Calling All Book Lovers: Book Escape Contest!

Weekends at The Book Escape just got more interesting! Starting May 11, The Book Escape began a new weekend contest: $20 hidden in a book somewhere in the store!

The first announcement was made on the Facebook page, facebook.com/TheBookEscape with a clue: “There is a hunter among us.” Local firefighter Ron Howard knew that Stephen Hunter, a nationally respected author and critic, lived in Federal Hill, so he popped across the street and found the prize in a copy of Master Sniper.

The Book Escape hopes to continue the contest every weekend, and will continue to announce the clues and winners on their Facebook and Twitter. The usual prize will be $20, but some weekends, it might be higher!

“We will try to pick out books and provide clues that might help expand one's knowledge, or at least provide some interesting trivia, on reading and literature,” said Andrew Stonebarger, owner of The Book Escape.   

So head on down to The Book Escape on Saturdays for a chance to learn about literature and maybe find some literary treasure of your own!

Elizabeth Nelson, Intern

Big Day Coming Up for Comics and Book Lovers!

Saturday May 4^th is a going to be a great day for book lovers! Join The Book Escape and Alliance Comics for two exciting events celebrating Baltimore and the love of books.

The Book Escape will be hosting a book signing by local author Evan Balkan. Balkan writes fiction and nonfiction centered on travel and outdoor recreation. He has written local interest books such as 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Baltimore.

Balkan will be at The Book Escape at 805 Light Street from 1-3 pm on Saturday signing copies of his new book Walking Baltimore: An Insider’s Guide to 33 Historic Neighborhoods, Waterfront Districts, and Hidden Treasures in Charm City. He will also be talking about Baltimore and his writing.

If comic books are more your style, pop across the street to Alliance Comics at 904 Light Street to help them celebrate Free Comic Book Day, which happens the first Saturday in May every year in North America.

This year, Alliance Comics is offering Marvel's Infinity, DC's Superman, and The Walking Dead as well as choices for younger readers. The store will be open from 11 am to 5 pm.

Whatever your reading pleasure, don’t miss your chance to support these two great events in Federal Hill at The Book Escape and Alliance Comics this Saturday, May 4^th.

Elizabeth Nelson, Intern

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

Love to Read? Share Your Thoughts on New Book Blog

The Book Escape Blog is now live! Local book enthusiast, Cathy Strodel, is managing the interactive site for the Federal Hill shop at 805 Light Street which carries new and used books. Cathy shares her opinions and will also incorporate those of readers who comment on the online column, entitled "Book Talk with Cathy Strodel." All are welcome to visit the blog and contribute.

Anyone who loves to read will love this blog! Cathy is a voracious reader with sharp insights. Her writing style is personal and easy to follow. She makes good recommendations (and explains why) and has the perfect blogging voice, "talking" to readers with the familiarity of a neighbor.

Consider following Book Talk if you want to be part of a book club but can’t make the meetings. I’ve already taken note of a couple books I’m interested in reading, and this is just the beginning. I can’t wait to see her future posts!


Check it out for yourself: http://thebookescapeblog.blogspot.com/

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern