This Friday: MOONLIGHT MADNESS & MORE

It's that time of year again! Federal Hill's Moonlight Madness is this Friday, December 14 starting at 8:00 pm. Shops will be staying open late for holiday shoppers, offering progressive discounts and specials.  Be sure to get your Passport and enter to win prizes.  

And, new this year, we've added a Tree Lighting to the festivities, with a little help from our friends at Federal Hill Neighborhood Association and SoBo Kids.  A tree (donated by Pork 'n Pine Tree Service, www.pork-n-pine.com), will be illuminated at the Rec Center (corner of Cross and Light) at 7:00 pm before shopping begins. There will be hot cocoa, cookies, and a special visit from Santa Claus.  Children are invited to make a decoration to hang on the tree.  

Also, during Moonlight Madness, you'll have the chance to vote on your favorite drink entry for the Signature Fest-of-All drink contest.  Voting will take place from 8:00 pm to midnight at Federal Hill Main Street.  The winning drink will be served during our Annual Fest-of-All gala in February 2013. 

Hope to see you on Friday!
Happy Holidays,

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

New Work from Federal Hill Gallery Owner Mark Cottman

For some time now, Mark Cottman of Mark Cottman Gallery (1014 S. Charles St.) has wanted to create a piece that pays homage to the contributions African Americans have made to the sciences.  The talented local artist has captured this spirit in his newest painting,  "African American Inventions".

The piece features inventions ranging from the mailbox to traffic lights and refrigerators.  In classic Mark Cottman style, the painting is captivating, colorful, and expressive.  Just in time for the holidays, the piece is now available for reproduction and print. 

This unique piece is getting attention. Mark was featured on WEAA 88.9 FM with Baltimore Jazz Alliance on Monday, December 3^rd for a meet and greet.  The event took place in his gallery.  

Stop by Mark Cottman gallery at 1014 S. Charles to see the original painting, or visit his Web site at www.markcottmangallery.com 

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

B'More Betty Opens in Federal Hill!

B’more Betty owner, Camille Edwards, is proud to announce she has opened shop and is ready for business! B’more Betty (1316 Light Street) buys and sells designer and vintage clothing and accessories for women.  It should be noted, however, that this is in no way a consignment shop.

Rather, Betty (which stands for Bringing Exclusive Trends To You) should be seen as a place where women can share, buy, and exchange their favorite clothing and accessories.   All types of styles are represented; sure to please any shopper. Ladies can find anything from J. Crew and Banana Republic to Louis Vuitton, Escada & Gucci at amazingly discounted prices.

A Federal Hill resident for a little over a year, Camille chose this location because she “loves the community and the people.”  I know I’m glad Betty opened up in time for the holidays!

A great chance to check out B'More Betty is during Moonlight Madness on Friday, December 14th.  This is one of more than 20 great Federal Hill shops and galleries participating by staying open until midnight and offering specials and light refreshments.  Free gift wrapping at Federal Hill Main Street, too!

Make sure to follow B’More Betty on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for her latest additions to the shop; great pieces will sell fast!

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

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

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

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.

"Roll into Fall" with a Family Bike Party

This 10^th of November, join Light Street Cycles (1124 Light Street) for the Fall Family Bike Party.  All families are welcome to bring their children of all ages.  While there have been other Family Bike Parties in the past, this one will begin in nearby Riverside Park (Riverside Avenue and Randall Street).

Stroll the neighborhood streets from 9:30 to 11:30 am with other families and enjoy this beautiful community ride.  “Baltimore-area families with toddlers in trailers, kids on trail-a-bikes, young children on two wheels, and more are all welcome on this fun community ride!”

To learn more about this event, please visit http://www.facebook.com/events/443480145689904/

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Zip to the Polls with Zipcar's Election Day Deals!

This election year, don’t let a lack of transportation prevent you from voting!  Zipcar, with locations throughout Baltimore, including two around Federal Hill, is encouraging all citizens to vote by providing half-priced reservation prices for those who use Zipcar to drive to the polls. 

On November 6^th, members can receive this great markdown to take themselves, family, or friends to vote.  “We know a lot of our members are actively engaged in civic affairs…. We want to make it as easy as possible for our members to cast a ballot in this year’s election” says Scott Griffith, Zipcar chairman and CEO.

