- Traveler
- aboston
- Mar 31, 2010
Crab Cakes and Legends
Baltimore, Maryland
For raw oysters, tender crab cakes, live music, and an enduring celebration of local historical legends, there's no other destination than Baltimore City. The heartbeat of the Chesapeake Bay region, Baltimore is a burgeoning port city that boasts a rich, distinctive culture, and of course, mouth-watering seafood.
A visit to Charm City isn't complete without a day at Lexington Market. Celebrated as "the world's largest continuously running market," Lexington Market opened its doors in 1782, and continues to feed hungry locals and tourists alike. More than a hundred merchant stalls brim with fresh produce, poultry, and seafood, which serve as the landmark's main attraction. The colorful, vibrant Market is also home to local favorite Faidley Seafood, one of the best—and oldest—places to fill up on everything from lump crab cakes and fried catfish, to raw oysters and even muskrat meat. Lines of people wrap around to place their orders, and even more come together to dance to the blues, jazz, or reggae bands that perform on the central stage every Friday and Saturday afternoon.
Just a few blocks away, visitors will bump into the former home of Edgar Allan Poe, the notorious writer and Baltimore native whose famous poem, "The Raven," inspired the town's beloved NFL team. The home, now a museum, is located within the Poe Homes, the oldest Baltimore public housing project, and the community where my mother and her siblings were raised. Not far from the historic residences of Baltimoreans past and present is Poe's gravesite, where every year since 1949, a mysterious mourner leaves three roses and a bottle of cognac on the morning of Poe's birthday. No one knows the visitor's identity, but anxious locals were disappointed this year when the annual "Poe Toaster" broke tradition and oddly never showed up.
Jazz legends and freedom fighters are also memorialized in the city. Mere steps away from Baltimore's favorite barhopping 'hood Fells Point, is Douglass Place, a row of houses built by Frederick Douglass in the 1890s that are now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Billie Holiday memorial was constructed in 1985, and underwent a much-needed and controversial restoration last year, which was unveiled on the 50th anniversary of Lady Day's death. The 8-foot-6-inch statue, created by local sculptor James Earl Reid, is now rooted with a 20,000-pound solid granite base that's etched with symbolism depicting Jim Crow racism, and Billie Holiday's poetic stance against it.
Posted in: Culture, Dining, Points of Interest
Features: Casual, Day Trips, Food, Historical, Inexpensive, Live Music, Local Perspective, Sightseeing
Thanks, aboston. You are entered in our win a trip to Paris contest. http://editor.blackatlas.com/?p=193
by Venita
Baltimore has alot to offer in the way of historical content.....Jazz legends like Ruby Glover Kim Waters and others has captivated the national stage. Baltimore has some of the best dining found on the entire east coast. Do not forget the underground railroad and legendary Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass. Come and visit our small city town. Bravo to you Andrea for giving a little taste of what you will see when visiting our small city town.
by shearenergy
An enjoyable story which I found to be memorable reminding me of my early years.
by Lexington
I've never seen the Billie Holiday statue. Now I want to go check it out. Thanks Andrea.
by sday
I love Andrea's article. It paints a vivid picture of my native city in a way that I can personally identify with. Her affection for the Poe Homes, Lexington Market, the Baltimore Ravens football team and jazz made me smile deeply in fond remembrance. Thanks for the memories, Andrea. Jamal
by freedom
nice portrayal of baltimore, especially the "west siiiieeeed" where I'm from (and a little bit of east side too). enjoyed the article and good luck in the contest!
by jumoke
Andrea, I loved the article just as much as I love Baltimore. You hit on some of the most cherished venues, especially Lexington Market. Although they are not as good as Lexington Market, I am also fond of Northeast and Cross Street markets. Partying and socializing in Druid Hill Park is another walk in the park. The Stone Soul picnic is a treat. How about the annual African American Heritage Festival? Baltimore is the best! Muj
by Muj
Does baltimore have the good greens? Spinach? Collards? Pizza toppings?
by bobbygui
Writing is on point!!!...Maybe I'm biast since I'm from MD!!!..and obsessed with Frederick Douglass!!!! ; ) Cherchez la femme en Paris!!
by KEH
Loved your story!! I wasnt so hip to what B-more has to offer and Im right down 95 in DC! Thanks Dre for your story!
by vanita
Great story. Can't wait to get to the east coast for some authentic Maryland crabcakes. Good luck!
by rboston
Dre, you have created a vibrant portrait of a city that has deep roots and rich history. I especially enjoyed the brief history lesson about Lexington Market. You did a brilliant job displaying the cultural diversity that helps baltimore thrive as one of America's greatest cities. -Jameel
by Cairo
yayyy! I love Baltimore! I hope you win, Andrea!
by Ingridjo
Fab Survey of bmore!
by cheech
I need to make a trip to B-more!!!
by Zivypoo
Baltimore sounds beautiful!!!
by Nomadic
EDGAR ALLEN POE'S HOUSE IS IN BALTIMORE!!! i always thought it was in Philadelphia, maybe he moved a few times but i love the story and I can see the bigger picture as to why the NFL team is called "The Ravens". I love it! Now i have to go visit Poe's house cause I definitely am fan!
by ive
Great article, I always thought Baltimore was underrated.
by NikiWoodall
you go girl. I have to check out that Billie Holiday statute the next time I'm in Bmore.
by ama
You had me at mouth watering seafood! Great review!
by Kzemla
Yum! Crab cakes and Oysters would hit the spot right now. I am definitely anticipating my trip to Lexington Market. I can just smell Old Bay right about now.
by Littlemssyd
"Quote the Raven, never more." Yayyy! We love Baltimore. Unique history, very unique people, a must-see!
by carolyn
Hmmm... might gotta check out the housing market out there... I love seafood, oceanic views, and my Wife's family is there... cut out all this driving back and forth =) lol
by CeeWoods
Totally proud to call this place home. Thanks for making me fall in love again.
by TRussell
cool story. good luck!
by angemick
I've been to Baltimore about 5 times and did not know all these interesting things were at my fingertips! Did someone say road trip to B-more and aboston is our tour guide! Lovely writing!
by NinaMarie
I love this story...It makes remember all the great places in BMore...makes me wanna go back so bad. Good job Andrea!!!!
by Mlise
Born and raised in Baltimore and there's still so much to learn about the city. Thanks for this!
by Bunma
Been aching to make time to get to b'more for some good ol' crab cakes & oysters! thanks for the inspiration.
by greenvine
I Love Baltimore one of the greatest cities. I will never go to Lexington Market again . First if you like bread crumbs you will love Faidley Seafood, you will not believe crab meat is in the crab cake. I also had some crab soup and it was the worst soup i ever had. The price is to high for the poor tasting food. I would rather spend my money at the Inner harbor or outside of Baltimore (Hartford County)
by rondo
Bmore native who visit often to eat the great seafood & shop. My fav eaterys are Mo's, Albemarle St. Little Italy, Fells Pt. & Ships Cafe & Pub, Catonsville has the largest meatest crabs at $65 a doz. I was full after eating 3 crabs is all I'm going to say. Fall, winter season are romantic at the Inner Harbor for an evening strole & dinner. Checking flights now! Some great shopping in & around Bmore, DC & Virginia. ABoston thanks for rekindling an old luv affair.
by BlackJack