"Charm City Circulators" Get Taste of Federal Hill

Baltimore's "Charm City Circulator" free bus service is scheduled to open its new Purple Line into Federal Hill next month. Drivers on this route got a warm welcome today from Federal Hill merchants as they toured our neighborhood on one of the Circulator buses.

Several business owners boarded the Circulator at the five stops in our neighborhood to talk with the drivers, who will also serve as tour guides on the route. Businesses included: The Book Escape, Alliance Comics, Scarborough Fair Bed & Breakfast, SunTrust Bank, Jordan Faye Contemporary Gallery, School 33 Art Center, Mother's Federal Hill Grill, Amy's Boutique, Illusions Magic Bar & Lounge, Phina's for the Home, Lucinda Gallery, and Babe (a boutique). The drivers also received shopping bags filled with treats, coupons, discounts, maps, and brochures from many other local businesses.

Pictured above are Spencer Horsman (Illusions), Lisa Ponzolli (babe), and Carla Wing (Phina's).

Service for the new Federal Hill-Penn Station line was initially planned to extend south only to Montgomery St. But through the efforts of Federal Hill Main Street, the route was extended to Ostend St. so that the Circulators would travel through the entire central business district. Merchants and residents alike are looking forward to the free bus service, which has been a boon to businesses along the Orange Line (Hollins Market to Harbor East). The eco-friendly hybrid buses feature large windows, a quiet ride, and short waits (10 minutes) between buses.

"This was a great showing for Federal Hill," said Eric Masterton-Mott of Visit Baltimore, who planned the day for the Circulator operators.

'Spring Fever' Sidewalk Sale: May 1

Federal Hill shops & boutiques are welcoming spring with a sidewalk sale this Saturday, May 1. Visit shops along the 800-1200 blocks of Light and S. Charles Streets and on E. Cross Street. Sales start at 11 am and go until 6 pm. Don't miss it!

Another Great Spring Block Party: Thanks!

Despite the dire weather forecasts all week, today's Spring Block Party went on without a drop of rain. Many, many thanks to all the volunteers, vendors, bands, and many generous Federal Hill businesses who helped make our first street festival of the year a success!

Rain or Shine, It's Spring Block Party Time

Federal Hill's first street festival of the year is on for this Sunday, April 25, from 11-7p.m. There will be two stages with great bands on E. Cross St. (the south side of the Market), along with food & drink and arts & crafts. Admission is $5.

Here's the music line-up:

CHARLES STREET STAGE

11:30-12:15 School of Rock All-Stars
12:30-1:30 The Mooks
1:50-2:40 Nelly's Echo
3:05-4:00 Psycho Killers (Talking Heads tribute band)
4:20-5:20 Damn Right
5:40-7:00 Blue Miracle

LIGHT STREET STAGE

11:40-12:40 Willie’s Light
1:00-2:00 The Lombards
2:20-3:20 The Reserves
3:40-4:30 Stone’s Throw
4:55-5:35 Rock Bottom (Kiss tribute band)
5:50-7:00 Pasadena

The festival supports Federal Hill Main Street's efforts to promote & revitalize the neighborhood's central business district.

Just One Week & It's Spring Block Party!

On Sunday, April 25 from 11am-7pm, it's a great Federal Hill day of music, arts & crafts, food & drink, and fun with friends. Don't miss it! For more info call 410-727-4500.

Coming Soon: "Retail Week" in Federal Hill

Everyone has heard of Baltimore Restaurant Week, but coming very soon is the first Baltimore Retail Week! Between April 16 and 25 (coinciding with the end of tax season), participating shops are offering 6% off -- "unofficial tax-free shopping" -- on all purchases. Some are offering additional specials as well. (Photo by Helen Huriaux)

These popular Federal Hill shops are participating:
Amy's Boutique, 1133 S. Charles St.
Ladybugs & Fireflies, 1049 S. Charles St.
Morstein's Jeweler's, 1114 Light St.
Phina's for the Home, 919 S. Charles St.
Shofer's Furniture, 930 S. Charles St.
SoBotanical, 1130 S. Charles St.
The Book Escape, 805 Light St.
Tradestone Gallery, 803 Light St.
Whimsy, 1033 S. Charles St.

Check out all the details at http://www.baltimoreretailweek.com/

Spring Has Sprung in Federal Hill!

Thanks to Federal Hill Main Street's Adopt-a-Pot program, corners are blooming throughout our business district. Many local businesses support this beautification effort. For more information about adopting your own planter, call 410-727-4500.