With the holidays coming up in a few weeks and being passionate Baltimorons, the other Rollers and I pulled together a list of our favorite local Baltimore shopping spots. From old school Polish butchers to chic home good stores, our picks span a variety of interests and geographic locations in Baltimore City and County. We hope that if you’re in the area, you’ll show these establishments some love and opt to support small businesses that make Baltimore unique.
Maryn’s Pick: Becket Hitch (Lutherville)
I like to think of them as my secret arsenal for cute, unique finds. They have a nice variety of trinkets, housewares, books, accessories and more. It’s pretty much a candy store for someone like me who loves filling every empty spot in their home with fun and fashionable finds.
beckethitch.com
Kandice’s Pick: KSM Candle Co. (Seton Hill)
It stands for Knits, Soy and Metal. The shop is located in Seton Hill. They carry aromatherapy products, including bath tea, incense, and their famous Old Bay candle — and yes, it is Old Bay scented. Plus, if you’re looking for a fun date night idea, they host a candle making workshop, which is super fun. Everything in the shop is made in Baltimore.
Visit: knitssoyandmetal.com
Derek’s Pick: Trohv (Hampden)
Trohv might be the best gift shop in Baltimore or really any other city I’ve traveled to. The owners curate everything from the work of local artists to the antique and reclaimed furniture the store’s wares sit on. Its creative displays change seasonally and are worth the trip to Hampden alone. I go at least once a month to see what’s new. I have collected way too many Rollbahn notebooks because of it.
Visit: trohvshop.com
Chad’s Pick: Race Pace Bicycles (Towson)
These guys have several locations in the Baltimore area, but my experience has mostly been with the Towson location. I’ve built two “dream bikes” to spec with them, and they’ve always been great about making suggestions on components or fit, as well as any other necessary riding gear. On top of that, they always take care of me from a maintenance standpoint. They keep me out on the trails. Sometimes I go in there just to shoot the breeze because they also share a passion for bikes, the outdoors, and of course, beer. They never try to upsell me, which is something that I can say is a major turnoff for me that I’ve experienced in other bike shops.
Visit: racepacebicycles.com
Andrew Woods’ Pick: Second Chance (Carroll Park)
Second Chance is a non-profit with a storefront in Baltimore full of unique reclaimed goods. Any home improvement project can get a unique touch with a stroll through Second Chance.
Visit: secondchanceinc.org
Noah’s Pick: Normal’s Books (Waverly)
A great place to find records and books, especially of the obscure variety.
Visit: normals.com
Andrew Javorsky’s Pick: Dudek’s Delicatessen and Butcher Shop (Essex)
This is an old school Polish butcher shop. I go there frequently for stuff when I make sausage. They tell you where the meat came from, how old it is, etc. and can order anything you want. Nothing like a good, local butcher.
Visit: yelp.com/biz/dudeks-delicatessen-and-butcher-shop-essex
Ryan’s Pick: Greenwood Farm (Glen Arm)
This farm, which is on Hartford Road going north just past the Gunpowder Falls in Glen Arm, is a mom and pop farm stand that has the best produce around in the summer. They are seasonal, only open on weekends, and only take cash, but their cantaloupes are the best I’ve ever had.
Andrew Clark’s Pick: Celebrated Summer Records (Hampden)
This record store is one of the first places I visited on my first trip to Baltimore following a show in Station North. Tony, the owner, is an OG punk, a fellow edgeman, and very knowledgeable about all sorts of music.
Visit: facebook.com/Celebrated-Summer-Records-102268616492594/
Han’s Pick: Priya Means Love (Online)
I really love all of the natural and organic hair/skin/body/fragrance goods maker Priya Narasimha crafts under the business name Priya Means Love. Her stuff is wonderful and makes a thoughtful, locally made gift. All of it is vegetarian, and most of it is also vegan. You can find her stuff at a lot of local maker events in the city and her Etsy store.
Visit: etsy.com/people/PriyaMeansLove