court: For more than a decade, Howard County diners have flocked to this Cantonese restaurant in Ellicott City—which is perhaps most beloved for its daily dim sum service. Now, Asian Court boasts a second location in Owings Mills. Aside from the small bites (everything from shrimp dumplings to steamed chicken feet with oyster sauce) the restaurant offers a lengthy menu with every dish you could imagine, including steamy noodle soups, chow mein, beef with string beans, deep-fried quail, and Hong Kong-style sweet and sour ribs. Multiple locations including 1105 Resort Rd. Ellicott City. 410-461-8388

Bao Di: It’s important to note that the team at this new addition to the Highlandtown dining scene will be taking a well-deserved day off on Christmas Day, but the restaurant will be open on Christmas Eve from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Stop in to start the holiday off with comforting dishes like braised pork belly, cabbage and tofu stew, handmade dumplings, and crispy Guo Bao Pork—all of which are delicacies in Shenyang, a city in Northern China. Focused on fusion, the restaurant also offers Chinese-American favorites, as well. 3215 Eastern Ave. 443-869-2134

David Chu’s China Bistro: Located adjacent to Seven Mile Market on Reisterstown Road, this certified kosher restaurant has all of the classics—from cold sesame noodles and fried chicken wings to Kung Pao chicken and Mongolian beef. There’s also a lengthy list of meatless meals, including crispy eggplant in garlic sauce, orange bean curd, and crunchy sautéed string beans. 7105 Reisterstown Rd. 410-602-5008

Grace Garden: This Odenton gem is all about authenticity. Look out for family-style portions of the signature pocket tofu, fish noodles, and tender tea-smoked duck with perfectly crisp skin. The sugary fried doughnut holes are also a must to end the meal on a sweet note. 1690 Annapolis Rd., Odenton. 410-672-3581

Joey Chiu’s Greenspring Inn: This charming restaurant, complete with chandeliers and Greenspring Valley vistas, offers everything from seafood salads to sushi boats. With a wide array of duck, pork, steak, lamb, and fish dishes, regulars frequently flock to Joey Chiu’s for special occasions. For Christmas Eve and Christmas Day carryout orders, the restaurant requests that you call three to four hours in advance. 10801 Falls Road, Lutherville. 410-823-1125

Jumbo Seafood: This Pikesville spot has been around for years, making a name for itself in the Northwestern suburbs as a go-to for diners with cravings for classic dishes and sushi rolls. As its name signifies, the portions are hefty, so don’t expect to finish without leftovers. Favorites include scallops with ginger and scallion sauce, chicken and string beans, hot and sour soup, and house-made lo-mein. 48 E. Sudbrook Lane, Pikesville. 410-602-1441

Kung Fu 12 Szechuan House: This BYOB spot in the former home of Lutherville’s Szechuan House—which now operates at 2159 York Road—boasts a menu inspired by authentic Szechuan ingredients. Start things off with orders of scallion pancakes or cheese wontons before digging in to entrees like shredded pork with spicy garlic sauce, moo shoo, or classic mapo tofu. 1427 York Road, Lutherville. 410-825-8181

New Asian Taste: Plan to stroll around Hampden’s Miracle on 34th Street lights before or after grabbing grub from this Chinese food spot—which conveniently sits across the street. With a menu spanning everything from sushi rolls and sesame balls to drunken noodles and vegan Kung Pao chicken rice bowls, there’s something to please all palates. 3400 Chestnut Ave. 410-467-0100

NiHao Baltimore: This authentic Chinese food gem in Canton—helmed by lauded chef Peter Chang—will be dishing out favorites from its full menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Make a reservation or place a carryout order to chow down on the signature Peking duck, cumin spicy lamb chops, sweet and sour crispy branzino, and eggplant in a spicy garlic sauce. There are also noodle bowls, dim sum classics like gyoza and pork buns, and an array of vegan offerings.  2322 Boston St. 443-835-2036

Nine Tailed Fox: If you’re feeling fine-dining, score a res at Atlas Restaurant Group’s new take on contemporary Chinese cuisine. Head to the Village of Cross Keys to tuck into steamed soup dumplings, crispy spring rolls, and crab rangoons before ordering house specialties like roasted pork ribs, cumin lamb, or beef and mango lettuce cups. You can also order holiday takeout in advance. 3 Village Square. 443-688-9511

The Orient: This Perry Hall favorite offers hearty bowls of steamy soups, crunchy egg rolls, and a pages-long list of shareable entrees. You can’t go wrong with the orange chicken, crispy beef, Mongolian pork, or lo mein noodles with mixed vegetables. 9545 Belair Rd. Nottingham. 410-256-8100

Orient Express: This St. Paul Street staple has long been a favorite of locals in the Charles Village area. The menu, which is broken down into categories such as “American Chinese Cuisine” and “Szechuan Street Food,” offers everything from sesame chicken and Kung Pao shrimp to clear noodles in chili sauce and sweet-and-sour cucumber. 3111 St. Paul St. 410-889-0003

Peter Chang Baltimore: The namesake chef’s second Charm City outpost—located near the Johns Hopkins medical campus—has quickly become a destination for dim sum, bubble tea, and a lengthy list of other vegan, seafood, and noodle dishes. Cozy up at a table or place a takeout order, but whatever you do, “do not forget dessert, here in the form of eight-treasure osmanthus sticky rice and black-sesame egg-yolk bao,” as research editor Amy Scattergood wrote in her review. 1923 Ashland Ave. 443-888-3688

Red Pepper Sichuan Bistro: Head to this Towson hangout to carry out Sichuan dishes that fuse salty, sour, sweet, bitter, and even floral flavors. Written in both Chinese and English, the menu lists offerings like spicy hot pots, steamed chicken with chili sauce, stir-fry Shanghai cabbage, pork belly with sticky rice, and sweet-and-sour fish fillets. The owners now also operate Tea Horse Sichuan Bistro in Ellicott City, as well. 11 Allegheny Ave. Towson. 410-832-7333

Sonny Lee’s Hunan Taste: In addition to the delicious dishes, the comforting atmosphere of this beautifully decorated restaurant has made it a community stalwart for more than a decade. The service is always top-notch, and if you’re lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Sonny himself, you’ll find him making his rounds greeting guests or carving Peking duck at your table. Carryout favorites include handcrafted sushi rolls, orange beef, sizzling jumbo shrimp, and crispy Hunan soft shell crab. 750 Main St. Suite 104A, Reisterstown. 410-833-7288

Water Song Yunnan Kitchen: In Federal Hill, Water Song has become a go-to for sharable delicacies of the Yunnan province—including hot pots, vegan wontons, spicy tofu slices, and the signature Aunty Ying’s BBQ Ribs slathered in house sauce and topped with fried mint. Expect holiday specials on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. 21 E. Cross St. 

You might have resolved to stay in this year, but—we gotta say it—some of the New Year’s Eve dining options around town are pretty tough to pass up.

As tempting as pajamas and a pizza might be, there’s also the option to treat yourself to an enchanted evening at one of the following local spots—which are all planning prix-fixe menus and special dishes to help diners start 2026 off on a full stomach. (If you’re hoping to keep it casual and pay-as-you-go at a bar or dance party, check out our roundup of NYE bashes, here.)

Alma Cocina Latina: Spend your final night of 2025 indulging in Venezuelan flavors at Alma, which will offer its regular winter dinner menu plus a four-course tasting menu by chef Hector Romero with optional wine pairings. The special meal will include dishes such as oysters with yuzu, citrus, and salmon roe, and beef with white miso and caramelized foie gras.
Neighborhood: Station North
Price: Tasting menu starts at $142.

BLK Swan: Grab a group and dress to the nines for this—fittingly—black-tie affair at BLK Swan in Harbor East. Tiered ticket options offer bar admission or four-course sit-down service. As the clock ticks toward midnight, enjoy entertainment by Will Spence Band and DJ Supream, plus confetti and Champagne. 
Neighborhood: Harbor East
Price: $25-195

Cinghiale: If an authentic Italian meal is in order for NYE, secure reservations to enjoy a four-course feast at Cinghiale. There, diners will choose from a selection of antipasti like scallop crudo or lobster arancini before moving on to pasta plates (butternut squash gnocchi, anyone?) a main meat or fish dish, and treats like apple strudel with olive oil ice cream.
Neighborhood: Harbor East
Price: $129

CookHouse: Join chef-owner George Dailey for a four-course dinner with indulgences like seafood cocktail, truffle Parisian gnocchi, classic vol au vent, and Oscar-style Chilean sea bass. End the meal with sticky toffee or chocolate Basque cheesecake.
Neighborhood: Bolton Hill
Price: $160

Gunther & Co: Per tradition, the team at Gunther & Co. is getting festive with a four-course chef’s tasting menu with optional wine, oyster, and shellfish pairings. Celebrate another year gone by with fancy fare such as Thai crab soup, potatoes and caviar, Wagyu beef carpaccio, seared tuna loin, sous vide short rib, and butter-poached lobster pasta. Pretty pastries such as lemon chiffon cake and a chocolate mousse bomb are on deck for dessert.
Neighborhood: Brewers Hill
Price: $150 (not including add-ons)

Hersh’s: This SoBo favorite is going old school for New Year’s. In addition to its signature pastas and Neapolitan pies, expect one-night-only Italian-American specials like antipasti salad and a chicken marsala pizza. Tables are available via Resy.
Neighborhood: Riverside
Price: A la carte

Josefina: Chef David Zamudio (formerly of Alma Cocina Latina) is giving diners a sneak peek of his new spot at Harbor Point with a luxe eight-course dinner on New Year’s Eve. Get started with a select Spanish wine or sherry-driven craft cocktail before digging in to dishes such as octopus carpaccio, braised oxtail dumplings, and seafood rice. Royal rice pudding and churros with chocolate sauce will round everything out.
Neighborhood: Harbor Point
Price: $200

The Owl Bar: This historic watering hole inside the Belvedere Hotel has seen more than 120 New Year’s Eves. Embrace the legacy with a coursed dinner that starts out with a warm goat cheese croquette salad before moving on to entrees like crab cakes with Old Bay aioli, coffee-rubbed filet, chicken a l’orange, or cauliflower steak. After dinner, head into the ballroom for the Champagne countdown. And if you get peckish after the ball drops, the kitchen will be churning out late-night pizzas.
Neighborhood: Mt. Vernon
Price: $85

Rusty Scupper: Dinner at this Inner Harbor stalwart includes a ringside seat to the fireworks at midnight. Before they blast off, fill up on an all-inclusive feast featuring a full-blown raw bar with caviar and oysters; passed bites like mini crab cakes and fried arancini; a carving station; sides like truffle lobster mac and cheese; a sweets spread; and signature cocktails.
Neighborhood: Inner Harbor
Price: $250. Window seats are $275.

Sotto Sopra: Head to this classic cucina for a festive dinner party in a decked-out dining room. Chef specials will be highlighted among regular menu items, including fan-favorites like rack of lamb, seafood risotto, and homemade short rib ravioli in a truffle butter sauce.
Neighborhood: Mt. Vernon
Price: A la carte.

Victoria Gastro Pub: Howard County locals will be happy to hear that this area stalwart is offering an array of chef-driven a la carte specials, as well as caviar service and Veuve Cliquot by the glass. Among the swanky offerings are roasted tomato and burrata, seared seabass with baby kale and candied walnuts, and a raspberry Champagne bomb for dessert.
Neighborhood: Columbia
Price: A la carte.

As those advent calendars continue the countdown to Dec. 25, many local watering holes are transforming their interiors into mini winter wonderlands. Staff have sufficiently decked the halls with lights, bows, tinsel, candy canes—you name it—all to create a cozy atmosphere for guests to snap photos and get into the holiday spirit. And, as the star on top of the Christmas tree, many of these bars are also offering specialty drinks (think: toasted marshmallow martinis and “Jingle Juice” cocktails) to round out your very-merry visit.

From vintage Santa statues to flickering fireplaces, even Scrooges will find something to smile at while grabbing a drink at the following spots this season. 

Ale Mary’s: Cleverly named “Christmas on Fleet,” the holiday pop-up concept at this Fells Point watering hole has everything you need to feel merry and bright. Enter the bar through the illuminated archway out front and snag a table beneath glimmering ornaments, wreaths, tinsel, and lights strung across the ceiling. (Correctly guess how many ornaments are hanging and win a prize after Christmas!) If the cozy decor and fun photo ops aren’t enough to encourage a visit, check out the list of festive food and drink specials—which includes Santa’s spinach artichoke dip, Tiny Tim’s turkey sandwich, a Gingerbread Man Mule, and the Christmas Carol-themed “Ralphie’s Leg Nog.”

Reservations: No need. But be sure to mark your calendar (and check it twice) for special events like holiday card-making on Dec. 8 and a Christmas movie marathon on Dec. 24.

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Ampersea: Beautifully curated with wintry white accents, this waterfront destination in Fells Point has officially brought back its annual pop-up. The dreamy dining room glows with a frosty-blue backlit bar, columns wrapped in fluffy flowers, and thousands of white snowflakes and LEDs hanging from the fabric-draped ceiling. You can also head onto the heated back patio to enjoy a fireside glass of Champagne or a cozy cocktail—like a vanilla vodka and Bailey’s concoction garnished with a flaming marshmallow.

