HelloYork.com HyperLocal Articles Feed

Little Italy: Serving New York pizza

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Every neighborhood needs a local neighborhood pizza place, particularly those near popular bars and rowdy nightlife. There are a number of such pizza places in Fells Point of Baltimore, but none which serve a true New York-style slice as does Little Italy Pizzeria. Nearly everything about Little Italy screams New York style: from the tiny restaurant to the giant slices you have to fold in half, on display in the window, to the way the counter people call it a pie or a plain pizza for what ot

Woody's Rum Bar: Paradise in Baltimore

Sun, 11 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Woody's Rum Bar and Island Grill is designed to make you forget you're in Baltimore, and surprisingly, it manages to succeed quite well. Located upstairs from its sister restaurant, Slainte, the restaurant is an open-air balcony with hints of grass roof thatching, split bamboo, bright colors and murals of a tropical island and the ocean. All it needs are a few hammocks and actual sand on its floor, and after a few delicious pina coladas, you could easily fool yourself.

John Steven: The reliable corner restaurant

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

John Steven is one of those local reliable restaurants with good food and good drinks for all occasions. Nothing beats a bad day with one of its crabcakes, platter of oysters and a local beer, in the same way it entertains a group of friends or feeds out-of-town visitors. Located on the corner of Thames and Ann Street in Fells Point, John Steven maintains a quiet dining room and tented outdoor patio, as well as a lively dive bar with its own menu.

Talay Thai Palace: From Baltimore to Thailand

Tue, 25 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Situated a short walking distance away from the crab-and-oyster frenzy on Thames Street in Baltimore, Talay Thai Palace is a welcoming difference. It s a good place for those who might crave more exotic flavors than Old Bay, in the forms of rice, noodles and curries.

Pitango Gelato: An Italian favorite made American

Tue, 25 May 2010 16:00:00 GMT

It s always difficult to get what you want at Pitango Gelato, but the fault lies entirely upon you and your inability to make a decision. Strawberry and Chocolate Noir? Espresso and Crema? Maybe Lemon and Rhubarb? The combinations are endless. Fortunately, part of the experience at this bright gelato shop includes that initial decision-making process, where you can stare longingly at the wall of choices and sample many flavors before committing to the perfect one.

Fort McHenry: Inspiration to a young nation

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Fort McHenry, important in four American wars, is best known as the inspiration for the national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner." The star-shaped fort, built in 1798, was named for a secretary of war under George Washington.

The Hill Restaurant: Dine at the Top

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:01:35 GMT

Federal Hill's newest dining experience, "The Hill", is a contemporary establishment featuring fresh American cuisine in an innovative atmosphere. The ambiance at The Hill is light and airy-- the perfect blend of casual and fine dining.

Cross Street Market: Fresh and Fun Food

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:01:04 GMT

Baltimore's Cross Street Market is a grocery store unlike any supermarket-- it's a fresh, fantastic experience with many hard-to-find items in one place. At nighttime, Cross Street turns into a hip, happening bar serving fresh seafood, cocktails and cold beer.

Lexington Market: the freshest of the fresh

Sun, 07 Feb 2010 16:00:26 GMT

Baltimore's Lexington Market is the country's oldest public market. Opened in 1782, The Lexington Market has been a Baltimore icon for a more than 225 years. American Revolutionary War soldier John Eager Howard donated the land for the market, which was named for the Battle of Lexington.

American Visionary Art Museum: A Must See in Baltimore

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:54:40 GMT

The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland boasts an eclectic collection of untraditional art work from all over the country. Housed in a nearly 60,000 square foot facility that once was home to a copper paint factory and whiskey warehouse, the American Visionary Art Museum is officially known by congress as America's national museum for "self-taught art".

Harborplace and the Gallery: Shopping, Dining and Fun

Sun, 31 Jan 2010 06:53:11 GMT

Harborplace and the Gallery is a mecca for shopping lovers. With more than 100 retail and dining businesses on-site, Harborplace is the one-stop-shop for a variety of activities.

Amicci's of Little Italy a Baltimore Landmark

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:12:19 GMT

Amicci's of Little Italy has been bringing authentic Italian favorites to Baltimore for 20 years. The perfect spot for a family meal or a business lunch, the smell of baking garlic bread and quiet, laid-back atmosphere are extremely welcoming.

Ban Thai: Seventeen Years of Authentic Thai Cuisine in Baltimore

Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:09:40 GMT

Baltimore's Ban Thai Restaurant is one of the city's most highly-regarded Thai eateries. This well-known establishment prides itself on serving authentic Thai food made only with high-quality ingredients, many of which are imported.

Maryland Zoo in Baltimore lets visitors walk on the wild side

Mon, 18 Jan 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Opened in 1876, The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore is considered to be the third oldest zoological establishment in the United States. More than 2000 animals call the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore home, and hundreds of thousands of visitors attend the zoo each year.

