Back in 2015, Baltimore native Maria Wolfe spent a year documenting her research on urban art through posts to her Instagram page, @Baltimurals. Now, six years later, she has more than 16,000 followers, a website, and a detailed virtual map featuring hundreds of locations to spot street art throughout Baltimore City.

She was first encouraged to present her findings on social media by her friends and family: “My friend and my mom were like, ‘Maria, you have all these photos, you should share them with the community,” says Wolfe, who also works for a web design company. 

For Wolfe, the process of curating Baltimurals—naturally—starts with snapping a photo. Then, she publishes the images on Instagram with attribution to the artists and a location tag, giving the unique works the chance to reach viewers well beyond those who happen to be strolling by. 

And the city is chock full of great material, Wolfe says. In recent years, it hasn’t been rare for her to discover a new mural on a daily basis. Among those that are most special to her is the Birdo Mural on North Pulaski and West Franklin streets in West Baltimore. She collaborated with artist Jay Birdo to fund and produce the piece—in vivid shades of red, purple, and green, with unique detail from the building’s owner—for the neighborhood. 

“I got to meet with the homeowner, hear about her life, home, and community,” Wolfe says. “She loved specific flowers and colors…those are the ones we chose for Birdo to paint, along with a native Maryland bird.”

Overall, Wolfe explains, what makes Baltimore’s murals unique in the realm of public art is their ability to tell stories about the area’s history and neighbors. 

“If you go into specific communities, [the art] is going to be specific to that corner, or whatever happened there,” she says. “This gives a voice to certain people and shows histories that were forgotten.”

Here, Wolfe shares a few of her many favorites:

“Wall of Pride (Back to the Future)”

Recreated by Ernest Shaw with assistance from GAIA, Mural Masters, Deborah Mason, and Michelle Santos
1601 N. Carey St., Sandtown-Winchester

This stunning array of public figures in Sandtown-Winchester includes portraits of Colin Kaepernick, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Toni Morrison, Nina Simone, John Lewis, and Marcus Garvey. The original “Wall of Pride” was painted between 1976 and 1977 by Pontella Mason and Avon Martin as a dedication to former president Jimmy Carter, according to Wolfe. “It’s important for people in Sandtown to see people who look like them, and what they have become,” she says. 

“Long Live the Rose that Grew from Concrete”

By Lyle Kissack, Cindy Garcia, and Russell Vander Veen
Greenmount Ave. and E. 27th St., Harwood

Across a three-panel brick wall, this mural depicts children playing next to a luminous white rose pushing through the pavement. With bright shades of white and purple, it certainly stands out as a must-see. 

“One Day at a Time”

By Michael Owen
Maryland Ave. and W. 26th St., Charles Village

With neutral color and the use of shadows, this mural’s message makes a powerful impact on those passing by. Raising awareness about addiction and the path to recovery was the guiding principle for the design. “It just speaks volumes, one day at a time, not just for people in recovery, but for everyone,” Wolfe says. 

“However Far the Stream Flows It Never Forgets its Source”

By Tom Miller in 1992; Restored by Spoon Popkin and Dan Van Allen; Restored again by Spoon Popkin and Emily CD in 2008
Harford Road and E. North Ave., Greenmount West

See the vibrant yellow, green, and pink piece featuring a man holding an open book looking toward a stream and landscape. 

“Learn, Grow, Evolve”

By Lead Artist Megan Lewis, Artist Assistant Kenneth Clemons, and Baltimore City Youth
Old York Rd and E. 32nd St., Waverly

A woman looks up toward an array of colorful flowers with evolve written in the hoop of her earrings. The mural includes a city landscape at its center on a blue and teal background.  

“Survival”

By Nether
1301 N. Monroe St., Sandtown-Winchester

A man in between two yellow-and-black striped bees enlivens Baltimore’s Sandtown-Winchester neighborhood. With “Survival” outlined across his face, the focus of this mural is clear even with minimal color. 

