terminal-boredom.com

Terminal Boardumb => Non-Music Shit => Cities => Topic started by: I Am Not Marty Feldman on June 27, 2013, 05:36:34 PM

Title: Baltimore
Post by: I Am Not Marty Feldman on June 27, 2013, 05:36:34 PM
How's the aquarium there?  I need to get the fuck outta Brooklyn for a couple days next month.  Any info on record shops, book stores, restaurants, thrifts and so on would be appreciated. 

Also: info on places to stay.  Or a couch.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: erickelric on June 27, 2013, 07:13:51 PM
Charm City is aces for record-shopping. Then again, I had former user:ADM driving me around, forcing me to spend money. I can't remember the name of the shops though. Natives will know. And we didn't even hit Celebrated Summer, which is supposed to be a killer punk store. The one I got the minty OG Simply Saucer had tons of sick Kraut/free jazz/psych stuff. Like, lovely copies of Ash Ra Tempel and Albert Ayler sides (priced correctly but fairly). Pretty sure that place is called Normal's, actually. They had a deal where if you spend over a  hundo, you get 20% off, which made everything go down a lot smoother. Easily could've spent $500 in there, if I'd had it. Dropped over a C-note as it was.

I like Baltimore.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: I Am Not Marty Feldman on June 27, 2013, 08:14:21 PM
Cool. 

I'm serious 'bout the aquarium.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: 2 Cold Scorpio on June 27, 2013, 08:25:30 PM
As far as a place to stay, you may want to stay with Omar the coke dictator.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: NATE K on June 27, 2013, 08:27:34 PM
I lived in Baltimore for a year, teaching in "The Wire" area. I have a love hate with that city; tough year, great town.

Anyway, there are good record and book stores there. This one place near my house was a book/record store and was solid on both counts. That was 12 years ago, though. It's probably gotten wise to the times and raised prices as needed, but it's also probably still worth checking out.
http://www.normals.com

I went to the aquarium when I was 12 and liked it.

There's a crummy diner in Fell's Point (the douche bag bar strip) that has scrapple. Breakfast platters were like $4.50 the last time I was there. Not great, but good. And I think I bought a scratch-off winner there once, too.
http://www.yelp.com/biz/jimmys-restaurant-baltimore

I really like the AVAM. The "outsider" art museum.
http://www.avam.org

Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: NATE K on June 27, 2013, 08:29:24 PM
I like Baltimore.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: erickelric on June 27, 2013, 08:36:38 PM
Now I wanna know. One place was two places run by this old dude. Cute younger punker girl working there. He was kind of a loveable creep. You had to ring a door bell and walk thru an alley. The girl let us in. Pretty good stuff, yeah the records too, OK prices. I was browsing, had a couple "maybes" in my hand. Then Adam mentions the "other" store. Turns out it's a newer location right around the corner. Like, one block away. And it's not open. But we go there and he opens it for me. Kazamm! First Fugs LP still in the fuckin shrink. BazoWW!! Both Birthday Party Peel Session 12"s. Zingzappp....> the Wrangler Brutes tape album on 12" on X-Mist Euro press, just like the tape, same program on both sides. I think I even got the Mao Tse Helen (obscure late 90s Richmond band; Beefheart/Minutemen hillbilly jazz deconstruction) 45 I didn't have there. So I had a nice little pile and he cut me a deal.

He also said, about his female employee -- she was still back at the OG shop -- regarding her, let's say body let's say posterior, with a sly, bordering on conspiratorial grin -- "She's got a little black in her." Needless to say, this became the go-to phrase for the rest of the visit.

AND it was right near where they filmed the scenes in Homicide where they're outside the station, at the FENCE. If you watch Homicide (all-time great Teevee show), then you know that Fence. It's where all the heavy shit went down. Where those fuckers got down with each other. Damn, I should cruise that series from beginning to end now that I've got the internet. Seen every ep, maybe even twice over, basically in order, but not methodically. Like you can do now, sans even DVDs....

Wait......who am I talking to?

Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: RedExpo on June 29, 2013, 03:24:22 PM
Maybe El Suprimo?

I also liked True Vine in Hampden.
Now I wanna know. One place was two places run by this old dude....AND it was right near where they filmed the scenes in Homicide where they're outside the station, at the FENCE...
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: Jesse on June 30, 2013, 06:24:07 AM
The shop down an alley is El Supremo.

