Federal Hill Shopping District on Fox45 News

On Friday, Fox45 News ran a story on the plight of small businesses in this tough economy as the 2009 holiday buying season got underway on "Black Friday." The story featured interviews with Zelda Zen owner Beth Hawks and Main Street's Jane Seebold. A main focus was the difficulty small businesses are having getting the new low-interest loans from the federal Recovery Act program.

Order Tickets Now for Festive Flavors

Don't miss out on this popular annual event! There are a limited number of tickets available. Act now to reserve a spot for you and your friends.

Tickets are a bargain at $55, which includes six food and drink stops in Federal Hill.

Call 410-727-4500 for tickets or order online at: http://www.historicfederalhill.org/www/docs/167

Mark Your Calendar for Yulefest: Dec. 12

Head on down to Mother's Purple Patio (1113 S. Charles) on Saturday, Dec. 12 for our annual Yulefest Family Fun in Federal Hill. The free event starts at noon.

Visit with Santa (bring your own camera), and enjoy the games, Moon Bounce, crafts, food & beverages from local establishments. Pet Parade at 2 pm. Drawing for a Federal Hill Shopping Spree! Toys for Tots donation drop-off; please bring a toy to give away.

Info: 410-727-4500, http://www.historicfederalhill.org/

Moonlight Madness Returns: Dec. 11

Don't miss our Moonlight Madness Shopping Extravaganza, Friday, December 11, 8 pm to Midnight, in "Baltimore's Best Shopping Neighborhood," according to Baltimore magazine. Come early, stay late!

The evening kicks off at 7 pm with a Tree Lighting ceremony at Federal Hill Park, followed by a holiday sing-along at South Baltimore Recreation Center at Light and Cross Streets, and then on to the shops to find unique and affordable gifts for everyone on your list. Progressive discounts at many stores starting at 8 pm and ending at midnight.

Free gift wrapping and holiday treats at Federal Hill Main Street, 42 E. Cross St. For more information, call 410-727-4500, http://www.historicfederalhill.org/.

Sign Up Now for "Festive Flavors"

Get your tickets now for the 14th Festive Flavors of Federal Hill on Tuesday, December 8, our annual boutique, restaurant, and tavern tour through Historically Hip Federal Hill. Groups travel around the neighborhood, stopping at six different popular retail and dining hot spots for food, drink, and fun.

Info and tickets: 410-727-4500, http://www.historicfederalhill.org/

Engraved Bricks Are In!

Come by the Main Street office and Visitors' Center, 42 East Cross Street, and check out the new engraved bricks in the sidewalk. Lots of people got creative with their messages.


This marks completion of Phase II. We have already had inquiries about Buy-A-Brick Phase III. So you might still have another chance if you missed out on the last opportunity to become a permanent part of Federal Hill.

Federal Hill Hits the Highways

You might have seen some familiar places flashing by as you drove on I-95, I-395, and I-895 last week. Free ads for local businesses were on display on four area billboards through Baltimore Main Streets' deal with Clear Channel to promote "shopping local" for the holidays.

"It was so much fun to see our ad on 95," said Andrea Shelby of Federal Hill Fitness, who took photos of several ads for the participating merchants. Eleven businesses were able to take advantage of the last-minute opportunity on the electronic billboards: Alliance Comics, Babe boutique, Blue Sky Factory, Federal Hill Fitness, Morstein's Jewelers, Ropewalk Tavern, Scarborough Fair B&B, Shofer's Furniture, SoBotanical, Stalking Horse, and Whimsy/Reason.

"Festive Flavors" Scheduled for Dec. 8

It's just about that time of year again! Groups are forming now for Festive Flavors, our annual boutique, restaurant, and tavern tour on Dec. 8 from 6-10 p.m.

Groups of about 30 spend the evening walking to select local businesses and tasting some of the best food & drink Federal Hill has to offer. Proceeds go to the Federal Hill Business Association and Federal Hill Main Street to support community improvement projects.

Tickets are on sale now for $55 per person. Groups will gather at Shofer's Furniture, 930 S. Charles St., at 6 p.m. to start the tour.

For more information, call 410-727-4500.