“Home, This Must Be the Place”

By Steve Powers
2201 Russell St. Southwest Baltimore 

Part of “A Love Letter to Baltimore,” this mural embodies a sense of Charm City pride through its simplicity. Check out the bold typography the next time you’re driving down I-295. 

“Junior” 

By GAIA, Nether and Stefan Ways
Arrabers stables. 1102 N. Fremont Ave., Upton

Two adjacent brick walls display a head of a white horse on top of a subdued circular rainbow on the right and the body of a brown stallion on the left.

Throughout the initial COVID shutdowns and resulting weeks of quarantine, avid travellers—known on social media as “vanlifers”—filled Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram feeds with posts sharing their adventures from converted camper vans. You’ve likely seen the modern mobiles come across your timeline. Many of them (somehow) incorporate dining, sleeping, living, bathroom, and storage space into one vehicle. 

Though the travel industry saw a massive decline in business throughout the pandemic overall, Business Insider reports that van conversions saw an uptick in client inquiries, likely because it gave vanlifers the ability to quarantine without having to stay in one place.

Jumping on board the trend one year ago, former brewery sales manager Scott Hetrick established Coastal Conversions—a local adventure van company that reflects both of his passions: traveling and helping others. The Hampstead-based business transforms empty vans into modern and functional campers with apartment-like interiors. 

“We want our clients to have freedom and comfort from coast to coast,” says Hetrick, who runs the business with contractors, and his longtime friends, Steve Clark and Sonny Patel, “whether they live in their van or use it as a weekend getaway.” 

The business model allows locals to customize their vans with a team of designers, electricians, and carpenters.

“What the client has in mind and what they’re dreaming about doing—we specialize in making that happen,” Hetrick says. “We like to give our clients a full range of motion, and design what they want in order to get on the road.” 

Recent examples include a Ford Transit revamped with butcher block countertops and cedar ceilings, as well as a Mercedes Sprinter that now features a subway tile backsplash, stainless steel sink, and quartz countertops. 

But Hetrick and his team don’t only use their skills for clients looking to hit the open road. They’re also committed to giving back to the community with mobile clinics and other health-related initiatives. 

They recently created a mobile van for Vision to Learn, a national nonprofit with programs in 14 states that provides elementary school students with optometry care. The clinics-on-wheels operate as fully functional eye doctor offices, providing free eye exams and glasses fittings to children who are falling behind in school due to sight problems. (A recent UCLA study of the organization’s impact concluded that 80 percent of a student’s comprehension relies on visual learning, while more than 20 percent of students report screenable issues with vision.)

“As we continue to grow nationally, it’s important to ensure that our mobile clinics are state of the art,” says Wade Brown, program director for Vision to Learn. “To see the difference it makes in the student’s ability to see the board clearly and to read words in books without, as one child put it to me, ‘having to chase the words’, means everything.” 

Aside from helping communities in need, uplifting the entrepreneurial spirit is a poignant part of Coastal Conversions’ mission. These days, Hetrick says, many small business owners don’t necessarily need to worry about brick-and-mortar costs in order to make their dreams a reality. 

“A lot of people want to take their businesses mobile,” Hetrick says, “And we want to be there to make sure they’re able to do that. It’s all about giving them the reins to create their dream ride.”

After experiencing the ease of having last year’s scaled-down celebrations catered, many families are opting to go the carryout route again this Thanksgiving. Even if you’re not ready to fully break with tradition, the local dining scene is offering plenty of ways to supplement your family’s time-honored turkey recipe with heat-and-eat sides and pies. Plus, some spots are taking reservations and preparing prix-fixe menus if you want to ditch dish duty altogether. However you decide to celebrate, local dining establishments have got your back.

Here, we’ve put together a list of restaurants that are ready to share their take on classic holiday dishes, both savory and sweet: 

SOMETHING SAVORY

Atwater’s: This homegrown cafe has everything you could possibly need for your savory spread. Check out the online menu for turkey dinners, jarred autumn squash soup and rockfish chowder, and an array of sides, plus Atwaters’ signature breads, jams, and cheeses. Orders are due by Nov. 21 for pickup or delivery on Nov. 24.

