No, not that harbor. The other one.
Harbor East, Baltimore’s newest and hippest tourist-friendly neighborhood, isn’t to be confused with its older-sibling destination, the Inner Harbor. The once-abandoned concrete eyesore, now pulsing with life, has captivated countless urban-loving tourists and residents alike.
Boutique-style stores dot the compact 70-acre area, and a plethora of dining choices—from an organic burger joint to a five-star waterfront restaurant—sate a range of palates.
Luxury waterfront accommodations make an overnight stay tempting. And the crown jewel of the neighborhood, the 2,000-foot waterfront promenade, links pedestrians to the adjacent Fells Point and Inner Harbor.
It’s a dramatic change from a generation ago, when only the wayward would wander along this part of the city’s then-undeveloped waterfront. Motorists would whiz through the concrete wasteland with nary a glance, for there wasn’t much to look at.
Then, in 1986, Baltimore bakery mogul John Paterakis Sr. purchased the ailing parcel with an eye toward building a thriving urban neighborhood and commercial district. Clearly, he has achieved his very ambitious vision.
Squeezed into just 11 square blocks, Harbor East invites visitors to indulge in a dizzying array of recreational pursuits.
And whether your idea of a good time is window shopping at funky stores, tapping into historical points of interest, taking to the water on a charter boat or water taxi, or simply strolling along the promenade, it’s all waiting for you at Harbor East.
Shop like mad
If you come to shop, it’s hard to know where to start. Most of the neighborhood’s shops are clustered smack in the center of Harbor East on Aliceanna Street between Lancaster and Fleet streets.
Dip into Amaryllis for a glimpse of beautifully handcrafted jewelry. In the market for a new purse? You might find just what you’re looking for at Handbags in the City.
Stop into Urban Chic for some designer jeans; the name reflects the soul of the neighborhood, and so does the merchandise.
The list of distinctive shops goes on and on.
A dizzying array of dining options
Grabbing a quick bite? Run into Taco Fiesta on Exeter Street, a Mexican eatery that boasts fresh food made on the premises, like its 26-ingredient enchilada sauce.
Another fast-yet-fresh option is Elevation Burger, on Aliceanna Street, where the meat is organic and the fries are crisped in olive oil.
For the less rushed, there’s James Joyce, a traditional Irish pub at the foot of President Street. Built in Ireland and shipped to Baltimore in 2002, the authentic establishment offers patio seating and live music Thursdays through Saturdays.
Craving something more cutting-edge? Head to the trendy Pazo, which serves Mediterranean-style tapas in a modern setting.
Then there’s Charleston, an elegant waterfront restaurant presenting an improvisational menu described by Zagat as “culinary heaven.”
Stretch your stay another day
Shopping and dining can make for a daylong itinerary, but why not spend the weekend and take advantage of all Harbor East has to offer?
Stay at the Marriott Waterfront and soak in the magnificent nighttime views of the lit-up harbor. Jump-start the following day with a jog on the promenade, just yards from the hotel’s front doors.
History lovers will want to take a detour to marvel at the impressive National Katyn Massacre Memorial, in the 600 block of President Street, commemorating the execution of an estimated 22,000 Polish prisoners of war in 1940. Fittingly, it stands in close proximity to Fells Point, a neighborhood whose Polish roots date back over a century.
Weather permitting, consider taking to the water. Local charter boats offer day trips, and Baltimore’s water taxi, which stops at Harbor East, shuttles travelers to various tourist points.
When you’re ready to slow down and be pampered, head over to Spa Sante on Aliceanna Street for some serious relaxing and recharging.
Rather see a movie? Landmark Theatres shows top-rated independent films in its state-of-the-art facility, complete with gourmet concessions. Got the picture?
Of course, even with so much to see and do here, the truly amazing thing about Harbor East is that this relative newcomer fits right into the almost-300-year-old city surrounding it. Come see for yourself.
Learn more about Charm City’s hippest harbor at www.harboreast.com.
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