What’s Happening Around the Harbor:

A Powerful Maritime Past Bolsters Preservation of Today’s Waterways

By Alexa Zizzi

Lined with vibrant restaurants, trendy retailers, world-class museums and luxury high-rise apartments, Baltimore’s premier Harbor East neighborhood holds memories of a deep-rooted maritime legacy. Energized by diversity and a vibrant urban population, the area’s high-end establishments are located next to 18th century pubs and mom-and-pop shops, giving Charm City a unique connection to its community. As a major port for shipbuilding and steamship transportation through the 18th and 19th centuries, the city was built by working-class immigrants, seamen and visionary entrepreneurs who paved the way for a booming economy. Canning companies, chandleries, railway, steel and manufacturing flourished in the southeast side of the city, which eventually faced a rough transition into the late 20th century when many of the old industries became obsolete or left town.

Harbor East was left with desolate warehouses and decaying architecture. But by the 1980s, the city began rebuilding its infrastructure and created the thriving neighborhood we see today where visitors can easily dock their boats, wander the waterfront or hop on the water taxi to sightsee its unique neighborhoods. Stroll along the promenade that connects Inner Harbor to the far east side of the water in Canton. Packed with family-fun attractions, the Inner Harbor delights kids of all ages with attractions such as the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, Port Discovery, Children’s Museum and the USS Constellation. Just steps from the marina, walk the cobblestone streets of the historical (and some say haunted) Fells Point neighborhood, where redbrick row houses and old-school saloons look the same as they did centuries ago.

Food, Shopping & Culture Galore

For upscale shopping and fine dining, step out front of the marina and follow the circle around the National Katyń Monument dedicated to Baltimore’s Polish-American community. High-end retailers on Aliceanna Street meet retro mom-and-pop shops intertwined along side streets, offering the best of both worlds to explore. Sample authentic seafood by feasting on crab cakes, jumbo shrimp, and fresh fish and exploring raw bars ranging from Harbor East’s Loch Bar in the Four Seasons Hotel and The Oceanaire Seafood Room, to Thames Street Oyster House a few blocks over in Fells Point.

The ethnic food scene extends to Fells Point’s historic Broadway Market where you can find a European deli, seafood stand, Asian cuisine and a chicken and waffles spot. While shopping in Harbor East, grab lunch from Bambao, Harbor East Deli or RA Sushi. For dinner or a night out, enjoy craft cocktails and bottle service at Blk Swn on Fleet Street or the recently opened Bar One on Lancaster Street.

Just steps away from Harbor East, head over to Little Italy for classic pasta dishes from family-owned restaurants in timeless 19th century row houses. For more history, museums and a mix of traditional and modern restaurants, several neighborhoods are a quick cab ride away. Enjoy upbeat bars and nightlife in Canton Square, or sample culturally diverse restaurants in Highlandtown and Greektown. Head north to admire beautiful architecture in historic Mount Vernon or catch the kitschy and quirky vibe of Hampden. On game days south of the harbor, you’ll see Ravens and Orioles fans fill the bars in Federal Hill, where you can sift through delectable food options from the newly redesigned Cross Street Market and rooftop bar at Watershed. Discover Baltimore’s Civil War past and catch the best view of the city atop Federal Hill Park.

Local Partnerships Help the Community Thrive

As a Certified Clean Marina, Harbor East Marina is dedicated to enriching the unique ecosystem in its urban oasis. The staff prides itself on community engagement by teaming up with local organizations such as the Living Classrooms Foundation, National Aquarium and Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore in efforts to keep the community connected to preserving the Chesapeake Bay. Thanks to programs from Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore, the community works diligently to clean and preserve local waterways with natural approaches. For example, the Great Baltimore Oyster Partnership, a joint program by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Waterfront Partnership, recruits volunteers to plant thousands of oysters in the Bay annually. Do you know that a single oyster filters up to 50 gallons of water per day? One of the most successful programs features the famous Mr. Trash Wheel, a 50-foot-long, googly-eyed mechanical wheel stationed at the mouth of Baltimore waterways absorbing tons of trash and debris that pollute the harbor. To learn more, visit waterfrontpartnership.org/healthy-harbor Another Harbor East Marina partner, The Living Classrooms’ Maritime Education Program emphasizes applied learning — or as they call it — “learning by doing,” with shipboard land and sea programs that serve local students of diverse backgrounds and economic means. In addition to Maritime Education, the Harbor East neighborhood is home to programs including the Crossroads School, Baltimore Urban Gardening with Students (BUGS), Fresh Start Program and customized training for production, warehouse, distribution and Certified Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant certifications.

Directly between Harbor East and Fells Point, Chase’s Wharf is home to the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park, a site dedicated to Baltimore’s diverse nautical past, Chesapeake Marine Railway and Dry Dock Company, the first African American-owned shipyard in the country. The floating classrooms’ historic vessels include the pungy schooner Lady Maryland, skipjack Sigsbee and Chesapeake Bay buyboat Mildred Belle. Just across the water, take a spin along the Inner Harbor on a familyfriendly dragon boat or pirate ship. Visit livingclassrooms.org

DON’T MISS THE TALK OF THE TOWN:

Baltimore’s National Aquarium

In the heart of Inner Harbor, discover amazing aquatic habitats ranging from the tropical rainforest to a northern Australian river gorge and various colorful coral reefs. Catch a glimpse of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins or a jellyfish invasion. Be sure to take advantage of Half-Price Friday Nights, where guests enjoy a fun evening for halfprice tickets after 5:00 p.m. every week. Visit aqua.org.

Alexa Zizzi

National Aquarium Baltimore