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John Waters' Baltimore

John Waters has long been inspired by the sights and sounds of his hometown, Baltimore. We invite you to discover the city, people and places that feed delightfully the demented mind of Waters and gave birth his long list of classic films, including two broadway plays, Cry-Baby and Hairspray.

Spend a few days visiting some of his favorite hangouts and haunts, from Café Hon, where you can order their famous "Hontinental" breakfast to the American Visionary Art Museum, where you will find a larger than statue of the larger than life star of many of his films, Divine.Hotels

Hotels

Inn at The Colonnade
4 West University Parkway
Baltimore, MD 21218
www.colonnadebaltimore.com
410.235.5400

A favored place of stay for John Waters, The Inn at The Colonnade Baltimore, a Doubletree Hotel is located across from Johns Hopkins University, less than four miles from Baltimore's CBD and historic Inner Harbor, and only 20 minutes from BWI International Airport in Maryland.

Tremont Hotel
222 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
www.tremontsuitehotels.com
410.727.2222

Experience the luxury of one of John Waters' favorite hotels, the elegant comfort of the all-suite accommodations, where it doesn't take a household name to receive star treatment. At the downtown Baltimore Maryland hotels, personalized touches such as complimentary newspapers, and free high-speed Internet are made available to all of our guests.

 

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Restaurants

Rocket to Venus
3360 Chestnut Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21211
www.rockettovenus.com
410.235.7887

Visit Hampden's new hipster haven with restaurant, corner bar, and gathering space. A favorite of John Waters that features a great style filled with a retro palette and furnishings. Its name inspired by the local legend concerning a group of visionary Hampdenites, Rocket to Venus itself is full of mission and vision. It means to be a place where nice neighbors can gather, grab a good meal, and then linger and drink into the night.

Sascha's 527
527 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
www.saschas.com
410.539.8880

A Baltimore treasure and a favorite of John Waters' located in Mt. Vernon, this "drop dead sexy" restaurant serves wonderfully creative and deliciously tasteful food.

 

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Shops

Atomic Books & Atomic Pop 
3620 Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21211
410.366.1004

Find novels, films, cds and an assortment of John Waters' favorite collections. It is also where John Waters receives his fan mail. Atomic Pop, brought to you by the same owners of Atomic Books is a favorite must see of John Waters. Atomic Pop specializes in collectible toys, Japanese imports, DIY crafts and other odditities. Be sure to check out Atomic Books, as well, for zines, commix, and art books.

The Ivy Bookshop
6080 Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21211
www.ivybookshop.com
410.377.2966

It's John Waters and others who are giving a best-of nod to Mount Washington's Ivy Bookshop for filling its shelves with new fiction, poetry, and literary criticism, not to mention tons of books on art, kids, nature, photography, history, reference, travel and much more. The generous biography section and lineup of staff recommendations illustrates the Ivy's literary bent, and you know it's just good for the soul to gaze at shelves of fiction not dominated by dozens of copies of the latest top - 10 titles.

Normal's Books and Records
425 E. 31st Street
Baltimore, MD 21218
www.normals.com
410.243.6888

John Waters names Normal's Books and Records his favorite used book shop in town. A collectively run shop in Baltimore, seventeen years strong, overflowing with good stuff, and voted "Best of Baltimore" time & again by the City Paper.

Killer Trash
602 South Broadway
Baltimore, MD 21231
410.625.2449

This small shop is where John Waters often shops for most of his film characters' costumes. It offers an amazing amount of goodies from costume jewelry to Hawaiian shirts and funky home accessories

 

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Attractions and Nightlife

The Senator Theater
5904 York Road
Baltimore, MD 21212
www.senator.com
410.435.8338

The Senator is considered one of the best theaters in the United States that shows films from Martin Scorsese's extraordinary concert film to The Rolling Stones. Enjoy upcoming movies like Ironman and Indiana Jones.

Landmark Theatre
645 S. President Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
www.landmarktheatres.com
410.624.2622

Landmark Theatres is the nation's largest theatre chain dedicated to exhibiting and marketing independent film. Landmark is a recognized leader in the industry for providing consistently diverse and entertaining film product in a sophisticated adult-oriented atmosphere to its customers. Visit Baltimore's downtown Inner Harbor location to catch the latest film features.

Kitty Kat Bar
400 W. 23rd Street
Baltimore, MD
www.myspace.com/kittykatbaltimore
410.889.0091

A John Waters' fan favorite, playing the best of John Waters films with a relaxed atmosphere. Filled with reggae music, skateboarding and much more.

Holiday House
6427 Harford Road
Baltimore, MD 21234
410.426.6794

Memorialized by John Waters' 2004 film "A Dirty Shame," the Holiday House captures classic Harford Road culture better than any other bar or restaurant in the area. Bikers swarm the joint and park their impressive, if intimidating, rides outside with pronounced gusto. Inside, this American bar is totally wholesome if you are into vibrant edginess and big character. Hear that great Baltimore accent careening across the room.

Dimitri's Tavern
3820 Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21234
410.889.9545

A Hampden favorite filled with great food and voted the Best Karaoke in Best of Baltimore, 2004.

Shamrock Inn
6044 Harford Road
Hamilton, MD 21214
410.426.9715

Enjoy a night out and listen to great bands and performances from a Black Sabbath tribute to DJs to live bands.

Bengies Drive-In Theatre
3417 Eastern Blvd.
Baltimore, MD
410.687.5627

This drive-in movie theatre was featured in John Waters' film Cecil B. Demented.

C. Grimaldis Gallery
5223 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.539.1080
www.artnet.com/cgrimaldis.html

Waters has exhibited his photographs several times at this art gallery. Enjoy photographs that reveal sharp self-awareness, self-indulgence, smart critique and even genuine inventiveness.

Maryland Diva Statue: Divine
The American Visionary Art Museum
410.244.1900
www.avam.org

A statue of John Waters' dear friend and star in many of his films, Divine.

Charles Theatre
1711 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.825.4266
www.thecharles.com

The only theatre of its kind in Baltimore, The Charles has the unique distinction of offering first-run specialty films in addition to Hollywood movies, foreign films, and cinema classics. The 1150-seat, 23,000 square-foot movie house is located in one of Charles Street's most intriguing historic buildings. When Waters comes to gain inspiration he tends to be a frequent visitor.

Club Charles
1724 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.727.8815

After seeing the world according to John Waters at the Charles Theatre, have a drink at this just-as-locally flavored favorite. Filled with exotic artwork, music and drinks.

 

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Events

Maryland Film Festival
May 7-10, 2009
107 East Read Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
410.752.8083
www.md-filmfest.com

Film screenings throughout the first week of May and for members all year-round. John Waters is a big supporter of this festival. Experience the world of John Waters and all of the similar minds.

Baltimore Book Festival
Mt. Vernon Place 600 Block North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.752.8632
www.baltimorebookfestival.com

Baltimore Literary Heritage Project featuring works by John Waters.