Get Away: Baltimore on a Budget

Make a quick escape to Charm City without breaking the bank.

A paper leaf collage at 3 Bean Coffee. Photo by Eliza Berkon.

Out and About

If a morning latte is a must, 3 Bean Coffee is a mere 10-minute walk from the Stay Alfred and sits at the entrance to the city’s Federal Hill neighborhood. The food menu at 3 Bean is ample for a coffee joint, including all-day breakfast and a variety of toasts (goat cheese and honey may be the new avocado). Breakfast and a jolt of caffeine will set you back about $10-$15, but it’s worth every penny. Plus, this is a great spot for Instagram photo ops, including a wall mural made of paper leaves on which community members answer the query, “What makes you feel alive?”

Baltimore’s American Visionary Art Museum. Photo by Jason Varney (courtesy of Visit Baltimore)

After that morning recharge, there are plenty of nearby places to visit. Consider hitting the Maryland Science Center (which has a “Wine and Dinosaurs” evening planned later this month for $40) or the American Visionary Art Museum, where a $15.95 ticket opens the doors to a quirky, magical world of works by self-taught artists, from a Giant WhirliGig sculpture to a hand-crocheted “horse dress.” Some of the museum walls are covered with colorful mosaics by local youth.

Cross Street Market (courtesy photo)

Come lunchtime, you can eat your way through the Cross Street Market, feasting on choices ranging from poke, Vietnamese noodle bowls and vegan beet burgers to local craft beers and spirits. The market was founded in 1846 and reopened earlier this year after a major renovation.

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Artscape Baltimore. Photo by Justin Tsucalas (courtesy of Visit Baltimore)

Summertime also brings Artscape Baltimore, a massive, free street festival featuring live music on three outdoor stages, visual arts installations, dance, street theater, poetry workshops, food and more than 100 artisans and craftspeople. This year’s festival is July 19-21.


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