Baltimore's Best!!

Friday, July 13, 2018

Welcome to my Baltimore Faves!


I have been living in Baltimore my whole life, and even now I still find new spots to eat, fun places to go and things to do every day. I promised you a tour of my favorite local spots so here she is....ENJOY my beautiful city! Baltimore is ever changing in so many good ways. The number one spot to see is the Baltimore Inner Harbor, with all of the updates and changes it really has morphed into a beautiful place. We'll start off with the mall, there is 3 levels of A+ shopping at the Gallery, it includes stores like Victoria's Secret, Forever21, Pandora, Starbucks, the Gap, Foot Locker, Aldo, and The Sunglass Hut, just to name a few. 


Then if you cross the street to Harborplace there are a couple more larger sections of restaurants and stores that wrap around the actual harbor where there are boats, docks, and even a submarine. Each are available to board and explore. We also have the Aquarium and the Trade Center where you can see the 911 memorial. Some of the restaurants include Hard Rock Cafe, Bubba Gump Shrimp, The Rusty Scupper and one of my personal favorites McCormick & Schmicks. We stopped in the other day for dinner and were more than impressed, I was surprised that it was our first time eating there. To start off we ordered a wedge salad with blue cheese, I also ordered a strawberry basil smash, it's such a good cocktail. When I order it I always say to make it sweet, it has a strawberry lemonade flavor. For our entrees I ordered the garlic beef medallions, with roasted red pepper mashed potatoes and broccoli. Rob ordered the salmon platter, it came atop a beet and onion mixture of some kind. I didn't pay to much attention to it because I'm so not enthused by beets. 




I absolutely loved the beef medallions, I could have cut them with a butter knife it was so tender, not to mention the drink was out of this world, hence the reason I had two. Rob also raved about his plate, he told me the salmon was cooked to perfection and full of flavor. We will be eating there again for sure. If you are more interested in breakfast you can go just a bit down the road to Miss Shirley's, it's an iconic Baltimore spot known for their amazing breakfast/brunch menu. I had the southwest omelette last time I was there, it's beyond fantastic and more than enough for the price. We also like a place called Tagliata, it's an Italian restaurant just a few blocks away as you get into Little Italy. The food there tastes amazing and the restaurant is absolutely stunning. At Tagliata I always order the chicken marsala, with a side of spaghetti, and we side it with the pea soup. I know you're thinking ugh pea soup, but I promise you this will be the best you have ever had. They also give you fresh bread and in house parmesan cheese by the chunk, it's the real deal when it comes to authentic Italian food, and they are all at a good price point so they're more than affordable. 


If you are in the mood for a couple drinks and some fun company with a view, you definitely have to check out the SkyBar, it's a fun little rooftop bar that gives you an entire view of downtown Baltimore. The staff is so nice and welcoming, and the drinks are fantastic. It's the coolest laid back atmosphere, I love that it's very chill and they serve some food as well. It's more like bar food such as pizza, hot dogs, nachos and tacos, the perfect tipsy munchies as I call them. Now you guys know I'm an ice-cream enthusiest so of course I have an amazing ice-cream spot to share. It's called Bmore Licks and it's beyond amazing, they have so many soft serve flavors unlike the usual and 
oh-so-boring vanilla and chocolate, or don't let me forget the chocolate and vanilla swirl. They also have a ton of unique hard scoop ice cream flavors, I love going there because they give me so many choices and options to make the Insta-worthy cones you see on my Instagram feed every Saturday.






The second cone shot down with the blue soft serve was a cotton candy flavor as was the cone, wow is all I can say. there was even choices for Pip. They have a yummy pup sundae with vanilla ice cream, and 2 milk bones treats. Needless to say Piper ate it in two seconds flat, I'm guessing because it was good and 95 degrees out...she ate it so fast that I was wondering if she got a brain freeze....lol!! I could talk about ice-cream all day but there's more to show you!! Lastly let's talk about a hotel, being a blogger I have stayed in many all over the east coast. You guys know that Pip goes with us everywhere, so I was overly elated to discover the Monaco Hotel by Kimpton, just up the street from the Inner Harbor. It's the most pet friendly hotel I have ever stayed in, they had a pet bed, dog bowls, dog treats and even a dog toy for Pip. The whole hotel was out of this world stunning, and super clean. There are no words for how grand the front entrance is, I can only show you the pictures so you see just what I mean. 



(Duster Top by: Anthropologie * Jeans by: American Eagle Outfitters * Shoes by: Toms * Handbag by: Micheal Kors)


The staircases are all marble from top to bottom, everything was created with the utmost class. I had no idea a gem like this existed downtown, and to top it all off the rooms are moderately priced. The huge chandelier and rugs, the lighting and marble all create this amazing vibe. Then up on the 2nd floor just off to the right from the front desk, they have the coziest little lounge area where they offer complimantary drinks for Happy Hour from 5-6 pm. Doesn't it remind you of something straight out of the 40's, it's just full of class.