Sabatino's Italian Restaurant: A Baltimore Icon

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:46:56 GMT

Sabatino's Italian Restaurant might just be the quintessential Italian eatery. Candlelight, Italian music, low-lighting, the enticing smells of sauteeing garlic and butter make Sabatino's the perfect place for perfectly-prepared pasta and the company of friends and loved-ones.

Pazo Restaurant: Distinct and Upscale in Baltimore

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:46:15 GMT

Opened in 2004, Pazo Restaurant was a much-awaited facility and continues to be in high demand among Baltimore diners. Operated by Tony and Cindy Wolf, locally-renowned restauranteurs who also own Charleston Restaurant and Petit Louis Bistro, Pazo features an upscale-yet-relaxed atmosphere that is perfect for dinner dates, family get-togethers and the business lunch crowd (Pazo offers a full service audio/video-equippied private dining room).

Cazbar Turkish Taverna: Belly Dancing Delights

Thu, 07 Jan 2010 15:45:26 GMT

Cazbar Turkish Taverna may very well be the only establishment in Baltimore that combines belly dancing with fine cuisine. This distinct eatery is the kind of place you want to go to when you want to brag about the ethnic delights of the cityto your in-laws or your out-of-town corporate higher-ups.

National Aquarium puts visitors up-close with sealife

Sun, 03 Jan 2010 10:07:55 GMT

Baltimore's National Aquarium is the most popular tourist destination in the state of Maryland. Opened in 1981, the Aquarium hosts more than 1.6 million visitors each year. Nearly 17,000 creatures of nearly 600 species call the National Aquarium in Baltimore home. From dolphins to sharks to sea urchins, the Aquarium is a true feast for the eyes and brains of curious guests.

Wilmington's Fort Christina: Discover Swedish colonial history

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In the 1600s, several European nations competed to conquer and colonize the east coast of what is now the United States. Fort Christina State Park in Wilmington, Del. memorializes one such attempt by colonists from Sweden. While most know about William Penn s efforts in the region, many overlook the earlier settlements of the Swedes still present in the area.

Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum: All aboard!

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

As the country's biggest port, once upon a time, it only made sense that Baltimore would then develop the first major commercial railtrack in 1829. All this history is carefully preserved at the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum in West Baltimore. Once the campus for surveyors, engineers, and businessmen to build America's railways is now a museum of history for many of the country's railroad artifacts. It is an extremely popular place for visitors to browse around old locomotives and rolling sto

National Museum of Natural History: The world, the universe

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The National Museum of Natural History is one of Smithsonian's first buildings built to house collections and research facilities. Established in 1910, the museum contains more than 126 million natural science specimen and cultural artifacts. It can take more than a month to examine everything within the museum, from the collection of butterflies to dinosaur bones and the Hope Diamond. The good part is, like anything at the Smithsonian, admission is free. So take your time, focus on one section

Lavandou: A Franco-American experience

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Lavandou is a classic French restaurant, slightly Americanized in its service (quicker than in France), but with all the herbs, slow-cooking and butter that necessitates true French cuisine. Located away from the downtown hype in an unlikely part of town, in quieter Cleveland Park, Lavandou is a real treasure trove of moules and pate and rillettes de canard. If you're a real francophile, or really enjoy French cooking, an evening at Lavandou will whisk you away to Provence, the restaurant's reg

L'Academie de Cuisine: Teaching good food

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Everyone should be able to cook at least five recipes by heart and prepare one entire meal from appetizer to dessert. If you're lacking those abilities, or want to just learn a new style of cooking, fear not. L'academie de Cuisine, or Academy of Cooking for non-francophiles, offers cooking classes for all levels with emphasis in French techniques, whether you're looking to pursue a degree and career, or just to master enough to impress some friends or a date.

US Botanic Garden: Garden in America's Backyard

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Every yard needs a garden, and the National Mall is no different. Situated at one end, off to the side by Capitol Hill, sits the United States Botanic Garden. Housed inside what appears to be a giant greenhouse of multiple levels, the garden is actually in three parts. There's a conservatory with a variety of different plant species, a National Garden with various gardens within, and Bartholdi Park, which was created in 1932. Though it takes up only two city blocks, the garden is impressively la

National Gallery of Art: The nation's expressions, free for all

Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The greatest part about the National Gallery of Art is not the Henri Matisse cutouts, the famous Alexander Calder mobile, the Sculpture Garden or the Self-Portait of Vincent Van Gogh. The greatest part about this museum is that you can see all of this for free.

Chop't: Salad in the District in 30 seconds

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Chop't: a lunch place that prepares your food so quick, it doesn't even have time to write out Chopped . This salad specialty place makes salads in almost 30 seconds (more like three minutes, but who's complaining?) and ushers people in and out the door in a New York or DC minute. It's fitting considering the restaurant has about 10 locations between the two cities.