Reservations: Make them via OpenTable, here.

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AJ’s on Hanover: Calling all millennials. Cue up Mariah Carey and N’SYNC (you already know the holiday bangers we’re referring to) and head upstairs at this Federal Hill watering hole to soak up all of the holiday nostalgia of the ’90s and early aughts. AJ’s aptly named Very Millennial Christmas Bar is decked out in the classic decor you remember from childhood. Festive sips on offer include Santa’s signature margarita and a Gingerbread Man espresso martini.

Reservations: Not required during pop-up hours, which are evenings Wednesday through Friday and all day on weekends.

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Bar Santa: Just a block up from the Miracle on 34th Street lights in Hampden sits this brand new pop-up bar in the former home of Paulie Gee’s on Chestnut Avenue. David Alima (who owns The Charmery across the street) and chef Craig Falk (of the fan-favorite Big Softy pop-up) have partnered to reinvigorate the space with holiday lights and buzz Thursdays through Sundays from 5-10 p.m.

To accompany Falk’s famous Detroit-style pizzas, local bar veteran Amie Ward will offer a cocktail program highlighting seasonal sips, Union beers, bourbon-spiked Charmery hot cocoa, and dirty sodas.

Reservations: No need, just stop by.

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Dutch Courage: It’s the most wonderful time of the year at this Old Goucher favorite, whose annual “Gin-gle Bells” takeover is officially in full swing. Throughout December, the bar and its back patio are festooned with everything from stockings and snowflakes to candy canes and Christmas trees. And the staff puts just as much thought into the seasonal menu as they do the decor.

Pair charcuterie boards, snacks, sammies, and toasts (butternut squash and whipped goat cheese on Motzi bread, anyone?) with an array of creative sips in vintage vessels. You can’t go wrong with the sweet-and-spicy “Partridge in a Pear Tree” gin cocktail, or the “Wild Holiday,” fusing gin, allspice dram, pineapple campari, plum liqueur and cinnamon.

Reservations: Snag them using OpenTable, here.

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Klaus Bar: Venture inside Crossbar in Federal Hill and you’ll find this holiday hideaway—full of lights, garland, and candy canes galore— that can make any spirits bright. Speaking of spirits, take your pick of warm or classic cocktails to sip while you enjoy the space.

Reservations: Not required.

Lib’s Grill: The Liberatore’s little-sister concept is bringing back its all-out holiday experience aptly named “Cocktails & Candy Canes.” At all three locations in Perry Hall, Maple Lawn, and Bel Air, enjoy eats and drinks amongst floor-to-ceiling snow, stars, and Santas.

But the decor is just the beginning. Throughout the month, the yuletide interior will also be the setting for special events such as Christmas Carol-oke on Dec. 10, a Santa brunch on Dec. 13, an ugly sweater bash on Dec. 18, a weeklong Hanukkah celebration Dec. 14-22, and a pajama recovery party the day after Christmas.

Plan a visit to experience the bar in all of its cheery glory while imbibing a “Buddy the Elf” Old Fashioned, spiced red wine-infused “Santagria,” or a round of “Jack Frost” coconut rum shots, among other holly-jolly drinks.

Reservations: Make them via Resy, here.

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M8 Beer: Take a trip Down Under by way of the South Baltimore Brewery District this season. The first-floor taproom at M8 Beer—known for its authentic Australian beers—is now a holiday hangout featuring Aussie Christmas tunes, beachy decor, strung lights, and festively clothed kangaroos.

The pop-up’s accompanying tiki menu offers a “Mistletoe Mai Tai” with spiced cranberry syrup, a blood orange daiquiri, and a “Naughty or Nice” take on a classic eggnog.

Reservations: First-come, first-served.

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Miracle Pop-Up Bar: This nationally renowned holiday attraction is making its return to Power Plant Live, once again taking over Leinie’s Lodge and Beer Garden this winter. Open throughout the end of December, the bar pairs festive fun with holiday nostalgia. Every square inch is adorned with tinsel, trinkets, lights, ornaments, sleigh bells, and other snowy surprises. (Don’t be shocked to spot presents hanging from the ceiling or an animatronic Santa behind a DJ booth.)

The themed food and drink menu serves sweet-and-savory snacks (think along the lines of cranberry-glazed turkey meatballs and sprinkle-topped Belgian waffles) with cocktails like the “Chrismapolitan” and “Snowball Old Fashioned.”

Reservations: Make them for via OpenTable, here.

The Perch: Thanks to the designers with The Otherside Creatives, this watering hole in the heart of Federal Hill is now expertly embellished for the holidays. Aptly named Perchmas, the takeover highlights sparkling lights, shiny ornaments, glittering garland, and multiple photo backdrops throughout the bar and its signature mezzanine.

While you enjoy the space, sip cocktails (like the cider and Fireball “Prancer’s Poison” or the citrus and Smirnoff “Jingle Juice”) order snacks for the table (“Bad Santa” Brussels or a “Stocking Stuffer” chili cheese dog) and enjoy planned special events like crafts, drag, and burlesque.

Reservations: Walk-ins welcome. Snag tickets for the special holiday happenings, here.

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The Point in Towson: The limited-time Elf Bar experience at The Point in Towson is something straight out of the North Pole. Snag tickets to immerse yourself in a Christmas celebration complete with live entertainment, themed trivia, karaoke, games, and a festive food and drink menu in a space dripping in decor.

Reservations: Tickets, which include a welcome cocktail or mocktail, are $15.50 per 90-minute timeslot.

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Sally O’s: The weather might be frightful, but this Highlandtown hangout is keeping it bright inside with tons of shiny tinsel, neon strung lights, sparkly ornaments, snowflakes, and even a white Christmas tree. Aside from serving up highlights on their regular menu (always order the smashburger!), chef/owner Jesse Sandlin and her crew are offering holiday drinks and gearing up for the bar’s annual seven-course Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner on Dec. 23.

Reservations: Grab a table on Resy, here.

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Slainte Irish Pub & Restaurant: Equipped with extravagant exterior lights and occasional “snow showers” from the roof, this Thames Street sports hub screams holiday cheer before you even set foot through the doors. Inside, the space is perfect for a holiday-themed game of I-Spy, highlighting everything from wreaths and gingerbread men to colorful blinking lights and paper lanterns hanging from the ceiling.

Reservations: Not necessary, but be sure to follow Slainte on Instagram for announcements on holiday programming—including drink specials in Santa mugs, themed brunches, celebratory crafts, and movie marathons—happening throughout the month. 

Sopro Christmas Bar: The team at this Canton Square staple is once again transforming its upstairs bar into a decked-out holiday hub—this year paying homage to everyone’s favorite chaotic, Christmas-hating character.  Grab a group and get Grinchy to enjoy green-themed eats and drinks amongst all of the stockings, garland, presents, twinkling lights, and wrapping paper wall panels that double as great photo backdrops.

A kickoff party for the space is set for Dec. 3, followed by dog pics with the Grinch on Dec. 14, a DIY foam Christmas tree activity on Dec. 17, and breakfast with Santa and the Grinch on Dec. 20.

Reservations: Walk-ins only.

Some of the city’s most fun gatherings happen around Halloween. But, as is the case with many annual traditions, sometimes you see an event is coming back around and it gets pushed to the back of your brain.

The internal dialogue typically goes something like: “I really do want to catch the Great Halloween Lantern Parade this year!” Or “I should really buy a ticket for Halloween at the Science Center before they sell out…” Then, of course, life happens, and poof, like Casper vanishing into thin air, the big day is gone again until next October.

Let’s flip the script this spooky season. Below, we brew up a cauldron of some of the very best ways to get into the spirit this month. Whether you pick one event, or go to many, these pumpkin-filled parties are worth carving out time in your social calendar for.

10/15-18: Garden Glow
Lucky ticketholders will marvel in the magic of hundreds of jazzed-up jack-o-lanterns designed by the community. Ladew’s annual event also features nightly live music, family-friendly fun, and eats and drinks for sale. Ladew Topiary Gardens. 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton. 5-9 p.m. 

10/23-24: Arbooretum
Dress the little ones up in their costumes and head to Cylburn Arboretum’s two-night spooky soiree—which offers moonlit nature walks, seasonal crafts, free face painting, and a chance to see the Cylburn mansion decked out in its famous Halloween decor. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Prices vary.

10/25: The Great Halloween Lantern Parade 
For more than 25 years, this illuminating Patterson Park procession has been beloved for its larger-than-life lanterns and inclusive community feel. (Read all about its history, here.) Before it marches off after sunset, get parade-ready with the afternoon Dia De Los Muertos festival—highlighting arts and crafts, pop-up performances, and a kids’ costume contest. Patterson Park. Festival: 4 p.m. Parade: 7 p.m. Free. 

10/25: Halloween Baltimore 
The city’s biggest annual Halloween fete brings costumed Baltimoreans to the Maryland Science Center for nonstop live music in five of the museum’s spaces—including its planetarium, IMAX theater, and rooftop. This year’s lineup highlights faves like Talking Heads cover band Psycho Killers, James Nasty of Save Your Soul, DJ duo RaceCarBed, and singer-songwriter Caleb Stine paying tribute to the legendary JJ Cale. Maryland Science Center, 601 Light St. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. $61.65-110.62. 

10/25: Harford Road Spooktacular
Get the party started one week early in Hamilton-Lauraville, whose Main Street businesses will host trick-or-treating for families before a community bash with crafts and dancing at The Lot. 4500 Harford Rd. 4-9 p.m. Free. 

10/25-26: Nepenthe Halloween Party
Halloween in this tricked-out Hampden taproom is always a hit. Throw on a costume, snap pics in the photo booth, grab candy at the bar when you place your order (the themed cocktails are a can’t-miss), and catch horror films on a loop in the background all weekend long. A special murder mystery trivia game is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. Nepenthe Brewing Co. 3626 Falls Rd. 12-8 p.m. Free.

10/26: Ryes Up Against Cystic Fibrosis Cocktail Competition & Charity Gala
Join the Baltimore Bartenders’ Guild for signature drinks, eats from local restaurants, a costume contest, and a silent auction at its 14th-annual cocktail competition benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Maryland. Be sure to stick around until the end of the night to find out which local bartender’s rye-centric potion takes home the gold. Pendry Baltimore. 1715 Thames St. 4-8 p.m. $130.

10/31: Ekiben Baolloween
Ekiben loyalists wait all year for this one. Once again, the owners of the beloved Asian-fusion spot are selling mega-discounted $5 buns and $8 bowls to patrons on Halloween night. The only catch? You have to show up in costume. Yes, the lines are going to be long at all locations (Fells Point, Hampden, and South Baltimore), but people-watching—and rating your favorite get-ups—makes the wait breeze by. Multiple locations including 1622 Eastern Ave. 4:30 p.m.-close. $5-8

10/31: Trick or Treat with Trains at The B&O 
For the first time, the B&O is opening its doors for a family-friendly fright fest on Oct. 31. Bring the kids for special crafts, a seasonal scavenger hunt, and killer costume prizes. Among them: four bronze tickets to the holiday favorite Polar Express train ride in December. B&O Railroad Museum. 901 West Pratt St. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Free for members. $1 with SNAP/EBT. $5 for non-members. 

10/31: Hampden Halloweenfest 
If you’ve never walked the Avenue in Hampden on Halloween, it’s truly a sight to behold. Storefronts illuminate with festive decor, kids criss-cross the street to trick-or-treat at shops and businesses, and neighbors gather for the famous 50-year-old costume contest. W. 36th St. 5-8 p.m. Free. 

10/31: A Tell-Tale Halloween 
Nothing says scary like our own master of macabre. View artifacts, manuscripts, a short film, and more from the Pratt’s Edgar Allan Poe Collection at this daytime event. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 400 Cathedral St. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 

10/31: Sweet Spot Gay Halloween Party
If belting to bangers is your Halloween vibe, this deadly dance party—among the most popular of the year from the Sweet Spot crew—is creeping back into Station North. Strut into the crowd to show off your costume while shaking your bones all night long. Metro Baltimore. 1700 N. Charles St. 10 p.m. $20. 

10/31: Bmore Horror Club Halloween Party
Who better to party with on All Hallow’s Eve than the Bmore Horror Club? Start the evening with a potluck (might we suggest contributing a nice spider web dip, or a platter of finger foods?) before heading into an epic evening dance party with DJ Nicholai Metroshock. Peabody Heights Brewery, 401 E. 30th St. 6-10 p.m. Free.

10/31: Baltimore Bike Party: Halloween Ride
Beware! The city streets will see sets of wheels wandering from downtown to Highlandtown on Halloween night in conjunction with this fan-favorite community ride. Wear your costume, decorate your bike, and pedal with the pack before descending into an after-party (complete with a dance-off and costume contest award ceremony) at Monument City Brewing. St. Mary’s Park. 606 N. Paca St. 7 p.m. Free. 

