So I have been thinking about all my favorite places to eat and shop close to me in Maryland. All within less than a 50 minute drive from my house.
1. One of my most favorite places to go is Woodberry Kitchen in Hampden Maryland right outside Baltimore City. My boyfriend and I just went there for our 2 year dating Anniversary. I always loved going here. It’s very Country/ Industrial type vibe. All the servers are wearing cuffed jeans and plaid shirts and most have beards. Except the women, it’s not that country. So when we just went this past Sunday for brunch I ordered a Maryland version of the Eggs Benedict with crab cakes added, over easy egg, homemade hollandaise sauce and homemade English muffin, that I could eat by itself. I have premium French pressed coffee with raw sugar and cream and this special cocktail with peaches ad cinnamon as my substitute for a mimosa. It was all excellent. All the food is brought in daily and is freshly made! At the end they brought us this delicious butterscotch pudding with fresh cream on top and homemade malt ice cream to share!!
2. My other all time favorite restaurant in Hampden is The Food Market. This amazing place reminds me of a restaurant in the Meat Packing district in Manhattan. It’s very chill and artsy. The chef here is so incredibly talented with his culinary skills, I kid you not people!! His food is a cross between healthy, hearty and comforting. The cocktails are the best here in my opinion, I always get the Earl Grey Collins. Trust me and get it, if you like Earl Grey Tea, it infused with lavender and lemon! Ok now I want one as I talk about it!! Go and grab all the yummy appetizers and dinner they have to offer, it’s a great place for date night or out with friends!! The place has stunning artwork place around the whole restaurant and you can ask for the artist’s information and buy it!!
3. The 3rd favorite restaurant I love is 13.5 wine bar in Hampden! Not only do they have an astonishing selection of wine but the menu is superb as well. They were the first restaurant that I ever discovered that I actually like escargot! Afraid to try snails? Go here and order it!! You might just change your mind! Hey, I’m a big foodie and I love Caviar as well, so if you have an extensive palette, try escargot! Great place to go on a date as well if he or she drinks wine too or with friends!
4. Since I am covering a lot of ground in Hampden, the other place I always hit before or after dinner depending on the time is Sugar. No, this is not a food place and not to make anyone uncomfortable but it is a novelty shop I guess I will say. It’s very tasteful and upscale though. You have to be comfortable with yourself or within your relationship obviously. This may not be for everyone and that’s ok. For me I discovered this place a few years back and I will admit I get organic lubricant from this place and it’s amazing. No irritants or anything strange chemicals to worry about, I mean it is my body after all, got to be safe in all areas. They have fun little games, books and yes toys and “supplies” in there. It’s owned by a very sweet couple and they keep it very nice. They have high end products in there and I can appreciate what they have done with the place.
5. Moving onto more shops, I’m taking you down to fells point in Baltimore City. I haven’t been here in about a year, because I don’t get to the city as much as I use to, but I really love Poppy and Stella. Its a cute little upscale boutique, that sells clothes, shoes, accessories and a few makeup products. Pricing of items ranges. I own a super gorgeous purple romper from there and I bought it for $50. I can wear it in the spring or fall with high boots! Dress it up or down, depending on the occasion. This is a place to go and splurge on one or two amazing key pieces! To go and find your Gem!
6. Going North, brings us to Beckethitch. I have not been there yet, it is located in Lutherville Maryland and I believe it is fairly new. “Our time of the month” two amazingly gorgeous and funny bloggers I follow, posted about it recently, I followed the store and I can see it’s super cute! Reminds me of Francesca’s a little. I’ll do a round up of this place when I check it out soon!
7. Where it’s at~ a high end consignment shop I discovered yearssssss ago! I can’t even describe in words how much I love this place. Located in Reisterstown Md. They sell clothing, shoes, accessories, and bags. All from Michael Kors and Kate Spade, all the way to Chloe, Chanel, Valentino, Prada, Louis and more! There are deals that can be held during certain times of years and everything is in good to perfect condition. I love this place, so if you are looking for a designer piece but can’t swing $1000’s, then stop in here and again find a hidden Gem!!
8. Ending with the area I reside in, Westminster, I have 2 all time must go to frequently boutiques. Shop Cultivated and Lux. Shop Cultivated is a boutique/ consignment shop. I love the owner T, she is the sweetest person on this planet! She knows fashion, current trends, what’s new and going to be new and classic pieces. She sells clothes, skin care, food items like gourmet popcorn and syrup. I usually leave there with about 5 pieces, so plan to spend money because you won’t be able to help yourself!
9. Now Lux Boutique in Westminster, is a boutique that sells key pieces, and prom dresses, wedding/ newly engaged items, cowgirl boots and some fun accessories! It’s a place you go where you know what you want so you can get it there and where you have no idea what you want but you can get that there too! So honestly when I get engaged, I’ll be in that place asap! When I finally purchase cute cowgirl boots, I’m going to Lux, and when I need a cute sweater for winter or jumper for spring, I’m stopping in Lux!!
So I’ve shared some of my favorite hidden gem spots in Maryland with you all and I really hope if you’re local or just visiting that you get to check these places out and fully enjoy them like I do!! Enjoy your gems everyone!