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Baltimore Shopping

Photo Credit: Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association

For those who are looking for paradise in the shopping world “X” marks the spot right here in Baltimore, Maryland. In the words of John Waters, the favorite son of Baltimore, “You’ll never discover a stranger city with such extreme style. It’s as if every eccentric in the South decided to move north, ran out of gas in Baltimore, and decided to stay.” Baltimore is boutique bliss!

If you have even the slightest passion for fashion you need to indulge yourself for at least one day during your trip and go shopping. This city has many quirky and eclectic shops, from fine antiques to nouveau decor, doorknockers to dinner bells, flea markets to farmers markets. But here is one bit of advice before you set out on your shopping adventure — take a car! This port city’s sprawling neighborhoods each has its own squadron of must-see boutiques. (If you decide on taxis, residents say no matter where you go in town, the ride seems to cost around $5).

Downtown Fell’s Point is Baltimore’s answer to New York’s SoHo, only the neighborhood stores are smaller, quirkier and less about designer clothes than unusual finds, often by local artists. If you want designer clothes, you want the newly renovated Ruth Shaw boutique — a temple for the rich Baltimoreans. Think Gaultier, Marc Jacobs and Narciso Rodriguez. Think a silk gown by Oliver Theyskiens marked down from $2,200 to $100, and Jimmy Choos marked down from a towering $400 to a humble $130. If you are looking for truly unique, never-find-anywhere-else-ever, head to In Watermelon Sugar. Here you’ll find things like picture frames made out of salvaged boat wood. This store is filled with items that make the shopping here worth the trip.

End your day on a high note by making your way to the super-cool Canton neighborhood for Cloud 9. This trendy clothing shop is situated in a sprawling warehouse that used to house the American Can Manufacturing Plant. Recently, Pascale Lemaire, the fashion editor of Baltimore Magazine, was there, busy pulling clothes for an upcoming spread. We are talking HOT!

Hamden Merchants
Atomic Books
Baltimore Clayworks
Brassworks Company
Falls Road Antiques
Gomez Gallery
Harborplace and the Gallery at Harborplace
Jurus
Lexington Market
Ma Petite Shoe
Menvu
Paper Rock Scissors
Village Flower Mart
Wild Yam Pottery