Baltimore, MD

There is a new coffee shop in the works on Falls Road and 36th Street (The Avenue). I’ve been eying the place for a couple months, waiting for its doors to finally open, but no luck yet. Here is what I know: It will be a late night cafe, open until 2am. They’ve already painted the exterior in bright colors. Unfortunately, its difficult to get a peak inside beause there is a plastic cover over the windows. Although there is Common Ground Cafe on 36th and Evergreen on Coldspring Ave, both places close early. Doubledutch Boutique and Atomic Pop have helped to improve Falls Rd and hopefully the new cafe will bring more success to an area of Hampden that could use some improvement.

coffee, cafe, Falls Road, Hampden, Doubledutch, Atomic Pop, Common Ground, Evergreen, Baltimore

Red Tree Baltimore was voted Baltimore’s Best Home Accessories Shop by Baltimore Magazine. You can’t miss the brightly painted, red storefront of Red Tree on Hampden’s Avenue. It is always difficult for me to leave without buying something. The store itself is beautiful because of its unique and innovated furnishings and decorative items, displayed in an inviting and inpirational style. There are also cards, stationary, jewellery, light fixtures, and art that will make your home one-of-a-kind. The merchandise is always changing, so everytime you visit there is something new to admire.

Address:
Red Tree Baltimore, LLC
921 W. 36th Street
Baltimore, MD 21211
Phone: 410.366.3456
Email: info@redtreebaltimore.com

Hours:
Sunday 11-6
Monday-Wednesday 11-7
Thursday-Saturday 10-8

Red Tree Baltimore, home accessories, Baltimore, MD, Shopping, furnishings, Hampden

If you are looking for a Baltimore-related gift or souvenir, stop at Hometown Girl. There are Baltimore history and recipe books, local artists’ work, Maryland crab novelties, Orioles memorabilia, and other tasteful and trendy items. To top it off, there is an old-fashioned ice cream shop in the back of the store with delicious shakes and sundaes.

Address: 1001 W. 36th Street Baltimore, MD 21211
Phone: 410.662.4438
Website: www.celebratebaltimore.com
Email: htgbaltimore@aol.com

Hometown Girl, gifts, souvenirs, Baltimore, MD, shopping, The Avenue

Lovelyarns is a cozy yarn shop in Hampden, owned by Sue Cadwell. There are classes on everything from Introduction to knitting to knitting your own socks! The yarns are every texture and color you can imagine. There is also a stitch-n-bitch meeting every Saturday. Stop by if have been knitting for years or if you are curious for the first time! Sue is always happy to help in any way she can. Plus, Lovelyarns was voted Baltimore’s Best by Baltimore Magazine this year. Enjoy!

Store Hours:
Weds 11:00 - 5:30
Thurs 11:00 - 5:30
Fri 11:00 - 5:30
Sat 11:00 - 6:00
Sun 11:00 - 4:00

Address:
846 w.36th Street
Baltimore, MD 21211
Phone: (410) 662-YARN
email: lovelyarns@verizon.net

Hampden, knit, yarn, baltimore, knitting classes, stitch n’ bitch

I love, love, love Doubledutch boutique on Falls Road in Hampden. There are unique dresses, t-shirts, jewelery, jeans, bags, shoes, soaps and so much more. The two ladies who own the shop are happy to help you pick out the right size and style for you. They are always changing their selection, so everytime you visit there are new clothes and jewelery to browse.

First Fridays: Visit Doubledutch from 6-9 pm for food, drink, dj and 10% off everything in the store
Upcoming Dates:
*September 7th
*October 5th
*November 2nd
*December 7th

Store Hours
Monday-Thursday: 10-6
Friday & Saturday: 10-7
Sunday: 11-5

3616 Falls Rd
Baltimore, MD 21211
(410) 554-0055
info@doubledutchboutique.com

Doubledutch Boutique, clothing, shopping, Baltimore, MD, Hampden

Gallery G is an unexpected treasure, tucked inside the Rotunda in Hampden. Sculptures, paintings, textiles, and mixed media artwork is displayed throughout the gallery space. In addition, Gallery G offers the following framing services:
* Art and custom framing for individual, corporate and institutional clients
* Art and framing design and consultation — on and off-site
* Art and framing installation
* Art and framing restoration and conservation
* Crating and shipping

Currently, Gallery G is showing the GUIDED SPIRITS exhibit “featuring paintings by Hunt Slonem and jewelry by Phil and Sandye Jurus…on view through September 29.”

