Charming sector of Baltimore with specialty shops, individually owned and unique - and the same can go for the restaurants around the area too. A true slice of Baltimore, hon.
Hampden is a great little neighborhood. From the Hon Festival in the summer to the Christmas lights on 34th Street, there is alway something to see and do in this little 'burb. The shops on 36th Street are terrific small businesses offering items you don't see everywhere. Atomic Books is a hidden gem with great titles and friendly staff. And just up the road is the Maryland SPCA if you're looking for a furry buddy.
The annual Hon Fest in Baltimore is a blast, people get together on the streets of Hampden (coned off from traffic), and dress like something out of John Waters movies such as CryBaby
Wine bar, dive bar, great restaurants, antique store, yarn store, store that sells kitsch (I see you Hampden Junque), a sex store, and more antique stores, and MORE!!This is my favorite way to spend a Saturday. I can shop, eat, shop, eat and...well, you get the idea. It is simply a great place. Finding a place to park just got harder, but once you do, it will rock your world. Clear a day, get in the car, grab your wallet, and GO!
There are a lot of really unique shops, boutiques and eateries in this area, but it's not huge. I've only eaten at a few places, but they have some great places to gather with friends or for an intimate date night. I'm also looking forward to going to the Baltimore Hon festival which is held in this area every year.
Hamden is really a slice of what makes Baltimore unique. While it is ever becoming more gentrified, it holds much of the charm that makes locals proud to say Bal'more hon. The main doping street is full of local galleries, unique shops, restaurants ( some really good ones) and local businesses. It is a working Main Street. It is a great way to spend a day in the real Baltimore.
Hampden is the fun, funky part of Baltimore, balancing its blue collar roots with its young cool vibe. The main avenue has many shops, like Ma Petite Shoe, a shop devoted to nothing but shoes and chocolate, interspersed with more blue collar sites like the Cafe Hon, home of the annual Hon Fest. Many of the shops are fronted by porches which serve as great places to gather on rainy days or to enjoy a coffee and a pastry. This is a fun area of town just to stroll around in and at Christmas time it has to be seen to be believed. This area is also known for its restaurants, again with everything from trendy modern to funky cool to just plain good food.
LOVE all the boutique shops and restaurants on The Avenue--something for everyone! Parking is plentiful on the street (at least on Sundays) and there is tons of stuff within walking distance.
Hampden is touted as an arty neighborhood, with great restaurants. The restaurants are mediocre at best and the area is dirty and at night it is grungy, with people dragging their pit bulls and unattended children milling about. We had our car broken into and I didn't feel safe walking beyond the main street. And, why is it called an art destination? Not one operative gallery, and the business owners have driven out the artists who used to have studios in the neighborhood.
Stopped at the Wine Source since I was staying nearby. Wish I'd had more time to spend in this funky little area. Interesting shops and neighborhood feel. Would love to explore more.