Glen - Baltimore, MD Area Guide

With development beginning in the 1920s and continuing through the 1960s, Glen's architecture makes for a varied and beautiful look into the neighborhood's history. As the area continued to grow, the Glen Neighborhood Improvement Association was formed in the late 1960s to assist in the development and maintenance of the neighborhood. Remaining one of the largest communities in the Baltimore's Northern Park Heights area, the neighborhood's motto reads "Glen is a Great Place to Live."

Freely accessible to the public from Wednesday through Sunday each week, the Baltimore Museum of Art in downtown Baltimore makes the perfect destination for a family in search of an afternoon of quiet entertainment. Featuring more than 90,000 works of art and regularly updated exhibits, the Baltimore Museum of Art provides art lovers with enough to make regular repeat visits worthwhile.

After choosing an apartment in Glen, head down Reisterstown Road to be transported across the globe with the authentic flavors of the dozens of popular dining spots in the area. Whether you're in the mood for a romantic night out, a quick and tasty bite to eat, or a place to unwind after a long day's work, Glen has you covered.

Glen locals head to the Silk Road for its take on Uzbek cuisine, one you can't find anywhere else in Baltimore. This upscale restaurant's dimly lit atmosphere and traditional Uzbek music make for a great evening out with your loved ones. Order the samsa and chicken kabob to taste what keeps locals coming back time and time again.

Just northwest of Glen in Pikesville, the Mari Luna Mexican Grill makes the trip worth it for its spicy and flavorful blend of traditional Mexican dishes. Give the shrimp chimichanga a try for a generous portion which blends the Mexican style with shrimp fresh from Chesapeake Bay. This cozy establishment fills up quick despite the fast service, but carry-out is always an option.

Great any time of the day, KB Grill & Wok features a gigantic kosher menu with American, Israeli, and Schezuan influences. The sushi remains a favorite of many regulars. Other popular dishes include the lamb kabobs and sesame chicken.

Those searching for a place to kick back with a good drink and some friends head east of Glen along Kelly Avenue to visit the Nickel Taphouse. This hip establishment attracts an energetic crowd with an extensive list of craft beers and full bar service. The pub food ranks among the best in the city, too, with gourmet takes on classic burger and seafood dishes. If you enjoy the atmosphere but wish things were a little less crowded, stop by on a Tuesday or a Wednesday to enjoy great happy hour deals.

Routes 129 and 140 run through Glen and into downtown Baltimore, making travel into the heart of the city a breeze. In addition to ride-share services such as Uber and Lyft, Baltimore provides locals with a number of taxi cab services. Head down Reisterstown Road if you're looking to hail a taxi.

Due to the residential nature of the Glen area, you can find free public parking along many of the side streets. Major roads such as Reisterstown and Park Heights Avenue incorporate bike lanes for cyclists to take advantage of, and those living close to the businesses along Reisterstown find the area very walkable. The MTA services the area with bus stops all along Reisterstown Road and Park Heights Avenue.

East of Glen along Greenspring Avenue, the Cylburn Arboretum makes for the perfect place to escape into Maryland's natural beauty without even leaving the city. Open from Tuesday through Sunday year-round, the park provides patrons with winding nature trails which lead through the dense forests of carefully-planted and maintained trees spanning back to the 1800s, as well as 20 different themed gardens and habitats. Bring your dog along on-leash to enjoy the scenery or take your children along to participate in one of the annual events hosted at the park, including an Easter egg hunt, nature walks, and outdoor movie nights.

Glen's average cost of living is on par with that of the city of Baltimore, and a typical one-bedroom apartment in Glen rents for about $776 per month. A 24-hour MTA pass good for both the city bus line and metro costs $3.50. Local pubs charge an average of $5 for a pint of beer, and gas prices in the area hover around three percent beneath the national average.

Reisterstown Road carries a number of high-value stores and specialty shops along Glen's western edge. Residents head to the Reisterstown Road Plaza to get a number of shopping errands knocked off in one trip. This convenient shopping center contains Giant Food, Home Depot, Modell's Sporting Goods, and the Shoppers World department store. Other grocery stores in the area include Save-A-Lot and the International Food Market, a great place to stop in for authentic imported Russian and Ukranian food.

Avid collectors and those looking to treat their kids can head northeast of Glen along Quarry Lake Drive to check out the stock at aMuse Toys. The high-quality toys include Uglydolls, models, and board games. Shop online if you don't want to make the trip, or stop by in-store to take advantage of free gift wrapping for any purchase.

La Chic Boutique on Sulgrave Avenue east of Glen stocks a variety of vintage and consignment clothing, making each trip an exciting hunt for discounted hidden gems and unique pieces. The knowledgeable owner loves to help you find exactly what you need, whether you're after a new cocktail dress or something a little more casual. The store carries a variety of jewelry and gift items as well, including locally-made potpourri.

Just southeast of Glen along Park Heights Avenue, the Park Heights Community Farmers Market opens every Wednesday from June through November. Browse the open-air vendor stalls to find a variety of locally grown products, including fresh baked bread, organic produce, and homemade arts and crafts.