Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in baltimore, MD

The Baltimore Farmers' Market

August 17, 2009

'Tis the season for fresh, yummy, locally grown produce, and while I could buy my peaches, corn and melons from the grocery store, why would I, when I can hit the Baltimore Farmers' Market to pick up my produce from the farmers themselves.

I love the Baltimore Farmers' Market, and not only because I can get the freshest, most delicious produce, usually for less than I'd pay at the supermarket.  Sure, the produce is reason enough, but other enticements, like the hot, cheesy omelets from Humpty Dumpty; the spicy samosas from Rustic Gourmet; and the sweet, soft powder-your-own doughnuts from Migae's, also keep my family and me coming back for more.  Oh, and don't get me started on the amazing cheeses (and soft-serve ice cream!) on offer from South Mountain Creamery.  Each of South Mountain's cheeses is special, and if you need proof, simply stop by their well appointed sample station.  Unless you're lactose intolerant, you'll be very glad that you did.  Don't like omelets, samosas, doughnuts, cheeses or produce?  Don't worry; there's something at the market for everyone.  Stop by Zeke's for a cup of freshly brewed coffee, or by Baltimore Dog Bakery for a few biscuits for Fido.  No matter your cravings, you'll find plenty of wonderful temptations.

You know what else I love about the Farmers' Market?  The people-watching!  With so many hungry shoppers combing the place for deliciousness and bargains, the market is overflowing with people-watching opportunities.  There aren't a lot of places to sit, unless you grab one ofHumpty Dumpty's plastic chairs while you eat an omelet, but there's no reason why you can't do your people-watching while standing or sitting on one of the many curbs.  Folks from all over town--and beyond--flock to the market every Sunday morning; if you enjoy people-watching, you'll be in paradise.

There's also a wide selection of one-of-a-kind crafts, including jewelry, clothing and housewares. 

The market is open every Sunday, rain or shine, from 8 a.m.-12 noon (or until sell-out), from now through December 20.  Get there early for maximum selection; get there late for maximum breathing room (the crowd generally reaches maximum density at about 10:00). 

The Baltimore Farmers' Market
Beneath the Jones Falls Expressway, at Holliday and Saratoga streets  Read more...

Dress Me: Five of Our Favorite Children's Clothing Shops

August 11, 2009

It's almost back-to-school time, you know, and your little ones, having grown approximately 400 inches since this time last year, are probably in need of some new clothing.  Yes?  So, where to go?  Following is a list of five of our favorite purveyors of children's clothing, all local and all locally owned.  Here, you'll find new, nearly new, casual, fancy, eclectic and printed with squids.  In other words, there's something for everyone.  Enjoy!

The Corduroy Button - 1621 Thames Street #1, Baltimore, 410-276-5437
Not cheap, no, but chock full of fantastic, unusual clothing for kids.  Whether you're looking for something edgy, like a pop culture-inspired graphiconesie, or something more traditional, like a pair of ducky rainboots, The Corduroy Button has you -- or more accurately, your kid -- covered. 

Tried But True - 10744 York Road, Cockeysville, 410-666-9265
Well stocked and a little less crowded than some of the area's other consignment shops, Tried But True carries a wide array of gently used kids' stuff, often from some of the most popular and best-known name brands.  Pick up a Lilly Pulitzer, or any of Tried ButTrue's previously big-ticketed items, for a fraction of what you'd pay for it new.  There are less expensive consignment shops in town, it's true, but if you're looking for designer labels at substantial savings, this is the place for you. 

Pied Piper Children's Wear - 32 Village Square, Village of Cross Keys, Baltimore, 410-435-2676
And speaking of big-ticket, designer labels, Pied Piper's got all of the major players, full-price.  Searching for a REALLY SPECIAL holiday outfit?  Need a dress or a suit for a wedding or an inauguration or a dinner with the queen?  Then look no farther than Pied Piper, where you'll find fancy-schmancy, heirloom-quality children's clothes.

Squidfire
Baltimore-born and totally awesome, Squidfire has been cranking out the shirts, bibs, onesies and hoodies for the last several years.  You can't physically go to a Squidfire store -- they're Web- and artist market-based -- but you can buy their stuff (including -- Squee! -- the aforementioned squid-printed T-shirt) at their online shop, and in several stores (like The Coruroy Button) around the area.

The Circle Shop - 6124 Belair Road, Baltimore, 410-254-6066
Organized, affordable and full of great stuff, The Circle Shop is a cut above many area consignment shops.  They've been at it since 1975, so you know they're dong something right!  Stop by for great savings on everything your child needs for back-to-school.

Where do you go to outfit your children?  We'd love to hear your recommendations!   Read more...

Mothering Mother Earth

April 21, 2009

With Earth Day coming up tomorrow, it seems only fitting to list five easy, inexpensive ways that we can all go a little greener.  Here goes:

Go Organic!

April 13, 2009

While I love the deliciousness and wholesomeness of the many organic foods that I buy, I don't especially love how much more I must pay for organic than for non-organically grown.  I don't blame the organic farmers--it's not their fault that responsible stewardship of the land is so much more costly than the alternative--but sometimes, particularly in this economy, it's hard for me to pay organic prices.  Anyway, the bottom line is that I buy organic whenever I can, because I really do believe that organic farming is better for the earth and better for my children.  Plus, in my opinion, organic tastes better.  (Seriously, compare an organically grown tomato to one grown on a big corporate farm or in a hothouse.  Which one is sweeter?  And more juicy?)   Read more...

Math at the Market

February 10, 2009

As I mentioned in my post last Tuesday, we are talking a great deal about early math skills all over Savvy Source this month.  Last week, as you may recall, I sent you to the Inner Harbor to count boats and construction cranes and whatnot.  This week, in an effort to make your child even more math-savvy, I will direct you to the 32^nd Street Farmers Market (also known as the Waverly Farmers Market), where he can test out a wide variety of skills.  And with so many tempting treats on offer, your child-trust me-will want to put those skills to use.  So give your little one a little money, pack up those reusable bags, and go!

Shop Locally: The Children's Bookstore

by Laura Stallard Petza

December 15, 2008

You know what I love about The Children's Bookstore ? Well, lots of things, actually, but one of the many compelling reasons to visit is the always helpful, always knowledgeable, always friendly staff. And if you've never shopped at The Children's Bookstore, you should go there, posthaste, as it's the perfect time--isn't it?--to pick up a good read. Looking for a special gift for that  Read more...

Limited Time Offers

by Laura Stallard Petza

November 17, 2008

Winter, much to my dismay, is definitely coming, and it's only a matter of weeks before some of favorite family-friendly venues shut down for the season. The pools, of course, are closed already, as are the theme parks, but it's not too late to catch a last glimpse of "summer" before the whole of Baltimore freezes over until springtime. Quickly now, before you hibernate, here's a little more  Read more...