Braglio Farms: Place your order for broad-breasted turkeys, fresh or smoked, from this Randallstown farm in advance of the holiday. Pre-orders can be picked up at the farm, or at the Fells Point or Crofton farmers markets on Nov. 20. (Delivery is also available on orders more than $100.) In addition, Braglio is hosting a special Friendsgiving dinner party on Nov. 24 featuring craft brews, old fashioned turkey sandwiches, mac and cheese, and Turkey Day hoagies with apple sausage dressing.

The Corner Pantry: True to form, this Mt. Washington favorite is preparing a fabulous spread for the holiday. Get your orders in by Friday, Nov. 19 to set your table with butternut squash grits, scallion and nutmeg mashed potatoes, turkey and cornbread stuffing roulade, sausage rolls, cornbread loaf with apple butter, pumpkin s’mores pie, and more one-of-a-kind dishes. Pickups will be on Wednesday, Nov. 24 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Classic Catering People: This renowned Owings Mills caterer is offering a robust list of mouthwatering proteins, veggies, and desserts to choose from. The team has curated a menu including everything from classic turkey and honey-glazed ham to a fall salad with goat cheese and pistachios, butternut squash lasagna, and mushroom bread pudding. Desserts include mini sweet potato cheesecakes and bourbon pecan pie. 

Cindy Lou’s Fish House: Classic American comfort foods (think fried chicken, chicken-fried steak, and hearty macaroni and cheese) paired with warm, flickering fireplaces make this Harbor Point destination a perfect place to spend Thanksgiving with your loved ones. Reservations are open from 12-5 p.m., with the last seating at 4 p.m., on the big day.

Duck Duck Goose: At this French brasserie in Fells Point, a three-course dinner for four ($175) includes a choice of either prime rib or honey- roasted turkey with three sides and dessert. Order before Wednesday, November 17th for pick up on Wednesday, November 24th. 

Eddie’s of Roland Park: You can always count on this Roland Park mainstay to handle all of your holiday needs. In addition to turkey, ham, and beef tenderloin main courses, the menu includes lump crab cakes, lobster tails, and an array of appetizers. (Brie and fig bites, anyone?) Plus, for every turkey dinner sold this season, Eddie’s will donate $5 to the Maryland Food Bank—which will, in turn, provide 10 or more meals to neighborhoods currently without support. 

Four Seasons Baltimore: Chef Norma Whitt is pulling out all of the stops for a gourmet brunch in the Cobalt Ballroom at the Four Seasons in Harbor East, where guests can sip bottomless mimosas and bellinis before digging in to homestyle truffle mac and cheese, brioche and apple stuffing, herb-roasted ham, marinated turkey, and other festive fall sides. Satisfy your sweet tooth cravings with pumpkin and pecan pie, apple streusel, and white chocolate cherry bread pudding made in house. All available with a reservation starting at $105 a person from 11a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Gourmet Girls: As its name signifies, the gourmet experts at this Owings Mills favorite—which recently unveiled a new location in Pikesville—bring more than 35 years of experience to their catered offerings. Not only does the Thanksgiving menu list the classics (think turkey, stuffed chicken, pork tenderloin, cornbread stuffing with cranberries, sautéed spinach) but it also includes fresh flowers from Flowers & Fancies and rainbow cake from Bertucco’s Bakery in Hampstead. 

Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen: Gertrude’s at the Baltimore Museum of Art has put together a curbside menu highlighting planked apricot glazed organic salmon, honey-glazed ham, roasted turkey breast, candied sweet potatoes, and more. If your celebration is going to be a bit more low-key, classic Thanksgiving sandwich kits are available for $60. 

Gundalow Gourmet: Mouthwatering holiday sides—such as mushroom-leek stuffing and honey, thyme, and pomegranate-roasted carrots—are available for pick up at Gundalow Gourmet in Hampden’s Whitehall Market. There are also vegetarian options and six packs of Gundalow’s chocolate chip cookies if you’re looking for a straightforward, but delicious, dessert. 

