Tips for Taking a Walking Tour in Baltimore's Fell's Point

Anyone who is captivated by eclectic blends of shopping, food and music will find opportunities to sate their senses at the Point. The area's history as a raucous seafaring port and the local lore of pirates, bawdy wenches and ghostly ship's captains who still drop in to their favorite pub haunts captivate the young and old alike.

In spite of the area's popularity, Fell's Point often takes a backseat in Baltimore tourism. With the ever popular Baltimore Inner Harbor just around the bend, it is easy for tourists to overlook the smaller historic collection of pubs, taverns, restaurants and quirky shops that make up Fell's Point. But if you're hoping to get a true taste of the area's history, sights, sounds and smells, then Fell's Point is a must-stop on your Baltimore travel itinerary.

Fell's Point is very accessible from Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Taxis are easily found along the Inner Harbor's main thoroughfares, especially near The Gallery, and can also be hailed right outside most of the larger hotels. Those who enjoy a lengthier stroll can actually walk from the Inner Harbor to Fell's Point, staying pretty much alongside the waterfront the entire way.

Tip: By far the most refreshing and enjoyable way to reach Fell's Point from the Inner Harbor, though, is by water taxi. In season, water taxi fares can be purchased for an entire day, and the boats will take you all over the city, including the Inner Harbor, Fell's Point, Tide Point, Canton and Fort McHenry.

Helpful Link: http://www.thewatertaxi.com/

Fell's Point on Foot

Once in Fell's Point your exploration is best done on foot. On a mild sunny day, you can combine your shopping and dining or pub-crawling with time meandering along the waterfront.

The main streets running through the Fell's Point area are Broadway and Thames Street.

There's enough to do and see on these streets alone to take up an afternoon and an evening. But make sure you give yourself time to duck down a few of the side streets and take in some of the beautiful old Baltimore town homes, as well as the less-traveled eateries, shops and pubs along the way.

Tip: This map provides a good list of Fell's Point landmarks: http://www.fellspoint.us/maps.html

Tip: Remember the TV Series Homicide: Life on the Streets? While spending time on Thames Street, you'll get to see the police station as well as many of the bars and eateries featured in the series.

Shops

When in Baltimore, it is easy to blow your souvenir budget in the wide variety of shops at the Inner Harbor Pavilions and The Gallery. But if you're hoping to find quirky and unique gifts, souvenirs and keepsakes, make sure you take some of your spending money with you to Fell's Point.

If you're looking for a wide variety of cheap music and movies, stop into the Sound Garden on Thames Street. If antiques are more your thing, venture up to Another Period in Time on Fleet Street. Even those not generally interested in antiquing are captivated by the ever-changing collections of memorabilia in this shop.

To make a fashion statement, stop into The Big Iguana on Thames Street. Don't forget to visit the Art Gallery of Fell's Point as well.

Tip: I know that buying linens isn't really something that most people do on vacation or while traveling for business. But if you're in the market for linens, curtains, or rugs, venture up Broadway a bit and pay Fell's Points Super Linens a visit. In addition to offering unique varieties, this shop will give you a taste of traditional Baltimore-style customer service, complete with a "how can I help you, hon?" from the friendly staff. During a recent visit with my boyfriend, I was treated to all sorts of home improvement suggestions and good-natured chastising about how women my age just don't know how to sew these days.

Eateries

Baltimore is nothing if not food-obsessed. This town loves to eat, and our restaurants and eateries offer plenty of places to do so.

There are no shortages of places to chow down in Fell's Point. Most of the pubs in the area offer finger food and traditional pub fare.

Tip: I wouldn't be a true Baltimore native if I wasn't obsessed with Maryland crab soup. For what is in my opinion the best the area has to offer, visit The Admiral's Cup on Thames Street. If you're more in the mood for an eclectic blend of offerings, including a quesadilla with shrimp and crab that will melt in your mouth and makes a meal in and of itself, venture up the road a little farther to John Steven LTD. A trip to Fell's Point isn't complete without, as the local slogan goes, "Eating Bertha's Mussels," so plan a trip to Bertha's Bar and Restaurant on Broadway into your schedule.

