Reisterstown, MD

Older than most of the surrounding area, the site of Reisterstown dates back to the middle of the 18th century when German immigrant John Reister built a tavern named "Reister's Desire" on what later became Reisterstown Road.

Those in search of live entertainment do not have to travel far as The Gordon Center for Performing Arts can be found on the Jewish Community Center's campus just west of Reisterstown at 3506 Gwynnbrook Avenue. The line-up national stand-up and improvisational comedy acts, dance troupes and a wide variety of musical performers. The Gordon Center also houses the annual Baltimore Jewish Film Festival.

If you're up for a trip into the city, the Baltimore Museum of Art remains free year-round for both local residents and any visiting family or friends you might bring along.

The laid-back and friendly atmosphere of Riesterstown carries over into its restaurants and nightlife. Head on down to Route 140, also known as Main Street, to find a wide variety of restaurants spanning Baltimore classics and international cuisine.

Located at 509 Main Street, Reter's Crabhouse attracts many frequent visitors for its take on the traditional Baltimore seafood style. Order the snow crab clusters with a side of hush puppies for a perfect pairing of sweet and savory. Those after a cold beer to wash it all down should try and make it out for happy hour, which presents a variety of great deals in addition to $5 burgers.

El Paraiso can be found along route 140 between Austin Road and Roaches Lane and should not be missed by those who enjoy El Salvadorian-styled food. This cozy and unassuming establishment serves some of the best flank steak in Riesterstown, and the skirt steak and shrimp combo can satisfy even the hungriest of patrons. Vegetarians are welcome and can modify much of the menu to accommodate their needs.

Family-owned and run, Sonny Lee’s Hunan Taste has been built up by Mr. and Mrs. Lee into a spot so well-known for its high quality of service and homemade dumplings that many living within Baltimore consider the restaurant well worth a trip out of the city. Order the Peking Duck to try the signature dish of Sonny Lee's Hunan Taste carved fresh at your table.

Those looking for a place to catch the Orioles game with some friends can find plenty of sports bars all along Main Street. If you are after a more classic pub experience, the Full Moon Pub and Grill over on 1100 Westminster Road should fit your needs nicely. The large variety of craft beers rotate seasonally. Spacious tables and patio seating make Full Moon Pub and Grill a great place to go out with a group of friends. In addition to happy hour, food and drink specials occur daily, but check the website to remain abreast of upcoming holiday events hosted each year.

Interstate 795 runs along Reisterstown's western edge and Routes 140, 795, 30 and 128 intersect at the neighborhood's northern edge, making travel by automobile throughout the surrounding area easy. Baltimore taxi cab companies service the Reisterstown area, though you should call ahead as finding a stray cab to hail in the neighborhood can prove difficult. Alternatively, consider Uber, whose service area extends to this area. The Maryland Transit Administration provides Reisterstown locals with bus stops all along Main Street.

Public parking is free along most side streets and cheap public parking can be found along Main Street as well. Reisterstown lacks designated bike lanes on the road, and due to the neighborhood's spread-out nature along Route 140, it's difficult to walk across the area.

The Hannah More Park in central Reisterstown provides locals with a wealth of ways to spend time out in the fresh air with friends and family. The picnic area, pavilion and playground surround an expansive field, making the perfect place for a weekend family excursion. Bring your dog along to run off-leash in the sectioned-off B.A.R.C. park, or check out the skate park featuring a mini-half pipe, grind rails and much more. The Reisterstown Festival runs in Hannah More Park each year in the beginning of September. Fun for the whole family, the festival includes a parade, live music, food and crafts vendors, car and motorcycle shows, a children's area and much more.

The cost of living in Reisterstown averages 13 percent more than the Baltimore average. One bedroom apartments in the area cost on average around $850. An MTA transfer-friendly day pass costs $3.50 and works with both the local buses and the Baltimore metro subway. A pint should run you around $5 at local pubs, and Reisterstown gas prices hover around 3 percent higher than the national average.

While Main Street remains busy with stores, restaurants and bars throughout Reisterstown, the corner of Chartley Drive and Main Street contains both the Chartley Shopping Center and the Landmark Shopping Center, making it a convenient location for residents to dine and shop all at once. The nearest shopping mall, the Owning Mills Mall, can be found to the southeast along Interstate 795 for those in search of a place to browse the latest in name brand apparel.

Bargain shoppers should stop by Tickled Pink in northeast Reisterstown at 4825 Butler Road. Carrying an array of brands and styles for women, men and children, Tickled Pink promises high-quality goods at affordable prices. The shop is stocked from wall to wall with clothes, shoes, handbags and accessories, and updates its line frequently with new products and discounts, so be sure to check back if you can't find what you're looking for.

The historic home serving as the Tickled Pink & Posh Party Boutique shares its roof with another local favorite specialty shop. The Boxwood Collection presents shoppers with a unique selection of trinkets, gifts and little treasures, including candles, jewelry and decorations. The Boxwood Collection hosts a number of holiday and one-time events which bring in local and national artists and allow patrons to purchase their wares.

Mars Super Markets, Food Lion and Aldi represent local options for grocery store chains and can be found all along Main Street throughout Reisterstown. The nearest farmers market, the Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar on Holliday and Saratoga Streets, is about 24 miles away. It runs from April through December each year and is the largest producers-only market in Maryland.