Even better for Baltimore residents, using you Zipcar card will give you special deals at the National Aquarium, Merritt Athletic Club, the Maryland Science Center, Baltimore Bicycle Works, Caribou Coffee, Kooper’s Tavern and many more.

For Federal Hill residents, there are two zip car locations near by:

1000 S. Hanover St (Sharp-Leadenhall)

The Light Street branch Library (On Street)

To learn more about Zipcar’s “Zip to the Polls”, visit their website at www.zipcar.com

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Bringing a Little of Philly to Federal Hill

Larry Davidov, owner of Fat Larry’s Philly Cheesesteaks & Hoagies (1026 S. Charles St) had plenty of good things to say about Federal Hill; and we have plenty of good things to say about his restaurant!

Fat Larry’s is “the real deal” when it comes to cheesesteaks and hoagies, serving a huge array of authentic, mouthwatering sandwiches, sure to please everyone’s tastes.  They use freshly baked bread out of Philly and you can order your sandwich “wit or wit out” fried onions.  For the vegetarians in the area, Fat Larry's now offers a veggie burger sub.

Larry was drawn to Federal Hill because of the great people and eateries here. “I have eaten at a lot of places and I have a favorite item at almost every one of them," he said.  He noticed that Federal Hill had a good amount of bars, but few sandwich shops.  He capitalized on that and opened his own shop in the heart of 21230.  So far it’s been a great success.

Fat Larry’s is now offering delivery service.  If you’re within five miles of their storefront, they’ll deliver your meal directly to you until 11 pm (10 pm on Sundays).

Be sure to check out hours and menu on their web site, http://www.fatlarrys.net/ or by calling 443-759-7302

Follow Fat Larry’s on twitter and facebook for upcoming specials and deals!

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Milestones on Federal Hill Main Street

  

Everyone knows that Federal Hill has a wide variety of unique shops and restaurants.  But what you may not know is that one of our local shops is embarking on a very exciting milestone: 10 Years of Business in Federal Hill!  Pandora’s Box Boutique, 50 E. Cross Street, is celebrating “10 years of Trendy” on Saturday, October 6, 2012, and you are invited!

Shop owner Monesha Phillips is “thrilled to have been a part of this vibrant community for so long,” and she’s hosting this exciting celebration as a “Thank You” to all of her shoppers who come from near and far.  The celebration will include food, beverages, and a raffle for all shoppers – you won’t want to miss it!

For those who haven’t had the chance to visit 

Pandora’s Box, October 6^th is the perfect opportunity to discover the boutique.  Filled with a variety of unique pieces of jewelry, items for the home, gifts, and seasonal items, Pandora’s Box has something for everyone.  Please mark your calendars for this exciting event. The festivities begin at 4pm, and extend until 8pm.  We hope to see you on Main Street on Saturday, October 6^th!

Federal Hill Street Beat: The Vendors

Can you believe we have 80+ vendors participating in this year's Federal Hill Street Beat Festival on Sunday?  There will certainly be something for everyone! Come on down, 11 am to 7 pm. FREE admission!

Food & drink vendors will offer everything from standard festival fare like pit beef, turkey, burgers, dogs, and funnel cakes to more exotic offerings like flatbread pizza, falafel wraps, chicken satay, and jambalaya.  And, of course, no Maryland festival is complete without crab cakes! There will also be plenty of drinks to choose from like lemonade, smoothies, beer, and bottled beverages.  

Our Arts & Crafts offerings will be equally as diverse with all types of hand-crafted jewelry, imported accessories, home décor, apparel, candles, quilts, original photographs, and of course, Orioles, Ravens and Natty Boh Gear.  With baseball season winding down (or heating up, go O's!) and football season picking up, what better time to buy sports gear than the present?

Look forward to all of this and more, including 17 bands on 3 music stages, Kid's Kross Street, and beach tennis courtesy of Aruba at the Street Beat Festival THIS Sunday, Sept. 30, 11 am to 7 pm

info and band schedule: www.historicfederalhill.org

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Federal Hill Street Beat Fest: The Music!