11/1-2: Haunted Hall: Halloween Film Favorites at the BSO
Cap off your Halloweekend with live performances of some of the most recognizable scary scores out there—including John Carpenter’s theme from Halloween, John Williams’ “Devil’s Dance” from The Witches of Eastwick, and Bernard Herrmann’s Suite for Strings from Psycho. (Yes, that one. Do you have shivers up your spine like we do?) Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. 1212 Cathedral St. Sat.: 8 p.m. Sun: 3 p.m. $39+         

Of course, no Halloween bucket list would be complete without pumpkin-picking, leaf peeping, apple cider-sipping, trunk-or-treating, candy shopping, ghost tours, and haunted houses. We’ve got guides for all of this and more, here.

When Rhiannon Brown relocated the Queen City Scoop Shop in downtown Cumberland last year, she hung a sign inside that says “BELIEVE.” The Cumberland native borrowed the slogan from a community advocacy campaign in Baltimore from the years she lived there. It inspired the educator-turned-entrepreneur to revisit her roots and buy a beloved frozen custard store.

Brown isn’t alone. She’s one of about 20 small business owners—both Cumberland-raised and come-heres—who’ve bet on themselves and the future of this scenic, once-industrial Western Maryland city, which recently completed a $17.2-million downtown revitalization.

For many, Cumberland is the gritty city that Interstate 68, aka “The National Freeway,” passes over—literally and figuratively—as it dips briefly between mountains in Allegany County. If you’ve never visited, or haven’t in years, it’s time to exit the highway and explore Cumberland’s outdoorsy appeal, its surprisingly rich history, and its emerging culinary and arts scenes.

When work got underway in early 2023, Cumberland’s main drag, Baltimore Street, belonged to an endangered commercial species—the pedestrian mall. Left behind by shopping centers and e-commerce, served by an electrical grid so outdated it struggled to light the city’s Christmas tree, many of its businesses had either moved or closed.

Today, the area has re-opened for business in a big way. Once-empty storefronts hold a veritable United Nations of restaurants, plus crowded coffeehouses, a new visual and performing arts gallery, and a growing number of specialty shops. A boutique hotel—Cumberland’s first—will open later this year in a renovated Victorian-era building, one of the city’s many architectural gems.

Thanks to major upgrades in water, sewer, and electrical systems—as well as the introduction of 5G internet—some buildings house modern office and residential spaces on their upper floors. (A 2024 city program dangled $20,000 relocation packages for those willing to move here. The gambit drew national media attention and, to officials’ surprise, far more applicants than expected.)

Traffic flows again, slowly, on a three-block stretch of brick-paved Baltimore Street. Its now curb-less sidewalks are wider and re-landscaped to accommodate pleasant outdoor dining areas bordered by planters brimming with greenery. Trees that once hid the façades of stunning old buildings have been replaced with flora that gracefully frame them. There are new benches, streetlights, bike racks, a cascading wall fountain, and—for the first time in almost 50 years—on-street parking.

For much of its nearly 240 years, the “Queen City” was a fortuitously located transportation and industrial hub that rivaled Baltimore or Pittsburgh. Just west of Cumberland, Wills Creek cuts a deep, rocky-topped gap through the gently mounded Allegheny Mountains, opening a passage Cumberland Narrows—just wide enough for civilization to squeeze through on its roll westward centuries ago.

A path blazed by Native Americans became a wagon road and eventually Route 40, the nation’s first federal highway. From the east, the B&O Railroad arrived in 1842, and the C&O Canal linked the city to Washington, D.C., in 1850. Cumberland became a way station for travelers pursuing big dreams. Fur traders and settlers in the 18th century. Underground Railroad riders and commercial-rail tycoons in the 19th. George Washington arguably launched his early career here as a surveyor and a soldier before moving on to higher pay grades.

→ EXPLORE OUTDOORS

Today, big adventures are Cumberland’s primary attraction. The city of fewer than 20,000 lures more than 300,000 annual visitors: cyclists and hikers traveling the C&O Canal towpath and the Great Allegheny Passage (which meet here), sightseers riding the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, and outdoor enthusiasts eager to explore Allegany County’s boundless beauty.

Begin your orientation at the Allegany Museum, whose impressive collection of 50,000 artifacts traces local history from Cumberland’s frontier days through its golden era as a maker of glassware, beer, tires, textiles, iron, and steel. Don’t miss the scale model of Fort Cumberland, a hillside British outpost built in 1754. Washington served as a young aide-de-camp there and the museum features a spectral 3D bust of our first president “reverse aged” by artificial intelligence to resemble his 1750s visage.

Allow ample time to explore nearby Canal Place Heritage Area, where centuries of transportation lore converge around C&O Canal National Historical Park. A pedestrian-friendly plaza with a shaded picnic area, it’s also home to the 1913 Western Maryland Railway Station. This grand reminder of Cumberland’s rail prominence still welcomes passengers. Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers seasonal roundtrip excursions that chug through the Cumberland Narrows to the mountain town of Frostburg. Rail buffs will love Locomotive 1309, one of the nation’s largest still operating vintage steam engines.

The station platform faces Riverfront Park, a scenic strip overlooking the confluence of Wills Creek and the North Branch Potomac River, as well as  the canal turning basin. Check out The Cumberland, a full-scale, landlocked replica of a canal boat and visit the C&O Canal Visitor Center & Museum, located in the rail station.

Canal Place marks the juncture of two famously scenic bike trails: the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath and the 150-mile Great Allegheny Passage, aka “The GAP.” Traversed end to end, they link D.C. and Pittsburgh. Because it’s a readily accessible trail town, cyclists naturally come to Cumberland, and it to them, offering repairs, rentals, shuttle service, and even bike-washing stations.

Trailside at Canal Place you’ll find Wheelz-up Adventures, which rents, sells, and services bikes, and provides guided tours and shuttle service for cyclists. Owner Mandela Echefu also outfits and instructs climbers, hikers, mountain bikers, paddleboarders, and kayakers at two locations. “It’s all about getting people out- doors,” says the Nigerian-born Echefu, who, inspired by the area’s natural beauty, abandoned a health-care career to start the business with his wife, Jamie.

→ DRINKS AND DINING

Before leaving Canal Place, savor some trailside refreshment. Sample a flight of craft beers at Dig Deep Brewing Co., located in the historic Footer’s Dye Works Building. Dig Deep’s rotating selection of more than a dozen homebrews pays a sudsy nod to Allegany’s coal-mining heritage, with offerings like Pay Dirt brown ale. Steps away, Charis Winery & Distillery produces around 14 different wines using grapes grown almost exclusively in Maryland, as well as more than 18 kinds of rums, brandies, whiskeys, and liqueurs. Sip Afternoon Delight, a lovely mead-style wine, in Charis’ tasting room or on its inviting patio.

From Canal Place, you’re just two blocks away from the downtown historic district and its main thoroughfare, Baltimore Street. After 20 dusty months of construction, the refurbished area was unveiled at a ribbon-cutting last November. Defunct late 19th- and early 20th-century department stores, banks, and jewelry shops—their fancy façades still remarkably intact—are filled with new businesses and iconic enterprises that persevered through the construction.

Brown bought Queen City Creamery from its about-to-retire owners, keeping creamy frozen custard in Cumberland. Now called Queen City Scoop Shop, it offers more than two dozen flavors (the pistachio is excellent), and if yours happens to be the “name du jour” (check the sign board), you get a free scoop. Curtis Famous Weiners, a half-block off Baltimore Street, has been operated since 1918 by the Giatras family—Cumberland retail royalty whose original trade was candy-making. Slide into one of the restaurant’s vintage wooden booths, enjoy a Coney Island chili dog, and let garrulous owner Gino Giatras narrate family history as displayed on the shop’s memorabilia-lined walls.

Cumberland’s grand old stores—Rosenbaum’s, Schwarzenbach’s, McMullen Brothers, and Lazarus—are gone, but their ornate structures are being repurposed for 21st-century commerce. When Hayden Ort-Ulm sought a second location for his popular Greene Street coffeehouse, Basecamp Coffee Co., he landed in the old Rosenbaum building. This Baltimore Street coffee stand shares first-floor space in the refurbished 1899 building with Madison Paige Boutique, a chic women’s store; AJ’s Cookie Jar, specializing in French macarons; and Lefty’s Place, a new Detroit-style pizza and wing bar. Luxury lofts and Airbnb apartments are slated for the upper floors.

Basecamp’s Ort-Ulm, raised nearby in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, is another entrepreneur who’s come home—in his case all the way from the Pacific Northwest. He now lives 10 minutes away in La Vale, site of Basecamp’s roastery, and collaborates with businesses like Queen City Scoop Shop and Dig Deep Brewing on their coffee-flavored offerings.

Another morning buzz option is Café Mark, a favorite for specialty coffees, fresh-brewed teas, smoothies, and its creative breakfast and lunch menus. You’ll find a welcoming vibe (think brick walls and pressed-tin ceilings), killer breakfast burritos, and super-friendly servers. Just beware the pastry counter, which seduces you sweetly while you wait to order.

Other dining choices abound. Try Baltimore Street Grill, a cozy pub-style restaurant, for Cajun specialties including seafood gumbo, crawfish étouffée, and catfish strips. At Centre Street Collective, a festive food court, order at the bar from an internationally inspired menu, featuring wraps, flatbreads, breakfast bowls, sushi, and build-your-own ramen bowls. On Baltimore Street, City Lights American Grill does popular gourmet burger and-beer nights on Thursdays. Around the corner, Mise En Place offers French cuisine in a delightful bistro setting.

On Centre Street, Ristorante Ottaviani imports New York-style Italian fare to its romantic dining room. Order from the house specialty Abruzzo entrees and conclude your meal on a heavenly note with house-made warm butter cake. The restaurant’s less formal Tasting Room and Lounge serves brick-oven pizzas, salads, and charcuterie. Opened in 1906, Caporale’s Bakery on North Mechanic Street offers compulsory Cumberland noshes like fresh-baked pepperoni rolls (once a coal miner’s staple), Italian breads, and sugary confections.

→ NIGHTLIFE

Downtown’s most anticipated newcomer occupies the historic McCleave Building at 63-69 Baltimore Street. The 20-room Wills Hotel will be Allegany County’s first boutique lodgings when it opens, as early as this fall. Co-owner Brian Gilbride of Ohio, who cycles the GAP, was quite familiar with Cumberland. When he saw the Italianate-style building, he realized its potential. When completed, the three-story hotel—Gilbride’s “passion project”—will offer bespoke suites, a potential steakhouse with an adjoining bar, and first-floor space offering cyclists bike works, storage, and laundry facilities. Eyeing possible expansion, Gilbride also purchased the building next door.

Take your pick of after-dark diversions. Watch a play at Embassy Theatre, located in a landmark 1931 Art Deco movie house. Enjoy live music at Loft 129, which features everything from rock and pop to jazz and classical. Toss tools at Fore Axes, a bar catering to wannabe lumberjacks as well as aspiring Scottie Schefflers who can tackle simulation golf courses like Pinehurst, Torrey Pines, and Royal Melbourne.

One of downtown’s newest arts venues, Ferleman Gallery & Gallery Stage showcases contemporary art. Its intimate, intra-gallery stage hosts live acoustic music performances and boasts its own digital recording studio. Owners Thomas and Rebecca Ferleman, who moved to Allegany County to escape suburbia, plan to open RootSTable on the second floor, serving locally sourced New American cuisine. If you’re visiting the gallery this summer or fall, check out works by Baltimore’s own Joseph Sheppard, the noted sculptor, muralist, and portraitist who created the Brooks Robinson statue near Camden Yards.

→ LANDMARKS 

Also discover some of Cumberland’s lesser-known landmarks. B’er Chayim Temple, an 1864 Greek Revival building downtown, is the longest continuously operating synagogue in Maryland, housing a congregation originally chartered in 1853. On a hillside overlooking Wills Creek, built atop Fort Cumberland’s remains, Emmanuel Episcopal Church in the Washington Street Historic District is well worth touring. The earthworks below—tunnels Washington once strode—were used a century later by African Americans following the Underground Railroad.

Walking the dimly lit space today is powerful and chilling. Inside the church itself, docent-led tours reveal another surprise. The chancel was designed by renowned artist Louis Comfort Tiffany, who personally visited and created three breathtaking stained-glass windows and several ornate candelabras.

When city leaders were planning the Baltimore Street Redevelopment Project, they dubbed the initiative “Reimagine Cumberland.” Now that the work is complete and downtown businesses have bought into the venture, they hope travelers will find the new Queen City as alluring as its predecessors.

Lindsey Culli vividly remembers the day in the fall of 2021 when she got a phone call from the counselor at her son’s Baltimore County public school alerting her that he had expressed a desire for self-harm. At the time, Calvin was a six-year-old first grader who was struggling to navigate the post-pandemic world, especially after spending his early education in front of screens.

“Calvin was one of those kids who was in kindergarten when the pandemic started,” Culli recalls. Though her son was academically high achieving, she believes that the social isolation of those years stunted his social and emotional growth. “He’s an introverted kid. He was feeling all these big feelings [at school] and he didn’t have a way to express it,” says Culli. “He was saying the most outrageous thing he could say, which terrified the guidance counselor because he started talking about self-harm.”

