Posts about Around Town

Discovering Baltimore's Best Eateries Near HOHM Highlandtown Apartments-image

Nestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Highlandtown, Baltimore, HOHM Highlandtown Apartments is steps away from delicious dining experiences to suit any craving.    DiPasquale's Italian Marketplace: Located just a short walk from HOHM Highlandtown Apartments, DiPasquale's Italian Marketplace is a local institution renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine. Indulge in freshly made pasta, gourmet sandwiches, and mouthwatering desserts in a cozy, family-owned atmosphere. Samos Restaurant: Craving Greek cuisine? Look no further than Samos Restaurant, a beloved neighborhood gem known for its flavorful souvlaki, spanakopita, and gyro platters. With generous portions and friendly service, it's the perfect spot for a satisfying meal just minutes from your doorstep. Snake Hill Tavern: For those seeking a laid-back atmosphere and gourmet sausages, Snake Hill Tavern is the place to be. With an extensive selection of craft beers on tap and an inventive menu featuring house-made sausages and creative toppings, it's a favorite among locals looking for a unique dining experience. Matthew's Pizza: No culinary tour of Highlandtown would be complete without a visit to Matthew's Pizza, Baltimore's oldest continuously operating pizzeria. Treat yourself to a slice of their famous square pizza, topped with fresh ingredients and baked to perfection in a century-old brick oven. Ovenbird Bakery: Start your day off right with a visit to Ovenbird Bakery, a charming coffee shop known for its artisanal coffee blends and delectable breakfast offerings. Whether you're craving a classic latte or a hearty breakfast sandwich, you'll find it here in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. With its rich culinary heritage and diverse array of dining options, Highlandtown offers something for every palate and occasion. Whether you're craving Italian comfort food, Greek specialties, or inventive gourmet fare, you'll find it all just steps away from HOHM Highlandtown Apartments. 

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Perfecting the Art of Chocolate Chip Cookies-image

There's something universally comforting about the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies wafting through the kitchen. If you're on a quest for the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe – one that strikes the perfect balance of chewiness, gooeyness, and a hint of crispiness – your search ends here.   Ingredients:   - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1 cup packed light brown sugar - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 3 cups all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips   Instructions:   1. Preheat the Oven:    Preheat your oven to 350°F and line baking sheets with parchment paper.   2. Cream the Butter and Sugars:    In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for achieving a perfect texture.   3. Add Eggs and Vanilla:    Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until well combined. The eggs contribute to the cookie's moisture and structure.   4. Combine Dry Ingredients:    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can lead to denser cookies.   5. Fold in Chocolate Chips:    Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough. Feel free to add chopped nuts or other mix-ins if desired.   6. Scoop and Bake:    Use a cookie scoop or tablespoon to drop rounded balls of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving enough space for the cookies to spread. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden. The centers should still be soft.   7. Cool on Wire Racks:    Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to wire racks to cool completely. This step ensures the cookies set properly without becoming too firm.     Tips for Success:  - Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that your butter, eggs, and other dairy ingredients are at room temperature. This helps create a uniform texture in the cookie dough.   - Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best flavor. You can even mix different types of chocolate for a more complex taste.   - Experiment with Texture: Adjust the baking time based on your preference for cookie texture. Longer baking yields crispier cookies, while shorter baking results in softer, chewier ones.   Now that you have the ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe in your arsenal, get ready to impress friends, family, and even yourself with these delectable homemade treats. Happy baking!

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​Discover the Beauty of Maryland's Wildflowers-image

