FELLS POINT 

This colonial maritime community was founded by William Fell in 1730 and has survived to become Baltimore's oldest and architecturally historic neighborhood. William Fell was a Quaker shipbuilder from England but was not the only one of his kind to find wealth in this area. By 1800, the district had 16 shipyards that produced the U.S. Frigate Constellation and the Baltimore Schooners and Clipper ships that redefined the high seas.

Once Baltimore’s original port and center of its ship building industry, Fell's Point remains well preserved with its 18th century shops and warehouses and over 350 historic homes. The 14-block area is one of the few remaining downtown waterfront communities on the East Coast. Fell’s Point has an engrossing social scene with an abundance of pubs, taverns, ethnic foods and "crabhouses." The cobblestone streets and lines of row houses call forth a natural desire to look into the colorful past of one of America’s most prominent seaports, her coming of age, and the lives of those who made her. 

Visitors will find a number of unique bars and restaurants that are filled with gregarious locals and glassy-eyed travelers. Combine this with the old world ambiance of the colonial-style houses strung along dark cobblestone streets; misty docks and flocks of seagulls; the haughty voices of wanton outlanders piercing the bay-air; ‘tis an atmosphere unique only to Fell's Point, and undoubtedly cherished by the modern romantic.

For a great Fell's Point experience: your first destination should be the Visitor’s Center on Thames Street for a map and information on historic sites. Then take the historic walking tour (consisting of just a few blocks), which includes a tour of the oldest house in Baltimore, the Robert Long House, built in 1765 (S. Ann Street). Following your historic sightseeing, stop in at Bertha’s for afternoon Scottish tea and an incredibly unique and delicious meal (734 S. Broadway Street   410/327-5795). After lunch, do a little shopping in some of Baltimore’s most eclectic mom & pop stores; then, simply pick any one of the surrounding bars or restaurants for a fantastic dinner and merriment to last through the night.

Visitors can find all the necessary information about this colonial waterfront community at the Visitor’s Center located on South Ann and Thames Streets (410/675-6750). Fell’s Point is easily reached from the Inner Harbor via Ed Kane’s Water Taxi (runs till 9pm), which drops visitors off in the heart of town. Also, for the night owls, it’s an easy drive from the Inner Harbor: head east on Pratt Street, right on President Street, left on Fleet Street, right on Ann Street, 21/2 blocks to the Visitor’s Center on right (this is also the in the heart of town). -- Michael Rando