Naturally, this alarmed his school counselor, who took his words seriously. Thankfully, it eventually became clear that Calvin didn’t have plans to actually harm himself. “He was just kind of grasping at, ‘What is the biggest thing I can say to get somebody to pay attention because I’m not okay. I don’t know the language to talk about what’s wrong. I just know that something is.’”

Eventually, Calvin’s “big feelings” escalated to a point that Culli and Sam, Calvin’s father, decided it was time to seek professional help. Fortunately, Calvin’s school had an arrangement with a private practice therapy group that saw students during the day. His therapist diagnosed him with anxiety and began helping him learn tools to manage it.

“He started seeing a therapist that spring and it was really helpful pretty much right away,” says Culli. “[His therapist] gave him the toolbox that he needed and started putting tools in his toolbox to be able to recognize the emotions he was feeling and name them [and] work through them. That is hard when you’re an adult, but it’s especially hard when you’re only six! He’s come a really long way and it’s a testament to the therapy that he’s gotten and the people that he’s been able to work with.”

Today, Calvin is an active 10-year-old. He still struggles with anxiety—Culli thinks it is likely part of his wiring as someone who strives to be high-achieving. The difference is, when he gets those “big feelings,” he knows how to process them. Best of all, Culli has watched Calvin grow into the creative, empathetic, and thriving kid she always knew him to be.

“We named Calvin after the [comic strip] Calvin and Hobbes,” says Culli. “It turns out he’s actually a lot like the comic book Calvin! He’s very creative. He’s very bright. He’s also a really good friend. He has so much empathy, which probably hinders his mental health a little bit because he takes on other people’s feelings and emotions. I think it’s both a strength and also a challenge to be an empathetic and compassionate person in a world that can be so tough. But now he has the tools to manage it.”

Calvin’s experience with anxiety as a young child is not unique. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10 percent of children between the ages of three and 17 have a diagnosed anxiety disorder. Experts contend that it’s normal for kids to experience occasional anxiety about stressful things like academics or social situations. But the National Institutes of Health (NIH) explains that anxiety becomes a disorder when it does not go away and its symptoms interfere with daily activities.

Biologically, the way our bodies experience anxiety is similar to the way we process fear. Fear keeps us safe from danger, preparing our bodies for “fight or flight.” Our heart and breathing quicken to boost oxygen flow to our brain. Our muscles tense up to prepare us to run, fight, or hide. Our minds zoom in with a laser focus on the threat to determine the best plan for safety. Anxiety is the body’s response to a perceived threat.

While this heightened state of awareness is helpful for actual danger, living in a state of high alert about unspecific future threats can be overwhelming—especially for children who may not have the tools to manage these feelings.

Krista Dhruv, LCSW-C, is an individual and family therapist and educational consultant based in Baltimore. She has served as a counselor in K 12 schools and higher education settings and has observed how anxiety presents in children of all different ages.

“Starting with our youngest kids, they might experience somatic symptoms, like belly aches, headaches, and disrupted sleep,” explains Dhruv. “It manifests physically because anxiety is in the body. It’s hormonal—cortisol and adrenaline, a hormonal response to perceived fear, metabolizes in the body. [Anxiety] also shows up as worry language: a lot of ‘what ifs’—‘What if you forget to pick me up? What if nobody wants to play with me? What if I eat something and it makes me sick?’”

Research suggests that the causes of childhood anxiety are complex. Some children may be more sensitive to strong emotions or have a biological tendency toward anxiety. For others, anxiety may develop as a reaction to a significant stressful event, like a death in the family. Environmental stressors, such as food insecurity, parents who fight or argue, or experiences of bullying, abuse, and neglect can also cause anxiety in young people.

Further, larger events and issues, such as climate change or global instability, may also impact children’s wellness—especially for older kids who may be more aware. An often-cited study conducted by the Pew Research Center indicates that more than half of teenagers are worried about a shooting happening at their school.

Other environmental factors inducing worry are, well, the environment. A recent survey published in The Lancet polled 10,000 young people across 10 countries, revealing that as many as 84 percent of respondents were worried about climate change, with 45 percent reporting that climate anxiety affected their daily lives.

Regardless of the constellation of causes behind anxiety, it is important to note that it is on the rise. A Department of Health and Human Resources report in 2022 noted that between 2016 and 2020, the number of children ages 3-17 years diagnosed with anxiety grew by 29 percent and those with depression by 27 percent.

This is important on many levels, not least of which is that a mental health condition is a risk factor for suicide, which is also on the rise among young people.

Increasingly, experts point to a growing cause of mental illness in young people: social media and phone use.  Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist and author of The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood Is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness, claims that what he terms a “phone-based childhood” is to blame for a many of these unsettling youth mental health trends.

In fact, so great is the impact of social media that U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy recently called on Congress to require warning labels on social media sites to communicate their potential harms, especially for the developing adolescent brain. And Australia just passed a groundbreaking ban on a social media for children 16 and under.

Haidt likens young people’s unrestrained exploration of this new virtual frontier to launching our children to the planet Mars without first doing an appropriate amount of research to realize their bodies and minds are not suited to survive this alternate planet. The research he presents in his book posits that “overprotection in the real world and under-protection in the virtual world are the major reasons why children born after 1995 became the anxious generation.” Kids’ brains are literally being rewired during their crucial early, brain-building years.

“In this new phone-based childhood, free play, attunement, and local models for social learning are replaced by screen time, asynchronous [or non-real-time] interaction, and influencers chosen by algorithms. Children are, in a sense, deprived of childhood,” explains Haidt.

Anxiety can show up as what ifs: ‘What if you forget to pick me up?’ ‘What if nobody wants to play with me?’

Dhruv agrees and has observed the impact of screen time on today’s youth. “[Social media] is kind of experience where young people are socializing and interacting, but being that they’re online, the whole body isn’t involved—it’s disembodied. Young children aren’t outside as much playing and climbing trees—maybe even spraining an ankle. Kids aren’t taking healthy risks, which are imperative to healthy development.”

“These are normative life experiences that build our resilience and develop a growth mindset,” Dhruv continues. “When most of our [socializing and recreation] is happening online, whether it is video games or through social influencers, we lose that ability to take risks, social or physical or emotional, and to really experience failure as well as success, which is part of life.”

She echoes Haidt’s ideas about asynchronous interactions: “I might text you this morning about a funny thing that my dog did and you might not text me back until 3 o’clock today with a cute little emoji, which feels good.”

But something is off: Human beings aren’t meant to communicate via delayed reaction or strictly through our laptops or phones.

“We are wired to be in community and in connection,” she says. “We should be able to read body language. If I say something and a friend grimaces, I realize I probably shouldn’t say that again, or I should check in with her about that. [With online socializing], we lose all that nuance of the human experience.”

There is, however, a silver lining to the over-sharing that is often seen on social media. Experts note that children are increasingly likely to talk about their mental health with transparency, which is steadily chipping away at the stigma of mental illness. There are additional benefits to phone use and social media. For example, many kids who may feel marginalized due to their differences can more easily find their community online.

And experts are keen to note that the phone itself is not the enemy: If used responsibly, it’s a valuable tool to help us connect and make life easier. The key is to make sure parents place limits on the amount of time kids spend on screens and the content they view.

“The one positive about social media is that it allows access for a great deal more information,” explains Chad Lennon, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist for Sheppard Pratt. “People are communicating more about their mental health.”

Young people are more aware of mental illness—and the resources available to help.

“What has happened over the past 10, maybe 15, years or so is a complete shift. Now what we see that most of the people coming to us for services, whether it’s in a school environment or private practice, are already coming with the diagnostic language. They’re coming with deep attunement to their emotional experience, saying specifically, ‘I have anxiety,’ or ‘I think I’m neurodivergent,’ or ‘I’ve had this many years of treatment,’” shares Dhruv.

And therapy really does help. Calvin is a perfect example. The tools his therapist gave him were the key ingredients for helping him return to the thriving and intelligent kid his parents knew him to be.

“I think therapy is very helpful for everyone, but if you have anxiety, without [therapy], it can be hard to go through daily life and not get overwhelmed or upset,” says Calvin, with a thoughtfulness and maturity that belies his years. “Therapy has helped me to be able to be in certain places or spaces and without feeling afraid or anxious. I have more friends now and I can do things I think would be fun without being overwhelmed or afraid.”

For parents of children with anxiety, sometimes it’s hard to know what they can do to help. Lennon advises the following game plan: “First, parents really need to know themselves. The best way to help your own child is if you have a sense of your own emotional regulation,” he says. “Secondly, I’m really big on helping kids develop coping skills—and I use that term very generally because really anything can be a coping skill, as long as you know it helps you reduce your anxiety. Coping skills can be anything from playing a sport, going for a walk, taking a deep breath, reading or drawing, connecting with friends, even video games can be helpful, if used properly.

“[Thirdly,] connect with someone you trust,” shares Lennon, who adds that this doesn’t necessarily need to be a therapist. “This could be a parent, aunt, uncle, or coach. Helping a child connect to someone they trust helps them realize they are not alone, which goes a long way toward reducing anxiety.”

Therapist Krista Dhruv also advises that a great starting point for finding help for school-aged children is the school counselor and/or pediatrician. “The school counselor is a great first place to go,” she says. “They don’t necessarily know your child best, but they know this age range really well and can help you understand this developmental stage and what’s normative, typical, or atypical behavior.”

The family’s pediatrician is also trained to spot an anxiety disorder or help a family understand how to best help a child. Furthermore, they can examine if there is a physical cause for anxiety, especially when a child presents with somatic complaints. Finally, there’s a practical consideration for reaching out to the pediatrician: They can provide a referral for mental health services, which in many cases makes it easier for your health insurance to defray these expenses.

Fortunately, experts agree that most children with anxiety can reduce its impact through a combination of therapy, appropriate medication, and lifestyle changes.

If there’s one word to describe December, it’s palpable. The final month of the year has an aura that none of its 11 predecessors possesses. There’s the warmth of overdue family gatherings. The chance to indulge that holiday sweet tooth. The joy of celebrating the religious and cultural traditions dearest to us. The unmistakable nip in the air. And, of course, the satisfaction of self-reflection and anticipation of the year ahead.

Looking to expand your seasonal sensibilities even further? Well, if travel is a path to discovery, then exploring the many celebrations of various Mid-Atlantic communities this winter could be as eye-opening as it is entertaining.

Visit Philadelphia, for example, where eight days and nights of festivities commemorate Hanukkah. Or attend one of the East Coast’s largest Kwanzaa festivals in Virginia’s vibrant capital city of Richmond. Travel to historic Bethlehem (Pennsylvania, that is), where Moravians observe Christmas with carols, candles, and a special holiday market. Or channel Charles Dickens as New Jersey’s Cape May gets decked out for its over-the-top, Victorian-style yuletide cheer. To usher in the new season, there’s also a traditional Swedish winter solstice ceremony in a centuries-old Delaware church.

Wherever you end up for your winter holidays, here’s our guide to some celebratory cities worth a visit.

Dec. 25 – Jan. 2: Hanukkah in Philadelphia

Fifty years ago, a local rabbi lit a rustic, four-foot-high menorah in front of Philadelphia’s Independence Hall and helped popularize a now-ubiquitous national tradition: the ceremonial public lighting of outsized Hanukkah menorahs. And to this day, the City of Brotherly Love’s sizeable Jewish population continues to celebrate Judaism’s joyous eight-day Festival of Lights in a big way for residents and visitors alike.

Now it’s a city-wide affair. Catch menorah lightings at city landmarks such as Independence Hall, Rittenhouse Square, and South Philly’s Singing Fountain. Following the lighting of a giant electric menorah at the Betsy Ross House, where its namesake is said to have sewn the first American flag, the Old City Jewish Arts Center serves traditional foods like potato pancakes (latkes) and jelly doughnuts (sufganiyot) and distributes Hanukkah gelt coins to kids.

Enjoy another beloved Philly tradition when menorah-topped vehicles parade through Center City and Main Line Philadelphia during their separate parades. On Dec. 28, the Chevra, a group of young Jewish professionals and graduate students, throws what’s billed as the city’s largest Hanukkah fest. The bash at Rittenhouse Square features live music, dancing, and a familiar, if secular, sartorial tradition, an ugly Hanukkah sweater contest.

While you’re in town, don’t miss the Weitzman National Museum of American Jewish History on Independence Mall, a Smithsonian Institution affiliate and the nation’s only museum dedicated to interpreting the American Jewish experience. Its collections include everything from Irving Berlin’s piano to a Liberty Bell menorah lovingly crafted by a folk artist who survived the Holocaust.

Hanukkah’s Origins: Honors the rededication of the Second Temple in ancient Jerusalem as well as the temple’s miraculously long-burning jar of purified oil.

Customs: Nightly lighting of the menorah, a candelabra whose eight flames represent the number of days the temple’s one-day supply of oil burned. Jewish households accompany the lightings with scripture readings, prayers, hymns, and special foods.

Greeting: “Chag urim sameach.” (“Happy Festival of Lights.”)

For a full schedule of Hanukkah events, see visitphilly.com.

