Things To Do
Hootch and Banter
Anyone like chicken and waffles? Hootch & Banter has a wonderful weekend brunch but open for lunch and dinner too. The restaurant is close by the canal walk in downtown Frederick and perfect spot to meander before or after your meal. Music, vendors and art instillations are sometimes happening around the canal walk.
Emporium Antiques
One of the largest array of antiques and collectibles we've visited. You could probably spend an entire afternoon and still find a vendor booth not yet explored.
Earthly Elements
Crystal, rock and fossil shop. This place is owned by Richard, trained Geologist, lover of rocks and minerals and everything Renaissance Festival!
The Simple Life - Metaphysical Marketplace
Woman-owned metaphysical shop. Crystals, incense, candles, aromatherapy, jewelry and accessories.
National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
The National Shrine Grotto is a replica of the Shrine Grotto in Lourdes France. It was in Lourdes that the young Bernadette (now St.) was visited by the Divine Mother and told of healing waters from the mountainside. Thousands of pilgrims from around the world come to visit the miracle site in France. The Maryland replica has a stone imprinted from the grotto.
Cunningham Falls State Park
Ditto with Catoctin Mountain!
Catoctin Mountain Park
It's on our Hiking Bucket List!! And now a goal since Kat broke her ankle in mid January.
John Brown Coffee
A walk-up window coffee joint with some of the best pastries in Baltimore. The line starts early on the weekend and pastries usually gone within first few hours of open. There is a Butcher shop that shares the parking area with great lunch specials, meat cuts and more. And across the street is a local farmers market with veggies and florals.
The Filling Station
One of our favorite spots for coffee and breakfast bites before going further north for nature time. The coffeeshop has cute seating inside but the best is a table by the rambling brook.
Ceremony Coffee Roasters - Mt. Vernon
Jonah is a manager and coffee tasting trainer here! We drink Ceremony each morning and it's highlighted for our wedding. This location is great starting point for more Baltimore City exploring like the Walters Art Gallery.
First Watch
First Watch is our go to spot for breakfast brunch. Its a daytime cafe, closing down by 2:30pm. They serve up fresh, quality ingredients with menu staples and a rotating seasonal menu. There are 10 locations in the Baltimore area. We suggest getting one of their juices, Morning Meditation and Kale Tonic two of our favs. AM Superfood bowl, Chickichanga add zucchini, Farm Stand Breakfast tacos...yum yum yum!!!
Jake's Grill
This is a pull off the side of the road, "dive" style great eats! We passed Jake's so many times before finally stopping in to check it out. They serve it up hot, fresh and straight from the smoker. We suggest splitting their signature pulled pork with side of cole slaw and mac n cheese...you will still go home with extra.
Loch Raven Reservoir
Loch Raven Reservoir provides drinking water for Baltimore City and most of the county. Its source is the Gunpowder Falls river. There are tons of trails for hikers, dog walkers, trail runners and bikers. We take walks here with Shanti often but also find time to enjoy it solo.
Gunpowder Falls State Park
Where we got engaged!!! We love the trails that follow along the river. There are many spots to pop out and sit upon rocks to watch the river or possibly peek a fly-fisherman or two.
Oregon Ridge Park
One of Shanti's favorite spots to hike with mom and dad. There are tons of trail options, many that give you a private woods experience. Oregon Ridge has an attached Nature Center that offers programs for the greater area.
American Visionary Art Museum
Located in Federal Hill neighborhood of Baltimore. The AVAM is one of the most unique, wonderful, creative, out of the box art museums. Collections vary from social commentary, mental health/illness awareness, self-taught, intuitive expressive art.
The Walters Art Museum
The Walters is a public, free museum in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood of Baltimore. The art collections span centuries, lands and cultures. The museum is used by community, schools and educators to build connection through art.