The staff is incredibly helpful and will work with you to find the frame and/or artwork that fits your price range and taste.

410-235-9060 | 711 W. 40th Street | Baltimore, Maryland 21211
Email:galleryg@thebevelededge.com

art, framing, Gallery G at the Beveled Edge, gallery, Baltimore, MD, Rotunda

The Wise Women Foundation and Health Quest are sponsoring a “Soul Searching Conference” on Sunday, September 16, 2007, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Its only $10 to attend!

Here are a few of the many exhibitors as described on the conference webpage:

The BeeWell Company: The BeeWell Company was created to provide high quality, cost effective, Personal Home Care Products centered around the Three Pillars of Integrative Health: Detoxification, Nourishment and Regeneration with a unity of body, mind and spirit.

Breathe Books: breathe books will provide books, music and other items to enhance your experience at the conference. Presenters will be on hand to sign copies of the books and CDs at our table throughout the day.

Earthsave Baltimore: Earthsave educates and supports people in making healthier, earth-friendly food choices. We promote a shift toward a plant-centered diet.

Ruscombe Mansion Community Health Center: Since 1984 Ruscombe Mansion Community Health Center has offered the finest variety of natural/holistic healing options with over 30 licensed and certified practitioners.

There will also be workshops and keynote programs throughout the day, including:

Maintaining a Sense of Well-Being in Times of Radical Change with Carol Fitzpatrick:
We are beings of light who have come to liberate ourselves from the shackles of the mind. But we cannot do so if we have forgotten the very truth of who we are. We are not the body, and we are not the mind that tells us that we are to be afraid of change. Learn tools and strategies for rising above the strife and turmoil in turbulent times. Learn how to be the change you so desire for the world.

Breath of the Soul with Adam Gainsburg:Times of great change often send us searching for something real, something stable to hold onto. They also will often bring us to question hidden assumptions about our life. Join Adam and experience the Breath of the Soul, an elegantly simple, unique meditation experience to root you deeply in your Center, the place in you that does not change, that is timeless, that is eternal.

Soul Journey with the Native American Flute with Jan Seiden:
If you could hear the song of your soul calling to you from Creation, how would you answer? How would you manifest this song in your conscious life? Jan Seiden and her Native American flutes lead us on a journey of discovery with sound and imagery to the sanctuary of the soul. The timeless voice of these flutes speaks to our deep ancestral memories and awakens us. Combined with breath work, the music channeled through Jan’s flutes guides us in gaining new soul-level awareness of our direct connection to Creation. From this place we may manifest our soul journey in increasingly profound and responsible ways.

Holiday Inn Conference Center
2004 Greenspring Dr. Timonium, MD
(Just off of I-695 and I-83)
Free Parking/Restaurant On-Site

wellness, Soul Searching Conference, workshops, Wise Women Foundation, Health Quest, holistic health, Baltimore, MD, breathe books, Jan Seiden

Red Emma’s describes itself as, “a worker-owned and collectively-managed bookstore and coffeehouse”. It is located at 800 St. Paul St. Walking into Red Emma’s is like no other bookstore and coffeehouse experience. The mission of the place is clear: read, explore, and act; and Red Emma’s provides the tools to do just that.

The first thing you see as you descend the stairs and push through the front door, are a line of internet-surfing patrons. Both times I’ve visited Red Emma’s there have been a few people at the counter ready to help with anything from a cup of coffee to finding a book. The menu is vegetarian and vegan friendly, and the coffee and espresso are fair trade and organic.

Red Emma’s also hosts events supporting groups such as the United Workers Association, the Underground Literacy Alliance, independent films, and many, many more social, literary, and arts organizations. This is a bookstore and coffeehouse that is much more than it seems at a glance. Red Emma’s is making a strong, positive impact on our community. Here are their plans for the future (from the Red Emma’s website):

As you may have heard, Red Emma’s is seriously considering moving to a new location, where we hope to be able to offer a much larger space for events as well as a greatly expanded menu with a vastly expanded amount of places to sit (not to mention the radical children’s activity corner, the expanded free computer lab, the cooperative produce purchasing pick up location, the activist conference room, the outdoor tables, and most importantly accessible entrances!)