Dec. 26–Jan. 1: Kwanzaa in Richmond

Kwanzaa, in Swahili, refers to the harvest, and it’s in this spirit of giving thanks that millions of African Americans gather annually for this seven-day celebration of family, community, and pan-African history, culture, and values. Families share meals, light symbolic candles daily, honor their ancestors, educate children about African culture, and reflect on the future.

In fact, it’s a colorful, deeply significant celebration that happens to owe its origins to a Marylander. Kwanzaa’s founder, Dr. Maulana Karenga, was born in Wicomico County on the Eastern Shore. He devised the holiday in 1966 to promote African traditions while teaching at California State University, Long Beach.

Two years ago, Karenga delivered the keynote address at one of the East Coast’s largest Kwanzaa celebrations, the Capital City Kwanzaa Festival in Richmond, Virginia, now in its 33rd year.

Hosted by the Elegba Folklore Society, Richmond’s festival distills the week-long holiday into a one-day comprehensive celebration of African culture. View the ceremonial Kwanzaa candle lighting with its affirmation of Nguzo Saba, aka the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (more on that below).

Enjoy music and dance performances. Participate in workshops and children’s activities. Sample African-inspired cuisine at the festival’s African Market, where you can also shop for crafts, clothing, and home decor.

While in Richmond, visit the Jackson Ward Historic District. Called the birthplace of Black entrepreneurship, the neighborhood is among the largest national historic landmark districts associated with African-American history and culture, and was established before the Civil War.

Customs: Each candle lit duriing Kwanzaa represents one of the Seven Principles by which African peoples strive to live: Umoja (unity), Kujichagulia (self-determination), Ujima (collective work & responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity), and Imani (faith).

Greeting: “Habari gani?” (“What’s the news?”) To which celebrants respond with Kwanzaa’s principle of the day.

For more information, visit efsinc.org.

Dec. 1–24: Moravian Christmas in Bethlehem

Christened “Bethlehem” on Christmas Eve of the year it was founded (1741), this eastern Pennsylvania town became the New World’s first permanent settlement for German-speaking Moravians. Dubbed “The Christmas City,” Bethlehem packs its holiday calendar with celebrations that echo these European religious roots, from simple candlelight church services to soaring choral performances and a popular holiday market called Christkindlmarkt.

The Moravian calendar begins on the first day of Advent (Sunday, Dec. 1, in 2024), when Moravians host fellowship meals called Lovefeasts, as well as special worship services and musical performances through Christmas Eve.

On that day, Bethlehem’s Central Moravian Church conveys the Christmas story as it has for centuries, with a children’s service and an evening celebration featuring hymns, choral music, a brass quintet, and the lighting of traditional beeswax candles. (Bethlehem has so many original Moravian buildings that it recently became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.)

Visit the Central Church and the town’s historic buildings-turned-museums throughout December to admire another moving Moravian tradition, the putz. From the German putzen (“to decorate”), these lovingly crafted, elaborate dioramas depict the story of Christ’s birth in multiple scenes using hand-carved figurines, plus rocks, moss, and other natural materials.

But there’s more. Shop aisles of artisan works at the massive Christkindlmarkt, held for six weekends beginning in mid-November, on the banks of the Lehigh River. Or explore other venues and activities: Buy a multi-pointed Moravian star at the Moravian Archives store, practice your German at a Moravian singstunde gathering (where Advent carols are sung in both German and English), or listen quietly to holiday carols in the hushed, candlelit Old Moravian Chapel, built in 1751.

Customs: Moravians traditionally use beeswax candles in religious ceremonies to symbolize purity and the light of God.

Traditional Treats: Wafer-thin Moravian sugar cookies, Moravian sugar cake, and Eastern European nut rolls and rolled kiffle cookies.

For a schedule of holiday events and tours, visit christmascity.org.

Dec. 8: Swedish Christmas in Wilmington

It’s an old Scandinavian ritual: On the shortest day of the year, the household’s eldest daughter, her head crowned with a candlelit wreath, leads her candle-carrying siblings upstairs to deliver sweet buns and coffee to their parents. The roots of this ceremonial breakfast in bed can be traced all the way back to fourth-century Italy and the times of Saint Lucy (“Santa Lucia” to Scandinavians), a Christian martyr and patron saint of the blind.

On her feast day, Dec. 13, she is honored for bringing light into the world and foretelling the end of long winter nights in a ceremony that blends pagan and Christian traditions.

Although we celebrate the winter solstice on Dec. 21, under the Julian calendar the year’s longest night was Dec. 13. In Scandinavia, it marks the traditional start of the Christmas season and is reason to reenact a simple yet elegant procession in homes and churches throughout the land. But you needn’t hop a plane to Stockholm or Oslo for the pageantry.

On the second Sunday in December, one of the nation’s most historic churches, Holy Trinity, aka the Old Swedes Historic Site, in Wilmington, Delaware, opens its doors to the public to honor Santa Lucia. Portraying her, a young woman from the community, dressed head to toe in white, leads a costumed procession down the aisles of the 326-year-old stone church, set aglow by candlelight. Lucia is followed by girls dressed in white, “star boys” (starngossar) wearing tall, pointy hats, and red-dressed elf-like helpers (tomtar), played by young children. There’s music, of course, and guests can enjoy both coffee and Swedish baked goods after the ceremonies.

Be sure to tour the adjacent Hendrickson House, an 18th-century Swedish-American home decorated for Christmas, and go holiday browsing at its gift shop. Nearby, visit the tall ship Kalmar Nyckel, which brought the first Swedish settlers to the area in 1638. Traditional Treats: Lussekatter saffron buns.

Greeting: “God Jul.” (“Merry Christmas.”)

Nov. 23–Dec. 31: Victorian Christmas in Cape May

Without the Victorians, the modern American Christmas might be unrecognizable: no roly-poly Santa Claus (hitherto a svelte Saint Nick), Christmas cards, or lavishly decorated Christmas trees. Also, no federal holiday (finally enacted in 1870), or umpteen Hollywood versions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

For a deep dive into a Dickensian-era Christmas, head to Cape May, a Victorian gem on New Jersey’s southern seashore. Hundreds of preserved 19th-century buildings—ornately designed houses, hotels, inns, and businesses—make the entire city a National Historic Landmark District.

Every December, these “painted ladies” don their holiday finery and welcome visitors with candlelight tours, themed trolley rides, and street caroling. The season begins Nov. 23 with a Christmas tree lighting at Holiday HQ, aka the 1879 Emlen Physick Estate, a prominent Cape May physician’s 18-room mansion-turned-museum.

Register early for the most coveted ticket in town: Cape May’s annual self-guided Christmas Candlelight House Tours (Dec. 7, 14, and 21)—you’ll stroll streets lit by gas lamps and a multitude of twinkly lights while visiting select homes, B&Bs, and the Physick mansion, all decked out for the holidays.

If you can’t snag tickets, don’t despair; There are yuletide outings aplenty. BYO blanket and hop on Cape May’s open-air Jolly Trolley for one of their themed tours, during which you can admire holiday lights, hear from Mrs. Claus, or learn about the spirits who haunt the Physick Estate to this day. Swing by Cape May’s favorite Enchanted Vendor Village at Congress Hall, an iconic local resort once frequented by presidents and politicians. And don’t miss the West Cape May Christmas Parade, with festive floats parading through town on Dec. 7.

Victorian Customs: Parlor games were popular holiday amusements, including two depicted in A Christmas Carol: Blindman’s Buff (aka Bluff) and the guessing game Yes or No.

Traditional Treats: The yuletide tradition of wassail—a hot beverage of cider or wine with spices—is said to have originated as a pagan tradition, paying homage to the fruits of fall harvests that helped provide sustenance through the dead of winter. Now tied to caroling and Christmas, the drink can be enjoyed at the town’s historic Cold Spring Village during Wassail Day, an afternoon festival with wagon rides, wreath contests, and crafts on Dec. 7.

For more holiday happenings, consult the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts, capemaymac.org.

Looking Ahead…

Jan. 29: Lunar New Year in Washington, D.C.
Asian Americans will welcome the Year of the Snake in 2025 when the Lunar New Year begins on Jan. 29. Join the festivities in the Nation’s Capital, including a return performance by the renowned National Ballet of China at the Kennedy Center Opera House, special family activities at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art and its American Art Museum, and the popular, ultra colorful Lunar New Year Parade through the streets of Chinatown.

For a calendar of events, visit washington.org.

Jan. 27: Lailat at Miraj in Lanham
On this first major Islamic holiday of the new year, Muslims commemorate the journey of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Jerusalem by reflecting on his life and teachings. At the nonprofit Diyanet Center of America in Lanham, Maryland—its magnificent exterior reflecting classical Ottoman architecture—and other mosques around the Washington metro area, congregations offer special prayers and recite passages from the Qur’an.

Learn more about the Islamic faith at the Islamic Center of D.C. during the holy month of Ramadan, from Feb. 28 through Mar. 30, during which community members fast daily from sunrise to sundown, breaking their abstinence with a communal meal (iftar) and holding nightly communal prayers (taraweeh).

Located on Embassy Row in the Nation’s Capital, the center serves practicing Muslims and promotes a better understanding of the faith by opening its mosque to all for regular prayers.

If you’ve had a crown, an implant, worn a night guard, or needed braces or dentures, chances are that you’ve had impressions done. In case you don’t remember, that’s when your dentist or hygienist fills a plastic—or decades ago, metal—form full of goopy stuff, puts it into your mouth, and then holds it there until it hardens.

There were times I had this done when I gagged and swore that I was going to choke to death on the goop. Then, when my dentist pulled it out, the pressure was so great, I thought all of my teeth were going to come out with it.

Spoiler alert: They didn’t.

While I’ve never feared going to the dentist, let’s just say I was never thrilled with knowing I’d need impressions. Luckily, for me and so many others who may need to get impressions, dental technology has advanced to the point where that goop, as well as many other procedures, is becoming a thing of the past.

So let’s take a look at some of the latest advancements.

Goop Be Gone

Not only did the impression material—heretofore described as “goop”—cause issues for patients, Dr. Anthony Hamod, DDS, partner of Bel Air Dental Care in Fallston, says that it sometimes wasn’t as accurate as what’s being used now.

“When you take a mold that way, the hard tissue is going to be captured accurately in the impression materials, but as it hardens, it pushes the gums out of the way. So when we create a static hard model of what we think is in your mouth, the gums may not be as accurate,” Hamod says.

Today, Cone-Beam Computed Tomography, better known as CBCT, has changed all that. CBCT is a medical imaging technique. With it, dentists are able to take thousands of images of the patient’s teeth, mouth, gums and more—which appear immediately on the screen for the dentist to see. In Hamod’s practice, the machine they use takes up little room and has a small carbon footprint as well.

These scanners not only show 3D images of patients’ teeth and gums, but colors show up to indicate bite pressures—where the patients bite down harder on a particular tooth or teeth. Seeing this, dentists can check those specific teeth in the future, as they are more inclined to get loose or need root canals.

Deanna Birch, an assistant as well as a patient at Bel Air Dental Care, has had the goop impressions in the past and, more recently, has had the digital scanning.

She says that she prefers the scanning method, as they’re finished quickly. And are, well, less yucky.

“The scan is more accurate too,” says Birch, of Joppa. “Patients love it. Because when they would come in needing impressions, they would stress out about it. Some have the gag reflex, and that’s not fun. This is much better for them.”

Bone Collectors

CBCT technology is also being used for more involved dental surgical procedures. Dr. Sanju Jose, DDS, MDS, partner in the Columbia Center for Implants & Periodontics, uses the CBCT for implants (artificial structures that replace missing teeth), but additionally for creating bone grafts.

For example, if a patient who needs implants doesn’t have enough bone to hold them, dentists such as Jose can do procedures to actually regenerate it.

This normally involves mixing biologic activators with processed cadaver bone. An example of how this can be applied is when titanium mesh is formed over the patient’s existing bone, which will hold the bone in place and not allow the soft tissue to sink inwards.

Jose says that although titanium mesh has been around for some time, in the past dentists would have to trim it chairside, which could leave sharp edges.

“If one of the parts of the mesh was sharp, the gum tissue would start to open up. In studies, it would show that in almost 40 percent of cases, the titanium mesh pieces were sharp, the gums can open back up, and you don’t get the bone regeneration you were expecting,” Jose explains.

With CBCT, he can print a 3D model of the patient’s jaw, then put the titanium mesh over it and use wax to mimic the bone graft he wants. “Then I actually cut pieces of mesh to fit, because what you want is the mesh to adapt to the surrounding bone. I smooth out the sharp edges, sterilize it, and it drops right in during surgery.”

He also uses CBCT to get a 3D look at what the patient’s mouth actually looks like. “It shows you the full volume of the patient’s bone anatomy. You’re not guessing. I don’t want to go into surgery and think, ‘This is how much bone I think I have,’” says Jose. “With the 3D image, I get to see the sinuses, mark the nerves, and see all the anatomy.”

The software allows you to plan what diameter and depth the implant should be. This is especially important if a patient needs to have multiple implants and eliminates any guesswork.

“Let’s say you’re missing four front teeth. Now we can digitally create what those four front teeth should look like to match the adjacent teeth, taking into consideration aesthetics and function,” says Jose. “All of this—from the bone anatomy to the implants—can be preplanned. The lab will imprint a guide that’s custom to that patient. It makes the surgery faster, and everything goes into the mouth exactly where it should.”

