Announcing: Fest-of-All Drink Competition!

We have some exciting Fest-of-All news! This year, we're spicing things up by hosting the very first Fest-of-All signature drink contest!  Bartenders from Federal Hill establishments are encouraged to create a unique signature cocktail that will be served during our popular annual Fest-of-All Fashion Show and Gala (Saturday, Feb.23, as Baltimore Museum of Industry).

Contestants will bring his or her concoction to Federal Hill Main Street the night of Moonlight Madness (Friday, December 14) for sampling and voting.  We'll be open from 8 pm to midnight, as will local shops and galleries, so come by our office at 42 E. Cross Street for free gift wrapping and voting after you shop!

The winner of the drink competition will have their cocktail named the Fest-of-All signature drink and will get bragging rights for the entire year.  So far, we have seven competitors: Banditos, Brewer's Cask, Mother's Federal Hill Grille, Nobles, Porters, Ropewalk, and Stalking Horse.  

A little competition never hurt anyone, right?  We hope more of our local bartenders will join in the fun.

If you have any questions, call Federal Hill Main Street at 410-727-4500

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Coming Soon: A Tasty Tour of Federal Hill

Ah, ‘tis the season!

This year’s 17th Annual Festive Flavors is on Tuesday, December 4^th beginning at 6:00 pm, sharp, at Shofer's Furniture.  This popular and fun tour is the perfect way to get everyone in the holiday spirit!

With 30 restaurants & taverns and 15 shops & galleries in Federal Hill participating, this is a great event for new community members as well as long-time residents.  We have 12 groups that will rotate to seven different Federal Hill hot spots for food, drink, and fun. 

As always, the tour starts at a gallery or shop. Next, groups move on to restaurants for food and bars for drinks.  The last stop will be for dessert, of course!

There is still plenty of space in some groups, so if you’d like to join, give us a call! 

For more information on joining a group or purchasing a ticket, call 410-727-4500 or visit http://historicfederalhill.org/www/products/167.15

 

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Family-Friendly Federal Hill

Thirteen years ago, Federal Hill may not have been considered as family friendly as it is today.   There were limited family activities and barely any communication between parents.  Nowadays, we have a warm community feel and fun events that everyone can enjoy.  These awesome improvements are thanks in large part to the FedHillKids Listserv.

The Listserv has been a channel for parents and families all over Fed Hill to consign, swap, communicate, and plan.   Currently, there are over 1300 members and it’s still growing.  Whether you currently have kids or are expecting one soon, this is a great place to network with other South Baltimore parents.   

Moms and Dads can exchange everything, from strollers and toys to advice and news.  And the listserv isn’t limited to child-related matters. While political posting is not allowed, parents are encouraged to talk about local Baltimore issues that may affect families. 

Interested in joining the FedHillKids Listserv?  Visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fedhillkids or contact the moderator at fedhillkids-owner@yahoogroups.com

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Small Business Saturday: Support Local Shops!

Who: You!
What: Small Business Saturday
When: Saturday, Nov. 24, after Thanksgiving
Where: Federal Hill (and Main Streets everywhere)
Why: To support our community and encourage shopping locally!

Sometimes, Black Friday can be a little too hectic, even for the seasoned shopper.  So this year shop on Small Business Saturday instead! For those who don’t know, Small Business Saturday is a movement started by American Express that encourages shoppers to support small businesses and buy locally.

Federal Hill is full of great shops and boutiques.  Businesses like these depend on their communities to thrive. And shopping locally has so many advantages, like it’s uniqueness! You’ll be buying something one-of-a-kind and full of Baltimore charm, and no one else will have it.

It’s fun! Make a day out of it, shop, stop for lunch at any of the great restaurants, and shop some more.  There’s no better way to support you community than to partake in Small Business Saturday the 24^th, after Thanksgiving. And why stop there?  Continue to shop locally all through out the year! 

“I live here, you live here, and this is our Main Street”

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Fed Hill Restaurants Featured in Baltimore's Best

The Baltimore Sun has released its 100 best restaurants in Baltimore, and four Federal Hill hotspots have made the list! The list features "new endeavors, old favorites, and everything in between."

Congratulations to our local restaurants:

SOBO Café 6 W. Cross Street
It's no wonder SOBO café made the list this year with the amount of work new owner Anna Leventis poured into it.  Their "fresh bread, homemade desserts & spreads, and neighborhood cheer" helped to secure them a spot.

The Abbey Burger Bistro 
1041 Marshall Street
This popular hideaway on Marshall Street is without a doubt a Baltimore favorite.  Their exotic burger selection has gained them lots of notoriety, from Ravens players to The Sun!

Thai Arroy 1019 Light Street
Thai Arroy has prevailed as one of the best Thai restaurants in Baltimore.  Their "reliable execution on every level" has made them a memorable eatery as well as their "crisply cheerful storefront."

