Explore Baltimore
Baltimore Sports History: Negro League Baseball
Thursday, February 8th, 2024 by The Professor
In our new series Baltimore Sports History, WLOY Sports Director Andrew Ciofalo, host of After The Whistle will explore some of the great lost history in our Charm City. People know about the O’s and the Ravens but maybe not so much the Elite Giants or famous players that passed through our teams. In celebration of Black History Month, we are covering some of the too little known history of Black sports in Baltimore. Check in every week for more.
Baseball has a rich history in Baltimore, dating all the way back to the 1870s. Today we see the Orioles as the big team in town, but this wasn’t always the case. Before the birds landed in 1954, the only professional baseball Baltimore had was Negro League Baseball. Between 1900 and 1950, no white professional baseball team had seen more than 2 full seasons of baseball (and that’s being generous.) (more…)
Posted in Explore Baltimore, Featured, News, Sports, Sports Saturdays | No Comments »
Open Mic Night at Motor House
Thursday, November 17th, 2022 by Liz Kosik
by Liz Kosik ’25
What: Open Mic Night
When: November 24, 2022, from 7-10 PM
Where: Motor House Art Hub
Interested in poetry and live entertainment? Join Motor House for their monthly Open Mic Night on November 24 from 7-10 PM. The Motor House is a Baltimore-based art hub, gallery, and performance space for creative visionaries to share their voices and proclamations while providing a mellow environment to showcase your abilities or to just come chill. The event will also be hosted by award-winning poet, Meccamorphosis! Mecca Verdell, or Meccamorphosis, is a Baltimore-based creative performer known for her accomplishments in poetry and writing. She has been recognized on local and national levels for her work and has been beautifully dedicated to providing youth with safe and welcoming spaces to express their talents and visions. Looking for a late-night event with good energy? Come visit Motor House on November 24th from 7-10 PM for their monthly Open Mic Night for a guaranteed good time!
Posted in Explore Baltimore, News, Wacky Wednesdays | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore! Sodam Bistro
Friday, April 22nd, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Korean Restaurant
Where: 200 W Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD 21210
When: Mon-Sat 10am-10pm
Reviewed By: Ronnie Gruseck
Opened last December 2021, Sodam Bistro shares authentic Korean cuisine along with various gelato and espresso and non-espresso drink options. Adjacent to the pharmacy, Newman Towers, and Royal Farms, this restaurant is perfect for those sunny days when you want to take a stroll around the trail next to Newman and around Roland. There are various vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options for all dishes. And with outdoor seating and generous portion sizes, Sodam is a great way to choose from a selection of delicious cuisine and spend quality time with others. It’s a growing spot for Loyola students to hang out and relax.
Posted in Food Fridays, News | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore! The Book Thing
Saturday, March 12th, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Free books
Where: 3001 Vineyard Lane, Baltimore, Maryland, 21218
When: 9 am- 5pm, Saturday and Sunday
Reviewed By: Amelia Dunat
The Book Thing warehouse is a book lover’s dream. All of the books in this vibrant volunteer-run used book “store” are free! Yes, you heard correctly; almost any type of book you could possibly want is available here for free. Although open just once a month, this place is wonderful and an asset to the Baltimore community. If you have the time to spare to sift through hundreds of books (paperbacks and hardcovers), you are certain to come across many hidden treasures. There are even textbooks and magazines! Although not necessary, it’s encouraged for visitors to bring some of their own books to donate; even if it’s just one or two.
My favorite about this place is that you will never know what you will find. New selections are added each week. The titles are organized by genre, and most of the books are in good condition. You can also contact them via their website if you’re interested in being a volunteer. Be sure to check out Book Thing as you surely won’t be leaving empty-handed, and keep in mind that parking can be a challenge as it tends to be filled quickly, so try to time your visit well!
WLOY has been a supporter of The Book Thing for a long time. After their terrible fire in 2016, we helped organize and run a fundraising concert, donations and raffles ultimately bringing in over $10,000 to support their rebuilding.
