“Good morning, Baltimore! Every day’s like an open door…”
If this lyric from Hairspray popped into your head, you’re not alone. Charm City has that effect. But Baltimore is more than a movie set—it’s resilient, creative, and full of life. And with SSP 2025 coming to town, we caught up with two locals, Jennifer Regala and Kelley Squazzo, to uncover the best things to eat, see, and do while you’re here.
Meet Your Baltimore Guides
Jennifer has lived in the Baltimore suburbs for her entire life (you’ll have to ask her how old she is yourself) and is known for her neighborhood know-how. Kelley is a long-time publishing professional and enthusiastic Baltimore explorer who has lived in the Fells Point/Harbor East neighborhoods of Baltimore for over ten years. Between the two of them, they’ve got decades of Charm City wisdom—and plenty of crab cake opinions.
What’s So Great About Baltimore, Anyway
“Baltimore is layered—it’s historical, artistic, and deeply community-driven,” says Kelley. “You can go from playing bocce in Little Italy to kayaking in the harbor in a single afternoon.”
“It’s a city that reinvents itself constantly,” adds Jennifer. “Despite challenges, Baltimore shows up with grit and grace. It’s the perfect setting for a conference about change and resilience.”
First Stop: FOOD.
Whether you’re here for one day or several, Baltimore’s food scene will leave you planning your next meal.
- EKIBEN: A must. Maryland-Asian fusion steamed buns have a cult following of 70,000 on Instagram. Locations in Fells Point, Hampden, and South Baltimore.
- Café Dear Leon: Get the crab dip bagel that’s a viral sensation on TikTok—if you can survive the line at this Canton bakery.
- Nick’s Fish House: Grab a hand-squeezed orange crush cocktail, a Maryland favorite, on their waterfront terrace on the Baltimore Peninsula.
- Faidley’s at Lexington Market: For that classic crab cake you’ll be dreaming about long after SSP.
Mini Neighborhood Itineraries
Federal Hill
A walk or quick Lyft/Uber from the Hilton.
- American Visionary Art Museum – quirky and unforgettable.
- Cross Street Market – historic public market with a mix of vendors, communal spaces, and a vibrant community.
- Federal Hill Park – great views of the city.
- The Book Escape – locally owned new and used bookstore with a large inventory.
- Sweet treats: Midnite Confections Cupcakery or Dulceology Bakery.
Fells Point & Harbor East
Think of cobblestone charm, seafood feasts, and old-school taverns.
- Thames Street Oyster House – Inspired and traditional mid-Atlantic seafood. book now to ensure you get a table.
- Bunny’s Buckets & Bubbles – Southern-inspired comfort food and bubbly cocktails.
- Greedy Reads – carefully curated book selections by owner.
- Morning bites: Ovenbird or Kneads Bakery
Hampden (Welcome to Hampden, Hon!)
A short Lyft/Uber ride for quirky, vintage vibes and working-class culture.
- The Avenue (36th St) – American style sparked with Mexican flavors, South American hints, and Mediterranean fare.
- The Charmery – try the Old Bay Caramel ice cream!
- Atomic Books – where John Waters picks up his fan mail.
- Bluebird Cocktail Room, Dylan’s Oyster Cellar, La Cuchara – so many choices.
Mount Vernon
A must for architecture and culture lovers.
- Peabody Library – Instagram gold. Known as the “Cathedral of Books” and considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
- The Walters Art Museum – free with a diverse collection spanning seven millennia and one of the best medieval collections in the US.
- Owl Bar – historic speakeasy known for its unique owl-themed décor.
- Blooms and Coral Wig – cocktails with charm at the posh Ulysses Hotel.
A Few Offbeat Favorites
- Baltimore Community Rowing – for a peaceful paddle in the city.
- Edgar Allan Poe’s House & Grave – a literary pilgrimage with a Raven’s twist.
- Reginald F. Lewis Museum – Maryland’s African American heritage on display.
- Baltimore Zoo – meet eye to eye with the world’s tallest land animal, or up close and personal with endangered species like African penguins.
- The Water Taxi – explore the harbor the scenic way.
Getting Around
- Uber/Lyft is your friend. Most neighborhoods are just 5–15 minutes from the Hilton.
- Scooters and bikes are abundant for the adventurous.
- Walking is doable in Federal Hill, Mount Vernon, and Fells Point—just mind your surroundings.
Publishing Roots Run Deep Here
Did you know Baltimore helped shape the publishing world?
- Home to Johns Hopkins University Press, the oldest university press in the U.S.
- Birthplace of Williams & Wilkins, now part of Wolters Kluwer.
- Publishing platforms like Project MUSE and professional societies like American Urological Association and INFORMS are in the Baltimore metropolitan area.
Final Thoughts from Jennifer and Kelley
“If it’s your first time here, don’t just stick to the Inner Harbor,” says Jennifer. “Ask locals for tips. Baltimore has stories to tell if you’re listening.”
“It’s a city that reads, eats, and welcomes,” says Kelley. “You’ll leave with more than notes from the conference—you’ll take a little piece of Charm City with you.”
See you in Baltimore for SSP 2025—bring your appetite and your sense of adventure.
News contribution by SSP members Aileen McHugh, Jennifer Regala, and Kelley Squazzo. Aileen is the Director of Sales and Circulation for the American College of Physicians. Jennifer is the Associate Director of Publishing for Wolters Kluwer Health. Kelley is the Director of Library & Publisher Partnerships for Project MUSE at Johns Hopkins University Press.