Regi's American Bistro 1002 Light Street
Regi's is praised by the Baltimore Sun for their valor and determination after their April fire.  They've remained one of the "few bistros that know what a bistro experience should be."

Also to be mentioned are the three restaurants on the list that are just outside the Fed Hill Business district:  Hersh's Pizza & Drinks, Bluegrass, and Mr. Rain's Fun House.

Be sure to support these and all the great restaurants in Federal Hill!

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Chillin' with Chilean Wines in Federal Hill

Federal Hill's Mark Cottman Gallery is celebrating its re-opening and updated gallery with the help of neighbor restaurant SoBo Café, Saturday, November 17^th.   These two Federal Hill favorites are joining together to offer a Chilean-inspired wine tasting and happy hour at the gallery (1014 S. Charles St.).   
Stop by to taste five different types of Chilean wines and enjoy the tasty appetizers, all provided by SoBo Café.  This event will be even cooler in the refreshing Mark Cottman Gallery space, filled with colorful original paintings by the gallery owner.

Cost is $25, and the event runs from 4 pm – 7 pm.  

More info on SoBo Café and Mark Cottman:

www.sobocafe.net

www.markcottman.com

 We hope to see you there!

 Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

New Program Planned for South Baltimore Rec Center

The Digital Harbor Foundation, a nonprofit organization focused on innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship through education, has now added Rec2Tech to their list of programs.  This new program will benefit students of Federal Hill, as well as those who live and work in the community.  

Rech2Tech is an after-school program focused on teaching creative uses of technology to students.  Participating kids from kindergarten through grade 12 will learn how to use their developing tech skills for dance, music, videography, web design, and app development

Currently, the program is operating at Federal Hill Prep and Digital Harbor High School. Eventually, Rec2Tech will move into the South Baltimore Recreation Center space, which will also continue to house current after-school program students. The Digital Harbor Foundation will operate the program there as a nonprofit organization. After they get settled in there, they will be offering evening technology classes for community residents. 

“We want to focus on hands-on activities, to create a ‘maker space’, where kids can follow their passions while leaning about technology,” says Rose Burt, tech director.  This program will prepare students for employment and will make them more marketable in the job market. For example, the director will bring in mentors from local technology businesses, such as Betamore at 1111 Light Street.

For more info, visit: www.digitalharborfoundation.org

Interested in helping?  Rec2Tech is currently looking for time, energy, and equipment.  Contact Rose Burt at rose@digitalharborfounation.org

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Calling all Kids: New Federal Hill Shop!

Join us in welcoming the new Cottage Kidz (1129 Light Street) to our Federal Hill community!  The store specializes in fashionable children’s apparel and carries a wide selection of clothing, shoes and accessories, in sizes infant through ‘tweens (size 16) and even a few toys. 

“We are very excited to come to Federal Hill; even before we opened, friendly neighbors were coming by to offer support and welcome us”, says owner Kimberly Pitts.  Kimberly owned the store previously in Mount Vernon for two years before moving it to Fed Hill.  With 1,300+ families in the area, Cottage Kidz is a welcome addition to our business district!

Cottage Kidz will be participating in our Moonlight Madness/Tree Lighting holiday events on December 14.  Their website is still in the works, but in the meantime you can reach Cottage Kidz by calling 410-962-5556 or emailing cottagekidzboutique@yahoo.com 

Also, check them out on Facebook and search for them on Instagram!

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Sobo Café Introduces Live Music

It may be getting colder outside, but Sobo Café (6 W. Cross Street) is certainly heating up! This fall, they’re introducing live entertainment.  The kick-off event celebrates Election Day on November 6. Starting at 6 pm, Russ Causey (of Hanover Blue) will take the stage. There will be wine, beer bites, and plenty of music.  

SoBo Cafe's next event (on November 13) will benefit the Maryland Food Bank.  Admission will be a $10 donation or 10 canned or nonperishable food items.  This is a great chance to give thanks and be in good company.  There will be live jazz music as well as great food/drink specials.  This event begins at 5 pm.

Mark your calendars and make your way to Sobo Café after the ballots this Tuesday!

Check out Sobo’s seasonal menu at www.sobocafe.net

Like Sobo Café on facebook and twitter

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

17th Annual Festive Flavors!

Kick off the holiday season Federal Hill style with the 17th Annual Festive Flavors of Federal Hill. This year's Tasty Tour of local businesses is Tuesday, December 4, 6-10 pm. 

One of our most popular events, Festive Flavors usually sells out, so get tickets soon. Don't miss out on the great food, drink, and fun!

Federal Hill Main Street is putting together 12 groups for this annual neighborhood adventure. Each group goes to 7 local businesses, starting with a shop or gallery and then heading to 6 different establishments for food and drink, changing every 30 minutes and ending with a dessert stop. 

It’s a great way to celebrate with neighbors and friends, new and old! Come with a group or join one of ours. Tickets are $55 each, and include all food and drink.

 

Info: www.historicfederalhill.org or 410-727-4500.