When Jose does a full-mouth reconstruction, he now uses a facial scanner as well as CBCT and an intraoral scanner. Within a few minutes, he can capture the patient’s face and lip movements. This enables him to see their jaws moving, their gums, and their bone—the entire face.

“I can now design everything and see it digitally before we do the surgery,” he says.

3D Printing

The use of 3D printing is revolutionizing dentistry as it has so many other fields. While 3D printing has been used in the dental industry since about 2008, says Hamod, it was originally only used to print crowns.

“And of lot of dentists still do that if the logistics of their offices allow for it. A 3D printer prints your crowns while the patients are in the chair,” he says. The dentist then will glaze and stain the crown and then put it in before the patient leaves. The whole process takes approximately 1.5 hours for a single unit crown.

The same-day crowns, made famous by a company called Cerec, have the advantage of saving the patient multiple visits and a three-week turnover time. Not to mention they spare the patient having to deal with the risk of fracturing or losing the temporary crown. The downside is that the dentist’s office has to have an extra operatory (room with dental equipment) available to keep the patient waiting while the crown is manufactured. They are also not as durable/cosmetic as a laboratory-fabricated crown.

Hamod says that even dentures are 3D printed by labs today. Beginning in about 2020, dentures were just starting to be 3D printed by a few labs, but today, every major dental laboratory is able to print 3D dentures.

Dental offices also use 3D printing to make surgical guides, like those used for implants which are essentially 3D maps that fit in a patient’s mouth. Hamod explains that the guides direct the dentists as to where the implants must go.

“They click onto a patient’s teeth and allow us to place in the implant exactly where it belongs with the correct depth, angulation, and rotation,” explains Hamod. This takes all the guesswork out of the implant procedure. “In the past, [surgical guides] were called ‘wish guides’ because we would try our best to guestimate where it should go based off of where the tooth should go—but not necessarily where the bone was.”

What makes these 3D printed guides work so well is the fact that dentists use them in conjunction with CBCT. They are more accurate than traditional X-rays and provide dentists with more information. In this way, they can see the bone that will house the implant and place everything exactly where it needs to be.

They, Robots

Robotics has become another useful tool for modern dentistry. Before you freak out, no, a robot is not doing your surgery—the dentist is. Jose, whose practice was the first in Maryland to have robotics, explains that robotics aren’t always needed. In most cases, the surgical guide is sufficient.

“It’s great; it’s quick, and it’s accurate,” he says. “But it is surgery. And sometimes you have to deviate.” The problem is that the surgical guide won’t allow for any changes; what you see is where it goes. But with robotics, if Jose realizes that he needs to make a change, he types it into the computer program, and then the Yomi robotic system—the only one currently approved by the FDA—is able to help him complete the surgery using the new diagnostics.

The robotic system doesn’t look like a human. Imagine a white cart on wheels. On the top of it are two computer monitors as well as a laptop— these help the dentist conduct the surgery while seeing what they’re doing in real time. A robotic arm comes out of the main machine, and it will guide the dentist’s drill.

If Jose makes a change, as described above, when he uses the drill, which is attached to the robotic handpiece that fits into the arm, the robotic system will move it to make sure he is drilling in the exact right position in the patient’s mouth. It won’t allow him to deviate—unless he specifically changes the diagnostics in the computer.

“It allows me to deviate the plan in a positive manner—meaning no errors. Because the robotics movements are live,” says Jose.

The Future is AI

When you mention AI being used in dentistry, people tend to stress out because they believe this means eventually dentists will be replaced by machinery.

According to Dr. Jeffery Price, DDS, MS, MADG, FICD, FACD, and Dr. Ahmed S. Sultan, BDS, PhD, co-directors of the Division of Artificial Intelligence Research at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD)—the first AI division in the first dental school in the world—you don’t have to worry.

“In fact, the American Dental Association prefers the term ‘augmented intelligence,’ as it means a human and a machine are working together,” explains Price, also a clinical professor and director of the Division of Oral Radiology at UMSOD. “Artificial intelligence would be the human turning over all decision-making to the machine. Augmented intelligence plus the clinician will result in a better outcome for the patient.”

Sultan says what he foresees happening in the dental world is AI-powered assistants that have ambient note capabilities. “So whenever the clinician is talking to the patient, it takes that data and populates it in a clinical note. That’s really helpful because it allows dentists to sit down and talk to their patients and not waste time writing up the Electronic Health Record [EHR].”

It will be much like the system that your primary care physician may use. “And 90 percent of the time, you can actually have a connection with your doctor,” says Sultan, an assistant professor and program director for the Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology Residency Program at UMSOD.

Price adds that these assistants can put the information gathered into searchable fields so that, after a certain amount of time, “You’ve got data that’s reliable, and algorithms can search it and provide information for research purposes.”

Eventually, this could help day-to-day dental care as well, like when dentists spot something that may be oral cancer. “With AI, if they have a question about a lesion in someone’s mouth, they can take an intraoral picture of it, and with the growing advent and presence of AI, they will get an answer in 30 seconds or less,” says Price. The dentist can then decide the best course of treatment action. Sultan adds, “AI is really good at the flagging system. So, it can flag the dentist on things that are really subtle.”

As technology continues to advance in dentistry, it’s not just to make life easier for dentists.

“Ultimately, it’s all about the patient,” says Jose. “You want to be able to deliver the best care to the patient.”

If that best care means less goop and more 3D imagery, count me in.

When he was an elementary school student in Baltimore, Orioles broadcaster Brett Hollander was diagnosed with dyslexia. He understands how much of a hurdle the disability can be for kids, particularly those with no access to support systems.

Through “Going to Bat For Dyslexia,” a gala fundraising event he began in 2022, Hollander supports kids who are struggling with dyslexia in Baltimore by providing fully paid scholarships to attend a summer program at The Odyssey School, which serves children with language learning differences.

The goal is to show that, given the right academic resources, kids with dyslexia can thrive.

“The key is to figure out how to get through it academically, so you can get through it in the world,” he says.

Three days before the grand opening of the latest Easy Like Sunday location at McHenry Row in Locust Point, servers are studying the menu, baristas are testing drink recipes (like a pretty-in-pink iced beetroot matcha latte), and chef/co-owner Sean MacCuish is overseeing a mock service in the kitchen—where his staff fires favorites like fried chicken atop cornmeal pancakes and steak and eggs with a fresno chimichurri. 

In the midst of the prep, a worker from the bank a few doors down stops in to welcome the owners—MacCuish operates the restaurants with his wife, Anna MacCuish, and Anna’s cousin, Antonios Kokolis—to the neighborhood. He’s one of many neighbors who have recently popped in to check on the status of the breakfast-and-lunch restaurant, which officially opens to the public on Monday, June 10. 

“Cross Keys is such a beautiful space, but we’re hidden, so you have to really know who we are and what we do,” Sean says of their Baltimore flagship at The Village of Cross Keys in Roland Park, which opened in March 2023. (Before coming to Baltimore, the owners launched the original Easy Like Sunday concept in Charlotte, North Carolina.) “But here, it’s so visible and inviting. There’s a lot of positivity around that.” 

Joining the mixed-use McHenry Row development off of Key Highway was something the owners were immediately interested in upon learning that the building’s previous tenant, Iron Rooster, had closed last year. They took over the space on February 1, and quickly got to work removing the TVs, renovating the bar, and brightening the space with Easy’s signature English garden aesthetic. 

“It’s almost like you’re having brunch on a patio, but it’s inside,” Sean says of the design. “That’s always been the driving force for us.” 

Adds Anna: “Especially with the seasons here. If it wasn’t for seasons, I think we’d all agree our whole restaurant would be outdoors. We just love that feel.”  

Highlighting hanging greenery, crystal chandeliers, gold-framed mirrors, pops of pink, and a thriving indoor trellis, the interior design was spearheaded by Anna, with signature touches handmade by the staff themselves. The resin gold leaf tables, for example, were created by Sean. 

“We want people to be able to take pictures everywhere, from the bathrooms to the bar,” Kokolis says, explaining how the atmosphere plays into the overall dining experience—especially in the age of social media. “When we all walked into this space, we knew it was perfect for what we wanted to do.” 

The new home seats 130 inside—including 18 barstools—and 30 on the patio that the owners added in the front. In the back of the house, Sean says that, compared to Cross Keys, there’s slightly more room to breathe in the kitchen—which will allow for some additions to the menu once the restaurant gets off the ground. He estimates that three-to-four new dishes and drinks will drop in Locust Point in the coming months, before eventually migrating to the menu at Cross Keys. 

For now, though, diners can look forward to his original lineup of brunch hits, which includes the seasonal blueberry-lemon pancakes with sweet ricotta; a Tuscan Bake that fuses pork sausage with tomato, mozzarella, feta, and poached eggs; crab cake benedicts; brunch burgers; and a sweet vanilla yogurt bowl loaded with fresh berries and house-made granola. 

“You’re not confined to one thing with brunch,” Sean says of the versatility of the concept. “You can think outside of the box and bring different flavors that all fit under this umbrella of what brunch means to a lot of people. We have Southern-inspired dishes, Italian-inspired dishes, Greek dishes. Creatively, it just opens the door for so much more.” 

Creativity is a huge part of what fuels the three-person team, who all agree that the food coupled with the decor is what has resonated with their Cross Keys clientele. They’re sticking with their no-reservations model in Locust Point, but want to assure guests that, even if there is a short wait time, it’s the most efficient way to go. 

“We’ve compared the numbers of Cross Keys to Charlotte [which does take reservations],” explains Kokolis, who oversees the front-of-house staff, “and based on our current system, we’re able to seat and feed more people than if we were to take reservations, because there’s just so much lag [when guests are late for their reservations.]

“We don’t want people to wait, trust me,” he says, also mentioning that bar seating is first-come, first-served. “We’ll bring in tables from outside if we have to. We just want everyone to have a great experience.” 

With two locations on opposite ends of the city, the owners hope to make Easy Like Sunday more accessible to locals who are familiar with the restaurant, but also present the concept to people who might not have heard of it. Although there are no further expansion plans on the horizon as of yet, they’re not ruling out additional eateries in the future. 

“It’s always exciting bringing it to a new crowd,” Anna says. “We’re all so proud of Easy Like Sunday, so when you’re introducing it to someone for the first time, it’s such a great feeling.” 

While just about everyone carries a camera around in their pockets or purses these days thanks to smartphones, and we mostly share our perfectly filtered, red-eye-removed snaps on social media, there’s actually still money to be made in the tangible photo print industry.

Seriously.

Turns out people still want physical prints of their photos—something they can frame and hang on a wall or put on a desk or send to grandma. And they want something of a higher quality than you can make with an at-home printer or pick up at Walmart.

Baltimore County-based Nations Photo Lab tapped into this need early, and despite a serious detour during COVID-19, they’ve taken a small business that relied on a clientele base of sororities and fraternities and turned it into a national phenomenon, with a reputation as one of best photo labs in the country.

Before we get to that, let’s tell the origin story. Nations Photo began in earnest when its president, Harvis Kramer, met its founder and former CEO, Ryan Millman, back in 2002. As is common in Smalltimore, they had known of each other while both were attending Pikesville High School years before, but Millman was a few years ahead of Kramer.

Millman, whom Kramer refers to as a “serial entrepreneur,” had just launched his first business, called GreekYearbook, which takes photos for fraternities and sororities all over the country. (The business is still going strong today, with a network of roughly 200 photographers doing high end portraits, group photos, and event photos for about 500 universities.)

Kramer, a Reisterstown native who was president of his fraternity while attending the University of Maryland, College Park, connected with Millman via GreekYearbook. After graduating in 2002 with a degree in criminal justice with a concentration in business—he originally planned to become a lawyer—Kramer became Millman’s second full-time employee, turning down jobs with Merrill Lynch and other well-known companies.

“My family thought I was insane,” Kramer, 44, says. “But I just really believed in Ryan and what he was doing. Since then, I’ve been a founding member of all the other businesses that we’ve either started or acquired.”

As for what his family thinks now, more than 20 years later, “They think I might know what I’m doing,” says Kramer with a laugh.

ABOUT 93 PERCENT OF PHOTOS ARE NOW TAKEN WITH A SMARTPHONE, AND PERHAPS AS MANY AS FIVE BILLION PHOTOS ARE TAKEN A DAY.

Millman comes from a long line of entrepreneurs, and while in a fraternity at the University of Arizona, he had the idea to create a website that was like social media in that it allowed Greek members to connect through photos on the site, Kramer explains.

“Today, we do more high-end portraiture, but back then, we were doing more of the event photos. Each fraternity and sorority has weekly events, and we’d send photographers out to photograph them and put them online,” says Kramer.

If this origin story sounds familiar, the similarity isn’t lost on Kramer. “Mark Zuckerberg always says that he got the idea for Facebook from a Greek fraternity photo site, and there were only a few of them out there,” he says. “I actually reached out to him back in like 2003…but he never got back to me.”

