What We Love About Baltimore

Novak Birch is Baltimore born and bred, and most of our team lives right here in the city. (And of those who don’t, many of us have lived here before!)

We’ve got some serious Charm City pride around here—so we decided to conduct a poll to see what our staff loves most about Baltimore.

A piechart that shows a staff poll which shows that food was the highest vote at 29%

Novak Birch Staff Poll

1. The Baltimore Food Scene, Coming in Hot

Steamed Blue Crabs with Old Bay / via Shutterstock

With 29% of votes, the #1 response was food. Crabs were mentioned the most (no surprise there). Whether they’re served on paper-covered tables, as crab cakes, or any other preparation, delicious blue crabs are an inextricable part of Baltimore’s identity.

With the many foodie restaurants in our city (Taqueria el Sabor del Parque was one response), we loved that some staff members responded with more traditional Baltimore foods. Snowballs were mentioned, with a shout-out to marshmallow topping. And two more nostalgic treats popped up: lemons with peppermint sticks and the always popular ice cream truck. (Bet you have the song in your head now.)

There is also love and appreciation for the abundance of outdoor dining options—another solid answer. We’re here for it!

A quote with an image of a crab. "Crab, seafood, and Old Bay. You can't really have one without the rest" - Lisa Lacata, Senior Graphic/3D Designer

2. All the “Others”

Baltimore Pride Celebration / Ted Eytan via Wikimedia Commons

There are so many unique and wonderful aspects of Baltimore, so we were sure to have an “Other” category when compiling everyone’s favorites. With 23% of votes, here are just a few of the great responses that remind us why our city is so special:

There’s always something to do
Diversity—all kinds of people, ideas, and creativity
Walkability
Rooftop living
Museums
The drag scene and LGBTQIA culture
Surprising amount of nature nearby

Quote with image of tree: "I think of Baltimore as the funky-artsy-weirdo sibling to DC, making it more accessible, approachable, and fun." - Beth Varden, Art Director

American Visionary Art Museum / via Facebook

3. Music. Festivals. Fun.

Image of a ferris wheel near Penn Station

Artscape at Baltimore Penn Station / Jaymyang via Wikimedia Commons

Coming in at 16% of the votes is music and festivals—everything from Ottobar to First Thursdays in Canton. Baltimore’s music scene and festivals are surely reasons to love living in the city—or to visit!

A quote with an image of a stage: "First Thursday is a free outdoor concert with brews, food trucks, and views of the waterfront at golden hour – it is by far my favorite event in Baltimore" -Allie Pauson, Senior Account Manager

4. Baltimore Neighborhoods: Putting the Charm in Charm City

Painted Ladies on Guilford Ave. in Charles Village / via Shutterstock

Baltimore residents fiercely love their neighborhoods. Perhaps even more than Baltimore pride, we have neighborhood pride—ask someone if they prefer Canton or Federal Hill and you’re sure to get into a lively conversation.

In our poll, 13% of the team said that the city’s neighborhoods were one of their favorite things, with Patterson Park and Fells Point topping the list. Honorable mentions included Canton, Little Italy, Mount Vernon, and Hampden.

Image of Mount Vernon monument with a quote: "There's something special about Baltimore neighborhoods. People are incredibly welcoming, and traditions run deep, like stoop sitting and block parties." - Tiffany Vandevoordt, Content Strategy Director

Washington Monument in Mount Vernon / via Shutterstock

5. Let’s Hear It for the Baltimore Birds

Top: M&T Bank Stadium, Home of the Ravens / Mrgoggins90 via Wikimedia Commons
Bottom: Camden Yards, Home of the Orioles / Wikieditor101 via Wikimedia Commons

Of course our beloved sports teams scored a spot on the list. Hometown pride for the Ravens and Orioles totaled 12% of votes. Whether we’re headed to the stadium or hosting a watch party at home, we’re passionate about football and baseball—and the traditions that go along with them.
Oriole bird with quote: "You have to have an orange crush at Pickles before an Orioles game." - Maureen Alsmeyer, Senior Event Manager

Oriole bird with quote: "You have to have an orange crush at Pickles before an Orioles game." - Maureen Alsmeyer, Senior Event Manager

6. On the Water

Baltimore Inner Harbor / via Shutterstock

Whether you’re out sailing or enjoying a waterfront sunset from a restaurant or rooftop, you’re always on or near the water in Baltimore. And the views can be downright dreamy. Water access/proximity totaled 7% of votes, and it’s easy to see why.

Harbor boat docks with quote: "I love the waterfront views from so many of the charming neighborhoods." - Rachel Claire, Agency Services Director

Canton Waterfront / via Shutterstock