Is there something in the water at Green Spring Station? Their stores keep multiplying. First, children’s shop Wee Chic opened a young adult counterpart, Girlhero. Then women’s boutique Sassanova opened a men’s shop, Nova Man. And now, this October, home goods shop Becket Hitch opened a womenswear clothing store, BH&Co—because, well, of course they did.

“In 2019, we really expanded apparel, and it continued to build on itself,” says Becket Hitch owner Kohli Flick, pictured above. “I was playing around with the idea of splitting up [home and apparel], and when this space became available it just felt like the right time and right place, too.”

The right place, indeed. BH&Co is located right around the corner from Becket Hitch. “I think it’s such a great environment,” said Flick. And yes, the growing synergy among the stores in Green Spring Station made the launch that much more appealing. “The community of supportive, strong female business owners, coupled with fantastic customers, many of whom I call my friends, make it the best place to expand the company.”

Quality, versatility, comfort, and seasonality are at the forefront of BH&Co.

“We’re working with brands that are not really fast fashion—a lot of the lines are produced in the United States and, if not, they’re paying attention to the factories they’re working with and how items are being produced,” said Flick. “That’s kind of where we’ve always been, just expanding on that.”

Just in time for the holiday season, the shop is stocked with fashion finds Flick and her team have been curating since spring of this year. Expect to see more of what you love from Clare V and Adina Reyter, alongside brands like Emerson Fry and Oliphant—a tasteful balance of casual and elegant to take you from day to night, season to season, without the fear of falling off trend.

After nearly a decade of Becket Hitch, for Flick, this feels the same but different—a deep dive into something she’s only dipped her toes into for the last five years: “I’m excited for the growth, a new adventure, and to get everyone’s feedback on the brand I’ve been working on, and hope they love it as much as I do.”

Lately, it seems like every day is Casual Friday. Which gave Angela Tandy, owner and founder of Sassanova boutique, an idea: to create Nova Man, the menswear equivalent of her trendy shop.

“With an increasingly casual business model becoming more of the status quo, we felt like the male consumer was primed and deserving of a stylish yet relaxed wardrobe to take him from work mode to weekend without missing a beat,” Tandy says. The new store will join Sassanova’s Green Spring Station location and officially open its doors on June 1.

Styling women in the latest trends since 2003, Sassanova boutique, which also has shops in Harbor East and Bethesda, has made itself a go-to for all things elevated and chic. It managed to survive, even thrive during the COVID-19 pandemic, but not all stores were so lucky—several closed their doors. But when one door closes, another opens. For Sassanova, a vacancy in Green Spring Station was the perfect space and the right time to try something new. “[Green Spring] attracts customers from all over Baltimore County and Baltimore City; it’s a unicorn of retail space,” says Tandy.

So who is the Nova Man? If Sassanova is the woman who does it all, you can bet that Nova Man is right there next to her. “He’s juggling it all, work, family, travel, kids, and all the wonderful and chaotic layers of our modern life,” says Tandy. “The concept and inspiration behind Nova Man is to fill a void for casual, modern menswear that is more representative of how men today want to dress.”

The store itself emits an air of sophistication and industrial cool, with a dash of that panache we know and love from the other Sassanova boutiques. Rich navy-blue walls and custom-fit shelves made of live edge wood complement the leather belts and soft-tailored sport coats that steadily rotate from both established labels and up-and-coming brands such as Brax, AG, Mizzen+Main, and Scott Barber. Stylish men of Baltimore, your time has come!

OPEN

Mint+Major: At long last, online beauty and accessories shop Mint+Major has settled down (temporarily) among several other Baltimore favorites in The Shops at Kenilworth. Owner Melissa Bona announced the big news after an unfortunate turn of events transpired with her planned location in Fells Point. But, boy, are we glad Kenilworth came to the rescue. Bona’s experience in retail buying led her to open her own boutique, stocking on-trend and affordable merchandise from the best of the best in jewelry and beauty. So, if you’re looking for some new fall bling—or desperately need a moisturizing face mask—check out Mint+Major’s new digs. Be sure to save the date: Mint + Major’s Kenilworth launch party on September 12th from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. will celebrate with a signature cocktail and new fall arrivals.

