John Waters’ Baltimore

This stylish John Waters favorite features a retro palette and furnishings, with a name inspired by a group of visionary Hampdenites. Rocket to Venus itself is full of vision, intended to be a place where nice neighbors can gather, grab a good meal, and then linger and drink into the night.

This longtime favorite breakfast spot can’t be missed—literally. Papermoon Diner’s colorful exterior and collection of mannequins on the lawn are nothing compared to the inside. A cornucopia of kitsch awaits with thousands of Pez dispensers, Barbie dolls and other pop culture figurines hanging from the ceiling and adorning the walls.

Papermoon Diner is known for its eclectic decor, both outside and inside.

A fine dining establishment masquerading as a dive bar, Peter’s Inn has a special place in Waters’ heart as its original owner, Peter Denzer, starred in his film “Desperate Living.” All the meals on the hand-written menu are fresh and locally sourced, with standouts being the steak and the famous garlic bread.

Book lovers and John Waters fans shouldn’t miss visiting Baltimore’s legendary indie bookstore, specializing in small press, graphic novels, contemporary art and literature. And, indeed, Waters does receive fan mail at Atomic Books. Don’t forget to stop at the bar in the back to try Union Craft Brewing’s “Divine” I.P.A.

Enjoy Atomic Books’ vast collection of graphic novels, art books and literature.

This Mount Washington bookshop fills 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.

John Waters names Normal’s Books & Records his favorite used book shop in town. This collectively run shop is overflowing with good stuff, and has been voted “Best of Baltimore” time and again by City Paper.

Located across the street from the Charles Theater, Club Charles has been one of Waters’ favorite locales since the 1970s. Bathe in the neon lights, grab a drink and dance along to the classic rock coming from the retro jukebox.

Located on the bottom floor of a red brick building topped with a massive billboard, Metro Baltimore belies its ho-hum exterior. Described by Waters as a “modern bohemia,” the space draws an artsy crowd for dance parties, drag shows, art exhibits and live music.

Enjoy a night out and listen to great bands and performances from a Black Sabbath tribute band to live DJs at the Shamrock Inn, named one of Baltimore’s best dive bars by Baltimore magazine.

Visit this museum of self-taught artistry to see the larger-than-life statue of John Waters’ dear friend and star in many of his films, Divine. The outside of the American Visionary Art Museum is just as eye-catching as the inside with permanent and rotating exhibitions.

One of the many works of art outside the American Visionary Art Museum, located in Federal Hill.

Despite his short career, actor Glenn Milstead lives on thanks to transcendent appeal of his dynamic blonde stage character, Divine. You can pay your respects at the Prospect Hill cemetery in Towson, MD, about 25 minutes from downtown Baltimore. Divine devotees are known for leaving love notes and lipstick kisses to show their appreciation for the fabulous person who lived live to the fullest.

This drive-in movie theater was featured in John Waters’ film Cecil B. Demented. One of the last remaining old fashioned outdoor theaters in the country, Bengies features the latest blockbusters alongside retro throwbacks.

Once called the Baltimore Film Festival and held on the University of Baltimore’s campus, this celebration of cinema was where Waters debuted Pink Flamingos, which sold out three consecutive screenings. He remains a heavy influence and supporter of the festival, which is now known as the Maryland Film Festival and takes place in Station North Arts & Entertainment District at the beautiful SNF Parkway Theatre.

This Art Deco landmark is considered one of the best theaters in the United States and is where John Waters has premiered most of his films. These days, the Senator screens classic revivals like The Princess Bride and a small selection of new releases, plus an anime series.

The only theater 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.

The Charles Theatre has been a staple in Station North since 1939.