2. Hampden

This neighborhood is absolutely the best for local flavor. The entire shopping district (except for the Royal Farm store) is independent. Each shop has its own unique style and you can find anything- from high end to low, art, used books, clothes. Def. check out Shine Collective for the most creative collection of clothes, art, accessories, Atomic Books and Pop for a great selection of books and design stuff and In Watermelon Sugar for good smelling stuff and home chic. Sprout Salon is a modernist haven if you need a cut and want it organic. Eat at Golden West or Rocket to Venus for the most unusual menus. Very real, very Baltimore.