Ridgely's Delight: Filled with character, close to everything

Nestled between downtown Baltimore, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the University of Maryland's graduate and professional schools, and the University of Maryland Medical Center, Ridgely's Delight is a tiny gem of a neighborhood, characterized primarily by 19th century brick row homes on intimate, tree-lined streets. The two homes featured in this photo boast relatively rare front yards; the building on the right is an award-winning bed & breakfast, Rachael's Dowry.

Ridgely's Delight attracts many students and employees affiliated with the university and hospital. I know of more than a few nurses who have lived in this stretch of row homes, attracted both to the location and character of the neighborhood.

The warehouse conversion boom is alive and well in Ridgely's Delight. Local development company Zahlco is transforming this former warehouse into 32 apartments with generous natural light, heated bathroom floors and exposed brick.

I cannot think of a restaurant more perfectly suited to Ridgely's Delight than the Corner Bistro and Wine Bar. Tucked away on a quiet residential street, the Corner Bistro offers attentive service and an intimate, welcoming atmosphere. The menu is not overly fancy or complicated, and the food is prepared with great care - in my opinion, the perfect recipe for a neighborhood restaurant. Corner Bistro is more than a neighborhood restaurant, however; thanks to many positive reviews, Corner Bistro is ranked #4 out of 1,812 restaurants in Baltimore on Trip Advisor.

Of course, no neighborhood is complete without a coffee shop, and Ridgely's Delight has two. As its name implies, Peace and a Cup of Joe is ... peaceful. A zen-like vibe permeates this two-story coffee house and sandwich shop.

Also in Ridgely's Delight, Cafe Tesfa is a coffee and sandwich shop with a mission. The owners partner with community organizations to provide internships in event coordinating and food service to local youth aging out of the foster system.

Ridgely's Delight is a very walkable neighborhood, both for people and their pets! Here, on an early spring day, a resident walks her dog on one of the neighborhood's quiet streets.

If you look closely, you can see residents participating in the time-honored Baltimore tradition of "stoopin," catching up with neighbors while sitting on the front steps (glass of wine optional).

I would be remiss if I did not mention that Ridgely's Delight was home to one of baseball's all-time greats, Babe Ruth, and is now home to the Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum.

Good night from National Register Historic District and home of Babe Ruth, Ridgely's Delight, Baltimore, Maryland!