H3irloom Food Group: Chefs David and Tonya Thomas are featuring a customizable family feast for four ($150) with options including two types of turkey, jerk chicken, vegan meatloaf, sauerkraut, braised greens, green beans, candied sweet potatoes, cranberry hibiscus preserves, and spiked apple cider pound cake. All of the dishes—also available a la carte—will be ready for curbside pickup on Nov. 23. Orders are due Nov. 18.

NiHao: Visit this Canton fixture for a non-traditional Thanksgiving feast featuring Chef Antoni Szachowicz’s signature Cantonese duck with plum sauce, sweet potato mantau, mapo macaroni, and Brussels sprouts in spicy shrimp sauce with pistachios. The to-go menu is available for pickup Tuesday, Nov. 23 or Wednesday, Nov. 24 between 5 pm and 9 pm. 

Santoni’s Marketplace & Catering: Whether you’re planning to feed the whole family with a prepared meal package, or just in need of a few sides to round out your menu, this go-to Glyndon market is ready to serve. A traditional feast includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry relish, green beans almandine, dinner rolls, and your choice of apple or pumpkin pie. Bakery items, side dishes, and turkeys priced by the pound are also available a la carte. 

The Walrus Oyster & Ale House: This Columbia seafood spot is featuring a holiday meal deal with your choice of protein (traditionalists will opt for glazed turkey breast, while others might be in the mood for The Walrus’ beloved lobster roll) bread, two sides, a starter, and dessert of pumpkin or pecan pie.

SWEET TREATS 

Bramble Baking Co.: At this small-batch bakery—which recently opened its brick-and-mortar storefront in Hamilton-Lauraville (read more in our upcoming January issue)—passionate bakers are celebrating their first holiday in their new home storefront with desserts such as a cranberry buttermilk pie for $32 and an apple cider layer cake for $46. 

Cafe Dear Leon: Your contribution will be the talk of the dessert table with one of the picture-perfect pies from Cafe Dear Leon in Canton. Pre-orders are live now for the bakery’s apple pecan pie with vanilla mascarpone cream and pumpkin pie with maple meringue. The desserts will be available for pickup Nov. 23-25.  

Cake by Jason: Shop award-winning cakes, pies, and more Thanksgiving-themed treats Jason Hisley’s Timonium spot. Lattice blueberry, cinnamon sugar-topped apple, and pecan pies are available to pre-order. All will add a chef-inspired piece to your holiday potluck or Friendsgiving. 

The Charmery: For $30, up to ten of your family or friends can enjoy spiced ice-cream pumpkin cheesecake, brown sugar molasses pecan pie, or a vegan Maryland mud pie from The Charmery. Order by Nov. 19 for delivery on Nov. 23 in Howard County and Nov. 24 in Baltimore. Pies will also be available for in-store pickup at the shop’s locations in Hampden, Towson, and Columbia. 

Charlsie’s Bakehouse: Order a gluten-free apple spiced cake, pumpkin cheesecake, or smoked paprika cornbread from Charlsie’s Bakehouse at Cross Street Market in Federal Hill. Seasonal hand pies are also available for $30 per dozen.

Little Fig Bake Shop: Sweet bites are available at this small-but-mighty vegan shop. Look out for chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon bun kits, cherry danishes, and special donut flavors such as pistachio-glazed. 

Pie Time Baltimore: If you haven’t yet visited this Patterson Park pie shop, Thanksgiving presents the perfect opportunity. Swing by to place your orders for apple, apple almond, pecan, sweet potato, or caramel pumpkin pies before Nov. 17 for pickup Nov. 20-21 and Nov. 24.

Red Emma’s: Pre-order whole pumpkin pies and savory pot pies on Red Emmas’ website for vegan-friendly options this Thanksgiving. All dishes are available for pick up on  Nov. 24.

Every Saturday, hundreds flock to Fells Point to shop all things vintage at Bmore Flea—the thrifting experience that pops up outside of Broadway Market weekly from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. At the open-air market, visitors can rummage through racks of vintage pieces, mingle with trailblazing artists, and grab a bite from the merchants inside the food hall.

