Fallstaff - Baltimore, MD

The Baltimore territory was settled in the 1600s and founded as a town in 1729, named after the founder of Maryland, Lord Baltimore. Within Baltimore, the Fallstaff neighborhood took off during the early 1900s with the construction of the historic Samester Parkway Apartment complex in 1936, one of the first Federal Housing Administration housing projects; post-WWII saw another home and population boom. A large Jewish population migrated to the northwest part of Baltimore in the late 19th century, lasting within the ethnic mix of contemporary Fallstaff.

Speaking of the Jewish ethnic portion of the region, head into downtown Baltimore for artifacts, art, and exhibits of culture and history at the Jewish Museum of Maryland. The Encouraging Kids to Dream performing arts studio in neighboring Pikesville empowers young people through the arts of acting, voice and dance in a safe environment, with the opportunity to travel and participate in productions.

Dine at a varied combination of ethic and casual restaurants in the Fallstaff area, primarily located on Reistertown Road with a few on Smith Avenue.

Located on Smith Avenue, Mimi's Mediterranean Grille reflects the cultural mix in the area with its Egyptian cuisine. Locals come for the specialty Egyptian pizzas, cooked in a true brick-oven style on cords of wood. The restaurant also serves authentic Mediterranean specialties, such as falafel and kebabs, along with Egyptian soups, salads and sandwiches. The friendly family owners get to know regulars on a more personal level, and, in turn, patrons come back time and again for quick and casual meals at a great price.

The most popular local spot for Mexican food, the Mari Luna Mexican Grill on Reistertown Road has been serving up classic dishes for over a decade. A hole-in-the-wall eatery with a compact yet comfortable interior, the brightly-colored room and festive music give way to an attentive staff which quickly seats customers and serves them complimentary chips and salsa. The entrees similarly come out fast, with piping hot empanadas, carnitas and fajitas along with daily specials such as Chicken Mole. Well-priced huge portions provide value for the money spent, while the BYOB policy encourages you to bring in your favorite drinks.

After dinner, spend some of the night at the nearby handful of bars and pubs. Pikes Cinema Bar and Grill combines a diner and sports bar with a unique cinema-style decor; you can often catch local acts and bands playing at the venue, and they even have a dancing room. Head to The New 5 Mile House on Reistertown Road for a classy, hopping club which combines music, dance, and karaoke for a great experience.

Fallstaff residents use the local roads in the area for travel, but also commonly access public transportation. Important neighborhood thoroughfares include Fallstaff Road, Reistertown Road and Park Heights Avenue, while the major highways Interstate 695 and Interstate 83 lie a short drive west and east, respectively. The neighborhood has plenty of free parking available, and while there are no bike lanes, the abundant sidewalks and quiet residential areas make great spaces for safely walking or biking.

Call up Arrow Cab, or use the Uber smartphone application for driver services in the area. Public transportation plays a large part in the daily lives of local residents, with stations such as the Rogers Avenue Metro Station sitting within close proximity to the neighborhood, providing MTA local and express buses as well as the Metro Subway; an MTA Light Rail Station awaits down Smith Avenue. People use these options for commuting to key working and business destinations in Downtown Baltimore.

Parks in and around Fallstaff consist of delightful spaces for exercise, fun or relaxation. Toward the center of the neighborhood off of Park Heights Avenue, a soccer field and baseball field allow recreational play for the sports-minded individual, while you can take your kids to the small children's playground on Fallstaff Road.

A very short distance north from Fallstaff into Pikesville sits The Suburban Club golf course, nestled within 120 acres of peaceful suburban land. About a 10-minute drive northeast from Fallstaff takes you to the Robert E. Lee Park, providing a little something for everyone. Take the children to the playground, picnic on the tables near the picturesque waters of the dam, or hike through the nature trails. Available free of charge, the park also permits you to bring your dog with only a leashing requirement; however, the specific off-leash dog run area requires a small membership fee.

The Robert E. Lee Park hosts many activities and events throughout the year, such as a bike rodeo for kids featuring an obstacle course, safety tips, and a bike tour of the park. The Cherry Pie Hike, held in February, celebrates George Washington's birthday through an informed hike, concluding with a themed dessert.

The affordable housing and lifestyle in Fallstaff yields a cost of living slightly below the national average and about on par with the rest of the city of Baltimore. Those seeking a one-bedroom apartment should be able to find something for a rental price of about $917 per month.

Ride the local MTA buses, Metro Subway or Light Rail in the Fallstaff area for a price of $1.60, or use the express buses for $2 to get around the region. Beers at the neighborhood bars and pubs cost about $5, while gas prices sit about 1 percent less expensive than the national average.

Shop for goods in Fallstaff at the many stores throughout the area, with a particularly strong presence on Reistertown Road. You can purchase general clothing at the Burlington Coat Factory in the Reistertown Road Plaza, featuring brand-name apparel and accessories for men, women and children. The shopping center also has a Marshalls for brand clothing at a discount.

For a specialized boutique in Fallstaff, visit Shifra Green Couture on Labrynth Road for custom wedding gowns and other formal-event dresses. From the initial planning to selecting the fabric, to the eventual finished product and fitting, the designer works with each customer every step of the way. Besides custom gowns and dresses, Shifra Green Couture also alters and tailors any formal wear items you currently own, a convenient service for neighborhood residents.

A unique local business on Park Heights Avenue, Murray Galleries carries a huge selection of vintage, original and antique posters and prints. Posters cover distinguished artists representing many genres, and a lot of these come from international origins, such as French, Polish and Italian pieces. Murray Galleries expertly frames your purchase from their over 200 styles of hardwood frames.

Purchase groceries and other essentials at the Giant Foods Supermarket on Reistertown Road. A dedicated local farmers market awaits in neighboring Pikesville from May through October, selling fresh goods and produce from a variety of vendors.