Knockout Fitness Towson: Baltimore County residents, rejoice! Federal Hill’s Knockout Fitness comes to Towson this September. “We noticed there was a lack of specialty gyms in Baltimore County, so we have had our eye on Towson for a while,” co-owner Chris Nissley said in a press release. Specializing in boxing, this studio is also a hub for group fitness classes, boot camp programs, and personal training. After almost seven years in Federal Hill, this seems like a welcome expansion for Baltimore’s fitness community.

Floral Fêtes Green Spring Station: Big news! Owings Mills’ own Victoria Clausen Floral Events has planted roots in Green Spring Station with the opening of its sister shop, Floral Fêtes. Nooked in the corner of the courtyard, the spot features an abundance of elegant floral arrangements scattered about. But, that’s not all this shop is bringing. Expect to find lovely gifts and treasures made by Baltimore artists—the perfect complement to a fresh bouquet.

Match Made: If Hampden’s 36th Street is your shopping destination, it’s likely you’re already aware of Match Made Stores. However, for fashion-lovers outside of the city hub, prepare your wallets. For all things ultra-trendy and fashion-forward, Match Made is a go-to shop and now they’re headed for a new storefront within The Shops at Kenilworth. Join the store for a warm welcome on September 5 from 6-9 p.m., where you can sip drinks, shop new trends, and get a free manicure by MellyMani.

Codex Club: The Shops at Kenilworth isn’t the only growing shopping destination. Remington is a close second—especially now that Codex Club is bringing its one-stop shop to Baltimore. Owner Andrea Chen’s background in graphic design lends her a creative eye for all things stationary and gifting. But, that’s not all Codex Club offers: classic wardrobe pieces such as denim jackets and layered necklaces are aplenty. Stop by the new location on Remington Avenue—the winner of the recent Remington Storefront Challenge—on September 7th from 10 to 11 a.m. to celebrate opening with eats from neighborhood favorites. (Think treats like delicious cupcakes from Charm City Cakes and gourmet ice cream cones from Little Baby’s Ice Cream.)

FALL FASHION EVENTS

9/1: The River Oshun 1st Anniversary
Last year, Oshun Afrique opened her holistic natural salon in Mt. Vernon. Since then, The River Oshun has been a hot spot for styling beautiful locs and natural hair. Gather with the team of stylists as they celebrate their first anniversary with small bites, drinks, and local music by DJ Ducky Dynamo.

9/13: Green Spring Station Fall Fête
New renovations, new stores, and new fall merchandise—what’s not to celebrate? Green Spring Station throws Fall Fête 3 this September. At the annual event you won’t want to miss, enjoy a runway fashion show featuring the latest from the Green Spring boutiques and yummy eats from its restaurants.

SHUT

Hello Addie: Goodbyes are never easy. After a year in Federal Hill, Hello Addie announced its closing. Quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite, owner Alex Dekowski had set out on a mission to create a fashion boutique that appealed to all women, and she sure did deliver. But, as all good things must, Hello Addie’s time has come to an end as Dekowski takes her creative spirit to a new adventure.

Punch!: Federal Hill also will also bid farewell to Punch! Boutique this fall. Known for flirty skirts and sparkling jewels, Punch made itself a go-to destination for all things feminine and fun. Luckily, it’s not the complete end for this vibrant shop. Closing their Fed Hill spot just means a new venture in Washington, DC. To make this bitter news a little sweeter, owner Cydney Vigliotti announced that Punch will be returning for pop-up events in Baltimore, and that she is launching her own line of clothing. So, after four years, we’d say it was a good run in Fed Hill—but we’re excited to see what’s next.

With a history dating back to the late ’70s, Green Spring Station has long been a staple for Baltimore shoppers looking to buy local without having to move their cars. Tucked away on Falls Road, the open-air collection of independent retailers will be embracing some welcome changes this spring with new boutiques, expanded spaces, and structural upgrades.

“It’s been a long evolution,” says Ted Peddy, owner of Green Spring Station. “But we’ve always tried to stay ahead of the curve and keep the shops vibrant, supported, and looking good.”

The station and its owners will remain true to their mission of putting upscale women’s fashion at the forefront with their
latest tenant, contemporary women’s boutique Sassanova, which will open its third location there later this spring.

“We are so excited to have them as a part of our mix here,” says Peddy. “Sassanova offers a great selection of upscale women’s fashion that I think will be very well- received by our customers.”