“I wanted to create a venue to really showcase Baltimore’s craft makers and vintage dealers, because I thought it was such a great community,” says Bmore Flea founder Patrick Horvat. “It’s great to see all the different people and what they bring to the market.” 

Curated by Horvat, the vendor lineup offers vintage apparel, home decor, handmade jewelry, paintings, beauty and healthcare products, and more one-of-a-kind finds. Regular vendors to look out for include Stoked Vintage, GoGo’s Fashion Truck, Retrospect MD, Obsidian Collective and Mama Moon Vintage.

Since its first pop-ups in 2013, Horvat says that the market has been a great opportunity for local artists to get their businesses off of the ground. 

“We’ve had a lot of [vendors] join us, start very small, and turn into something great for Baltimore,” Horvat says. “Some of them moved on to really extend and grow their business to be staples within the community.” 

Among those small businesses is The Welsh Bohemian, whose owner Erica Kagan started showcasing her collections at Bmore Flea years ago and is now preparing to open a brick-and-mortar store on West Street in Annapolis. 

“My business has grown immeasurably since my first event with the Flea several years ago,” says Kagan, who participated in her first market in New York City last week. “I have been able to connect with so many artistic and creative people, both within and outside of the vintage community.”

To help establish that connection for all of the vendors, Horvat says that social media has been an ideal tool in boosting the makers’ individual products. But, while Etsy shops and Instagram pages are great ways to spread the word, Horvat is quick to point out the importance of Bmore Flea customers having face-to-face interactions with the artists who are handcrafting the products.

“A lot of times when you have a market, people will focus on just the things being sold,” he says. “But one of the things I’ve really loved over the years is watching someone meet a vendor. [It creates] a sense of community.”

This fall and winter season, you can catch Bmore Flea every Saturday at Broadway Market, as well as at Peabody Heights Brewing on Nov. 21 and Dec. 19. 

“I feel blessed to be part of such an amazing vintage community where everybody is so supportive and uplifting of each other,” Kagan says. “I think that sense of community is so important now more than ever. And I’m thrilled that sustainability is becoming important. Vintage clothing is really getting its moment to shine.”

Seven years ago, Bottle of Bread’s owner Morissa Rothman turned her lifelong passion for collecting retro items into a thriving shop in Mt. Vernon. Rothman is the curator for all collections available in her Read Street store, including both vintage and independent designer brands.

“The Baltimore art scene absolutely inspires me,” she says. “People in this city have great style.”

Aside from helping new customers discover the value of vintage clothing and accessories, Rothman says that she enjoys the chance to revive hallmark trends of decades past. That skill certainly comes in handy this time of year, as locals search for one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes.

“I love having face-to-face interactions with people,” Rothman says. “I like to see how folks style certain things.”

Don’t expect to find a scary mask or pair of run-of-the-mill animal ears at Bottle of Bread, but Rothman does plan to display a selection of retro pieces for those hoping to DIY their own costumes this year.

“Around Halloween, I try to put pieces that people can work with, for example a pair of neon green pants,” she adds.

If you’re planning to attend a spooky soiree during the upcoming Halloweekend—but want to skip the dreaded Party City lines (and prices)—Bottle of Bread offers garments that make for a unique addition to any retro getup. Here are a few finds (all available on Etsy) to help inspire your look:

’80s Suede Front Western Denim Pants: With black suede and gingham stitching, these western chaps-style jeans are perfect for adding a vintage conversation piece to any Wild West- era costume.
Pair with: A wide brim hat and leather boots.

’40s-’50s Herringbone Twill Military Trousers: With a unique design and classic fit, these military trousers are similar to the green jumpsuit from Tom Cruise’s famous role in Top Gun.
Pair with: Some standard aviator sunglasses and a green jacket.

’40s Button Up Day Dress: Featuring bright pink and black plaid with a signature loop collar, this dress resembles those worn by Rizzo and the Pink Ladies in Grease.
Pair with: Black pumps and cateye sunglasses.