Tip: If you're looking for more of a casual diner-type experience, or perhaps a late-night snack, Fell's Point offers up plenty of opportunities. Jimmy's Restaurant on Broadway offers a true, colorful Baltimore diner experience, complete with delicious cheap eats. If you find yourself closing down the pubs at 2 a.m. and in desperate need of some early morning munchies, make your way up Broadway to Brick Oven Pizza. Be prepared for a bit of a wait, though. BOP is a tried-and-true standby for the Baltimore late-night bar crowd.

Tip: Sometimes, all you want is a good cup of coffee. If that's the case during your stroll of Fell's Point, then make sure you pay a visit to The Daily Grind. Grab a rich cup o' java and a table in the back, where you can see the graffiti etchings of those who came before you, or get your coffee to go and sip it by the waterfront.

Recommended Links:

http://www.fellspoint.us/barseateries.html.

http://www.johnstevenltd.com/

http://www.grind.com/index1.htm

Pubs:

Even if you aren't much of a drinker or the bar scene isn't really your thing, chances are that Fell's Points nightlife will offer something to spark your interests.

Of course there's no shortage of bars offering a club atmosphere. If you're a sports lover, Max's on Broadway may well be your dream come true.

Those looking for a bit of live music will find it at any number of venues. If jazz is your thing, Bertha's has more to offer you than those famous mussels. And a variety of local performers in many genres can be found at The Cats Eye Pub and Leadbetter's Tavern.

Tip: If you'd like to be transported back to Baltimore's shipyard heyday and take in a bit of local ghost folklore with your brew, make sure you quench your thirst at Leadbetters, The Cat's Eye, or The Horse You Came in On, all on Thames Street. If you happen to see the manager Fonz behind the bar at Leadbetter's (you'll know him by his long hair and perpetual sunglasses), ask him about the ghostly visitors in his apartment above the bar.

Tip: There's probably no better small venue for live music in Fell's Point than the Cat's Eye Pub. They offer something for the ears 7 nights a week. If you're looking to hear a band that gives you a true bit of Baltimore's musical flavor that goes light on the traditional cover-band scene and heavy on original rock and roll with a variety of influences, schedule your visit to the Cat's Eye for a night The Remnants are in town. If true Irish music is more your thing, look out for a performance from Dogs Among The Bushes.

Recommended Links:

http://www.leadbetterstavern.com/

http://www.catseyepub.com/

http://www.theremnants.com

http://www.maxs.com/

Get Your Ghost On

You can spend an afternoon or evening wandering Fell's Point on your own, filling your senses with the sounds, sights and tastes of this historic port area. If you've walked along the cobblestone streets, explored the engravings on the bricks along the waterfront, savored some Baltimore seafood and indulged in a pint or two at one of the older area watering holes, then you've filled your senses with the flavor of this city.

But for a true glimpse of the history and ghostly tales that make the area unique and colorful and fill the locals with pride, consider taking the Fell's Point Ghost Tour. The ghost walk was conceived and pulled together by two Baltimore locals who have pulled together the best of Baltimore's shipbuilding history, bawdy past, colorful characters and even a bit of Edgar Allan Poe, and blended it all into walking collection of the stories that are woven into Fells Point's taverns, homes, shops and streets.

The Ghost Tour season runs from March-November each year, and you can reserve tickets online.

Tip: Even if you are the type to scoff at ghost stories, this walking tour is worth your while. You'll also get a bit of the area's history, get a guided walk that will give you the lay of the land, and come away with plenty of ideas for places to have a drink or grab a bite. Don't be surprised if even the most skeptical among you is half hoping you'll see a ghostly specter sitting beside you in the pub after listening to the well-woven staples of Baltimore lore you'll hear on the tour.

Helpful link: http://www.fellspointghost.com/index.html

The bottom line is that if your trip to Baltimore doesn't include a walk through Fell's Point, then you've missed some of the best the city has to offer. Baltimore's Inner Harbor is where you'll find the National Aquarium, the Science Center and a growing number of chain restaurants and entertainment arenas like The Hard Rock Café, The Cheesecake Factory, and ESPN Zone. But for a true taste of Baltimore's rich history and local culinary delights, a visit to Fell's Pint is a must.