The new store will be taking over the location of go-to gift favorite Becket Hitch, which in turn will expand into the former Trillium space. In addition to fresh shopping picks, Green Spring Station is also working on a more accessible parking lot, as well as cosmetic updates to the facade of their building.

Make sure to follow Green Spring Station on Instagram for the latest on the renovations and news about spring shopping events.

Attn: Ladies of Baltimore County. You will be soon getting a new very stylish neighbor. Women’s contemporary boutique Sassanova will be joining the already impressive list of local retailers at Green Spring Station this spring.

The store, which will be taking over the current Becket Hitch space (not to worry, Becket Hitch will be moving into the old Trillium location) is set to begin its buildout in March. Owner Angela Tandy has been working diligently with local architect Dawn Sangley of Spry Design to create the perfect space for her customers.

“We’ve done lots of pop-up shops in the county and were always asked when we would open a store here,” says Tandy. “I am just so excited to be at Green Spring Station and to be surrounded by all of these other amazing independent local retailers.”

Tandy bought Sassanova from its previous owners in 2015, and since has added more apparel and accessories to the vast shoe selection, for which the store was known. This will be the store’s third location, with other stores in Harbor East and Bethesda, and will carry all of your favorite styles from brands like Shoshanna, Trina Turk, Frame, and Amanda Uprichard.

Follow Sassanova on Instagram for more info on the store opening.

Sometime in between Thanksgiving and the first week of December is when that first wave of gift-giving panic typically hits. What do you do when you’re determined to find the most thoughtful, personalized presents for your loved ones, but want to do it without breaking the bank?

Luckily, the Charm City craft scene has your back with a plethora of pop-up markets happening throughout the holiday season. Mark your calendar for these local bazaars, which feature tons of regionally made gifts that will make you the talk of this year’s celebration.

11/17: Baltimore Vintage Expo
Swing by this Best of Baltimore-winning market for rare and retro finds. Equipped with its original art deco architecture and design, the renovated Ideal Arts Space in Hampden is a fitting venue for the showcase. This time around, organizers are offering early-bird tickets for shoppers hoping to get a first look at all of the vintage clothing, accessories, furniture, and decor. 905 W. 36th St. Free-$12. 443-529-5937. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.

11/22-12/24: Christmas Village in Baltimore
Modeled after traditional German Christmas markets that date back to the Middle Ages, this Inner Harbor fête is not one to be missed. Enjoy the vast display of handmade ornaments and nutcrackers while sipping hot chocolate and sampling fresh-baked apple strudel. The Christmas Village is hosting a special preview weekend November 17-18 this year for locals looking to get a jumpstart on their shopping. West Shore Park. 501 Light St. Free.

11/23: Shop Black @ Open Works, a Black Friday Pop-Up Shop
Forget waiting in line at Best Buy. If you’re hoping to score killer gifts while strengthening our local economy, look no further. This Black Friday, support local makers of color and check out the second annual Shop Black Pop-Up, hosted by Open Works. 1400 Greenmount Ave. Free. 410-862-0424. 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

11/23-24: BAZAART Holiday Art Market
Make the most of Black Friday and #SmallBusinessSaturday by checking out the American Visionary Art Museum’s annual holiday art market. Regional artists, makers, and craftspeople will come together to transform the museum’s Jim Rouse Visionary Center into a mecca of creative gift giving. 800 Key Highway. Free. 410-244-1900. Times vary

11/24: Small Business Saturday Pop-Up Party at Get Shredded Vintage
Celebrate Small Business Saturday in style at this all day pop-up party hosted by Get Shredded Vintage in Charles Village. There will be snacks and drinks galore, tarot card readings, unique clothing and accessories from local designers, and even a DJ spinning from 4-7 p.m. There’s no better way to work off a lingering, Thanksgiving-dinner food baby than by dancing from rack to rack and shopping along the way. 3101 St. Paul St. 443-717-1826. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

11/29: Holiday Artisan Market
Now in its 14th year, this holiday tradition hosted by The Park School features locally produced paintings, photography, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, and sculpture work, as well as homemade pantry products like honey and granola. There will even be a caricature artist on-site to keep the kiddos busy while you browse all of the handmade wares. Park School of Baltimore, Davidson Lobby, 2425 Old Court Rd. 410-339-7070. 3:30-6:30 p.m.

