“Bringing Fell’s Point Home for the Holidays”
With the growing number of corporate stores moving in and around the city, shopping local is more important than ever. Growing up in Fell’s Point my parents would always shop local, it wasn’t trendy and it wasn’t “Organic” or a tag line for FB, it was just the way we always bought our necessities. It was convenient and the reason we lived in the city. “I would never live somewhere I can’t walk and get a cup of coffee” –Tony Norris, Founder of Bertha’s. There’s a lot of wisdom in that simple statement. If you can walk and get a coffee, you can probably find most other things you need.
This generation can find coffee and a whole lot more. Fell’s Point is full of locally owned retail shops from women’s high-end lingerie, to comic books, and everything in between.
How do I even begin to tell you where to go and how to break it all down? As always, when visiting Fell’s Point, use Bertha’s as your starting and ending place of origin: 734 S. Broadway. Come in for a pint of Bertha’s Best Bitter or maybe a hot buttered rum. Because lets be honest, shopping is always better after a few of those. If you can make it out of the place, say goodbye to Bernard or one of our other tremendously vibrant staff. Go out to Broadway and let the shopping begin:
-“Brightside Boutique”. Say hi to the girls, and pick up something for the fashionable women in your life. Fells Point Owner Operator
http://www.brightsidebaltimore.com
-Next stop is “Poppy and Stella” one of the most highly touted women’s shoe stores in the city.
http://poppyandstella.com
-On to a true neighborhood favorite, “Polina’s Prive”, women’s fine lingerie. Again, Fells Point native, owner operator.
http://polinasprive.com
-Still on the west side of the 700 block of South Broadway is “Capital Mac”. Offering everything from IPhone chargers to the latest and greatest Mac Pro.
http://www.capitolmac.com
-Bargain shopping? “Goodwill” is here with all of your thrift store needs.
-Speaking of thrift stores don’t forget “Killer Trash” on the 600 block of Broadway, west side of the street. They get a special shout out for hanging in there during all the construction from the Market Place project.
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/tag/killer-trash/
If you’re like me and you get around town with more than just your car, hit up “Joe’s Bike Shop” and ride in style. http://www.joesbikeshop.com
Still looking for other options to pedal your a@@ around town? Go to the 400 block of S. Broadway to “Broadway Bikes”, they have been in the neighborhood for decades, selling and repairing bikes for all ages.
http://www.broadwaybicycle.com
Rounding off the 700 block of Broadway is “Party Dress”. There’s plenty in here for the elegant lady. Also Fells Point Owner Operated.
http://www.partydressboutique.com
Am I making any sense yet? This is JUST ONE BLOCK in Fell’s Point. Here are a few other suggestions:
-“The Sound Garden”- Music lover in your life in need of some new tunes or a movie you didn’t even know you wanted? Stop in, seriously, Brian, and the Crew have you covered.
http://www.cdjoint.com
-“Amuse Toys”- It is Christmas for crying out loud, and we all have little ones to gift up! This award winning toy store has called Fells Point home for over a decade. They have been a big part in our community.
http://www.amusetoys.com
-“Su casa”- High end home fashion…Check
http://www.sucasa-furniture.com
-Don’t live in Fells Point but probably really want to? Give yourself the gift of 1631 Lancaster St., directly across the street from Berthas. Don’t just visit, stay longer.
http://www.homesnap.com/MD/Baltimore/1631-Lancaster-Street
-“Gorilla King Comics”-One of my son’s favorite stores, as he is Super hero crazy. This place is a Galactic Universal Ultra-Human Winner.
https://www.facebook.com/Gorilla-King-Comics-320355964656404/
-“10,000 Villages”- Again, a family favorite. Both of the special women in my life, my Mum and my GF, adore this place. I ALWAYS find something here for them.
http://www.tenthousandvillages.com
-“Fell’s Point Surf Shop”-Hang ten or spend 20, there’s always great gifts and cool threads for the endless summer fanatic on your Christmas list.
http://www.fpsurfco.com
-“Brass works” -This place screams Fell’s Point craftsmanship. http://www.baltimorebrassworks.com
-“Zelda Zen”- From hand made jewelry to local art. Good staff and fun stuff.http://www.citysearch.com/profile/37290883/baltimore_md/zelda_zen.html,
Breathe, Breathe… Your wallet should be almost empty, but your heart full of Joy. Now head back to Bertha’s for a well-deserved dinner with some friends, don’t forget to bring those receipts. Show your server a receipt from any Fell’s Point retail store worth $100 or more and get 15% off your check here at Bertha’s.
Being part of a neighborhood means contributing to its success. That’s what my family has done for over 4 decades and 3 generations, and we’re still proud to call Fell’s Point HOME. Hope to see you soon at Bertha’s.
Happy Holidays,
Andy Norris and Your Bertha’s Family…
P.S.
For any other Made in China plastic crap you need, there’s a new Target in Canton Crossing. HoHoHo.
