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This summer, if you’re looking for respite from the beach, check out Balitmore, Maryland. The city is flourishing and new restaurants, bars, and hotels are popping up all over town. With a fantastic cultural scene and cool shops, you’ll find plenty of activities to do for a weekend away.

To Stay

Sagamore Pendry Baltimore

Marrying a rich history with luxury, the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore is situated on the water in the city’s historic Fell’s Point neighborhood. The hotel, which just opened in March, features 128 guestrooms designed by Baltimore interior designer Patrick Sutton which capture the feeling of being in a captain’s berth on a ship via rich mahogany cabinetry and nautical brass details.

Along with a gorgeous pool deck with panoramic views of the Baltimore Harbor, marina, and city skyline, the Pendry team has tapped NoHo Hospitality Group’s Andrew Carmellini to run its Italian chop house restaurant Rec Pier Chop House.

1715 Thames Street, rooms from $300

Ivy

The Ivy Hotel, which consists of a historic mansion built in 1899 and two townhouses, embodies all the charm of old Baltimore, complete with ivy-clad brick walls and a sunlit music room where guests can try their hand at the piano. Its Mount Vernon location opens up a world of boutiques, galleries, and theatres to enjoy when you’re not at the hotel—and if you want to go somewhere in the city not within walking distance, the gratis car service will take you there.

205 East Biddle Street, rooms from $475

 

To Eat and Drink

Bookmakers

The rustic tables and candlelight at Bookmakers makes this cocktail and supper club quite the quaint dining experience. It offers up a long list of original cocktails in addition to all your favorite classics, and the menu is simple yet provides a variety of delicious options. Order the crab dip and sit back to enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere.

31 East Cross Street

Woodberry Kitchen

An establishment that emphasizes the local in both its food and drink choices, Woodberry Kitchen is a great place to get a taste of Baltimore. While the rustic interior is inviting, the outdoor patio, equipped with a fire pit, is the ideal spot to grab a drink during the summer.

2010 Clipper Park Road

 

Max’s Taphouse

If you’re looking for a quintessential neighborhood beer pub, Max’s Taphouse is it. It stocks over 1,000 bottles, 102 taps, and five casks, providing an incredibly varied assortment of brews. The bartenders know their craft well and the pub hosts frequent events, such as the Annual Belgian Beer Fest and American Craft Beer Week, making this a can’t-miss destination for any beer aficionados.

737 South Broadway

To See

Baltimore Museum of Art

Hosting 90,000 works of art—including the biggest collection of Henri Matisse works in the world—the Baltimore Museum of Art is the largest art museum in Maryland. With its vast sculpture gardens that features modern and contemporary sculpture, a recently-updated contemporary wing and one of the largest Andy Warhol collections, the BMA is truly one of the premier art destinations in the world. The best part? Admission is free.

10 Art Museum Drive, closed Monday and Tuesday

 

To Buy

Atomic Books

Independent bookstore Atomic Books is more than just a bookstore. In addition to shopping for your favorite old titles and exciting new reads from an eclectic mix of options, there’s also a bar in the back of the store with regular events. Fans of John Waters will especially love this quirky Hampden mainstay because it’s where he picks up his fan mail.

3620 Falls Road

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