The Charm City Connections series takes place in Baltimore, Maryland—a city that often gets a bad rap. Like any city, B’more has its issues, but since moving here in 2009, I’ve fallen in love with the place.
It’s foodie heaven. And quirky. And arty. And very, very indie. B’more is a city of neighborhoods and each has its own vibe. One thing that surprised me when I first moved here, and continues to surprise me on a regular basis, is how nice folks here are. I mean genuinely nice.
When I started the series, I debated giving everything fictional names. I quickly tossed that idea, because there are certain places that are just part of the Baltimore landscape. I settled for using some familiar names, but giving them completely fictional people and practices. Everything else is inspired by places in the city.
So, here we go, the visitor’s guide to the Charm City Connections experience!
Artscape
The festival has undergone huge changes since the 1st book was written & I’m excited to see what the future holds!
And yes, that’s me having a great time at one of their events!
I’m always thrilled when I find a place that’s truly LGBTQ+ friendly. These folks pass the vibe check! And it’s fun!
And some other places that make appearances, or were used for inspiration…
- Breweries—Baltimore is craft beer heaven. I’m not kidding.
- Speakeasies—another thing Baltimore seems to have an abundance of. These are just a few. Honorable mentions should go to The Owl Bar. While it’s not what I’d call a modern speakeasy, rumor has it that it actually was one during Prohibition. And, of course, The Horse You Came In On, which has a very long and colorful history (operating as a tavern under one name or another since 1775.)
- Misc Baltimore links
Shelf Indulgence was inspired in part by a used bookstore in Charlottesville, Virginia, and in part by a now-defunct used bookstore in my hometown of San Diego. The bookish speakeasy idea? That was the brainchild of a dear friend, and while I wish I could point folks to its real-life counterpart, sadly, I don’t know of one. Lemme know if you do, though!
There is oh-so-much more in Baltimore. Several theater and concert venues, a thriving harbor full of historic ships, the aquarium, a science center, and a terrific urban park.