If you pass up a trip to Celebrated Summer Records and Atomic Books, you are obviously taking stupid pills.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: nickg on July 03, 2013, 03:41:12 PM
there's a candy store down by the water where you can buy a gummi bear that weighs 10 pounds! 
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: popcon on July 03, 2013, 05:57:03 PM
Last time I was in  Baltimore, this ended up being my favorite meal of the trip. 

http://www.petersinn.com/

It's in Fell's Point and dinner only. 
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: hillside wrangler on July 05, 2013, 11:19:46 AM
Has anyone been to the "free" bookstore? (Can't remember the name.) Is it worth checking out?
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: J Bone on July 05, 2013, 04:59:06 PM
The potency of the urine smell in Baltimore's downtown rivals that of all but the most pungent asian metropolis.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: littledana on July 07, 2013, 03:34:40 PM
The shop down an alley is El Supremo.

If you pass up a trip to Celebrated Summer Records and Atomic Books, you are obviously taking stupid pills.

The shop down the alley is own guru. Allen is a creep. Celebrated Summer & El surprimo are the only record stores I really fuck w here
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: littledana on July 07, 2013, 03:38:45 PM
Aquarium is tight, but $$. The free book thing rules, but is only open Saturdays and Sundays.

 I'm always down to drink beer with out of town people/ point folks in the direction of fun
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: I Am Not Marty Feldman on July 07, 2013, 03:50:54 PM
Will be there on the 17th.  Straight to the aquarium.  Then some record shops.  Not interested in places stocking new stuff.  Interested in the place with free jazz and post-punk and other heady shit.  Back to Brooklyn that night. 
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: littledana on July 07, 2013, 05:28:10 PM
Will be there on the 17th.  Straight to the aquarium.  Then some record shops.  Not interested in places stocking new stuff.  Interested in the place with free jazz and post-punk and other heady shit.  Back to Brooklyn that night.

word, i'll be at the ocean playing mini golf w my bf, but have fun! if yr into free jazz you should definitely check out true vine
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: Richie on July 07, 2013, 06:30:44 PM
The aquarium in Baltimore is pretty sick. Make sure to spend some time with the Leafy Sea Dragons.

Atomic Books is awesome (but do not eat at the fake 50's diner down the street from it).

The Maryland Zoo is nice and cheap.

I'd really suggest catching a game at Camden Yards, but I don't think you're a fan. Great park.

Normals was really cool too, i found a bunch of old Black Lizard titles there when I was still piecing together my set, and then saw a bunch of boxes of singles when I was checking out that were full of Mummies, Supercharger, Headcoats, etc...my best stop of that trip. Reptilian Records was still open last time I was there. Did Chris X ever open another store?


Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: I Am Not Marty Feldman on July 07, 2013, 06:41:55 PM
Cool.  Thanks to everyone for the tips.  Can't swing through all areas of interest since the trip's a short one, but am glad to check out another city.

Daydreaming about some sorta potential Westward recbuy trip in the fall.  (Won't happen.)

I am most excited about the aquarium for reasons beyond my own self-awareness. 

Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: sweetmusk on July 11, 2013, 09:25:48 AM
Has anyone been to the "free" bookstore? (Can't remember the name.) Is it worth checking out?

i have been to this.  there is some good stuff sometimes.  only open on weekend mornings i believe, so there are always old collector dudes there at like 730am making all the real scores before you can even find coffee.

it's not far from normal's, and i usually find great stuff at that little spot.  i would say: only worth it if you live there.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: shauuuun on July 11, 2013, 10:07:03 AM
I'd really suggest catching a game at Camden Yards, but I don't think you're a fan. Great park.

THIS

Greatest ballpark I've ever seen.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: I Am Not Marty Feldman on July 18, 2013, 08:06:31 AM
I really liked Normal's. 
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: hillside wrangler on July 18, 2013, 02:28:13 PM
It was hot. Eastern seaboard swelter. Like walking through clam chowder.

Normal's was cool. More jazz plates than I could wrap my noodle around. I ultimately didn't make any rec purchases, but was pretty impressed with the selection. Were it my hometown store, I'd be proud. Fared better in the book section -- six good reads for less than 20 beans.

