A Tour of Hampden

You can easily spend a full day walking Hampden’s main drag, 36th Street, also known as “The Avenue.” The bustling street teems with a combination of quirky shops, chic boutiques, dive bars and five-star eateries, and it’s not uncommon to come across street festivals, pop-up art displays and live music as you explore.

You’ll need to keep your energy up to sift through all Hampden has to offer, so begin your day with a stop at an independent coffee shop. Common Ground and Catalog Coffee are located conveniently on The Avenue, while Good Neighbor and Artifact are tucked away in quieter corners of the neighborhood.

Now you can start strolling. As you do, you’ll encounter an exciting mix of locally-owned boutiques and variety stores with something for everyone. There’s Atomic Books—legendary for its eclectic selection and for being the spot where John Waters collects his fan mail—and Bazaar, where you can explore oddities and offbeat gifts. Trendsetters will have to make room in their closets for the fun fashions available at Brightside, Cloud9, Match Made and Rebel Rebel. If you love the thrill of vintage hunting, don’t miss Balto, Doubledutch, Strawberry Fields and Charlotte Elliott for one-of-a-kind pieces and home goods.

Artists and artisans will also find lots of inspiration in Hampden, which is home to several galleries and craft stores. Support student work at Art with a Heart’s HeARTwares studio, pick up a one-of-a-kind souvenir at Wild Yam Pottery or start your own project at the cozy Craft Castle!

A short drive away from 36th street, Union Collective brings together some of the city’s top makers and creators in one industrial space. Have a pint at Union Craft Brewing, sample local wines at The Wine Collective or explore small-batch spirits at Baltimore Spirits Company. Looking to move? Challenge yourself at the Movement climbing gym, also on site.

Food and beverage choices are wide-ranging. The Food Market is loved for its creative comfort food while The Urban Oyster offers fresh, sustainable oysters and coastal eats in an airy, chic setting. More adventurous eaters should pay a visit to The Duchess, which serves up Guamanian flavors in a British pub-like atmosphere. For a nightcap, head to The Bluebird Cocktail Room for literary-inspired cocktails.

No day in Hampden is complete without dessert; The Charmery continues to wow with original ice cream flavors, while Dangerously Delicious Pies hits the spot for both sweet and savory cravings. When summer arrives, cool off with a Baltimore snowball from Quality Snowballs—order it with egg custard and marshmallow for a true local treat!

There’s so much more to explore in Hampden, from the Baltimore Streetcar Museum to scenic Wyman Park, Johns Hopkins University and the Jones Falls Trail. Take the self-guided Greater Hampden Heritage Alliance Walking Tour or download their map to forge your own adventure.