The Mighty Pig(town)

Have you been to the Pigtown Main Street recently? Sure, Pigtown is super-convenient, with unbeatable access to I-95 and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, downtown Baltimore, the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus, University of Maryland BioPark, Camden Yards and the Ravens Stadium, but Pigtown itself has much to offer.

First and foremost, Pigtown boasts an impressive business mix, particularly when considering its relatively small size. 

Ladies searching for that special something to wear to a wedding, graduation, or make-or-break business meeting will want to familiarize themselves with 2Chic Boutique, an upscale women's clothing boutique featuring new and gently used designer items. This place is a goldmine!

Just a block away, Afro Fashion and Art also sells clothing, in this case imported directly from several West African countries, such as Senegal and Mali, and for both men and women.

Colorful dresses adorn the mannequins at Afro Fashion, where customers can also purchase jewelry, shoes, drums, art and other items.

Pigtown's unique culinary options include Ebenezer Ethiopian Cuisine and Charm City Wings and Waffles, recently named one of the top 60 soul food restaurants in America by Tea & Breakfast.

This charming block features Spiritas, an upscale beer, wine and spirits store, Cafe Jovial, a welcoming coffee and sandwich spot, and the Dominican hair salon.

Of course, if you've read my previous blog post about Tasty Creations Bakery, you already know about this Pigtown treasure.

One of the most unique spots in all of Baltimore for entertainment, Pigtown's Mobtown Ballroom, located in a historic church, hosts social swing and lindy hop dances, dance classes - from jazz to belly dancing to aerial dance - art shows and live music.The Mobtown Ballroom hops almost every night of the week throughout the year. 

Pigtown's housing stock ranges from the traditional row homes, pictured here ...

... to the newly constructed homes of Camden Crossing.

Very few main streets boast their very own sculpture garden, but Pigtown does! Though private, this sculpture garden is easily visible from the sidewalk and showcases the work of internationally renowned sculptor Rodney Carroll, whose designs grace buildings, plazas and cultural institutions such as the d'Art Center in Norfolk, VA, the Columbia Museum of Art in Columbia, SC, and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.

Speaking of art, the people of Pigtown express pride in their neighborhood in many ways, from whimsical pig-themed murals and creative logos and t-shirts to the annual Pigtown Festival, which features live pig races, and a "Bloom the Boulevard" gardening day.

Goodbye from Pigtown!