The Aquarium was great, but way too expensive.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: grievous angel on July 16, 2014, 06:46:33 AM
Anything going on in Baltimore (or DC) between August 9 and 5?
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: davehyde on January 03, 2015, 08:48:58 AM
Any shows happening in Baltimore during the weekend Jan 17-19? Or interesting movie screenings/art exhibits/etc?

Any new/noteworthy/under the radar shops (record/book/antique) or restaurants (veggie options/pizza/etc) that I might not know having not been to B-more in about a year?
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: Drewby on January 05, 2015, 06:22:34 PM
Any shows happening in Baltimore during the weekend Jan 17-19? Or interesting movie screenings/art exhibits/etc?

Any new/noteworthy/under the radar shops (record/book/antique) or restaurants (veggie options/pizza/etc) that I might not know having not been to B-more in about a year?

jan 17th the A389 anniversary show is happening, if you're into that…

go to Celebrated Summer in hampden. best record store in MD.

go to Big Bad Wolf's BBQ on harford rd. its up there with the BBQ i had while attending Gonerfest this year.
maybe even better.
http://www.bigbadwolfsbbq.com
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: chrizow on January 07, 2015, 10:37:34 AM
what about shows/events on 1/13 or 1/14?
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: littledana on January 14, 2015, 01:02:27 PM
what about shows/events on 1/13 or 1/14?

doesnt seem like many cool shows are happening tonight. theres free karaoke upstairs at ottobar that has good drink specials... unfortunately a bunch of ska bands are playing downstairs.

if you like drinking (nice), check out de kline du vel or w c harlans. if you like drinking (cheap), check out mt. royal tavern or club charles. if you like drinking (hip) check out johnny rads or rocket to venus. if you dont like drinking, uh, go duckpin bowling?
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: littledana on January 14, 2015, 01:04:39 PM
Any shows happening in Baltimore during the weekend Jan 17-19? Or interesting movie screenings/art exhibits/etc?

Any new/noteworthy/under the radar shops (record/book/antique) or restaurants (veggie options/pizza/etc) that I might not know having not been to B-more in about a year?

johnny rads and iggies both have tight pizza. Go JRs if you need a non-dairy option or wanna play skee ball. two boots is also good but theres nowhere to really dine in.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: Drewby on January 15, 2015, 02:03:35 PM
@davehyde your welcome to sit in on sick thoughts practice at barclay while we jerk each othe r off on 1/18
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: davehyde on January 16, 2015, 11:58:07 AM
if you like drinking (nice), check out de kline du vel or w c harlans. if you like drinking (cheap), check out mt. royal tavern or club charles. if you like drinking (hip) check out johnny rads or rocket to venus. if you dont like drinking, uh, go duckpin bowling?

johnny rads and iggies both have tight pizza. Go JRs if you need a non-dairy option or wanna play skee ball. two boots is also good but theres nowhere to really dine in.

Thanks Dana! By tradition, JR's is our "welcome to town" lunch and I can't wait to drop in again this weekend. Will try to check out one of your drink recommendations...very handy. I didn't know they had Duckpin bowling outside of Mass/CT!

@davehyde your welcome to sit in on sick thoughts practice at barclay while we jerk each othe r off on 1/18

Will be trolling Hampden on Sunday. Turn your practice into a Celebrated Summer in store!
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: Drewby on January 17, 2015, 08:13:30 PM
say hi to tony for me. hampden SuX
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: clif on February 09, 2015, 06:55:18 PM
If I am going to be in Columbia (i think that's the area) this weekend visiting family (distant family at that) am I close to any of the record stores mentioned in this thread? Might be hard to get away, but easier if I am close.
Title: Re: Baltimore
Post by: littledana on February 10, 2015, 01:51:25 PM
If I am going to be in Columbia (i think that's the area) this weekend visiting family (distant family at that) am I close to any of the record stores mentioned in this thread? Might be hard to get away, but easier if I am close.

you're about a 30 minute drive, 20 if you drive like me; avoid 95 if it's rush hour and take route 100 instead unless you wanna triple that time.

good thrifting in columbia, also some good food options. you might consider shooting up to ellicott city if youre bored (15 min drive?).. really cute historical town w a several decent record stores, good spots for antiques and good places to get tattooed.