Everyone knows that the Federal Hill STREET BEAT FESTIVAL (sponsored this year by Aruba) offers incredible live music.  Don't miss the great, FREE event this Sunday, September 30, 11 am to 7 pm   

   We have a whopping 17 bands playing on three stages for maximum music entertainment: Cross Street at Light, West Street at Charles, and Hamburg Street at Charles. Bands play for roughly one hour, and times are staggered so you won’t miss a single beat.  Bands come from all over, mixing sounds and genres for everyone enjoy.  We even have some local bands, like Bravenoise and Jenny Freeman Band, who are from Federal Hill. Festival favorites Grilled Lincolns, All Mighty Senators, and Old Man Brown are sure to please as well.

    Check out the schedule:

CROSS STREET STAGE

                                                       12:30-1:30         Unmentionables
                                                       1:45-2:45 Olyver James
                                                       3:00-4:00 Freedom Enterprise
                                                       4:20-5:10 Jenny Leigh Band
                                                       5:30-7:00 Old Man Brown  

HAMBURG STREET STAGE

                                                          11:15-12:15 Radiation Puppy
                                                          12:30-1:30         Shook
                                                          1:45-2:30     Getamungstit
                                                          2:45-4:00    Uncle Jack Band
                                                          4:15-5:10     Pigeons Playing Ping Pong  
                                                          5:30-7:00           Psycho Killers

WEST STREET STAGE

                                                          11:30-12:15      Hippy Sheiks
                                                          12:30-1:15 Bravenoise
                                                          1:30-2:15 Shinola
                                                          3:00-4:00         Soul Island Rebels
                                                          4:15-5:15     Grilled Lincolns  
                                                          5:45-7:00          All Mighty Senators 

Don’t forget about the 80+ vendors bringing arts & crafts and food & drink for you!  This is an event you certainly don’t want to miss!

See you Sunday!

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Beach Tennis, Anyone? Aruba Sponsors Federal Hill Street Beat Festival!

It’s official!  Aruba is bringing Beach Tennis to the Federal Hill Street Beat Festival this Sunday, September 30th! Street Beat is Federal Hill's biggest festival of the year, and with a real sand court added to the mix of live music, food&drink, arts&crafts, Kids' Kross Street, and more, this event is sure to be the best yet. And, all this with FREE admission!

Beach Tennis is the national sport of Aruba, and is gaining momentum throughout the world.  A mix between tennis and beach volleyball, this game promises to be fun and exhilarating.  Along with the 80+ vendors offering food, drink, crafts, and an incredible 17 bands, this addition will certainly make for an unforgettable Street Beat Festival.

Aruba is home to more than 50 annual events of its own – including the world-famous Carnival, Caribbean Sea Jazz Festival, Aruba International Film Festival, Aruba In-Style Fashion Week and International Beach Tennis Championships.     

Aruba is thrilled to bring sand, sun, and fun to one of Baltimore’s greatest outdoor events.  Definitely be sure to check out the courts and maybe even try it for yourself!

For more information on beach tennis, visit http://www.beachtennisaruba.com/

Visit the Aruba Tourism page here: www.aruba.com 

   Street Beat Festival information is at www.historicfederalhill.org 

 

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern

Happy Birthday, Midnite Confection's Cupcakery!

Just in time for autumn, Federal Hill's Midnite Confection’s Cupcakery (1051 S. Charles) is celebrating its 2nd anniversary by releasing a brand new confection: the Salted Caramel cupcake. The cupcake will perfectly compliment the crisp fall air and your warm apple cider. The flavor itself is quite unique, playing on the classic sweet and salty combination, but without overdoing it.

Some of the shop's other new flavors include French Toast, Lemon Meringue Pie, and Cookies & Cream, so be sure to keep them in mind next time you entertain or need to temporarily tame your sweet tooth. (After all, beach season’s over!) Midnite also has signature flavors of the day, which change every day or week. You can see the calendar as well as the pricing at their web site, www.midniteconfection.com

Midnite’s creativity and attention to flavor have lead to numerous raves in Baltimore GO, Baltimore’s Best magazines, and many more. They would like to thank all of their customers and the Federal Hill Area for their success!

Alex Marie Schmidt, Intern