C&O Canal: Where history and nature meet

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal ( C&O ) lies next to the Potomac River, a 184-mile stretch from Cumberland, Md. to Washington, D.C. Built in 1824 as a series of locks to allow shipping and boat transport, it became a national park in 1938 and today serves as a popular biking and hiking trail for locals. Its end point is in Georgetown, marked by a obelisk monument. Several of the locks are visible in Georgetown and are still in use for demonstrations.

Chinatown: A preservation of history

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The Chinatown in Washington is a ghost version of its original, which thrived between the 1930's and 1960's. Chinese restaurants and businesses still exist, but the neighborhood has been overshadowed by shopping-mall type stores, chain restaurants, and the Verizon Center. The only reminder of Chinatown is the enormous Friendship Arch and signage in Chinese characters, plus a small handful of Chinese restaurants.

FDR Memorial: Tribute to the longest-serving U.S. president

Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The FDR memorial is an unusual and unique tribute to an unusual and unique president. Unlike other memorials which feature a statue of the individual standing tall with wise words inscripted around him, Franklin Delano Roosevelt is sitting, naturally, and his memorial is like a small park with many visuals of his presidency and the historical moments that took place during it.

Club Joola: Where table tennis reigns

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

At Club Joola, ping pong reigns. This isn't your parents' basement anymore. This is where the pros come to play this vicious game, and where others come to become pros. The private, full-time table tennis club in Rockville, Md., features several regulation tables in a well-lit gymnasium strewn with orange balls across its red floor, and is complete with pro shop selling Joola-brand shirts, paddles, equipment and even special shoes.

World War I Memorial: Modest memorial to a forgotten conflict

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In the shadow of the large, shining new World War II memorial lies a forgotten, neglected memorial. Standing quietly in the trees along West Potomac Park, this modest memorial was designed to commemorate the 26,000 citizens of Washington, D.C. who served in the first World War. It was designed by architects Horace W. Peaslee and Nathan C. Wyeth and dedicated in 1931 on Armistice Day.

Old Ebbitt Grill: Where food meets history

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

A true Washington institution, almost as old as some of the monuments and buildings around town, Old Ebbitt Grill continues to draw politicians and pundits, locals and tourists to hang around with a stiff drink and a good meal the same way Presidents Grant, Cleveland, Harding and Teddy Roosevelt once did.

Nationals Park: Where America goes out to the ball game

Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Finally, there is a place for Washington to cheer on its American pasttime: baseball. For the past two years, Washingtonians have been able to don a scripty W hat and take the Metro to the Nationals Park by the Navy Yard to watch its new home team, the Nationals, participate in the sport each summer. This year, the team acquired the latest pitching sensation in Steve Strassburg, explaining why his name is appearing as frequently as President Obama's in the local media.

Mr. Yogato: Wackiest frozen yogurt ever

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Domo origato, yogurt fans. It's like the Pinkberry craze that took over the West coast and made its way East though its origins really are from the far East. The tangy, low-fat dessert has become so popular thanks to Mr. Yogato's prime location on 17th Street in Dupont. Here, the line usually goes out the door of the brightly lit, no-frills, basement shop on hot summer evenings. It's a great place to stop after dinner, with friends, or with a first date to play old-school Nintendo games while

United States Supreme Court: Home to the ultimate judicial arbiters

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The United States Supreme Court never fails to awe visitors, whether they come from across the world or across the street. Its marble Corinthian columns, giant presence and all that it stands for makes people hush with respect. It is, after all, within these walls that some of the greatest court cases of all time are battled out, decided and become the basis through which our country creates its legal rules of conduct.

Red Star Bar & Grill: A homecoming

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Folklore has it that Red Star was named for the nautical red stars painted by women on sidewalks in lieu of shining red lights, which were prohibited at the time in Fells Point. Lonely sailors who reached Fells Point followed the red stars to the various places with homey comforts (a good meal, cold beer and perhaps some more intimate items on the menu). Today, the Red Star Bar & Grill, located right on the water by the water where boats pull ashore, offers those traditional meals and cold dri

Mahatma Gandhi Memorial: A tribute to a true man of peace

Thu, 24 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Few can argue that Mahatma Gandhi was one of the world s most influential and honorable leaders. Naturally, in the city of memorials and statues paying tribute to great leaders, one of Gandhi stands wearing a simple dhoti and bearing a walking stick. He is actually in stride, as if walking, which he did often in his lifetime as a leader of many great marches to bring India s back to the people of India.

Woodberry Kitchen: beyond organic

Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Woodberry Kitchen takes a great deal of care in creating unique and tasty menu options that change with the season and availability of ingredients. It's obvious just from tasting the dishes alone. Combined with great chef artistry, the food is among some of the freshest, flavorful in all of Maryland, explaining why people drive from all over the state and beyond to visit this oasis.