Maryland boasts not only a rich history but also a diverse natural landscape. One of the most treasured aspects of this state's great outdoors is the abundant display of wildflowers that grace its meadows, woodlands, and roadsides. In this blog post, we'll take you on a tour of some common wildflowers found in Maryland.   Black-Eyed Susan:   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thefrontgardeners (@thefrontgardeners)      Let's kick off our wildflower adventure with the official state flower of Maryland, the Black-Eyed Susan. With its vibrant yellow petals and a dark brown or black center, these cheerful blooms are a staple in the state's meadows. They often appear in late summer, adding a burst of color to the landscape.   Cardinal Flower:   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Virginia Native Plant Society (VNPS) (@virginianativeplants)      If you're exploring wetlands or the banks of streams in Maryland, keep an eye out for the stunning Cardinal Flower. Its bright red, tubular blossoms are irresistible to both hummingbirds and admirers of native flora. This perennial wildflower thrives in moist environments and is a true gem of the state's natural beauty.   Butterfly Weed:   View this post on Instagram A post shared by InDefenseofPlants (@indefenseofplants)      As the name suggests, the Butterfly Weed is a magnet for butterflies and pollinators. Its vibrant orange clusters of flowers bloom throughout the summer, providing nectar for a variety of insects. These native plants also play a crucial role in supporting the life cycle of the iconic Monarch butterfly.   Wild Columbine:   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nurney Landscape (@nurneylandscape)      Delicate and graceful, the Wild Columbine is a woodland favorite. With its nodding, red and yellow bell-shaped flowers, it's a delightful sight in Maryland's shaded areas during the spring. Hummingbirds are known to visit these blooms, making it a charming addition to your garden.   Mayapple:   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michelle Kane (@sunshinekane)      Maryland's woodlands are home to the Mayapple, a peculiar wildflower with a single, umbrella-like leaf and a solitary white flower beneath it. While it may be easily overlooked due to its unique appearance, spotting a cluster of these during a woodland hike can be a delightful surprise.   Oxeye Daisy :   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Geoffrey Daniel (@geoffdanielphotos)      You may have seen the Oxeye Daisy in fields and meadows, brightening up the landscape with its classic white petals and yellow centers. These daisies are a symbol of simplicity and beauty, and their presence in Maryland adds a touch of nostalgia to the countryside.     These common wildflowers, from the vibrant Black-Eyed Susan to the elegant Wild Columbine, are just a glimpse into the flora that thrives in Maryland's diverse ecosystems. Have you seen any of these flowers around Hohm? Happy wildflower hunting! 🌼🌿

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Celebrate Pride in Baltimore: Embrace Love and Diversity in 2023!-image

Baltimore is a vibrant and inclusive city known for its rich history, diverse neighborhoods, and a strong LGBTQ+ community. As Pride celebrations continue to evolve each year, 2023 promises to be an extraordinary time to embrace diversity, equity, and love. HOHM Highlandtown Apartments is luxury apartments located in Highlandtown, a hub for all things Pride!  “ One Heart, One Love, One Pride ” is the theme of this year's Pride festival and will be held from June 19-25, 2023.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚❤️🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride)   June 16, 2023 - Twilight on the Terrace Head to Gertrude’s for Twilight on the Terrance, the largest gala benefiting The Pride Center of Maryland. Gertrude’s will host a night of dancing, performances from incredible local artists, fine food and craft cocktails.   June 17, 2023 – Pride of Mt Vernon Stop by Mt Vernon from 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM for a pride filled, family and dog-friendly street festival featuring a stage with musical entertainment, shopping with artists, local vendors and more.   June 23, 2023 - Ridin’ the Rail at the B&O Grab a ticket to the B&O Railroad Museum and hop aboard the Pride Train for a Pride celebration you won’t want to miss! Catch one-of-a-kind drag performances, followed by a night to remember with food, drinks, music and dancing under the stars.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚❤️🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride)   June 24, 2023 – Baltimore Pride Parade & Block Party Starting at 1:00 PM, at North Charles and 33 rd Street, The Baltimore Parade kicks off the day’s activities. The parade leads directly into The Block Party on Charles Street between North Avenue & 23 rd Street. Check out a variety of vendors, DJs, great food from local vendors and incredible talent that you won’t want to miss!   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pride Center Of Maryland 🖤💜🤎🤍💙💚❤️🧡💛 (@baltimore_pride)   June 25, 2023 – Pride in the Park Head to Druid Hill Park on Sunday to continue the festival with music, vendors, incredible drag performers and so much more starting at 12:00 PM. Get there early so you don’t miss a thing and don’t forget to bring your picnic blanket and sunscreen!   Baltimore is a city that embraces diversity, inclusivity, and the spirit of Pride. Whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, celebrating Pride in Baltimore is an experience like no other. HOHM Highlandtown Apartments offers luxury apartments, world class amenities, and a welcoming inclusive environment for all.  

