How to Maryland - The best things to eat, buy and do in Baltimore

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We’re local and we have our favorites in Baltimore and beyond. Get to know The Baltimore Banner staff through our curated lists of the best area food, shopping, experiences and more.

food + drink

Where to eat, drink and dine in central Maryland

Crab nachos at Riverside Taphouse.

9 unconventional crab dishes you have to try, from pupusas to cheesesteaks

Enjoy casual drinks or a more refined dinner at the versatile Gunther & Co.

No booze? No problem. Try these Baltimore mocktail hot spots.

The espresso martini at CookHouse in Bolton Hill.

You’re going to want an espresso martini after reading this

Have a brat summer at Stuggy's.

Brat summer: The ultimate guide to Baltimore-area hot dogs and sausages

Five Howard County lunch spots to break up your workday

Looking for a cozy spot to grab a bite in Howard County? Try these places.

Downtown Annapolis dresses up for the holidays, with Midnight Madness on Thursday a key event in he schedule.

Where to take friends in town for the holidays

The best comic book stores in the Baltimore area

The best comic book stores in the Baltimore area

Jacob Gerth skates back and forth on a mini-half pipe at Sandy Hills Skate Park.

The best skate parks in the Baltimore area

The Northern Central Railroad Trail is a converted railbed that covers 19.7 miles in Maryland.

The best running trails in the Baltimore area

Paul Butler (left), Jeff Hall (right), and Sauron at Games and Stuff in Glen Burnie.

How to find, buy and play the best board, card and role-playing games around Baltimore

3 Baltimore schools, including 2 charters, recommended for closure

A group of people sit in high-backed chairs behind a curved desk. A man is in front of them sitting at a table and speaking into a microphone.

Former Gov. Martin O’Malley exploring run for DNC chair

WASHINGTON, DC - SEPTEMBER 11: Social Security Commissioner Martin O'Malley testifies before the Senate Committee on the Budget at the U.S. Capitol on September 11, 2024 in Washington, DC. The hearing was entitled "Social Security Forever: Delivering Benefits and Protecting Retirement Security"

At Salisbury University, an alleged hate crime shakes LGBTQ+ students’ sense of safety

Supporters participate in a march organized by Salisbury University LGBTQ groups, almost a month after an alleged hate crime took place on campus, at Salisbury University on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024 in Salisbury, MD.

State now plans to replace the Chesapeake Bay Bridge with two new spans

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is seen as a bulk carrier heads toward the Port of Baltimore.

After mass shooting, Baltimore’s Brooklyn neighborhood goes full year with no homicides

The Brooklyn community and city leaders Tuesday celebrated a year without a homicide at the neighborhood's Safe Streets site.

Things to Do

Places, spaces and activities we think you’ll love

I’ve been to 150 haunted houses. Here are 5 that gave me chills near Baltimore.

Soy garlic spicy wings at Godakk at Mount Vernon Marketplace on August 15, 2024.

Craving Korean fried chicken? Try these Baltimore-area spots

Exploring a state park, like Jefferson Patterson State Park in Southern Maryland, is one of my favorite ways to get outside and spend time with the family.

Our favorite trails and swim spots in Maryland State Parks

The Northern Central Railroad Trail is a converted railbed that covers 19.7 miles in Maryland.

The best running trails in the Baltimore area