Baltimore, MD

I just returned from yet another satisfying meal at Joe Squared. Of course, I ordered pizza. Joe Squared serves a thin crust, square pizza with fresh and unique toppings. The signature pizzas are innovative, but if you want to create your own pizza, you can be as traditional or creative as you like. Bottom line: fantastic pizza. Joe Squared also has appetizers (including alligator fritters), subs, salads, and numerous unique risottos. You can browse the menu here.

In addition to great food, Joe Square hosts art installations, various musical artists, and DJs. If you like to dance, there is a dance floor waiting for you. Check out the events here.

Hours: Everyday 4pm-2am
Address: 133 W. North Ave. (corner of Howard and North Ave)
Phone: 410-545-0444 (they deliver!)

pizza, Joe Squared, DJ, live music, art exhibits, Baltimore, MD

The Book Thing started in the back seat of Russell Wattenberg’s van. He was a bartender at the time and after hearing school teachers complaining about the book shortage in schools, he began buying books with his tip money. The idea caught on and soon the back seat of his van was filled with book donations. He was a travelling free book fair. In 1999, Wattenberg formed a nonprofit and housed his growing collection of free books in the basement of 3001 Vineyard Lane, near Johns Hopkins University.

Today, people walk out of “The Book Thing” with around 10,000 free books a week! If you have any books around the house or office that are dusty and lonely, think about giving them a new home through the Book Thing. Maybe you could use a gently used book or you know someone that would love more books, but can’t afford a trip to Barnes and Noble. The Book Thing is waiting to share its thousands of free books! It is open on the weekends from 9am-6pm, but donations are welcome 24 hours a day, every day. There are lots of volunteer opportunities too! Let us know what you take home from The Book Thing on your next (or first) visit.

books, The Book Thing, Baltimore, MD, donations, nonprofit, free, Charles Village, reading

While strolling down St. Paul St. the other day, my fiance and I noticed an ice cream shop on the first floor of an apartment building. The sign outside Dominion Ice Cream read, “Eat Your Vegetables Ice Cream”. In addition to being coffee lovers, we are also ice cream lovers, so we decided to venture inside.

The owner of the shop was behind the counter and she gave us samples of many different flavors, including: Yam, Green Tea, Carrot, Tomato, and Spinach! They were all creamy and sweet. The owner had worked on the recipe for a year and finally created vegetable ice creams that were delicious and retained all of their nutritional value.

After much debate, I chose a scoop of Yam and a scoop of Green Tea. My fiance chose a peanut butter shake. Both choices were fantastic. Plus, many of the flavors (all of the vegetable ones) are homemade! There are also a variety of traditional flavors and toppings. Stop in soon for a taste!

Hours: Monday - Saturday 12:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Closed Sundays

Winter Hours: Nov. 1 through April 30 - 12:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Closed Sundays

3120 St. Paul Street - Baltimore, MD 21218 in Charles Village

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