Explore Baltimore
Explore Baltimore: Celebrated Summer Records
Friday, April 17th, 2026 by Allison Shulman
This week on Explore Baltimore, we visited Celebrated Summer Records, a record shop located in Hampden that has been part of the Baltimore music community for 20 years. The store has been open in its current Hampden location on Falls Road for 16 years, but was previously located in Towson.
Owner Tony previously worked at Reptilian Records, and when it closed, he was inspired to open his own shop and continue to share his love of music. The store is named after the song Celebrated Summer, reflecting that same personal connection to music’s influence. Celebrated Summer Records is meant to be a no-judgement space where customers can explore music freely without feeling pressured or intimidated. The shop has something for everyone, with jazz, indie, local artists and much more. (more…)
Posted in Explore Baltimore, Featured, Music, News | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore: Milagro
Friday, April 10th, 2026 by Allison Shulman
This week, we visited Milagro, a Hampden boutique that has been part of the community for 22 years. The shop is a global boutique, carrying goods inspired by pieces all around the world. Milagro focuses on supporting small artist collectives and women creators.
The inspiration behind Milagro came from the owner’s travels, especially places like Mexico and Japan. That influence is reflected throughout the store today. From screen-printed clothing to jewelry, and even the furniture, nearly everything in the shop is made by hand.
We spoke with Nikki, a Loyola alum and key member of the Milagro team, whose energy immediately stood out. She shared that working in Hampden feels especially meaningful to her, since her family has roots in the neighborhood. Being part of the shop allows her to stay connected to that history while also watching how the area has grown over time and become more diverse. (more…)
Posted in Explore Baltimore, Featured, News | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore: The Modest Florist
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026 by Allison Shulman
Explore Baltimore is back! Our first stop: The Modest Florist, located on Chestnut Avenue in Hampden.
The store is beautiful and feels different right when you walk in. There is an assortment of unique and seasonal flowers. Libby, the owner, opened the shop in 2013 and it’s coming up on it’s 13th anniversary!
Libby previously worked in the florist industry, and when she realized how destructive it had become, she knew a better alternative was needed. Sustainability is at the core of The Modest Florist’s mission, and everything in the shop is sourced locally from nearby farms and greenhouses. That focus is seen across all aspects of her business, from a vase exchange program to solar panels and even deliveries in her electric car. The Modest florist is the only florist recognized on the Maryland Department of Energy “Green Registry,” and it is all because of Libby’s dedication. While her practices do come with some limitations, like not being able to source roses for Valentine’s Day, sustainability is at the root of The Modest Florist and isn’t changing anytime soon. (more…)
Posted in Explore Baltimore, Featured, News | No Comments »
ATW Jackie Harig & Orioles 2026 Season
Wednesday, January 21st, 2026 by The Professor
On Wednesday, 1/14/2026, WLOY’s After the Whistle host Yukesh Aryal interviewed the Director of Public Relations for the Baltimore Orioles, Jackie Harig, to learn about upcoming exciting news and offers regarding what the team has been planning for the fans and what we should be anticipating. Jackie was a member of Loyola’s class of 2016 and is also a member of the Alumni Advisory Board for the Communications and Media Department.
Posted in Alumni Spotlight, Archives, Explore Baltimore, Featured, Interviews, Sports Saturdays | No Comments »
WLOY to participate in The Mayor’s Christmas Parade
Monday, December 8th, 2025 by Sophia Thornberg
This weekend WLOY will once again be participating in the 52nd Annual Mayor’s Christmas Parade!
The parade was started in 1952 by then-Mayor William Donald Schaefer in 1972 as a response to the discontinued Hochschild-Kohn Toytown Parade. The parade route was set to go through Hampden as to boost local businesses and community spirit after the closure of the Mt. Vernon Mill Company.
Since then the parade has become a longstanding tradition, traveling through the heart of Baltimore’s Medfield and Hampden neighborhoods. It was even the subject of the documentary Parade Day, which was released this past November. The documentary follows the committee of volunteers who work together to plan, coordinate, and manage certain aspects of the parade to ensure that everyone has a good experience.
