Baltimore's Gems Charm Pandora

When Pandora Jewelry announced plans to move Pandora America Headquarters to downtown Baltimore earlier this year, Kevin Conklin, Pandora Americas VP of Operations, explained that the company chose Baltimore because it offers the creative, exciting atmosphere Pandora employees desire: "If you look at the teams moving over there, it's very much about being creative. So moving into a space downtown with a lot of energy and a lot going on, it's something they were craving." Employees also want a place with an eclectic, historic vibe. (Baltimore Business Journal, July 2014) I'd like to take you on an illustrated tour of what I imagine Mr. Conklin is referring to, starting with their location. The company will occupy space on the same block as the Pratt Street Ale House, pictured here, which offers excellent outdoor seating and tasty Oliver Ales, brewed in house. Not a bad spot (among many) for a working lunch!

Baltimore abounds with eclectic, historic neighborhoods, such as Fell's Point, with its bustling waterfront, locally-owned shops, restaurants and pubs, charming row homes, and loft apartments.

Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, and Ravens Stadium generate a lot of energy and excitement, right downtown.

 Baltimore boasts a superb live music scene, but I have to admit, I am not hip or cultured enough to do it justice here, so you will have to settle for this photo of the outside of the 8 x 10 Club in Federal Hill, as well as a this article from several years ago, "If you lived here, you'd be cool by now," that touts Baltimore's cultural scene. I may not take advantage of the live music offered in Baltimore, but I love that it is here, because it attracts a diverse and dynamic mix of people to Baltimore.

Arts of all kinds thrive in Baltimore. As an example, the Creative Alliance at Highlandtown's Patterson Theater offers a dizzying array of performances, exhibits, and workshops, from bluegrass to burlesque, and serious documentaries to an exhibit featuring illustrations of the opera Aida.

Funky neighborhood commercial districts, such as here in Hampden, attract people in search of unique, clothes, home goods, gifts, and just a fun day out and about.

More and more people want to live a car-free or at least car-lite existence. Baltimore's public transportation system (though far from perfect) and walkable neighborhoods help make this possible. Here, commuters wait for Baltimore's free downtown Charm City Circulator.

Now, the restaurant scene is something I DO know about, and it is fun and fabulous, with restaurants to fit every taste and budget.  Dylan's Oyster Cellar, a pop-up ode to the crustacean, recently moved out of its temporary home in Mount Vernon. It proved so popular, though, Dylan's is moving to a new, as-yet-undisclosed, permanent location.  Pop-up stores and restaurants give entrepreneurs the opportunity to test their concepts before committing to a space long-term. Small entrepreneurs offer unique goods and experiences, things you cannot really find elsewhere.