Posted in Explore Baltimore, Wacky Wednesdays | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore! Namaste
Thursday, March 3rd, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Indian Restaurant
Where: 413 W Cold Spring Ln, Baltimore, MD 21210
When: Sunday-Thursday, 11:30 am- 11 pm, Friday and Saturday – 11:30 am to 12 am
Reviewed By: Amelia Dunat
Binod and Shrijana, the owners of the local restaurant Namaste, vow to provide all their customers with the best Indian food experience in Baltimore. Their meticulously crafted menu will draw you in immediately, and you will find something you’re eager to try. They even have a full-service bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Happy Hour is 3:30pm to 5:30 pm. Their menu offers dozens of authentic Indian/Nepali dishes, and there is something for everyone (even many vegetarian options like lentils and paneer!) Appetizers include soups, salads, and an assortment of veggies, and the main courses are centered around lamb, chicken, and seafood. All the dishes are grilled in their traditional Indian clay “tandoor” oven and then doused in flavorful curries prepared with only the freshest ingredients and traditional Indian herbs and spices.
Posted in News, Theater Thursdays | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore! El Suprimo Records
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Record Shop
Where: 1709 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21231
When: Monday-Friday, 1pm-7pm
Reviewed by: Amelia Dunat
Come visit El Suprimo Records today! Although on the smaller side, this old school style record shop is crammed with used records among other things: LP’s, 45’s & 78’s, cassettes, 8-tracks, DVD, VHS, CD’s, books, vintage stereo equipment, all kinds of turntables, instruments, memorabilia, and pop-culture Kitsch. I noticed there was a lot of jazz, funk, soul, and 60s/70s rock compared to other genres. However, whatever you’re looking for you will probably find. Most of the records are used but they’re still in good condition and I have even found original pressings here. In addition, the prices of the records are generously marked down if they have any imperfections, so you are getting your money’s worth. (more…)
Posted in Tourism Tuesdays | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore! Black History Month Film Series at the B&O Railroad Museum
Friday, February 18th, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Historic Attraction, Black History Month Film Series
When: Sunday, February 20, 2022, 3:00 PM
Where: B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W Pratt Street
Reviewed By: Elizabeth “Liz” Kosik
Honor Black History Month with the B&O Railroad Museum as they celebrate the Museum’s designation as a National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom site. Join as they host a series of the three films, Amistad, Harriet, and Selma, highlighting the realities of slavery and racial discrimination. While some seating will be available, guests are also welcome to come in “picnic” style with blankets and snacks, and admission is free. Register for free below on Eventbrite!
Posted in Explore Baltimore, Museum Mondays, News | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore! Celebrated Summer
Tuesday, February 1st, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Celebrated Summer,
Where: 3616 Falls Rd, Baltimore, MD 21211
When: 12-6pm everyday
Reviewed by: Amelia Dunat
This is by far my favorite record store in Baltimore. The staff is so kind and knowledgeable and more than willing to help you find what you’re looking for– and the selection and prices are great. Brand new records range from $20-$30, but they have many used options and even a large box filled to the brim with records for only $1 on the back wall of the store. (more…)
Posted in Explore Baltimore, News, Wacky Wednesdays | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore! The Lost History of Frederick Douglas
Monday, January 31st, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: Historic Attraction, Frederick Douglas’ Life Tour
When: Saturday, February 5th, 2022 from 9:00 AM- 10:45 AM and Saturday, February 18th, 2022 from 9:00 AM-11:00 AM.
Where: The tour will meet at Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park on Thames Street and conclude at Greedy Reads on Aliceanna Street in Fell’s Point.
Reviewed By: Elizabeth “Liz” Kosik
Calling all students, locals, and history enthusiasts to join Baltimore City in the debut walking tour of the lost history of Frederick Douglas! Historian John Muller will lead the tour, enlightening attendees on the life of Douglas and his impact on the Baltimore community. Ticket sales begin at $16.50 for seniors, $17.50 for adults, and students are free. Connect with history below!
Explore the Lost History of Frederick Douglas
Posted in Explore Baltimore, Featured, News | No Comments »
Explore Baltimore! The Sound Garden
Monday, January 24th, 2022 by Ronnie Gruseck
What: The Sound Garden, Music store
Where: 616 Thames St, Baltimore, MD 21231
When: Friday-Sunday 10 am-9pm, Monday-Wednesday, 12-8 pm
Reviewed by: Amelia Dunat
Located in the heart of Fells Point, Sound Garden is a cool little music store with a variety of funky items for sale and an ample collection of used and new music. It is a wonderful place to pick up an awesome gift for someone’s birthday, or just spend some free time browsing all the store has to offer. Since 1993 they have been growing their inventory and now have over 10,000 new and used CDs and DVDs in stock. Not only do they sell newly released music, but they also carry various amounts of imported music- regardless of how rare or obscure what you are looking for may be. Soundgarden is bound to have it! (more…)
Posted in Explore Baltimore, News | No Comments »