Posted in Events, Explore Baltimore, Featured, News | No Comments »
Baltimore Sports History: Negro League Baseball
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 by The Professor
Baltimore’s Negro League Baseball: Talent, Community, and Forgotten Glory
by Yukesh Aryal (host of After The Whistle)
When people talk about baseball in Baltimore, they usually mention the Orioles or legends like Cal Ripken Jr. But long before the major leagues were open to everyone, the city was already home to some of the best baseball talent in America in the Negro Leagues. Teams like the Baltimore Black Sox and the Baltimore Elite Giants not only gave fans great baseball but also gave a sense of pride to the city’s Black community during segregation
The story starts in 1913, when the Baltimore Black Sox were founded. They became one of the best-known Black teams in the country. The team’s strong infield earned them the nickname the “Million Dollar Infield” during the 1920s. The Black Sox played their games at Maryland Baseball Park and later Bugle Field, which were more than just ballparks as they were gathering places for families and friends who came to cheer and celebrate together. (more…)
Posted in Explore Baltimore, Featured, Sports, Sports Saturdays | No Comments »
Inside the Lines: The Lamar Jackson Comeback Story Gets Real in Week 2
Monday, September 22nd, 2025 by The Professor
By: Yukesh Aryal, host of After The Whistle
If there was ever a snapshot of what the Ravens’ 2025 season could look like when things go right, whether it means clean offense, big defensive plays, and Jackson in command, it was Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Lamar Jackson threw four touchdown passes and Baltimore reeled off 21 unanswered points in the second half to steamroll Cleveland, 41-17. It was the perfect rebound after a heartbreaking loss in Buffalo.
Baltimore’s first half wasn’t auspicious, as they managed just 81 total yards and a shockingly few first downs. But everything changed after Halftime. Jackson connected with DeAndre Hopkins and Tylan Wallace in chunk plays, the Ravens’ defense forced two turnovers, and a blocked punt set up a touchdown drive. (more…)
Posted in Sports, Sports Saturdays | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore! Soca Fridays
Friday, May 9th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Elizabeth Kosik ’25
What: Soca Fridays
When: Friday, May 9 · 5pm – 12am
Where: Caribbean Dynasty Restaurant & Lounge, 647 West Pratt Street Baltimore, MD 21201
Start your weekend with high energy and good company at Caribbean Dynasty’s weekly Soca night. Every Friday, enjoy tasty Caribbean dishes, delicious cocktails, and nonstop live music that’ll have you dancing all night.
Catch live sets from DJ Sonic, DJ Axe, and DJ JesseJess as they bring the best Soca beats to the dance floor. Whether you’re coming to relax, party, or meet new people, it’s the place to be for good vibes and unforgettable nights!
Posted in Events, Explore Baltimore, Featured, Food Fridays, Music | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore! Bond and Bentley Live
Friday, April 25th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Elizabeth Kosik ’25
What: Bond and Bentley Live Concert
When: Saturday, April 26 · 2pm
Where: Diamondback Brewing Company, 1215 E Fort Ave #008, Baltimore, MD
Visit Diamondback Brewing Company this Saturday, April 26 at 2 PM to see Baltimore locals Bond and Bentley. The group features an old soul and funk sound, bringing an original vibe to their self-written tracks! Want to check out some of their music? Their newest single, “Resume,” is out now! Definitely come and show this group some love!
Posted in Events, Explore Baltimore, Featured, Music, News | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore! Monday Night Open Mic
Friday, April 11th, 2025 by Liz Kosik
by Elizabeth Kosik ’25
What: Next Phaze Monday Night Open Mic
When: Monday, April 14 · 8 – 11pm
Where: Next Phaze Cafe & Lounge · 112 E Lexington Street Baltimore, MD 21201
Every Monday evening, Next Phaze Café & Lounge opens its doors to local musicians, poets, and performers for a night dedicated to creativity and community. The Monday Night Open Mic is a space where artists of all backgrounds can take the stage and share their work in a supportive, laid-back setting.
Guests can enjoy live performances while dining on some of the café’s most popular Southern-inspired dishes, including Cajun salmon, crab cakes, Bayou pasta, and fried catfish. A selection of signature cocktails is also available to round out the experience. Due to limited seating, reservations through Toast Tables are recommended, with each reservation allowing up to four free seats. Walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. Don’t miss out!
Posted in Events, Explore Baltimore, Featured, Food Fridays, Music | No Comments »