12/1-2 & 12/8-9: Star Bright Farm’s Barn Market
Infuse your gift giving with authentic Chesapeake charm by shopping Star Bright Farm’s two-weekend holiday market. Natural home, kitchen, and body products available for purchase are made from the very crops grown on the farm. Other local artisans join in for the fun, and cookbook author Nancy Baggett will be leading three sessions on cooking with lavender for those looking to impress their families with something new this holiday season. Star Bright Farm, 2950 Garrett Rd, White Hall. Free. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day

12/6–12/9: MICA Art Market
More than 250 MICA students are preparing their pieces for this yearly sale, which invites shoppers to discover work by emerging and established artists alike. Wander around the showcase to browse jewelry, illustrations, prints, posters, mosaics, stationary, clothing, toys, wrapping paper, and more while chatting with each of the artists about their designs. 1300 W. Mt Royal Ave. 410-669-9200

12/8: Holiday Makers Market 2018
Green Spring Station is a shopping destination in its own right, but for one Saturday only, the retail haven will take things up a notch and give us even more to love. More than 20 local vendors will be showcasing their goods at the marketplace, including our faves Wight Tea Company and Knits, Soy & Metal. Don’t miss DIY workshops from the likes of organic skincare pros Deep Leaf Organics. 10751 Falls Road, Lutherville. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

12/8: Makers Alley
Coffee from Park and Perk will be on hand to banish the sleep from your eyes as you check out the unique gifts available at this Saturday-morning market, which is returning to Local Color Flowers for its sixth year. Look out for one-of-a-kind gifts like floral salt-and-pepper blends by Juniper Culinary Apothecary, original designs from Pangea Printing Co., and more. 3100 Brentwood Ave. 410-262-1494. 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

12/8: Towson Town Center Local Makers Event
The Towson Town Center becomes a one-stop-shop on December 8, when local artists and makers flock to the Level 3 Center Rotunda to set up shop. The pop-up event makes it easy to find the perfect gifts under one roof for everyone on your list, from techy teens to funky aunts. 825 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson. 410-494-8800. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

12/11: Women’s Unity Artisan Market
As the holidays draw closer, “spare time” on the weekends to search for gifts can be hard to come by. The answer for anyone looking for unique gifts and running short on time? This second-annual market held in Mary Gardella’s Clipper Mill photography studio on a Tuesday evening. Gather together to browse creations from local female artisans, and sample signature beverages from Lyon Distilling Company and Le Monade. 3500 Parkdale Ave., Ste. 5. Free. 5-9 p.m.

12/14:Under $500 Sixth Annual Affordable Art Sale
Collectors of all kinds will unite at Maryland Art Place for this aptly named holiday exhibit that offers affordable artworks priced at $500 or less. Mingle with other enthusiasts over beer, wine, and light bites while perusing all of the pieces for sale on a first-come, first-served basis. 218 W. Saratoga St. 410-962-8565. $25. 7-10 p.m.

12/15: Holiday Heap
Charm City Craft Mafia is back at it with a stellar lineup for its recurring holiday hangout. Beneath the strung lights at St. John’s Church, browse goods from the likes of veteran vendors like Annie Howe Papercuts and The Broken Plate, as well as newbies Genevieve Williamson Jewelry, Dorpare Tea, La Loupe Design, Vesta’s Natural Apothecary, and Yinibini Baby. Coffee and treats from Bird in Hand will be available with early-bird admission, which also includes a swag bag full of goodies from participating makers. 2640 St. Paul St. Free-$25. 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

12/16: For the Greater Goods Market
Grab some lunch at R. House to fuel up for what’s sure to be an epic day of holiday shopping. Every month, this market takes over the garage of the Remington food hall to showcase local vendors and raise money for a charitable cause. December’s market boasts more than 70 local vendors, selling everything from handmade ceramics and home goods to unique clothing and jewelry. 301 W. 29th St. Free. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

After the beloved Harvey’s closed in 2000, nothing succeeded in Green Spring Station’s corner restaurant spot until Tark’s Grill in 2008. Owner Terry “Tark” Arenson cannily understood that what makes for a successful restaurant in the county might not necessarily entail glamour and challenging cuisine. Rather, Tark’s, like Harvey’s, specialized in comforting surrounds and reliable food that pleased without surprising. No wonder that new owners Gino Cardinale and Bruce Bodie have opted for only the subtlest changes, and that includes not messing with the name. Cardinale and Bodie know something about success—they’re the team behind City Cafe—and are treading lightly, introducing touches of urban hip to the menu without scaring away the clientele. So far, it’s working pretty well.     

