Family-Friendly Shopping in Federal Hill

Love shopping local and supporting your neighborhood? Want a shop that has gear for every age? Then look no further than Federal Hill! The following shops and boutiques offer family-friendly apparel and gifts to please anyone.

Pandora’s Box (50 E Cross Street) Offering unique items and the latest fashions, Pandora’s Box has home decor, jewelry, and handbags galore, but it also stocks colorful printed onesies as well as children’s hats and headbands and room decorations. See photo.

Cottage Kidz (1129 Light Street) With a huge selection of designer jeans, graphic tees, backpacks, raincoats, tutus, and boots, what’s not to love about this children’s boutique? In addition to clothes, the inventory will soon include educational toys, books, and puzzles.

Phina’s for the Home (919 South Charles Street) This linen, bath, and gift boutique has lovely blankets and towels that will keep any age warm and dry as well as paper dolls. Monogramming is also available, a great option when you want a personalized gift.

Morstein’s Jewelers (1114 Light Street) The oldest jewelry store in Baltimore City stocks baby bracelets and medals as well as rings, bracelets, and necklaces for older customers. They also offer custom designs including mementos like silver cups, frames, and spoons.

Ace Hardware (1214 Light Street) You may not think a hardware store would carry great gifts for the family, but Ace Hardware does! Seasonal items like sleds for the winter or nets, bubble wands, scooters, and deck furniture for summer will make any outdoor play fun. They even have some crafting supplies like googly eyes and mustaches.

Alliance Comics (904 Light Street) Alliance offers a myriad of comic books and graphic novels in addition to toys, t-shirts, posters, action figures, and more! This shop is perfect for the comic book lover in your life.

American Apparel (1125 Light Street) Known best for its huge variety of basics, American Apparel’s selection includes leggings, tank tops, dresses, and pants in addition to socks, gloves, hats, bedding, and accessories like jewelry and lip balm.

Brightside Boutique (1133 South Charles Street) With a bold collection including vintage pieces, Brightside is a great stop for anyone with a sophisticated, yet funky taste. In addition to clothing, the boutique also has jewelry and accessories for a polished and edgy look.

The Book Escape (805 Light Street) – Featuring new, used, and rare books, The Book Escape has a book for every reader of any age! They also buy books, so trade in your old books and get store credit toward a gift for an avid reader.

Afters Café (1001 South Charles Street) Serving up pastries and coffee in addition to a full self-service frozen yogurt bar, Afters is a delicious treat after you’ve hit up one of the many Federal Hill restaurants and bars. They sell gift certificates too, so you can give the gift of dessert to anyone you know!

Elizabeth Nelson, Intern

Sonny Morstein Honored with Award and Party

Family, friends, fellow business owners, and neighbors gathered at Key Tech on March 20 to celebrate one of Federal Hill’s most beloved community members: Sonny Morstein.

In a surprise event, Morstein was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award (and commemorative bobble head in his likeness!) for his hard work and dedication to Federal Hill and South Baltimore.

“You only have to spend about two minutes with Sonny Morstein to see that he has an innate understanding of what a community is,” said speaker AMY Grace, former Main Street Board president who worked closely with Sonny to strengthen that community revitalization program.

And Sonny has worked hard to make his community the best that it can be. From serving as president of the South Baltimore Business Association (now Federal Hill Business Association (FHBA)) for 24 years to helping Federal Hill become one of five neighborhoods in Baltimore to join the Main Street program and serving as its first board president, Sonny has strived to improve a neighborhood that was almost forgotten.

“Sonny has been a mainstay of Federal Hill since the time when it looked really bleak to now when it looks fantastic,” said Cathy Hammond, current president of the Federal Hill Main Street board. “He’s always been here; he’s always been involved; he knows everyone, and everyone knows him. He’s a terrific guy and a terrific addition to the neighborhood.”

The event was sponsored by FHBA, Federal Hill Main Street, and Key Tech, which hosted the event in its attractive building. Party planners Frieda Ulman, Anna Epsilantis of Big Jim’s Deli, Crystal Moll, and Jane Seebold collected many photos from over the years that guests enjoyed seeing on a large screen.  

Over 30 local businesses donated to make the party special, including 14 restaurants that contributed an amazing buffet.  Live entertainment was provided by jazz guitarist Paul Snyder, who led the crowd in a rousing rendition of “Sunny,” with new, updated lyrics relating to the guest of honor.

“It’s very easy to get involved because it’s such a great place to have a business,” said Sonny, in graciously accepting the award.

Morstein’s Jewelers, which has been in Federal Hill since 1898, offers precious diamonds, and that’s what Morstein is to Federal Hill.

Elizabeth Nelson, Intern