 (Pant suite by: Anthropologie * Thong Sandals by Michael Kors * Sunglasses by Tory Burch) 

Now for the best part of all, the room and the food. We stayed in the Mediterranean sweet on the 9th floor, as you come into the door you are in the living/TV room which consists of a sofa, coffee table, and a swanky little end table and lamp, the room is full of color and character. Off to the left is the bedroom space, and let me tell you the bed was gorgeous, it has a huge statement headboard and super comfy mattress. Off to the right corner is a cute little office space, perfect for getting some work done.





Now I'll admit I don't enjoy sleeping in beds other than my own for many reasons I'm sure you are aware of, but the bed and linens where so nice, comfy and clean, that you literally wanted to lay down and settle in. I was more than pleasantly surprised, and got thee best 2 nights of rest while I was there. Plus it's within walking distance of all the places noted here in this post, it's literally in the center of everything which makes it super conveninet. Back to the room tour, next up is the bathroom, OH MY GOODNESS talk about a spectacular bathroom. 



They carried the classy theme all throughout with marble from top to bottom, a granite counter top,  and I don't know what the mirror frame was made out of, but it was so cool looking. The shower was big enough for two and included the best jet tub, which i soaked in for almost two hours. Another added point is the provided shampoo, conditioner and body wash. I have noticed that whenever I go to a hotel the provided little bottles are watered down, no good and completely ineffective. 
This is why I always make sure to pack my own, but in my haste to get everything together I left my shampoo and conditioner sitting on my bed...derp. So it was more than refreshing to see that the Monaco was on point, and wow did they all smell so good. Long story short it's less stuff I have to pack, along with the fact that their hairdryer to was great. Again less junk for me to drag with me because it's already provided. Oh I almost forgot the great view from the bathroom. Piper and I really enjoyed sitting in that window and just watching the world go bye. 



It was definitely one of my favorite things about the room, along with the room service. We ordered a big lunch to avoid going out because it was literally 100 degrees that day. We decided to stay in the hotel and enjoy all of the amenities. I ordered some pit beef sliders, a fruit and cheese plate, a salad and bowl of beef stew. Everything came hot and was more than flavorful, my favorite was the sliders. That's the thing I recommend, the bread was soft and fresh, the pit beef was tender and tasty, and they add crunchy fried onions, it was all just top of the line good.



After our bellies were full Rob laid down for a nap and I used the desk area to get some much needed blogging done, it's all set up perfectly. We stayed a total of 2 nights and I honestly can say I am really impressed, so much so that when I go to New York for Fashion Week I plan to stay with the Kimpton again. I've never felt so at home in a hotel, the staff is very welcoming and friendly to both Piper and myself. That was another plus point for me, you guys know Piper goes everywhere with us, so it's important that she be welcomed as well. All in all we had a fantastic experience and I definitely recommend The Monaco 100%. Well that's all I have for now, but no worries I'm always posting about Baltimore, and as I said new stuff is always popping up as the city is ever-changing. I am so curious where you guys would like to see me go? What city are you most curious about seeing more of, yah never know I maybe I'll go there and do some exploring. 

I hope you all enjoyed being shown around my beautiful city, I'm very eager to read your comments and hear what you think of the post!!

Have a Wonderful Weekend Everyone!!

82 comments

  1. I have never seen such beautiful ice cream cones. BMORE LICKS rocks!

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  2. It has been a few years since I've been to Baltimore but it looks just as I remember! And I love that you take your dog with you everywhere!

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    1. Aww Piper is so darn spoiled, she goes more places than most humans...lol!! I love to see people's reactions to her tiny self, they just smile when they see her!! she has an amazing effect on people for sure!

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  3. Awesome views, food, and lots to explore.. definitely nice.

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  4. I want a bathroom just like this one!

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  5. I love that Bmore Licks caters to doggies. The doggie dish with a side of dog bones made me laugh!

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  6. The cherry blossoms in your first picture are so beautiful.

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    1. Thank you, I literally stalked the trees until they were big enough to hang in the shot, it's a shot i am super proud of from spring!!

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  7. It's been way too long since I visited Baltimore...it looks even more delicious than I remember.

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    1. Ahhh it's for sure got so much more and new amazing stuff!! Hope to see you back soon Richard!

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  8. Wow!! I will be putting Baltimore on my list of must see places! Great article! & LOVE the cuisine they have to offer!

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    1. YAhhhhh....Baltimore is a great spot to see in person, and I only broke down a few places to eat. We have so so much more, you will really enjoy yourself!

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  9. I like a bit of bling with my ice cream. The gemstone sugars on the blue ice cream cone speak to me!

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    1. OMG and they tasted sooooo good, they gave the ice cream texture. it's my favorite flavor to date for sure!!

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  10. looks super yummy

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  11. This food looks really good, thank you for sharing about your trip.

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    1. You're more than welcome Pamela!! I love sharing all my favorite spots

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  12. I’m 💕 the pink ice cream with hearts necklace.

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    1. Me too!! It's my favorite Ice-cream shot to date, you know I loooooves me some pink...lol!!

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  13. Some beautiful views. The food looks amazing.