Although some interior renovations will take place in 2017, it’s doubtful that the new owners will do anything drastic to the muted, neocasual dining room—maybe a brighter palette and a seafood bar. The friendly service that Tark’s was known for is still  firmly in place, and the cocktails are as big as ever. 

Many menu updates have been imported from City Cafe by executive chef and CC alum James Jennings, and they’re mostly about nudging old favorites into New American territory. A classic cobb salad boasts a seven-minute egg and avocado ranch dressing; Thai dipping sauce accompanies the fried calamari. Along with crab dip, you’ll find trendy burrata with wild mushrooms and rosemary oil, and crispy lobster nuggets with chutney. We loved the latter, but were less impressed with another starter, a limp and flavorless bowl of Brussels sprouts with bacon aioli. 

Among the entrees, you’ll find favorites like crab cakes and rack of lamb—perfectly grilled and gussied up with white asparagus and polenta. While you can choose between a filet or New York strip steak, there’s a bistro-ish flat-iron cut as well. The flat iron is full of flavor and texture. But another beef entree, the barbecued short rib, lacked the unctuousness you want in a cut like this, and it didn’t have much flavor, either. A more difficult dish to pull off was the best of the evening. Chicken medallions, enrobed in Marsala cream studded with pancetta, were a tender rebuke to anyone who thinks chicken is boring. 

There’s nothing groundbreaking here, but the diners at Tark’s aren’t looking for that. This is the kind of place where neighborly feeling and the aura of stability count for more than kitchen theatrics. And as we eagerly dug into our chocolate bread pudding—rendered slightly au courant with both dark and white varieties—we reckoned that such reassuring qualities are a mighty good thing these days.

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TARK’S GRILL 2360 W. Joppa Road, 410-583-8275.
HOURS Mon.-Thu. 3-10 p.m., Fri.-Sat. 3–11 p.m., Sun. 3–9 p.m.  
PRICES Appetizers: $5-16; entrees: $13-32; desserts: $7-8.
AMBIANCE Suburban chic.

The 35-year-old Green Spring Station seems to be aging quite well, thank you, embracing new ideas and stores, like Wee Chic’s recent move/expansion and the introduction of trendy gift and home store Becket Hitch. 

“While we continue to service a mature market, we also are actively inviting a younger person to the Station,” says Tom Peddy, co-owner of Foxleigh Enterprises, the family-run development entity that manages Green Spring Station. “The new stores we are adding are specifically targeting a younger, fashion-conscious market.” 

Kohli Flick, owner of Becket Hitch, which opened in April, says that the Station has always been on her radar. “When I was looking for retail space, I wanted an established shopping center, a sense of community. It’s an exciting time to be here,” she says. 

The Station rarely has openings for new stores, so when it happens, Peddy looks for “youthful enthusiasm with experience,” and saw that in Flick. “Many of our stores are [run by] first-time owners, but they all came to us with a vision,” he says. “Kohli Flick had been a buyer for a successful store [Hampden’s Trohv], and it was her turn for ownership.”

“The Peddys have been big supporters from the beginning, and when this space came up, they were really encouraging,” says Bridget Stickline, owner of Wee Chic. “We are really excited about the move—we’re trying to do something that no one else is doing.” 

Stickline explains that the larger space will allow for more clothing, as well as the introduction of kids’ furniture, a “candy bar,” and “The Room,” which holds parenting-themed events and classes. “This is a lot of change at once for Green Spring,” Stickline says, “but it’s all very positive change.”

What is one wardrobe staple for the spring/summer season? 

I love the idea of a blazer, especially the newer styles out now—shorter length, open, with no buttons—not your “mom’s” blazer. I also think an unstructured novelty jacket, maybe linen, that you can push the sleeves up and throw over anything, is a good choice.

For the spring and summer, what trends are big for wear-to-work clothing? 

An A-line dress that is sleeveless with a jacket, shrug, or cardigan. You can take it off if you’re going out for the night. 

When and how is it okay to wear shorts to the office? 

I know there are dressier shorts, but I think there is a time and place to be casual. Wearing them to the office can show a lack of professionalism and can start a trend that can become too casual. There are exceptions, like if you work for UPS, it’s okay.