Stepping into Fell’s Point often feels like walking into a European City with its colonial and wharf architecture and pedestrian streets. Fell’s Point was used as early as the mid-1600s as a port because of its access to the deep waters of the Baltimore Harbor and the Patapsco River. There actually used to be three more waterways–Jones Falls, Harford Run, and Harris Creek, which are now covered by roads. Founders William Fell and his son Edward Fell established the area as a more permanent wharf village with homes and shipyards in the mid-1700s. Fell’s Point was also home for a time to the freed slave, abolitionist, and statesman Frederick Douglass. In modern-day Baltimore, the neighborhood connects Canton to the east and Harbor East to the west. Whether you live here or visit, you will be dazzled by its inescapable charm.
Chapters
Pedestrian Lifestyle
Thames Street and Broadway Street are the primary walking streets in Fell’s Point. On Thames Street you’ll find numerous restaurants, pubs, coffee spots, and mom & pop gift shops. The Broadway Marketplace features a dozen local food vendors, including seafood, classic deli, Thai, and Polish cuisine. If you’re walking for exercise, the Promenade goes straight through the neighborhood along the water. Side streets offer glimpses into quaint houses with Flemish-style brick bonds for the architecture enthusiasts. Although there are strict historic preservation codes, residents are able to show their homes’ personalities through fun-colored shutters and flower window boxes. Fell’s Point is teeming with activity at any time of day. You’ll hear street performers, live music in bars, and the bustling sounds of people laughing on sidewalks. The stones which many mistake for cobblestones, are actually Belgian Block originally used as ballast in ships. The weight was only needed for a one-way trip before cargo was carried, so the blocks were left behind and made into streets. When you live in or visit Fell’s Point, you will delight in being able to walk everywhere and discover awesome local establishments.
Nightlife
Fell’s Point has every kind dining atmosphere you could want with fantastic fine dining restaurants, cozy pubs, and a late-night club scene. The Admiral’s Cup sits right on the water with indoor and outdoor tables, so you can get right up close to the bands or get a little more space for conversation. This tightly-packed place has live music DAILY. Since 1975, Cat’s Eye Pub has been a true local’s haunt with favorite bartenders and amazing musicians. Max’s Taphouse is better for spreading out with a large group of friends to socialize over beers . Family owned and operated since 1986, this place has 108 draught and over 1600 bottles and cans for the true beer-lover. For dancing and club music, check out The Horse You Came In On Saloon, Barcocina, and The Rockwell. For the best authentic and fresh seafood, Thames Street Oyster House takes the prize with classic and creative dishes, inspired by Chesapeake and New England heritage. The Choptank has a great space to hang outdoors featuring gas fire pits and cornhole with an upscale twist. Duck Duck Goose offers the best of modern French cuisine. Converted into a boutique hotel and restaurant from the old Recreation Pier, The Sagamore Pendry offers a luxurious and decadent setting. Whatever kind of experience you want to have, you will have no shortage of amazing selection in Fell’s Point.
Farmers Market
For fresh local produce, arts and crafts vendors, and delicious prepared food, the Fell’s Point Farmers Market is top notch! It operates year-round on Saturday’s from 9:00am-12:30pm in Broadway Square . Grab an awesome breakfast before you walk around at Bottoms Up Bagels and coffee at Zeke’s. If you’re on a health-kick, try Wild Kombucha or Revive Juices. For beauty and wellness you can find handmade soy wax candles from DanCandle, skin care products from Basic Girl, and Mt. Royal Soaps. Albright Farms, Braglio Farms, Hillside Meadow Farm, and Old Magnolia Organic Farm provide all of your seasonal fruits and vegetables–the best sweet corn and vine-ripe tomatoes in the summer, and hearty kale and comforting butternut squash for soups in the winter. Delmarva Popcorn, Hon’s Honey, Phil’s Dills, and awesome spice blends at Max’s Degrees are perfect non-perishable options as well. As it gets closer to lunchtime, treat yourself to pulled pork and brisket from Barber Q, DMV Empanadas, and salmon from Neopol Smokery. If you have a sweet tooth, try Cajou Vegan Ice Cream, E.C. Pops, McAllen’s Toffee, Miguel’s Mini Donuts, and Prigel Family Creamery. Pick up alcoholic beverages from Boordy Vineyards, Checkerspot Brewing, Slate Brewery, Old Line Spirits, and Charm City Meadworks. There are so many more fantastic vendors that I haven’t even included on this list. The Fell’s Point Farmers Market allows you to sample some of the best small businesses and farms in Maryland without having to leave the city!
Cafes
On a regular day you can always get your morning coffee fix, a fabulous pastry, or ice cream at any number of places in Fell’s Point. The Daily Grind on Thames Street is my go-to for a quick cup of coffee and a bite to eat. The prices are incredibly reasonable and the service is genuinely warm and efficient. The walls showcase artwork from local artists. There are cork boards with flyers promoting events in the neighborhood and around the city. You’ll see people working on their laptops, taking a break from the office, or meeting with friends. There’s a convenient take out window, so you don’t have to leave your pup outside. Pitango Bakery Cafe is another great place with a more European vib. This place has extensive outdoor seating right on the water. The cafe itself is situated on the narrow point of Thames and Fell Streets, with windows all around, so you can still enjoy the view in the winter months. You’ll find French and Italian-style pastries here, a perfect espresso, and prosciutto on a fresh piece of focaccia. Pitango Gelato is a separate location on Broadway that features classic hazelnut and stracciatella flavors authentic to Italy. There’s always Fell’s Point Creamery for traditional American-style hand-dipped ice cream with all the toppings.
Pirates?
For an all-around fun and swashbuckling adventure, Urban Pirates is a must! Two ships, The Fearless and The Relentless, can take up to 49 passengers each. They offer group rates for large parties, or you can sail solo and meet new friends. The ship departs from Fell’s Point and carries you around the harbor. For one hour, the crew leads you in chants, shanties, and drinking games. Dress up and get into character. It’s b.y.o.b.! Make sure you respond with an enthusiastic “ARR!” every time you are asked a question. Use the water cannons to attack other ships. Listen to the crew for all safety protocols and arrange for transportation when you get back to shore.
Conclusion
Fell’s Point is full of character and history that can be found in very few places in all of the United States. If you love being able to walk to your favorite restaurants, get fresh local produce weekly, and spend a minimal amount of time in the car, then Fell’s Point is right for you. The simple pleasures of daily life mingle with the excitement of a flourishing social life in the evenings. Start your day with a cup of coffee sitting on one of the many benches with views of the water. Take a break from the lackluster monotony of the treadmill with walk or run along the promenade. Spend the evenings sipping a perfectly-made cocktail and laughing with a friend. Walk home after a night out to the comfort of an architectural gem of a house or a modern luxury condo. You will never be bored living in Fell’s Point, and you will immediately be the favorite for any of your out-of-town guests.