Nations Photo Lab came about in 2004. As GreekYearbook grew, Kramer says they had been outsourcing all of their photo printing to other labs. “It got to a point where it made sense to bring in our own printers and really start to control the quality, the turnaround time, and the cost ourselves,” he says.

Millman started with a mini-lab in Owings Mills, because he was familiar with the area, but named it Nations Photo Lab because although they were serving mainly local photographers at the time, he knew they could grow it into something much bigger. That happened quickly, and they began printing photos for wedding photographers, school photographers, sports photographers, and others all over the country. The New York Times said in a July 2023 “Wirecutter” review, “After our latest round of testing, we remain convinced that Nations Photo Lab is the best online photo printing service for most people,” citing their simplicity in ordering online and their color-correction.

What makes their prints different is that most places offer digital printing, which is done with much lower-quality paper and ink. Kramer says that theirs are silver halide prints done with high-quality chemistry and mostly Fuji photo paper. It’s this attention to detail that keeps customers coming back. Megan McLaughlin, director of Football Information for the Baltimore Ravens, has been working with them since Nations was based in Owings Mills (they’re now in Hunt Valley). Nations produces a wide range of items for the team, including action photos, gifts, and more.

“They do many of our immediate printing needs. They’re great to deal with. If I need things on short notice or corrected, they’re always willing to help out,” McLaughlin says. “I like the fact that we’re supporting a local business. I can get them on the phone, and they’re easily accessible.”

For the last seven years, Baltimore wedding and portrait photographer Alicia Wiley has used Nations Photo Lab, not only because they’re local, but because of the products they provide.

“I do a lot of printing there—both professional and personal. I really wholeheartedly believe in shopping small. I also love the quality of their work. If there was ever any issue like a printing or shipping error, they are quick and accommodating to fix it so that it doesn’t affect my own clients’ experience,” she says.

Besides creating prints, Nations Photo Lab also makes unique photo products through its sister company, Artsy Couture, which it acquired in 2010. Artsy Couture became their innovation arm.

“We have more than eight patented products through that brand that we either sell directly to our consumers or we resell to other businesses, such as cruise lines, drug stores, or theme parks,” says Kramer. The standout among their patented items is the canvas click frame, which essentially imposes a photo onto a 3D canvas that can be easily framed, requiring no tools and minimal training. “If you’ve ever purchased and received a canvas product on a cruise ship, at a resort, or in a retail setting, there’s a strong likelihood that it was our canvas click frame.”

Some of the other patented items are wooden photo cubes, cube ornaments, and photo magnets. By expanding this way, they’ve been able to work with clients like Disney, Under Armour, Universal, The White House, luxury resorts, and many more.

Kramer believes that because they launched their business at the dawn of the true age of digital photography—a time when digital cameras became more affordable and smartphones put cameras in almost everyone’s hands—they were able to have a proverbial “leg up.” Lots of preexisting photo labs were scrambling to switch from film to digital processing, Kramer says. But Nations Photo Lab started with digital processing. “I think that really gave us an advantage—the timing of when we came into the industry.”

Capitalizing on that timing has been everything. Kramer says that about 93 percent of photos are now taken with a smartphone, and perhaps as many as five billion photos are taken a day.

“THERE’S AN AUTHENTICITY TO HOLDING A PHOTO IN YOUR HAND.”

Nations’ focus on innovation has not only enabled them to expand, but to keep the business running during the pandemic. Kramer says that in March 2020, business went down 70-80 percent. So Millman and Kramer, along with some employees, were trying to determine what they could do to keep the company afloat.

“It was a really scary time, and trying to figure out how long [the pandemic] was going to last was impossible,” explains Kramer. “I think we’re just an innovative group. We realized that a lot of our machinery was able to actually produce face shields.”

In fact, Kramer says that, for a time, they had the largest fleet of Computer Numeric Control (CNC) machines in the Mid-Atlantic region. “If you want to cut a piece of wood or glass or plastic, it’s a machine that can do huge six-foot sheets at a time, so that you can cut a bunch of stuff at once,” says Kramer. “We use them to cut our wood to produce some of our products, but we realized we could utilize those machines to cut plastic.”

Remember, this was a time when hospitals, fire and police departments, health care workers, and regular people desperately needed face shields. Millman and one of Nations Photo Lab’s engineers deciphered a way they could produce a face shield that was not only compliant, but made of the best materials available. At first, Kramer says that they were manufacturing face shields to keep their staff employed and to produce something that was helping with the pandemic.

“We were initially donating face shields to businesses, police and fire departments, and hospitals and the like to help out with the pandemic and keep our folks employed,” says Kramer. But then, they became known for their exceptional product. “We weren’t taking shortcuts. We got the best plastic and best elastic out there and made these face shields high-quality, whereas everyone else was getting a very low-quality face shield from China or wherever,” Kramer says.

They were so well done that a doctor at LifeBridge Health referred to Nations as the “Mercedes-Benz of face shields.” As a result, and as the demand for the personal protective equipment (PPE) increased, businesses, health care facilities, and local folks asked if Nations would begin producing them for purchase.

“We wanted to help the community out, and then, for a period of time, it turned into a small way that we could keep the lights on and keep people employed,” says Kramer.

When the face shield business ended, a new opportunity awaited. Remember during the pandemic when nearly everyone was either working from or staying home? People began to see what they liked and didn’t like about their homes. From this came the home décor boom, which inspired plenty of people to spruce up their walls with framed photos.

“We had a huge holiday season that year of people ordering stuff to decorate their homes,” says Kramer. The boom continued into early 2021. Later that year, events resumed, as did photo printing. In addition, Nations says there were an estimated 2.6 million weddings in 2022—the highest number since 1984—as many had been postponed.

It all adds up to a business success story where a lab born out of taking pictures at fraternities has not only kept the lights on, but has grown into one of the largest of its kind in the country. Today, the business has about 220 employees, 180 in Maryland and the rest in York, Pennsylvania, where most of the patented products are made. All of the products are available online.

As for what the next trend will be in photography, no one really knows. But chances are, Nations Photo Lab will be a part of it.

“One of the reasons we’ve been so successful is that we’re always looking ahead and watching trends. We’re thinking, ‘How can we increase this through innovation?’” says Kramer.

They’ve already made it easier to print not only on paper, but on metal, canvas, and wood. By buying do-it-yourself kits from them, photographers can now create party favors like cubes of photos at the end of an event or on a cruise.

“We just keep investing in technology that makes the process of producing a photo product much easier,” says Kramer. “People don’t print as much as they used to because they’re fine with a photo being on their phones. But there’s an authenticity to holding a photograph in your hand. It grounds the memory in reality and makes it feel more tangible and real.”

This piece appeared in our March 2024 issue. For more great Baltimore stories, consider becoming a subscriber.

Here at Baltimore magazine, we pretty much always have local food on the brain. But it’s really at the forefront of our minds this time of year, when our annual Best Restaurants issue hits stands. As such, we’ve established a tradition of asking our staff about the best things they’ve eaten at local dining destinations within the past year. This time around, answers ranged from stuffed sandwiches and enchiladas at casual eateries to crab cakes and plates of pasta at special-occasion spots.

Read on for inspo for your next dining-out adventure, and pick up a copy of our Best Restaurants issue on newsstands to check out more best bites from deputy editor Jane Marion and her team of seasoned restaurant reviewers.

Amy Scattergood, Research Editor
A dish of smoked chicken and black mole at Blacksauce Kitchen, Damian Mosley’s Remington restaurant. Denzel Mitchell Jr., who often cooks there, smoked the chicken and made the mole, which I dearly wish he’d bottle.

Christianna McCausland, Special Editions Editor
The methi murgh (heat level 5) at The Mint Leaf in Cockeysville. Unassuming location, amazing Indian food.

Christopher Myers, Contributing Photographer
Golden West has a great sopapilla enchiladas that is terrific hangover food.

Ethan McLeod, Contributing Writer
The gnocchi at Daniela Pasta & Pastries in Hampden. Unforgettable.

Janelle Erlichman Diamond, Home Editor
Of all the great dishes I had this year (and there were many), I keep thinking about Little Donna’s pierogies—and that perfect bite of red chile garlic oil, lemon and buttery potatoes, and a dollop of sour cream. How you make an old-school pierogi taste so thrilling and crave-worthy is pure magic.

Lauren Cohen, Digital Senior Editor
The big-as-your-face vanilla yogurt bowl at Easy Like Sunday, which is topped with beautiful berries, swirls of honey, and handfuls of house granola. It’s just one of those combinations you can’t recreate on your own no matter how hard you try.

Lorann Cocca, Director of Marketing
Over the summer I had a sweet potato polenta dish from Water For Chocolate and have thought about it almost every day since.

Lydia Woolever, Senior Editor
Hands down the cabbage pancake at Little Donna’s. Such a delightfully surprising dish in a moment when so many menus feel the same.

Marie Bosslett, Editorial Intern
The best thing I ate last year was the rigatoni alla vodka from Tagliata in Harbor East.

Marty LeGrand, Senior Contributing Writer
Literally a bite of a dining companion’s succulent lamb chop at Rudy’s Mediterranean Grill in Columbia. Next time I’ll definitely order my own!

Max Weiss, Editor-in-Chief

This might be recency bias, but a few weeks ago I had the Italian Pork Sandwich special at Chuck’s Trading Post—slow roasted pork with rapini, chimichurri, provolone, and pepperoncinis on a sub roll. Add it to the menu, Chuck’s!

Michael Teitelbaum, President

The torta di melenzane appetizer at Limoncello is magnifico. (Translation: The eggplant Parmesan appetizer is magnificent.)

Mitro Hood, Contributing Photographer
Gertie’s crab cakes from Gertrude’s at the BMA.

Ron Cassie, Senior Editor
Favorite bite this year so far is Mera Kitchen Collective’s falafel sandwich—house-made pickles, cucumber, tomato tahini salad, plus a nice spicy jalapeño dressing—served in a toasty pita. Peak cold weather vegan comfort food.

Additional fact checking by Jalen McNeil.

There’s nothing like a crackling fireplace to set the mood for a great winter meal. Whether you’re in search of a romantic venue for a dinner for two, or just looking for a spot to warm up with friends, here are the restaurants with the coziest fireplaces in town.

Ananda: This Maple Lawn gem features beautiful fireplaces to enhance its signature Indian farm-to-table dining experience. Whether you’re seated indoors, or outside on the terrace, the space features marble fireplaces around every corner. 7421 Maple Lawn Blvd. Fulton. 301-725-4800

The Ambassador Dining Room: Often considered one of the most romantic restaurants in town, this spot features majestic fireplaces and nattily dressed waiters serving everything from samosas to lamb vindaloo. 3811 Canterbury Rd. 410-366-1484

The Bluebird Cocktail Room: The fireplace at this dimly lit, literary-inspired Hampden hangout contributes to its overall cozy vibe. Snag an evening table to sip sophisticated drinks and fill up on snacks while soaking up the dreamy ambiance. 3600 Hickory Ave. 

The Brewer’s Art: Retreat from the cold with a pint and a warm meal inside this storied Mt. Vernon brewpub—whose upstairs dining room boasts a classic wood-burning fireplace. Stare into the embers while savoring the famous mac and cheese or an order of rosemary garlic fries, served with a side of mayo. 1106 N Charles St. 410-547-6925

La Jetee: Sleek, oversized fireplaces—paired with the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Inner Harbor—make chef Spike Gjerde’s Provençal restaurant an ideal spot to retreat from the cold. 1215 Wills St. 443-960-8670

Leinenkugel’s Beer Garden: The best-kept secret of this lively beer garden is its outdoor fireplace. Grab a drink, pull up an Adirondack chair, and unwind with friends at this warm spot in Power Plant Live. 4 Market Pl. 410-908-0650

The Milton Inn: Warm up with a gourmet meal in one of the many dining rooms of this historic house, featuring gas fireplaces. If you’re really looking to kick up the heat, ask to be seated in the Hearth Room and get toasty around the flickering flames. 14833 York Rd. Sparks. 410-771-4366

The Oregon Grille: This charming 19th-century farmhouse has a fireplace around every corner. Whether you’re looking for a place to grab drinks with friends, or just in search of a romantic spot for a date night, the Cockeysville fixture is full of cozy character. 1201 Shawan Road. Hunt Valley. 410-771-0505

Petit Louis Bistro: From its marble accents and brick archways to its sophisticated French fare and fully stocked wine cellar, everything about this Roland Park mainstay exudes an old-school European bistro feel. Cozy up by the wood-burning fireplace to enjoy classics like French onion soup, fried eggplant Napolean, and rainbow trout amandine. 4800 Roland Ave. 410-366-9393

Poets Modern Cocktails and Eats: Complete with funky chandeliers, comfy high-back chairs, and vintage artwork, this trendy bar and lounge inside The Hotel Indigo in Mt. Vernon is a go-to spot to sip cocktails. In keeping with its literary theme, the space features built-in bookshelves surrounding its massive wood-burning fireplace. 24 W. Franklin St. 443-961-3400

Pub Dog Pizza & Drafthouse: The food and beverage scene in Federal Hill has seen some stark changes throughout the years, but this East Cross Street pizza palace remains a stalwart. A loaded pie (the menu lists more than 20 varieties) and a house-brewed pint near the exposed-brick fireplace seems like the perfect winter weekend activity to us. 20 E. Cross St. 410-727-6077

R. House: Grab some grub from this Remington food hall—whose stalls offer everything from pizza and chicken sandwiches to rice bowls and sushi burritos—and create your own campfire around the gas fireplace outside. (Dessert vendor Taharka Bros. even offers its signature honey graham flavor, if you really want to get into the s’mores spirit.) 301 W. 29th St. 443-347-3570

Tark’s Grill: Famous for its traditional American fare, this Green Spring Station restaurant embraces the spirit of the city with vintage photography and modern décor. The spot’s signature outdoor courtyard boasts an artsy fireplace surrounded by a flowing fountain. 2360 W. Joppa Rd. Lutherville. 410-583-8275

The Valley Inn: The glow of two working gas fireplaces fills the dining rooms of this 1800s Greenspring Valley roadhouse. Its menu features classic comfort foods, such as crab cake platters and hearty seafood gumbo, which serve as a perfect main event to any winter meal. 10501 Falls Rd., Lutherville. 410-828-0002

I was seven years old, standing by the cash register at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., with three dollars wadded in my hand, free to choose anything I wanted from the gift shop. My sights were set on the space ice cream—the obvious choice of any red-blooded child of the 1980s. A Neapolitan wafer of Styrofoam-like sugar, it was the next best thing to bouncing weightlessly around the moon’s potholes.

