Cheswolde - Baltimore, MD

With history spanning back to the 18th century, Cheswolde underwent numerous changes as it grew into the residential district it represents today. Originally used as an expansive farmland, a mill was erected along the Western Run stream and subsequently damaged in a flood in 1868. Most of the present-day Cheswolde architecture was built in the 1950s and 1960s, as a result of Baltimore's growth and expansion to the north. A hidden gem within central Cheswolde, families in search of a fun Sunday afternoon outing should not miss out on the Amaranthine Museum on Clipper Park Road. Navigate your way through the labyrinth of artwork representing the life work of the late Les Harris. The floors, walls and ceilings become the art in many areas of the museum, making for a unique and exciting experience. The museum includes a treasure hunt to engage children. The suggested donation for admittance costs only $5 per person.

While Cheswolde has little in the way of restaurants or bars within the neighborhood proper, residents only need to head west to Reisterstown Road for a wide variety of options, collecting authentic international cuisine, chain restaurants, energetic nightlife establishments and gourmet fine dining all within blocks of one another. Known by many locals as the best place for Cajun and Creole food in Baltimore, Ethel's Creole Kitchen can be found east of Cheswolde along Sulgrave Avenue. Order the signature jambalaya for a serving of what the Baltimore Sun called "one of the best single-dish meals in Baltimore." If you're planning to stop by on the weekend for dinner, be sure to call ahead, as seating fills up quickly. Located on the corner of Kelly Avenue and Newbury Street, The Nickel Taphouse specializes in gourmet burgers paired with an extensive list of craft beers. Fans of high-quality meat can order the Beef on Weck with a side of horseradish for the owner's take on a Buffalo dish, beef on kummelweck. Not sure what you want to drink? The staff happily make beer recommendations based on your order to ensure a perfect pairing with your meal. The nightlife scene surrounding Cheswolde keeps things low-key with a number of pubs and full-bar service restaurants, which make for great spots to reminisce with an old friend over drinks. Those looking to dance the night away should head further south into Baltimore to meet their needs. The Mt. Washington Tavern focuses on presentation and ambiance, creating a great environment to unwind. Decorated in local and Chesapeake Bay-inspired artwork, the tavern serves a familiar Baltimore seafood menu in addition to pub staples. The staff excels in recommending wine pairings, and the extensive beer list and complex cocktail selection ensures even the most disparate group can find a drink to their liking.

Cheswolde residents take full advantage of the range of transportation services Baltimore provides to make travel throughout the city and beyond convenient. Drive east along Kelly Avenue to reach Interstate 83, or west to Routes 129 and 140. In addition to both Uber and Lyft, a variety of taxi cab companies service Baltimore, and cabs can be found relatively easily on Kelly Avenue or Greenspring Avenue. Bus stops provided to the city by the Maryland Transit Administration dot the majority of the major roads in the area. Public parking can be difficult to find in most of the residential areas, though it comes available cheaply along Cross Country Boulevard. Due to its residential nature, Cheswolde residents rely heavily on their cars to get around, as most locals need to travel a number of blocks to reach nearby stores and restaurants.

Running along the southern edge of Cheswolde, Western Run Park follows the stream as it winds its way through Baltimore. Bring your dog along on a scenic walk beside the freely-accessible park's tree line, or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the stream's banks with your family. Open for the first weekend in May each year, the Towson Town Spring Festival attracts residents from all over Maryland to join in the annual celebration. Local and international acts perform across four entertainment stages, and over 450 vendors set up each year to sell food, art and other general merchandise.

Cheswolde's cost of living averages out to around 10 percent higher than the Baltimore average, and one month's rent for a typical one-bedroom apartment averages at $894. A day-pass for the MTA allowing use of both the bus and metro subway costs $3.50. Local pubs charge around $5 for a pint of beer, and the Baltimore gas-price average hovers 6 percent above the nation's average.

Cheswolde proper lacks a major shopping hub or any central commercial locations. Residents travel just north of the neighborhood to visit the Greenspring Shopping Center to knock out a number of errands in one trip. Stock up on groceries at Shoppers before getting prescriptions filled at the Rite Aid Pharmacy. Miller's Deli makes for a great spot to pick up a chicken Caesar salad, and you can rent a couple movies at the Redbox for a night-in before you head home. Head east of Cheswolde along Sulgrave Avenue to check out the gorgeous window displays of the Something Else boutique. While there, stop in to browse the racks of unique and one-of-a-kind vintage clothing, and women's accessories. Bargain shoppers frequent the shop for its 50-percent-off clearance racks. The selection rotates often, and changes with the season, so be sure to come back if you don't quite find what you're looking for. La Chic Boutique holds a large variety and wide choice of clothing and accessories. This high-end consignment shop carries bath items, kitchen gadgets, and baby gifts. Complimentary gift wrapping makes this the best store to visit for gifts of any kind. Located on the Pimlico Race Course parking lot on the corner of Park Heights and Belvedere Avenue, the Park Heights Community Farmers Market marks Cheswolde's nearest producers-only market. Open every Wednesday from June through November, the farmers market hosts a number of musical acts and children's events each year, in addition to a wide variety of vendors stalls selling fresh baked bread, locally-grown produce, and handmade arts and crafts.