Put on Your Walking Shoes in Federal Hill!

Baltimore city was recently named the 14^th most walkable city in America with Federal Hill cited as the #1 most walkable neighborhood in Baltimore! The study by walkscore.com was conducted by calculating the distance from certain address throughout the city to places like banks, shops, and restaurants. The places with the most easily accessible businesses districts scored higher.

It's no wonder that Federal Hill was #1! Our business district has over 30 delicious restaurants, stunning art galleries, relaxing spas, our own magic bar, and so much more! Federal Hill, known for the historic Cross Street Market, is easily accessible from downtown Baltimore and on the Purple Line of the free Charm City Circulator. With rising gas prices, it's nice to have everything you need just around the corner. Come to the business district to pick up groceries for dinner, buy a new dress for a night out on the town, work out at Federal Hill Fitness, or indulge in a relaxing massage.

Explore Federal Hill’s charming mix of old-fashioned streets and modern stores and you’ll see why we were named Baltimore's #1 most walkable neighborhood. You won't be disappointed!

--Joanna Lusk, Intern

Catch an Original: “This Is Baltimore! ”

Mark Cottman, owner and artist of Mark Cottman Gallery, 1014 S. Charles, will be unveiling “This is Baltimore!” tonight at 6 pm. This painting has always been a dream of Mark’s, and now it is finished! The acrylic work highlights 26 famous Baltimore landmarks and really captures what it means to be a Baltimorean. A native of Baltimore, Mark wanted to do a painting to celebrate the city and show how proud he is to be from here. The goal, he says, is to give someone the “feeling of Baltimore.” This colorful and dynamic painting is truly one of a kind! Take some time tonight and go see everything you love about your city all in one place. "This is Baltimore!" will be available for a limited edition giclee reproduction on canvas in 40 X 30 and 24 X 16. By mid August a 36 X 24 print will be on sale for $25.

Mark will also be unveiling “Live Jazz at Martha's Vineyard”, a poster celebrating jazz music. Check out his “Wild Things” show, which is still on display, featuring paintings of 25 different animals.

--Joanna Lusk, Intern

It's Time to “Check In” in Federal Hill!

The Great Baltimore Check-In has begun! This exciting new game sponsored by Urbanite and WTMD is designed to bring the people of Baltimore to historic, fun, and interesting spots all over the city. Once there, you “check in” using Foursquare, which can be downloaded onto your phone. Sound a little complicated? Check out their website to help you along: http://www.thegreatbaltimorecheckin.com. Prizes, such as a 2011 Vespa, will be awarded to the people who accumulate the most points!

Federal Hill has four spots in the game. These are Afters Cafe (1001 S. Charles), Spoons (24 E. Cross), Cross Street Market, and The American Visionary Art Museum. These are places in our neighborhood so we already have a head start! Join the fun and start checking in!

--Joanna Lusk, Intern

SAVE THE DATE!

For Federal Hill's biggest street festival of the year: STREET BEAT

Sunday, September 18, 11am to 7pm

Bands so far:Nelly's Echo, Petticoat Tea Room, Psycho Killers, Benny Marchant Jamie McLean Band -- and lots more - live music all day on three stages!

FREE! Also, carnival games, arts&crafts, food&drink, Kids' Kross Street.

Sign up for a Holistic Health Coaching Program!

Apothecary Wellness (1200 Light St) has a new Holistic Health Coaching Program. This 6-month-long personalized program works to help you create a happier and healthier lifestyle. Co-owner Christine Cochrum says, “As a certified holistic health coach, I specialize in helping women, men, couples, and families live healthy, happy and fulfilled lives free of reversible and preventive chronic illness and disease. I do this by offering one-on-one support and providing education the client needs to make life-long healthy lifestyle changes...I am extremely excited to offer this program to our clients and hope to inspire wellness in our community.”

Summer is the perfect time to start making healthy decisions. Sign up for this class today! Don't forget about the numerous other offerings at Apothecary Wellness, such as massage, acupuncture, holistic skin care, and much more! Call 443-540-4022 to sign up now.

~Joanna Lusk, Intern

Copper Kitchen has arrived in Federal Hill

Copper Kitchen, led by executive chef and owner Kevin Miller, has opened its doors at 1016 S. Charles Street. An honors graduate of Baltimore's own Culinary Arts School, Kevin has been cooking all his life. He traveled the world as an executive chef aboard Amway's Private Yacht Enterprise V, where he learned cuisines of many cultures. Additionally he co-opened Ixia, a Baltimore restaurant, in 2001 where he continued to work until 2008. Then in 2009 he became the executive chef of Widespread Concierge Service.

Five months ago, Kevin opened Copper Kitchen as a full service caterer, perfect for any party or event. He and his sous chef, Nicole Feldhaus, have been very busy, and Kevin says he couldn't be happier. “Federal Hill is a great neighborhood and business has been great,” he said. Info: kevin@copperkitchenmd.com

--Joanna Lusk, Intern

Another Reason NOT to Miss First Thursday!

For a limited time, Phina's for the Home (919 S. Charles Street) will be showcasing work by renowned artist Jessica Damen, who lives in Federal Hill. Damen is nationally known and has had shows along the east coast, from New York to Miami.

Stop by Phina's for the Home this First Thursday (July 7, 6-8 pm) and see Damen's work on display and meet the artist herself!

Recently, Damen began creating 5 X 7 framed works and notecards featuring her beautiful Chinese brush stroke paintings (see photo); these were very popular at Main Street’s Jazz&Blues Wine&Art Festival last month.

Carla Wing, owner of Phina's, is thrilled to be involved with the artist. “Jessica Damen's paintings, which usually cost thousands, are now on sale for $45-$150. You can't beat that price for unique hand-crafted work.”

These paintings are perfect for gifts or to decorate the walls of your home. This deal is one you won't want to miss! Check out all the other First Thursday participants as well: www.historicfederalhill.org

--Joanna Lusk, Intern

Join us for CONCERTS IN THE PARK

Summer concerts in Riverside Park offer great music and are always FREE! What could be better than that? Come to the first one, this Sunday! You’ll want to come to the others also.

Sunday July 10, 6-8 Sandy Asirvatham Quartet

Sunday August 28, 6-8 Mambo Combo

Sunday September 4, 6-8 Baltimore School of Rock Show Team

Bring a picnic, pack some chairs, and enjoy some free music! Each night there will also be a bake sale and a raffle all to benefit Riverside Park. This is the perfect summer outing that you won't want to miss. Let's support these bands, Riverside Park, and have a fun night out!

--Joanna Lusk, Intern