This was no mere souvenir. Instead, my crinkly package of freeze-dried dessert was a tangible thread connecting my little-kid body to the superheroes who ascended into the stars. And from that instant, it was official: I was hooked. Not on the space ice cream—it’s pretty disappointing, actually—but on the magic of the museum gift shop.

Of course, these abound in Baltimore, a city of world-class museums that run the gamut from industrial history to postmodern art. And inside each one, the gift shop is another curated collection, tailored to reflect the people, objects, and stories that make that museum special.

Some are cool. Some are whimsical. Some are surprising. All of them distill the contents of their collections to human size, offering a little bit of the extraordinary to fit into our everyday lives. Their curios let you take some of that wonder home with you, as well as, often enough, the vibrancy, diversity, and unmistakable je ne sais quoi of Baltimore.

Every time I’m in town, I make sure to stop into at least one. A trip to the museum just isn’t complete without them.

American Visionary Art Museum

The G.O.A.T. of Baltimore museum shops is without a doubt Sideshow at the American Visionary Art Museum in Federal Hill. Owned by renegade retailer Ted Frankel, aka “Uncle Fun,” Sideshow is one-part outsider art gallery and one-part tchotchke dreamscape.

Local filmmaker John Waters describes it as “the best museum gift shop you’ve ever been to in your life,” and clearly the man knows what he is talking about. A funky riot of color, objects, books, clothing, antiques, and crafts, each surface and cupboard is bursting with everything you never knew you needed, be it for gag gifts, artsy gifts, kids’ stuff, grown-up stuff, and even stuff for your own home.

There’s a working Zoltar machine, hundreds of novelty sunglasses in the most improbable shapes and colors, whoopee cushions and miniature naked baby dolls, carved coconut monkeys and a stuffed tiger the size of a loveseat. You can spend hours opening tiny drawers full of glass eyeballs or perusing the world’s most robust supply of trick buzzers, squirt cameras, and fart powders.

But the true heart of Sideshow—and where it most closely reflects AVAM’s philosophy of joyful self-expression—is found in the rotating exhibits of artworks by contributing artists from across the country.

It was in this section that I found my favorite museum shop find of all time, a Christmas tree angel crafted from a National Bohemian beer can. To me, that little topper encompasses the spirit of AVAM’s Sideshow—a celebration of the wonder, whimsy, and imagination of those who are called to create. And how Baltimore is that?

Baltimore Museum of Art

Think of it as the Metropolitan Museum of Art—in miniature. The BMA’s collections include 97,000 works that span the art of ancient Egypt to some of the most significant works of modern-day.

The breadth is the point. By developing, maintaining, and now broadening a deep, global collection of the best 18th-, 19th-, and, increasingly, 20th- and 21st-century art and making it accessible to the public, the BMA continues to cultivate a vibrant and healthy city. After an hour or two of edification in the museum’s collections, with the help of free admission, I cultivate my civic duty with a stop in the BMA’s expansive gift shop.

Snag some Cone Collection-inspired journals, prints, and notecards, and don’t sleep on the shop’s jewelry section, which bypasses “statement” and goes right to “declaration.” Collars of acid-treated brass, necklaces of blown-glass globes, and geometrical wire bracelets mirror the Calders in the sculpture garden and Matisse paintings in the galleries.

The shop transforms with each changing exhibition (this past summer’s The Culture hip-hop show had an epic selection), so check out the latest and plan your shopping list accordingly.

I always come prepared to be enchanted and am never disappointed, with my best BMA purchases being a pair of ever-chic punched gold earrings with tiny metallic rays and a postcard of Vincent van Gogh’s painting of hobnailed boots. Pinned above my desk, the latter transports me in an instant to the cool, quiet beauty of the museum’s halls.

Baltimore Museum of Industry

“Industrial chic” is a recent trend, but at the BMI in Locust Point, it was always in style. Their exhibits feel like a Barry Levinson film set come to life—I love to wander through recreated historic shopfronts, printing presses, and workrooms under the glow of neon signs from bygone businesses, traveling back in time each time I turn a corner.

And the museum shop celebrates the city’s long tradition of manufacturing, too, with merch featuring the likeness of the neighboring Domino Sugars sign and books detailing the story of Baltimore’s packing houses, steel mills, and umbrella factories.

The mission of the museum especially shines through in their “Made in Baltimore” section, where you can buy one-of-a-kind treasures crafted on-site. Definitely check out the wonderful handmade iron keychains of beech leaves made by volunteer blacksmith Bob Webber on the BMI’s own working forge. A lifelike little leaf hangs from my key fob, a reminder that I need to plan my annual BMI pilgrimage for 2024.

The BMI also hosts entrepreneur pop-up events throughout the year, where you can support local small businesses and artisans selling prints, crafts, food, artwork, and other goods, including the seasonal farmers market that takes place in its parking lot come spring.

Maryland Center for History and Culture

Who needs reproductions when you can get the real thing? It makes perfect sense that a museum shop celebrating Maryland’s history and culture would sell antiques and vintage clothing on consignment, which has my name all over it.

Just a few steps from the displays of Orioles team cleats and the New Look sportswear of Frederick fashion designer Claire McCardell, you can find your own Maryland treasures at the MCHC. Snap up period finds like chased copper julep cups from the glitzy brownstones of Mount Vernon or fabulous hats from the Hutzler’s department store.

The museum’s changing exhibits, like the recent retrospective on one-time Marylander Jim Henson, also infuse the shop with all sorts of unique state-centric goodies impossible to find anywhere else.

A few years ago, I picked up a jaunty straw clutch from the 1950s, imagining it tucked under the arm of some well-to-do lady taking in a few races at Pimlico. I carry it around in the summertime to channel a little bit of Baltimore’s post-war glamour. And I often think that would make the MCHC proud.

Reginald F. Lewis Museum

Long before there was the Smithsonian’s world-renowned National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, D.C., there was the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, located at a cultural crossroads on the edge of historic Jonestown in downtown Baltimore.

The Lewis Museum features more than 400 years of Black Maryland history in its halls and, over the years, has highlighted both the past and present, such as midcentury painter Ruth Starr Rose, who documented Black life on the Eastern Shore to modern-day photographer and West Baltimorean Devin Allen, whose images have graced the cover of Time magazine.

This same sort of expansive oeuvre is on display in the museum’s gift shop, which offers one-of-a-kind ways to celebrate the icons and imagery of Maryland’s Black history. Frederick Douglass merch and original prints, jewelry, and artwork made by local artists of color, as well as children’s books introducing little readers to Maryland’s iconic Black musicians, artists, athletes, and visionaries, are all great reasons to take advantage of the always-free shop admissions. Inventory rotates weekly, so it’s worth popping in on a semi-regular basis. And while you’re there, be sure to stop a while and watch the city go by through its grand floor-to-ceiling windows along President Street.

The Walters Art Museum

The Walters has roots in a core collection of art and artifacts bequeathed to the City of Baltimore in 1934 by its namesake scion, Henry Walters.

Spanning seven millennia of art from around the world, much of the collections are personal in nature, providing glimpses of what museums looked like in the 19th century, when private salon-style exhibits blended artistic techniques and periods to suit individual tastes. The vast Classical and Egyptian galleries in particular make me feel like Claudia in From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, with covetable Roman torcs and impassive sphinx figurines.

Fortunately, the gift shop provides the perfect place to scratch that same itch. Replicas of ancient Egyptian, Roman, Greek, Chinese, and Pre-Columbian earrings, cuff links, and pins in gold and silver are shockingly modern in their simplicity and design.

The paper and prints section echoes the global scope of the main collections, with illuminated Ethiopian holiday cards, Renaissance landscape prints, and notecards with delicate Japanese watercolors.

My personal favorites are the replica blueprints of the iconic Walters Museum building itself—the perfect insider gift for the Baltimorean who has everything.

Small But Mighty

Many of Baltimore’s smaller institutions boast their own wildly cool shops with mission-inspired inventories that are delightful to explore.

The B&O Railroad Museum, for instance, has gifts for locomotive lovers of all ages, from striped engineer caps and model train kits to 19th-century replica railway maps and vintage Rails Across America comic books.

At the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum, snap up Poe “Death Week” vigil candles, “Nevermore” highschool iron-on patches, and International Poe Fest swag.

At The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, find books, clothing, and souvenirs highlighting notable African Americans, like Baltimore’s own Billie Holiday.

And the T-shirt game at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum is on point, featuring an homage to the baseball icon’s original period uniform and a “Call It” top commemorating the Babe’s epic prediction of his own home run hit to deep center field in 1932, both of which will leave baseball fans with plenty of ways to rep their native son.

Meanwhile, you can find chemistry kits and glow-in-the-dark skeletons at the Maryland Science Center, stuffed animals and shark-tooth necklaces at the National Aquarium, and all sorts of books, games, and puzzles at Port Discovery’s brand-new, minority-owned Snug Books.

When noted chef Peter Chang opened his second Baltimore restaurant on Ashland Avenue last June, it was fantastic news for lovers of Chinese food. Because not only was it more of Chang’s cooking—his first Baltimore restaurant, NiHao, opened in 2020 to rave reviews—but it specialized in dim sum.

Dim sum, a style of small-dish service that originated in Cantonese teahouses, is a cuisine Baltimore has been missing. Chang’s latest restaurant offers not only a large dim sum menu, but also classic dishes, including some available at NiHao.

Located near Johns Hopkins Hospital, PCB feels more like a fast-casual eatery than a Hong Kong teahouse. Rather than the large banquet tables and roving carts of a traditional dim sum restaurant, you order your food at a walk-up counter. Thanks to the Hopkins lunch crowd, the place does a brisk takeout business, helped by its boba menu.

The same menu is served all day, so you can get a huge bowl of Chongquing sour-cabbage flounder, an excellent rendition of the water-boiled fish that’s a staple at Sichuan restaurants; the branzino, fried and served whole atop a pool of spicy pan sauce; or a whole or half Peking duck, the lacquered bird served with a container of paper-thin pancakes.

But the most fun, and arguably the best use of your appetite, is to bring a group and order as much of the dim sum menu as you can. Start with a bamboo basket of soup dumplings, called xiaolongbao or xlb in dumpling houses and a dim sum must-have, as are orders of shumai and wontons, doused with the requisite chile oil.

And although you might not ordinarily opt for kabobs at a dim sum house, the ones here are blissful miniature skewers of cumin-heavy lamb. These aren’t really kabobs at all, but a variation of toothpick lamb, a classic dish for which bits of lamb are infused with cumin and chiles, crisped into submission, then impaled on a series of toothpicks, an addictive but insanely labor-intensive dish, both to create and to consume.

And no matter how many dishes you manage, do not forget dessert, here in the form of eight-treasure osmanthus sticky rice and black-sesame egg-yolk bao. And that duck? You could start your dim sum journey with it, but then you wouldn’t have room for the dim sum. Either put in a to-go order or enjoy it at NiHao, a more leisurely restaurant better suited to banquet-style dining.

It is easy to find Peter Chang these days. This was not the case 15 years ago, when the then-peripatetic chef was tracked by his remarkable dishes throughout the Southeast, his trajectory the subject of a New Yorker piece called, “Where’s Chang?” by Calvin Trillin. Chang, who cooked at luxury hotels and won cooking competitions in his native China, then moved to the U.S., where he was chef at the Chinese Embassy in D.C. before building a small restaurant empire and winning a slew of awards.

That we have not only NiHao but a neighborhood dim sum spot here is something of a coup. One imagines Trillin, now 88, sitting in the corner, a stack of bamboo baskets before him, smiling.

PETER CHANG BALTIMORE: 1923 Ashland Ave., Baltimore, 443-888-3688. HOURS: Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. PRICES: Dim sum: $7-12; noodles, soups, and entrees: $4-78; desserts: $8-12.