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8 Official Symbols of Maryland State-image

How many of these Maryland state symbols are you familiar with?   Bird | Baltimore Oriole The Baltimore oriole is a distinctive inhabitant of Maryland's suburban areas and parks. The Baltimore Oriole migrates north from Mexico and South America in the spring and returns south for the winter. The Oriole weaves bag-shaped hanging nests often found on shade trees and feeds on fruit, insects and nectar. The Baltimore oriole is also the mascot and namesake for Baltimore’s baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles. The Oriole Bird has been the mascot of the Baltimore Orioles since 1979.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by John F. Kennedy (@jfkwildlife)   Reptile | Diamondback Terrapin The official reptile of the state of Maryland is the diamondback terrapin . Diamondback terrapins are the only turtles adapted to live in brackish water, as such, you will find these turtles living in costal marshes in Maryland. Diamondback terrapins have made their way to mascot status, becoming the official mascot of The University of Maryland College Park. In addition to being the mascot, The University of Maryland College Park donates a portion of sale proceeds from their “Fear the Turtle” merchandise to fund terrapin conservation and research efforts.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by The Reptile Report (@thereptilereportofficial)   Flower | Black-eyed Susan The Black-eyed Susan has been the official flower of Maryland since 1918 when it was designated the “Floral Emblem” of Maryland by the General Assembly. Black-eyed Susans are members of the sunflower family and are perennial daisies or coneflowers. They are native to the United States, east of the Rocky Mountains. The root of the black-eyed Susan is used in traditional and folk remedies to treat colds. These beautiful flowers are commonly found in fields and on roadsides, blooming between May and August.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Claudia Gaupp (@between.gardens)   Gem | Patuxent River Stone The Patuxent River Stone became the State Gem of Maryland effective October 1, 2004. This stone can only be found in Maryland and the colors of rent and yellow reflect the Maryland State Flag. Have you ever seen one of these stones around Maryland? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Andi Jumalon Witherow (@andiro1969)   Crustacean | Blue Crab The Chesapeake Bay is famous for blue crabs , which Maryland designated its official state crustacean in 1989. Blue crabs are omnivores, eating both plants and animals, typically consuming thin-shelled bivalves, annelids, fish, plants and nearly any other item that they can find, including carrion. The blue crab's scientific name ( Callinectes sapidus  Rathbun) translates as "beautiful swimmer that is savory." In Maryland, blue crabs are the most valuable commercial fishery.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Larry White (@wildgamegourmet)   Dessert | Smith Island Cake The Smith Island Cake became the State Dessert of Maryland on October 1, 2008. Named after Smith Island, Maryland’s last inhabited island that is reachable only by boat, the Smith Island Cake consists of eight to ten layers of yellow cake with chocolate frosting between each layer and slathered over the whole. Many variations of the cake have evolved, both in flavors of the cake itself and frosting. Have you ever tried Smith Island Cake?   View this post on Instagram A post shared by beazleybakes (@beazleybakes)   Dinosaur | Astrodon johnstoni Astrodon johnstoni was designated the state dinosaur of Maryland in 1998. Astrodon johnstoni, who were herbivores, lived in Maryland from 95 to 130 million years ago during the Early Cretaceous period. These giant sauropods weighed up to 20 tons. Astrodon johnstoni had small heads, long necks, long tails, and strong, solid legs. Fossilized teeth of the Astrodon johnstoni were found in Maryland in 1858, marking one of the earliest dinosaur finds in the country and the first in state.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Page about prehistoric fauna (@extinct_animal_facts)   Fish | Rockfish In 1965, Maryland designated rockfish , also called striped bass, as the official state fish. Between April and June, rivers feeding Chesapeake Bay provide spawning grounds for most Atlantic Coast rockfish because adult rockfish swim in the ocean but lay their eggs in fresh water. Rockfish that are born in the Bay spending their first 3 to 5 years there before migrating to the Atlantic where they may live up to 30 years.   View this post on Instagram A post shared by Central Coast Fishing Charters (@central_coast_fishing_charters)   Be sure to keep an eye out for these state symbols next time you’re out hiking or just driving around our great state of Maryland!

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