Hampden Hon!

You can think of many ways to spend a free afternoon around Baltimore but one of the best is to stroll the avenue in Hampden. There are lots of funky little spots to grab a bite to eat or a drink but the shopping is what brought us to Hampden this week. Our first stop was Ma Petite Shoe where we checked out all of the latest spring shoe fashions. They have everything from funky sky high heels to comfort walking sandals. The bonus is that you can buy great chocolate to go with your new shoes.

After you are done picking out shoes you can stroll the antique shops. There are all sorts of interesting finds in all of the stores that line the avenue. Housewares, clothing and just about anything else you can think of can be found. We found some very interesting vintage 60's style shift dresses in one store and outside another were some very cool chairs that just needed some new fabric. If you are creative, crafty or just plain thrifty this is the shopping spot for you.

Pier 6 Concert Pavillion

As you may know, the 2010 Pier 6 Summer Concert Series kicked off last night with a great performance by Ben Harper. A rather fitting 4/20 performance, there was no better place to listen to the concert than from Pier 5 (some may argue that actually being inside the Pavilion at Pier 6 might have been a bit of a better view...).

Pier 6 offers concerts all throughout the summer with acts including Kenny Loggins, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Hall & Oats, Peter Frampton and Earth, Wind and Fire. If you do not have tickets to the show I would highly recommended packing yourself a picnic and heading to the pier adjacent to the concert pavilion. Get there early to set up your chairs and blanket and stop by one of the Harbor East restaurants (Whole Foods, Glarus Chocolatier and Bin 604 provide the perfect combination) to pick up some snacks to enjoy during the concert.

Picnics on Pier 5!

Anna Marie and I enjoying our Whole Foods!

Daytime view of the pavilion

Sherwood Gardens

Tucked amidst the stately mansions of Guilford lies Sherwood Gardens. The gardens were created in the 1920's as a hobby of Mr. Sherwood. When he passed away in 1965 Mr. Sherwood bequeathed funds to continue the gardens for one year. After that first year the Guilford Association purchased the additional lots from the Sherwood estate and took responsibility for the gardens. Every year approximately 80,000 tulip bulbs are planted. In addition to the tulips there are brightly colored azaleas, flowing cherries, dogwoods and wisteria.

Although it varies from year to year, peak bloom is typically at the end of April/beginning of May. If you plan on visiting the gardens this year, you had better hurry, the tulips are at their peak as we speak!

March for the Animals

Thousands of dogs and dog-lovers gathered today at Druid Hill Park for the 15th Annual SPCA March for the Animals. I have been going to this event since I was 8, long before I had a dog of my own. That first year I borrowed my tutors Bichon Frise and marched with about 400 other SPCA supporters. Because of the events growth they moved to Druid Hill Park a few years ago and today there were literally thousands of dogs- every breed imaginable.

In addition to the 1.5 mile walk around the lake there are also live demonstrations, games, contests and vendors. Bailey and Lily had just as much fun as my dad and I!

Steeplechase Season

Stepplechasing has a long history in Maryland, one that dates back to 1873. The first steeplechase races were held on a course built in the Pimlico race track infield. The races then moved out to Northern Baltimore County. As the weather warms up Maryland horse fans get their tailgating gear ready and prepare to spend the day at the races.

The three biggest steeplechase races are My Lady's Manor, Grand National and Hunt Cup. This past Saturday marked the 112th running of the Grand National. In 1898 several men who were too young to compete in the Hunt Cup started this Maryland Timber Racing tradition. The Grand National is shorter and thus faster then the Hunt Cup.

If you have never witnessed a Steeplechase tailgate, it is definitely a sight to see. And if you are expecting Ravens style tailgate of grills and cornhole, think again. It would not be uncommon to see crystal classes, fine china, engraved silver serving platters, fully stocked bars and oriental rugs( yes you read right, i said oriental rugs!!). After a few hours of drinking, eating and socializing everyone gathers on the hill for the best view of the race.

If you are free next Saturday you should check out Hunt Cup, which is known as the toughest timber race in the world!!

Girls Night Out!

Poor Man's Crab Cakes

Today, after watching the elephants demolish their lunches at the annual "Lunch with the Elephants," I decided to get some lunch for myself. This was the perfect opportunity to visit the famed Faidley's Seafood in Lexington Market. Although I haven't really been looking forward to trying a Coddie, it is on the Being Bawlmer list so I thought I might as well give it a try. I don't know about you, but a deep-fried fish treat served on a mustard smeared saltine cracker does not sound all that appetizing to me.

For $2.25 you get a decent sized coddie, which Faidley's prepares with fresh codfish flakes mixed with mashed potatoes and onions. The mixture is then deep fried and served golden brown with a pack of saltine crackers. I wasn't overly impressed, but I did manage to eat an entire coddie. I brought the second back to the office but none of my co-workers would take me up on the coddie offer. Although I don't quite see the allure of these coddies, I think the older generation might be able to better appreciate this Baltimore food tradition.