Getting Around during the Grand Prix

Just 9 days until the Baltimore Grand Prix hits our downtown streets! The big races are scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 2-4. Some of us still need to get around during the weekend (and we don't all have Indi 500 cars to get us there), so follow these simple directions:

1. Plan ahead!

2. Consider walking, public transportation when feasible.

3. For driving instructions throughout the area, go to www.gptraffic.com. Put in your starting point and your destination. The Web site will give you detailed instructions on the route.

4. The Purple Line of the Charm City Circulator has a modified route. The southern end serving Federal Hill will go down Light (starting at Montgomery), to Ostend, to the M&T parking lot area, back up West to Charles to Montgomery. The northern route will travel between City Center and Penn Station. There will be no Inner Harbor stops, so you’ll have to walk past the race course to catch a bus north.

5. Stadium event parking restrictions are in effect.

The Grand Prix is bringing lots of attention to our city. There will be closures and some delays during the weekend, but if you plan ahead and use the Web site, getting around downtown Baltimore shouldn’t be too difficult.

--Joanna Lusk, intern

Sprucing up Federal Hill Business District

Federal Hill Main Street is using a $6,000 beautification grant from the Baltimore Grand Prix to spruce up our business district. Take a walk around and check out the beautiful new large planters on Charles Street, filled with colorful flowers. You will also see some new posters and maps in storefront windows.

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and City Councilor Bill Cole came to South Baltimore yesterday (corner of Cross and Race Streets) for the ceremonial award of a $100,000 dollar check from the Grand Prix to the communities of Baltimore. Betty Bland-Thomas of Sharp-Leadenhall accepted the check.

Everyone can do their part in making Federal Hill beautiful – all year round! Respect the plants and flowers and pick up trash.

~Joanna Lusk, Intern

Artful Furniture Restoration in Federal Hill

David Reiff of Federal Hill Restorations and Antiques, 912 S. Charles, spends hours each day working on forgotten pieces of furniture. He and his apprentice, Ryan, restore antiques to bring out their original beauty. The business has been operating out of the Klein’s Antique’s space on Charles Street for a year now, and David says, “It's been great.”

David usually has 6 to 8 projects going on at one time, ranging from chairs to cabinets to couches, even a 1780’s corner cupboard, and much more. He finds unique and interesting pieces to work on at auctions across the state. All the work is done by hand, with each piece getting lots of attention. David and Ryan are the only restorers, and they are both dedicated to ensuring that the antiques stay true to their original time period, no matter how long it takes. They've been working on one piece since March!

From a young age, David has had an interest in antiques. He even taught himself how to restore them. Now he has his work all over the east coast and even has one piece in the White House (a painting for which he restored the frame). David and Ryan also do occasional finishing work on pieces for their neighbor, Artesanos don Bosco, a furniture store and gallery at 828 S. Charles.

Restoration truly is an art, and David has dedicated his life to it. Stop by Klein’s Antiques and see the beautiful work that he does.

--Joanna Lusk, Intern

Baltimore Magazine’s Best of Federal Hill!

Congratulations to all our businesses named “Best Of” in Baltimore Magazine! Federal Hill has a great business district, which is clear by the number of businesses mentioned this year!

Federal Hill is proud of its many diverse and delicious restaurants that draw diners from all over the city! Baltimore Magazine named Abbey Burger Bistro (1041 Marshall St.) number 4 and Mother’s Federal Hill Grille (1113 S. Charles St.) number 5 for Best Burgers. Matsuri (1105 S. Charles St.) came in number 3 for best sushi.

After a great meal, stop by Nevin's Cross Street Station (31 E. Cross St.), named best Karaoke. Then grab a dessert at the number 1 cupcake baker: Midnite Confection's Cupcakery (1051 S. Charles St.)

Want to treat yourself to a relaxing day? Check out Apothecary Wellness (1200 Light St.), named best holistic spa. After an amazing massage, why not go to one of Federal Hill's fabulous boutiques? Couture Closet (1003 Light St.), Whimsy (1033 S. Charles St.), and home decor boutique Curiosity (1033 S. Charles St.) were all mentioned as great places to shop! Finally end your day with an interesting book found at The Book Escape (805 Light St.), which was named number 5 in best book-stores!

Show your support for our great businesses and see why they were

named “Best of” Baltimore!

~Joanna Lusk, Intern

Live Music All Day at Street Beat!

Music is one of the best parts of Street Beat, and this year will feature LIVE music all day on THREE stages! What could be better? Just take a look at some of the great bands that will be performing this year:

Back by popular demand, Nelly's Echo

Everyone's favorite Talking Heads tribute band, Psycho Killers

Pietasters, billed as DC's "favorite ska band"

Benny Marchant

Jamie McLean Band

The Congress

Federal Hill's own Jenny Leigh Band

And many more!

Join us for Street Beat September 18^th from 11 am to 7 pm and enjoy these great bands!

~Joanna Lusk, intern

Coal-Fired Pizza Comes to Federal Hill

Social Pub and Pie (25 E. Cross St) is open for business! The restaurant, formally known as Grumpies, has expanded into the space next door and is now serving up delicious coal-fired pizza. The menu includes build-your-own pizza, many specialty pizzas, wings, breadsticks, and lots of mouth-watering appetizers, all made in a traditional coal fire oven.

The space was completely gutted and attractively renovated with new floors and comfortable booths, making it the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a good meal. Manager Christine Ruiz says, "We are only in our second week of business but already feel very welcomed by the neighborhood. The amount of positive feedback and support from the people of Federal Hill has been phenomenal!” "We are only in our second week of business but already feel very welcomed by the neighborhood. The amount of positive feedback and support from the people of Federal Hill has been phenomenaGrab a couple of friends and go try some pizza at Social Pub and Pie

Look for their website, coming soon: SocialPubBaltimore.com

~Joanna Lusk intern

It's hard to come up with reasons NOT to go to Apothecary Wellness (1200 Light Street). With its long list of services, including massage, acupuncture, and health coaching, the wellness spa is the perfect place to relax and start living a more holistic lifestyle. And now they have also become the only certified Dr. Hauschka Skin Care treatment center for the entire Baltimore/Annapolis area!

Dr. Hauschka Skin Care has been providing holistic skincare treatment for over 43 years. Its philosophy is based upon knowing how the skin works and then helping it naturally without relying on lots of outside products. Christine Cochrum, co-owner of Apothecary Wellness, said “I am so pleased to be able to bring these products and treatments to our clients and our community in Federal Hill… people now have a place to experience these transformative treatments and products.”

Schedule an appointment today by calling (443) 540-4022 or at www.apothecary-wellness.com

~Joanna Lusk, Intern