But in order to make this dream a reality, we need your help. In order to take on a project of this magnitude, we need to raise about $50,000. If you can help us by making a donation(we’re happy to announce that it is now possible to make a tax-deductible contribution to the Red Emma’s project) or a long-term no-interest loan, or know of potential sources for funding for a project of this sort, please drop us a line at info@redemmas.org.

The next time you’re looking for a book, a cup of coffee, or a delicious meal, check out Red Emma’s. You’ll be fully satisfied and you’ll be supporting a place that is working to build a healthier Baltimore everyday. You can even check Red Emma’s inventory online by clicking here. Let us know what you think of your visit or past experiences by commenting here.

Address: 800 St. Paul St.Baltimore, MD 21202
Phone: (410) 230-0450
Email: info@redemmas.org
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 10AM-10PM, and Sunday from 10AM-6PM
Weekly collective meetings: Sunday at 7PM (open to anyone interested in the project)

books, worker cooperative, Red Emma’s, Mt. Vernon, coffee, vegetarian, vegan, Baltimore, MD

Since I’ve switched to a vegetarian diet, I’ve noticed my choices at local restaurants dwindling. I am more curious about nutrition and cooking at home. I also feel more passionate about buying local, organic produce. All of the answers to these questions can be found through the Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG).

“The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public on vegetarianism and the interrelated issues of health, nutrition, ecology, ethics, and world hunger. In addition to publishing the Vegetarian Journal, VRG produces and sells cookbooks, other books, pamphlets, and article reprints.” (www.vrg.org)

If you’re interested in anything vegetarian or vegan related, you’ll probably find it on the VRG website, but if its not there, just give them a call!

The Vegetarian Resource Group (VRG)
P.O. Box 1463, Dept. IN
Baltimore, MD 21203
(410) 366-VEGE
Email: vrg@vrg.org

food, recipes, vegetarian, vegan, Vegetarian Resource Group, Baltimore, MD, nutrition

Sherry Campbell has created a shop in a Hampden rowhouse that offers enchanting sounds, sights, and smells from around the world. Inspired Serenity is on The Avenue just across Chestnut St., at 720 W. 36th Street. The first time I walked into Inspired Serenity, Sherry offered me the choice of iced or hot, freshly brewed tea. She sells a variety of loose leaf and pyramid filter teas that I keep going back for. I especially enjoy the Lemon Chiffon Roiboos tea, but there are many more to choose from. I also enjoy sitting outside in the Zen Garden. Sherry has created a peaceful rock garden with a cool, shaded sitting area for capturing a peaceful moment during the day.

Inside the shop you’ll find: “home altars from India and Santa Fe; hand block-printed textiles for table and bed from a women’s cooperative in India; hand-painted furniture from Nepal, India and China; Japanese-style batik cotton robes from Bali; and hand-crafted jewelry from Lucy Finelli and Judy Hart”. I purchased one of Sherry’s elegant orchids as a unique gift paired with one of the beautiful hand-painted greeting cards from Bali. I also enjoy the hand-crafted Artimisia Blue Organic Lavender facial cream and Green Tea Toner every morning. There are many other Artimisia Blue Organics products at Inspired Serenity that will soothe your skin and your mind.

Upstairs, there are two massage therapists specializing in aromatherapy, deep-tissue, Swedish and Swe-Thai massage. The services and goods at Inspired Serenity will bring calm and joy to your life, even if you just stop in for a cup of tea and a few moments of peace in the Zen Garden.

Hours:

Tuesday through Thursday: 11 am to 6 pm
Friday and Saturday: 11 am to 7 pm
Sunday: 12 pm to 4 pm
Monday: Closed

Location:720 w. 36th st., Baltimore, MD 21211
Phone: 410-366-2636
Email: inspiredserenity@verizon.net

Inspired Serenity, massage, wellness, Hampden, Baltimore, MD, The Avenue, tea, furniture, textiles, orchids, hand-crafted, Zen Garden, shrines