Adela: a Spanish inquisition on your senses

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Tapas is taken to a whole new level at Adela, in the bustling activity of Fells Point in Baltimore by the water. This low-key but fancy gastronomical experience, combined with its small plates options, creates a perfect second-date or group outing. Pair it with a sangria and some toasted almonds and you re sure to give your taste buds and your senses a worthy evening.

Robert A. Taft memorial: Remembering "The Republican"

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Standing tall on the north side of the Capitol is a 10-foot bronze statue of Robert A. Taft, a three-term senator from Ohio in the early to mid 20th century. Affectionately called "The Republican" by his colleagues, he is remembered for his honesty, indomitable courage, and high principles of free government symbolized by his life as inscripted above the statue.

Jazz in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden: Art within art through Sept. 10

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Summer comes, and suddenly Washington is exploding with outdoor activity on the National Mall. If you've been dreaming of spending your Friday evening surrounded by great works of sculptured art, the nation's monuments in the background, live jazz, a picnic spread and a pitcher of sangria, just head to the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery of Art on Friday evenings.

Textile Museum: The fabric of our lives

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Textiles are one of those types of art forms that are so appreciated in the home, but perhaps not always recognized as true art. That s because they re applied to so much of our daily lives in clothes, on furniture, as rugs, curtains, tablecloths that the average individual doesn t realize that an artist designed and created each of those items. In comes the Textile Museum, where curators, docents and volunteers bring their love and devotion to the art of textile to the public.

Sushi Taro: A courtly Japanese ritual

Sun, 20 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Sushi Taro is a true cultural dining experience. Besides having sushi that is extremely fresh and a lunch menu that's among the tastiest around Dupont Circle, Sushi Taro is so much more than just a really good Japanese restaurant. It is a genuinely elegant ancient court cuisine mixed with the simplicity of Buddhist fare. This concept is known as Kaiseki, designed to taste the natural flavors of food at its peak of freshness.

Gifford's Ice Cream & Candy Co: Bringing out Washingtonians' sweet tooth

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

There's ice cream, and then there's history. Gifford's Ice Cream & Candy Company is both. Opened in 1938 in Silver Spring, Md., the shop sold homemade ice cream and candy to fans of all ages and fame: President Eisenhower and First Lady Kennedy were said to be regular patrons. Its ice cream, candy, cakes and accoutrements continues to bring out sweet tooths as it has for years.

Obrycki's Crab House and Restaurant: A Baltimore tribute to crabs

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

If you ve researched Crabs in Baltimore, you re bound to have turned up results for the highly acclaimed, famous Obrycki s restaurant on Pratt Street. Only open during warm months, this huge restaurant pays tribute to crabs and all that can be made with crabs with its large, page-turning menu of seafood dishes, appetizers, entrees, and non-seafood options. Recently opened for the season, Obrycki s is already humming with busy customers who waited impatiently for its doors to bring in the crabs

National Japanese American Memorial To Patriotism During World War II

Sun, 13 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

The National Japanese-American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II is tucked off the northwest side of Capitol Hill's offices, off the mall, yet nearby enough to remind Congress of the time when America once treated its own citizens so poorly. It honors Japanese-American soldiers who fought in the United States armies during World War II while the United States housed its families and other Japanese-Americans in internment camps.

Salt: Because there's real flavor here

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Anyone walking by this brick brownstone exterior on the corner by Patterson Park would have thought nothing of it: perhaps another neighborhood pub-in-the-wall type place for locals to dwell past hours. But there's something about the name, Salt, and its glowing green industrial lights as seen from the outside that will make people look twice. Food is a modern art form (in a good way) that you'll only partially understand, particularly the menu descriptions, but an extraordinary experience that

Janes Island State Park: An Eastern Shore refuge

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Summer in Maryland brings visions of the Chesapeake Bay, green lawns, sandy beaches with tall grasses and splintery wood fences, crab traps, crabs with corn on the cob, lanterns and general laziness. If you're lucky, you already sport a summer home on the Eastern Shore. If not, don't worry you can still get a taste of waterfront vacationing at Janes Island State Park.

Ford s Theatre: The country s first presidential assassination site lives on

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

Washington, D.C. s Ford s Theatre, where Lincoln was gunned down by John Wilkes Booth, is simultaneously national historic landmark, live playhouse and consistently popular tourist site.

Blue Agave: Tequila haven

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:00:00 GMT

In a land of crabs and Old Bay, it s easy to miss the other stand-out cuisines in Baltimore. Blue Agave, however, is not one that Baltimore residents should miss. Its giant tequila menu and upscale Mexican dining options are beyond the tortilla places of Fells Point, lending itself to a real feast for the senses.