These are a Few of Our Favorite Things: Admissions Look into Baltimore Traditions

I have lived in Maryland my whole life and moved to Baltimore City as a young adult. One of my favorite things in the city is going to the Baltimore Farmers Market. The market is under the Jones Falls Expressway, which is open every Sunday from 7:00 am to 12:00 pm. The season is from April through December. Some local farmers bring fresh produce to buy and other treats as well.  Some vendors sell clothes and jewelry. I enjoy this outing because it is nice to walk around and see what there is to offer. I also love getting a nice breakfast sandwich from one of the vendors.  My favorite stand is Zeke’s Coffee, and it’s always my first stop! I like to enjoy this market with my mom and sister; it’s a nice place for us to walk around and catch up. The Baltimore Farmers Market is a great way to spend a Sunday morning and support local farmers.  

Not being a Maryland native and living in a suburb of Baltimore, one of my first questions when I moved to the area was “Where is the best place to watch Fireworks” in Baltimore? I chose the city because the firework display is over the beautiful Inner Harbor – the waterway to the Chesapeake Bay. The responses were vast and varied.  We tried many venues and enjoyed them all.  However, a good friend heard about the Baltimore Museum of Industry and we decided to go and watch the 4^th of July fireworks there. The museum is on the south side of the Inner Harbor in a neighborhood called Locust Point.  It is in an old cannery where different types of manufacturing and industry from the early 20^th century are on display. The location is perfect to watch fireworks with the city skyline as the backdrop and every seat has a perfect view.  If you are into history, then you will enjoy this tidbit. East of the museum is Fort McHenry which inspired Francis Scott Key to write the “Star –Spangled Banner”, the official national anthem! If we are in town over the 4^th of July, that is where you will find us. It is my favorite tradition in Baltimore.  

Ever since I moved to Baltimore almost ten years ago, thus leaving my best friend in the Midwest, the annual Brew at the Zoo has become a time-honored friend’s reunion. This event is the Maryland Zoo’s largest (and most important!) fundraiser of the year and one of Baltimore’s largest beer festivals. All proceeds from the festival go directly to the Maryland Zoo to help further their mission. Enjoy admission to the zoo to visit the animals, live music, local vendors, and unlimited beer, wine, and seltzer tastings! 

To my FOODIES out there, there is a tradition in Baltimore to stimulate your palate that you won’t want to miss out on. Baltimore Restaurant Week is presented by Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and Visit Baltimore to encourage citizens to support and discover the city’s premium food scene. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining experience or just interested in trying a new cuisine, Restaurant Week is a great time to do this on a budget. I’m constantly looking for something new and this has been a tradition I haven’t missed since my arrival to the city.  

The day the King of Rock and Roll died was a day I will never forget.  I was sixteen and my mother announced through heavy sobs that Elvis Pressley was gone.  We mourned Elvis as we would a favorite family member or friend and lamented that rock and roll would never be the same.  Over forty-five years later, Baltimore has found a way to celebrate “the King”, raise money for the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, and fill the hearts of old and new Elvis fans around the Baltimore area and beyond-all with the kitsch that Baltimore is known for.  I have set the stage for one of my personal favorite Baltimore traditions-The Night of 100 Elvis’s! 

Since the early 1990’s, this party in honor of Elvis has been held in early December in a variety of locations, my favorite being the well-worn Lithuanian Hall to the west of downtown Bmore.  People of all age groups, ethnicities, and various levels of Elvis adoration come to celebrate the King and his music.  The entertainment is eclectic-belly dancer Elvis, Paul McCartney Elvis, local EPI’s (Elvis Pressley Impersonators), Santa Elvis-all come together to revel in all things Baltimore with great music as a back drop. Costumes have become the norm for the guests and if you ever wondered what a Baltimore “Hon” is, there are plenty in attendance. Sadly, because of COVID, this special night has been on hiatus and Elvis has left the building but brighter days are ahead to continue this unique Baltimore tradition!