Tour de Baltimore – Saturday Edition

Saturday was another perfect day – sunny and 70s. We started again at DeBois where our Tourists found some spectacular silks, some gorgeous toiles, new ikats and a prom dress!

Again, we went to Housewerks, where the amazing glass pieces were a big draw, as was the dissertation on refinishing woods by one of the owners! Our next stop was McLain-Wiesand where we were greeted by late morning Mimosas and gorgeous pink cupcakes. Before we even entered the shop, one of the Tourists found the settee of her dreams – right in the front window! Of course, she had to try it before she bought it and to the entertainment of the group, she posed in the front window of McLain Wiesand! The settee even fit in the back of her car, so she bought it on the spot. As she was negotiating the deal, the rest of the group had the chance to see behind the scenes at McLain, and watch some of David’s artisans at work. Lest you think all David’s gang does is produce gorgeous furniture, they also have a sideline in Squishies®. They’ve even made a rock video with the group. From McLain Wiesand, we moved to Gore Dean, where they had champagne, crustless cucumber sandwiches and Easter cookies for us! They were setting up for a Bridal event on Sunday and had stunning place-settings on the tables. I just loved the plates which had different types of mesclun salad leaves around the border, which, I think, are from Hermès.

As we left, they gave everyone a gorgeous goodie bag, which was such a generous gesture to their visitors! Here are some of the other place-settings.

One thing I loved at Gore Dean was this sweet stationery from the late Mrs. John L. Strong. I love crocii because they herald the start of spring in Baltimore. I’ve heard rumours that friends of friends have bought Mrs. John L. Strong and may be resurrecting the line!Lunch was loads of fun, especially with Cafe Hon’s all-day brunch. I did notice a few of the group ordering their Eggs Benedict with Crabcakes! WOW!  There was a table next to ours where the girls were celebrating a wedding shower and the bride tried a lovely pink dress to go with her pink flamingo, the motif of Cafe Hon.

Before we ventured to Book Thing, we wandered through the village of Hampden and stopped in a few of the one-off shops along the main street.

I had to warn the Tourists that Book Thing is NOTHING like the sweet book-shop in the film Notting Hill, and that the proprietor is nothing like Hugh Grant. Everyone in the group found books at Book Thing, and we all left laden with interesting books that we’d never have found in any book store. I actually found a slim volume on making curtains!

All in all, two great days with a lot of wonderful new friends. Thanks to all who made this tour such a great time, and thanks to those who took time to come to Baltimore and see my city!