Five things we love about Federal Hill, Baltimore
Baltimore’s historic Federal Hill neighborhood is a magnet for hip, young professionals, but its thriving food scene and cultural significance aren’t the only reasons we selected Federal Hill as the official home of CULTA’s flagship dispensary. Here are some of our favorite things to do in the neighborhood, from magic shows to awesome grub. And all are within walking or biking distance of CULTA, so check out some of our great neighbors the next time you’re visiting us. Tell ‘em your friends at CULTA sent you!
First, Some History...
Federal Hill is named for the prominent hill that’s easily viewed from the Inner Harbor area and is home to many important historical events. (Psst...the hill is RIGHT NEXT TO US!) The name alludes to the celebration in 1788 of Maryland’s ratification of the Federal Constitution, which culminated on that hill.
But the historical significance of the hill dates back to earlier than that -- legend has it that Captain John Smith sailed his ship into the Chesapeake Bay in 1608 and eventually arrived at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. He said he had seen “a marvellous hill of red clay on the banks of a wonderful natural harbor.” In 1795, a signal tower was established at the top of the hill, spurring growth and development in the area. It soon became a hub for trade and commerce, with ships from near and far arriving in the harbor.
It was used as a headquarters during the Civil War, and many local breweries used the underground tunnels and chambers underneath Federal Hill to store their beer. In 1880, the City of Baltimore purchased Federal Hill and declared it a public park. Decades later, the entire district was declared a historic area, and it’s included in the National Historic Place register.
As you can see, there are lots of things to love about Federal Hill, and its unique history is just one. Read on for some interesting and unique things you can do in the area.
1. Visit the American Visionary Art Museum (.2 miles)
If you’re into self-taught artistry, you’ll love the AVAM. And if you’re not into self-taught artistry, you will be after your first visit. CNN said it’s “one of the most fantastic museums anywhere in America,” and it’s just around the corner from CULTA! (Seriously, we can practically see it from our window.) The historic building is home to rotating art displays in addition to a permanent collection and includes phenomenal artwork from regular people, ranging from farmers and housewives to the disabled and homeless. Trust us; you’re going to have a whole new appreciation for art after you visit AVAM.
2. Grab Some Grub at Abbey Burger Bistro (.7 miles)
It’s not easy to find a burger place with a great vibe, vegetarian and vegan options, and a menu that’s packed with award-winning burgers. Their burgers have won regional awards, and they were even named Maryland’s Best Burgers by USA Today. You heard that right - you’ll find the best burgers in the state just a 10-minute walk from our dispensary. Some of their more adventurous burger options include the Peanut Butter Burger, the Spicy Korean Duck Burger, and the Fried Green Tomatoes. And don’t forget to wash it all down with a spiked shake! Check out their menu here.
3. Peruse the Cross Street Market (.9 miles)
With a history that dates back to 1845, Cross Street Market is a modern-day homage to the open air market of yesteryear that sold staples to the locals. The existing 31,800-square-foot structure was opened in 1952 after a massive fire completely destroyed the market and underwent a major renovation in 2018. The building’s renovation included a full restoration of the entrances on S. Charles Street and Light Street that closely resembles their 1950s designs. Today, 22 independent businesses call Cross Street Market “home.” See the full list of vendors here.
4. Catch a Magic Show at Illusions Magic Bar (1.1 miles)
If you’re headed to CULTA on a Friday or Saturday night, stick around for a magic show at Illusions Magic Bar. Owned by two prolific magicians, Spencer and Caroline Horsman, you’ll be delighted by their 90-minute comedy magic show. They were voted “Best First Date Bar,” and are rated as one of the top entertainment experiences in the city by both TripAdvisor and Yelp. Come for the magic, stay for the handcrafted food and drinks. *Currently, Illusions Magic and Bar are booking custom virtual shows to help keep your quarantine enchanted. Learn more here.
5. Take in the View at Top of the World Observation Deck (1.3 miles)
Located on the 27th floor of Baltimore’s World Trade Center, the world’s tallest pentagonal building is home to what’s guaranteed to be the best view in the entire state. Whether you’re feeling stressed out or just need some fresh air, it’s one of the best ways to spend an afternoon, and if you time it perfectly you just might be able to catch the sunset. There are tons of exhibits and historical information available as you walk around, so you can easily spend a few hours taking in the views. Make sure to check out the 9/11 memorial while you’re there.
There’s No Better Place to Call “Home”
At CULTA, we take pride in our neighborhood as much as we do our premium cannabis. We love that there’s so much to do within walking distance of our dispensary, and the gorgeous views of the Inner Harbor don’t hurt!
“We love being in Federal Hill,” said Mackie Barch, president of CULTA. “It has a great vibe no matter where you go, and there was no question it’d be the perfect place for our dispensary.” Chase Lessman, director of retail operations, agrees. “I spend most of my time at the dispensary, and I couldn’t ask for a better place to be than in Federal Hill.”
Visit us today at 215 Key Highway, Baltimore MD 21230. View more info about our store here.