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    1. Thanks so much, if anything I love shooting food....it sits still...lol!! Unlike Piper!

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  14. I have always loved pictures of Baltimore. I have wanted to see it in person forever!

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    1. Ahhhh you definitely must visit, it's really beautiful with all the new improvements!!

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  15. I am craving one of your sliders. Tomorrow I’m going to lunch at a local bbq joint.

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    1. Ohhhhh Enjoy!! My mouth waters thinking about those sliders....lol!!

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  16. We've been going to Baltimore for a three-day weekend every year starting in 2005 but stopped as of last year, since the event we were attending was moved out of Baltimore. We didn't get to see too much of Baltimore, except the convention center and the Inner Harbor. I've taken photos of my girls by the same ships you have in your photos here. I miss going and hope that as the work on the convention center gets done, the event will return there.

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    1. Thanks for the opportunity

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    2. Ahhhh I hope you get to come back too, they have been working on the Convention center here and there but I think it's all done.

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  17. I love the beautiful photos, what type of camera was used for the shots?

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    1. I use my iPhone 8 Plus, it has an amazing camera!!!

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  18. It's been years since I've been to Baltimore, but I loved Harbor Place!

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    1. They have made it so much more gorgeous in the past couple years!!

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  19. I've always wanted to visit Baltimore but have never has the opportunity.

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  20. One of my favorites is an omelet, especially with a Mexican twist.

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  21. I loved the photos and your little dog is the cutest! (jozywails@gmail.com)

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  22. omg where do you find these restaurants they are always amazing

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  23. The Strawberry Basil Smash and Garlic Beef Medallions sound delish! Going to add that stop to our Travel Bucket List!

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  24. Everything looks so lavish and beautiful!! The food looks devine!

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  25. Great photos making me hungry lol. Sounds like a great time.

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  26. I just noticed the blue crab in the mall fountain has human legs, feet, and shoes. Very odd!

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  27. That strawberry basil smash drink looks AMAZEBALLS! I would love to visit Baltimore soon so I've pinned this article to remember these places!

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  28. Beautiful and impressive sailing ship.

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  29. The Monaco is beautiful! I’d love to visit.

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  30. I've never been to Baltimore. It's beautiful and the food looks so delicious!!

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  31. So beautiful. The food is drool worthy!

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  32. So nice to see some real food rather than artistic pretty food that so many places serve nowadays

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  33. Baltimore in the spring is so pretty. You have actually encouraged me to visit again.

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  34. the food and atmosphere looks awesome

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  35. Haven't thought about visiting Baltimore before but will see if we can fit it in on our next visit to the eastern USA.

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  36. I've only been to Baltimore once, but it looks like I missed out on so much! I'm going to have to visit again :)

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  37. Never been to Baltimore but these photos sure do make me want to visit, especially the ice cream photos! YUMMY!

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  38. I have not been to Baltimore in many years. Great photos! They make me want to go back.

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  39. I’ve never been to Baltimore! I’d go there just for the crab and seafood!!

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  40. Those beef medallions looked so good! It's awesome that they accommodated Piper so well at the hotel. I have a Husky named Jaxx and it's nice to find good, quality pet friendly hotels. He's my baby, so I take him everywhere with me too!

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  41. Oh my goodness so many places to go. I love how when you slow down and really look at your hometown or places you been a thousand times you can always find something new.
    SHIRLEYSYMON@YAHOO.COM

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  42. The pit beef sliders look delicious!

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  43. This is great! I would love to visit here someday and this gave me plenty of ideas!

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  44. I have never visited and I would LOVE to so adding it to my bucket list!

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  45. wow the food looks so yummy i wish i could try it

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  46. I have always wanted to visit Camden Yards. I hear it is a beautiful place to experience a baseball game.

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  47. I have never been to Baltimore but I love the beautiful pictures that you posted and they really make me want to visit Baltimore. The foods look so delicious and now I want to go.

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  48. I love your foodie pictures. I’m craving your omelet. Brunch tomorrow!

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  49. I've never been to Baltimore, but it looks like a wonderful place to visit! The food looks great, and of course I would love to try the ice cream!

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  50. They should definitely change the name of the old song to "Please come to Baltimore"

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  51. derpandlanamomma@gmail.comAugust 24, 2018 at 4:49 PM

    Baltimore is the very best!!!!!!

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  52. That mall looks awesome! And the Skybar sounds like my kind of place!

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  53. beautiful pictures! I love the ice cream pic!
    thanks for sharing! xoxoxo

    www.meandbella.com

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  54. I think with the information you gave us...we could all enjoy a Baltimore breakfast

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  55. I used to live in Virginia but didn't visit Baltimore until this summer when I flew back to visit family. Love the pics of hotel!

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  56. Covered a lot in this post...about some of the attractions & your favorite spots in Baltimore.

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  57. Thank you so much for sharing the best in baltimore i really love reading your blog, More blogs please ����

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  58. Wish I could go to Baltimore...

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  59. I love your white Anthropologie duster top! ������

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