’60s Overdyed Sailor Pants: These eye-catching fuschia sailor pants are the perfect complement to ’60s flower power or ’70s disco ensembles.
Pair with: A crop top and platform sandals.

Prime time for the centuries-old fall tradition known as leaf peeping is just around the corner for Baltimoreans. From mid-October through early November, streets, sidewalks, and remaining branches will be coated with vibrant shades of orange and burgundy. Autumn’s signature colors offer views that captivate everyone from annual leaf peepers to professional photographers. (Need some inspo? The National Park Service offers a robust virtual leaf peeping gallery for those who adore the season’s unique charms.) 

So get out there and take advantage of the transition from warm summer temperatures to crisp and chilled air. Here are a few leaf-peeping destinations to spot some of the most beautiful fall foliage in the region. 

City Parks: There’s no need to travel far to experience the golden hues, with Baltimore City’s own park system offering plenty of fantastic foliage. Among the destinations are Druid Hill Park, which highlights acres of dense forest and old tree groves, and Cylburn Arboretum, an oasis for planted trees and natural woodlands, as well as beautiful gardens. Patterson Park, known for its grassy knolls, also features hundreds of mature shade trees, with maples and oaks turning red and orange. 

Baltimore’s Waterfront Promenade: We’d be remiss without mentioning our city’s crown jewel—the Inner Harbor. Walk along the waterfront, from Canton to Locust Point, where trees are shedding their green before winter. The harbor’s sidewalks are excellent spaces to enjoy a day outdoors and watch rust colored leaves float in the water this fall. 

Oregon Ridge Park and Lodge: See more than 1,000 acres—including nearly 900 acres of forest with many native tree species—of this public green space that has been maintained by the Baltimore County Department of Recreation and Parks since 1969. Year-round activities are offered through a variety of recreational spaces including hiking trails and fitness areas. 13555 Beaver Dam Road. Cockeysville. 410-887-1815

Patapsco Valley State Park: Experience multiple areas of Patapsco Valley State Park’s 14,000 acres of land. Plan a trip to see the famous hues of red, orange, and yellow float in the Patapsco River. 8020 Baltimore National Pike, Ellicott City. 410-461-5005. 

Centennial Park: This prime leaf-peeping spot offers hiking and 54 acres of lakefront views for visitors of all ages. The scenic park is home to diverse wildlife and tree species including sycamore, red maple, tulip poplar, and willow oak. 10000 Clarksville Pike, Ellicott City. 410-313-7256

Irvine Nature Center: Trails are open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at this Owings Mills reserve, with an entrance fee of $5 for non-members. Explore more than 200 acres of woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. 11201 Garrison Forest Road. Owings Mills. 443-738-9200

Gunpowder Falls State Park: This regional favorite features more than 120 miles of multi-use trails across its 18,000 acres in both Harford and Baltimore counties, making it one of Maryland’s largest state parks. Whether you’re in the Hereford Area or along the Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, take in wildlife and old trees, from hickories and birches to beeches and black walnuts.

Sugarloaf Mountain: Marked by a small mountain terrain, Sugarloaf Mountain is a combination of spacious farmland and forest. The mountain’s peak overlooks an entire peripheral view of bright green trees and shrublands, perfect for leaf peeping. 7901 Comus Road, Dickerson. 301-874-2024.

Harpers Ferry National Park: Spend your day at the intersection of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. See a multitude of chestnut oak and red maple trees framed by the water. 171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. 304-535-6029. 

George Washington’s Mount Vernon: The picturesque home of George Washington’s life and memory is surrounded by forest at Mount Vernon. Explore more than 500 acres of spacious land including sycamore, red maple, and yellow buckeye trees. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Mount Vernon, Virginia. 703-780-2000. 

Maryland Office of Tourism’s Scenic Byways & Road Trips: Try cruising down these highways and scenic byways this fall. These road trip ideas include exploring leaf-peeping walkways, gardens, and forest areas. Find eye-catching and photo-worthy spaces before reaching your final destination. 

Additional reporting by Grace Hebron.