Discover the Vibrant Charm of Baltimore's Highlandtown and Patterson Park

When you visit Baltimore, don't expect to find one big homogeneous city. Instead, Charm City (as we affectionately call Baltimore) is made up of 250 small neighborhoods rich in their own history and culture. Put them all together and you have a city that's vibrant, diverse, creative and... well, charming. At Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast, we encourage our guests to go out and explore Baltimore's unique neighborhoods to gain a deeper appreciation for the city's rich tapestry of experiences.                                          

A great place to start is Highlandtown and the adjacent Patterson Park. Together they make up a historic district that encompasses 120 block in East Baltimore. First settled in 1867, the area is a quintessential blue-collar neighborhood and heavily influenced by the industrious European immigrants who lived and worked here. Today, proud immigrants from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas contribute to the community's global vibe. This thriving immigrant culture is why you'll find some of the city's best ethic restaurants here, such as Franchesca's Empanada Cafe, IndoViet and Chicken Rico.

Highlandtown is a haven for creativity and diversity, as evidenced by the multitude of galleries and shops within the Highlandtown Arts District, such as Highlandtown Gallery, Crystal Moll Gallery and 3402 Art. Here, painters, jewelry makers, woodworkers and artists of all kinds work alongside restaurateurs and culinary artists to welcome patrons to their galleries and restaurants during First Friday Art Walks. Numerous murals and public art installations, like the 14-foot BUS sign in front of the Creative Alliance, are a testament to the neighborhood's artistic spirit.

Highlandtown isn't just a haven for artists; it's also home to a burgeoning craft beer scene. The neighborhood's brewing roots go back centuries thanks to its German settlers. Today's Highlandtown craft beverage producers include Old Line Spirits, Mobtown Brewing Co., Ministry of Brewing and Monument City. Additionally, the annual BrewFest brings together more than 40 Baltimore-brewed beers, food trucks and live music to benefit Patterson Park. This fundraising event is coming up on November 11, and tickets are on sale now.

Speaking of Patterson Park, this 155-acre lush oasis of greenery and recreational opportunities is situated adjacent to Highlandtown and is often referred to as Baltimore's backyard. The Observatory is probably the most photographed feature of the park. Built in 1891, this iconic four-story structure resembles a pagoda, and from the top you can view Baltimore’s many neighborhoods, the Patapsco River, the Key Bridge and Fort McHenry (although the observatory is currently closed for renovations and should reopen in April 2024). The park also has a fountain, playgrounds, boat lake, athletic fields, swimming pool and one of the city's two ice rinks. Follow the park's Tree Walk or stop at the Audubon Center for an even better appreciation of this urban oasis.                   

The Highlandtown neighborhood and Patterson Park are gems in Baltimore's crown, offering a unique blend of culture, creativity and natural beauty. When you stay with us at Rachael's Dowry Bed and Breakfast, we invite you to explore this neighborhood's vibrant arts scene, dine on global cuisine, sample local craft beer and immerse yourself in the tranquility of its green spaces. Together, Highlandtown and Patterson Park are a shining example of Baltimore's thriving neighborhoods that make up the eclectic city we love today.