A Tour of Hamilton-Lauraville
Located in northeast Baltimore, Hamilton-Lauraville is lauded for its abundant shopping corridor and stellar food scene.
Hamilton-Lauraville is a booming network of neighborhoods—the eponymous Hamilton, Hamilton Hills and Lauraville, as well as Arcadia, Beverly Hills, Moravia-Walther, Morgan Park and Waltherson—along Harford Road in northeast Baltimore. What was once a rural farming community is now a lively corridor celebrated for its food and shopping scenes, though it still honors its roots with its famous Tuesday farmer’s market at The Lot on Harford Road. Here, you’ll find Mayor Scott’s favorite crab cakes, locally made goods and a theater company that only performs works written by women. Not to mention Herring Run Park, a welcome 375-acre woodland oasis in the middle of a bustling city.
Things to Do in Hamilton-Lauraville
Named the best shopping district by Baltimore magazine in 2021, Hamilton-Lauraville is a haven for fashionistas, bibliophiles, music junkies and more! Spend the day wandering in and out of shops along Harford Road. Discover local and regionally crafted arts and home goods at Found Studio Shop, feast your eyes on the colorful flora at second-generation family business The Flower Cart or browse for bling at Lakein’s Jewelers, which has been in the neighborhood since 1934. After grabbing a cup of coffee from Zeke’s Coffee, head next door to the recently-opened Snug Books, which boasts an extensive children’s section (including an impressive Spanish-language selection). If music’s your preferred medium, wander across the street to Wax Atlas Record and Stereo Exchange, where you can buy and sell records, vinyls, CDs and cassettes. Find thoughtfully crafted candles, decor and jewelry at Tortuga, sign up for a sewing class at Domesticity Fabric Shop, and shop recycled and lightly used craft supplies at Aunt Hazel.
Hamilton-Lauraville is also home to a budding arts scene. Stroll into Hamilton Arts Collective, a volunteer-run cooperative gallery and performance troupe that supports and displays the creative works of its members. Or, attend a performance at The Strand, Baltimore’s only brick-and-mortar theater space to solely perform works written by female-identifying playwrights.
Take a break from your shopping spree at Herring Run Park. This 375-acre urban oasis features sprawling woodland, a scenic stream, picnic areas, hiking paths, ball fields and playgrounds. Keep your eyes peeled for great blue heron, white egret, fox and deer!
Alternatively, unwind with meditation, massage therapy, martial arts classes or wellness products from TNAT Holistic Wellness Center, a community-focused organization on a mission to help you bring your mind, spirit and body in harmony with one another.
End the day at Koco’s Pub and treat yourself to what Mayor Brandon Scott swears are the best crab cakes in town.
Hamilton-Lauraville Restaurants
It’s not hard to find great food in Baltimore, and Hamilton-Lauraville is no exception. Here are just a few great places to eat in Hamilton-Lauraville if you’re looking for a break from your exploration.
Events in Hamilton-Lauraville
There’s always something happening in Hamilton-Lauraville. Get a true feel for the neighborhood at these can’t-miss events.
Celebrations of Businesses
Hamilton-Lauraville celebrates its businesses every day, but it invites vendors from across the city to the Lot for a Celebration of Black-Owned Businesses in October and a Celebration of Women-Owned Businesses in May, both of which are jointly hosted by the local Baltimore Main Street organization and The Cube Cowork – the largest Black-women-owned coworking space in the country, which is located in the heart of Hamilton-Lauraville! Plus, podcaster Aaron Dante records his acclaimed show No Pix After Dark in Hamilton-Lauraville, and he frequently invites local business owners, makers and city leaders on to discuss their contributions to Charm City.
First Fridays
See Hamilton-Lauraville in a new light on the first Friday of every month, when many businesses offer extended hours, special discounts and fun programming. In addition to these deals, First Friday celebrations typically include live music and performances, art exhibitions and child-friendly activities.
Hamilton-Lauraville Lodging
Check out these hotels near Hamilton-Lauraville and keep an eye out for special deals.