Is Baltimore romantic? Perhaps not in the same way Paris is, but there are still soft, rosy moments that can make your heart skip a beat.
Perhaps it’s catching sight of the skyline from atop the World Trade Center building, the golden leaves carpeting Mount Vernon’s streets or the glistening swirl of a cocktail in a cozy neighborhood bar.
Whether you’re planning a first date or welcoming your partner to Baltimore, I’ve put together my personal guide to the best places in the city — and a few gems in neighboring towns — for eating, shopping or simply enjoying time together.
Eat
I’ve always believed that food is one of the best ways to explore each other’s personalities: Are you a steadfast fan of savory dishes or do you live for desserts? Can you handle fiery spice or does even mild salsa make you break a sweat? You’ll learn a lot over a meal.
But for a first date, sometimes you want a bit of safety — a place that caters to different dietary needs and tastes while still keeping a touch of panache. Two spots instantly pop into my mind: Rusty Scupper and La Cuchara.
Rusty Scupper exudes the vibe of an old gentleman, steeped in Old Bay flavor. It serves Baltimore classics like crab dip and crab cakes in a nautical-themed space adorned with model boats, as well as sweeping views of the Inner Harbor that make you feel as though you’re dining aboard a ship.
For a cozier, more whimsical vibe, try La Cuchara. This Basque-style restaurant brings a slice of southern France and northern Spain’s culinary arts to Baltimore. Inside, the restaurant is a glowing wooden cabin lit with soft, orange-sanguine hues. Everything on the menu is like a tiny jewel, from creative pintxos to exquisite cocktails crafted to mirror the changing seasons. And, conveniently, parking is plentiful nearby.
If you’re looking for more date-night eateries, take a peek at some of my earlier pieces on great spots to enjoy as a duo.
Shopping
Shopping dates have a unique kind of fun these days. Feeling the textures of fabrics and stumbling upon quirky finds brings back a long-missed sense of relaxation in a world where our lives have become so digital and fast-paced.
For a traditional shopping date, two malls are worth mentioning: White Marsh Mall and Towson Town Center. White Marsh feels spacious and airy, with high ceilings so you don’t feel boxed in while exploring its vast layout. It’s also home to one of the largest AMC theaters nearby. Before leaving the mall after your shopping trip, consider stopping by to unwind with a movie and some delicious popcorn.
What I like about Towson Town Center isn’t just the mall itself, but the versatile area around it. Right on the same street, you’ll find Ebisu Mini Japan, stocked with cute school supplies and cosmetics that instantly spark dopamine bubbles. And for couples who love a shared grocery run, there’s a Trader Joe’s close by — I can never resist their snacks.
If you’re feeling more outdoorsy, Baltimore’s walkable neighborhoods are perfect for a chill, chatty stroll. Meander through Hampden, Fells Point or the historic stretch of Ellicott City’s Main Street. You’ll find boutique shops, delicious gelato and ice cream at spots like Pitango and The Charmery, and gems like The Sound Garden, a record store that’s been spinning tunes for decades.
Things to do
Sometimes you’ll want something beyond strolling, talking or dining — an activity to help build special moments.
Maryland’s seasons give you endless opportunities. In the fall, there’s pumpkin or apple picking. In May, strawberry fields burst with plump, juicy fruit to be gathered. In winter, ice rinks pop up everywhere, from campus tennis courts turned skating rinks to the Inner Harbor. I know, getting muddy under the open sky or taking a spill on the ice — it all feels straight out of a rom-com. For seasonless activities, movie theaters always make for a cozy escape. Near campus, the Warehouse Cinemas in Rotunda offers plush recliner seats and special couples’ seating.
For more events, look out for local calendars curated by Baltimore Magazine, The Baltimore Sun and other regional publications that keep you posted on real-time happenings like Baltimore Comic-Con, Halloween lantern parades and the spirited German Christmas Village.
Ultimately, planning a date doesn’t require the precision of an academic schedule. The best dates, I believe, are the ones you invent together. As you discover each other’s hobbies, quirks and traditions, new ideas will spark organically.
Yuyu Huang is a senior majoring in Mathematics and Economics from Fuzhou, China. She is a Magazine Editor for The News-Letter.
