Mount Vernon

• Dooby’s: A hip, Korean-inspired café in Mount Vernon serving everything from breakfast bagels and ramen to pork buns and build‑your‑own bowls in a cozy, laptop-friendly atmosphere.

• The Bun Shop: A delightful artisan bakery whipping up fresh, creative buns like lemon‑blueberry tarts and Bombay rolls. Open into the wee hours, a favorite for students looking for a place to study.

• Baby’s on Fire: A local favorite cozy café and record shop with friendly staff where you can sip locally roasted coffee, browse vinyl, and enjoy breakfast and lunch.

• Alma: A beloved Venezuelan‑Latin spot, praised for its vibrant, flavorful cuisine and upscale casual dining.

• The Helmand: A longtime Mount Vernon favorite serving authentic Afghan dishes in a not-too-stuffy fine dining setting for over 25 years.

• Guildford Hall Brewery: Housed in a revitalized historic building, a casual Bavarian style brauhaus with hand-crafted brews and local flavors. Share a giant pretzel with company!

• Mera Collective: A chef‑led worker cooperative in Baltimore offering global, story‑driven cuisine and bar service.
  
  

Fells

• Pitango: A charming Italian bakery and café on the waterfront in Fells Point serving artisanal breads, pastries, paninis, salads, gelato, and coffee in a bright, friendly space. 

• Bunny’s Buckets and Bubbles: A fun, Southern‑inspired spot in Fells Point where comfort‑food favorites like fried chicken buckets meet signature bubbly cocktails in a cozy, upbeat setting. Brunch and bevs!

• Abbey Burger: A casual burger bistro known for its huge, customizable Angus and exotic‑meat patties (elk, camel, kangaroo) plus craft beers and spiked milkshakes in Fells Point.

• The Black Olive: A refined Greek fish tavern tucked into a historic cobblestone rowhouse in Fells Point, celebrated for its fresh seafood, Mediterranean dishes, and elegant ambiance .

• Blue Moon Café: An eclectic, rock‑and‑roll‑vibe breakfast joint famous for creative classics like Captain Crunch French toast and catchy diner art in Fells Point .

• Little Donna’s: A cozy Upper Fells Point tavern‑style spot blending Eastern European and American fare—think pierogies, schnitzel, and tavern‑style pizza—honored by NYT as one of the nation’s top restaurants.
  
  

Fed Hill

• Tre Fratelli: A cozy, neighborhood Italian spot in Federal Hill serving up hearty homemade pasta, fresh-market dishes, and comforting classics in a warm, family-run atmosphere.

• YARD: Caribbean food that brings the heat and more importantly, the flavor!

• Angeli’s Pizzeria & Bar: A beloved Baltimore pizzeria and bar famous for award‑winning, thin‑crust pies and espresso martinis, with multiple city‑wide locations and a cult following.

• Byblos: A bright, Mediterranean‑inspired eatery in South Baltimore offering flavorful Middle Eastern dishes in a friendly, casual setting.

• Local’s Only: A relaxed, neighborhood bar tucked into the Cross Street Market serving a rotating lineup of local bites and beers in a friendly, community‑centric spot.

• Barfly’s: A laid‑back South Baltimore pub known for its crave‑worthy pizza, creative cocktails, rotating draft beers, and hard‑to‑beat whiskey selection.
  
  

Canton

• DiPasquale’s: A beloved multi-generational Italian market and deli in Baltimore, DiPasquale’s serves up authentic homemade pasta, breads, sandwiches, and more, continuing a century-long family tradition.

• Mystic Burrito: This lively Eastern Avenue burrito spot delivers super-sized, creative Cali-Hawaiian–inspired burritos and fresh, inventive sides in a casual, welcoming setting.

• Pho Bac: Ultimate comfort food at this authentic Vietnamese pho joint in Baltimore renowned for its soul-warming bowls of aromatic, flavorful noodle soup.

• Taqueria El Sabor: Who doesn't love tacos? This vibrant Canton-area taco stand dishing up authentic, no-fuss Mexican street-style tacos bursting with fresh flavor.

• Union Hill: A modern, neighborhood eatery and craft bar in Brewers Hill blending elevated small plates, craft cocktails, and a lively, stylish atmosphere.

• The Dive: This funky Canton bar serves nostalgic, inventive comfort food (think smashburgers, pickle pizza, disco fries) alongside creative cocktails in a fun, welcoming dive-bar vibe.
  
  

Druid Hill Park: A lush, historic park perfect for picnics, paddling, and peaceful walks under century-old trees.

Cylburn Arboretum: A quiet garden escape with winding trails, blooming flowers, and a Victorian mansion at its heart.

Herring Run Park: A hidden natural haven with wooded trails and a creek that winds through Northeast Baltimore.

Stony Run: A serene, tree-lined trail that feels like a forest path right in the middle of the city.

The Walters Art Museum: A treasure trove of art from ancient to modern, always free and always inspiring.

Baltimore Museum of Art: Home to world-class collections and the iconic Cone sisters’ masterpieces, all with free admission.

American Visionary Art Museum: A joyful, wildly creative celebration of outsider and self-taught artists that never fails to surprise.

Fort McHenry: The birthplace of the national anthem and a beautiful spot to soak in history and harbor views.

Centerstage: Baltimore’s flagship theater for bold, contemporary productions and classic stories reimagined.

The Hippodrome: A grand, historic theater bringing Broadway sparkle and big-name acts to the heart of downtown.

National Aquarium: A stunning, immersive underwater world where sharks, jellyfish, and rainforests come to life.

Lighting of the Monument: A magical Mount Vernon tradition that kicks off the holiday season with food, music, and fireworks.

Xmas Village: A cozy, European-style holiday market at the Inner Harbor filled with festive treats, gifts, and cheer.

Artscape: America’s largest free arts festival, bursting with creativity, music, performances, and colorful street vibes.

Charles St. Promenade: A car-free celebration where people reclaim the street for walking, biking, shopping, and strolling.

Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race: A delightfully wacky, human-powered race of art bikes and floating sculptures across land, mud, and water.

Restaurant Week: A foodie’s dream where top local spots serve up special prix-fixe menus at tasty prices.

AFRAM: A joyful celebration of African American culture, music, food, and heritage that lights up Druid Hill Park.

Preakness: Baltimore’s biggest day in horse racing, where high stakes meet high style and legendary parties.

Flower Mart: A charming spring tradition in Mount Vernon full of blooms, lemon sticks, and old-school Baltimore flair.

SoWeBo Arts & Music Festival: A funky, grassroots festival in Southwest Baltimore packed with art, music, and neighborhood pride.

Merritt: A sleek, full-service gym with rooftop pools, harbor views, and a strong community vibe.

Planet Fitness: A no-judgment zone with budget-friendly memberships and all the basics to get your sweat on.

Baltimore Bike Party: A monthly, costumed bike ride party through the city that’s all about fun, music, and community.

Various Run Clubs: From casual joggers to serious sprinters, Baltimore’s run clubs turn workouts into social hangouts.

MV Fitness & Fed Hill Fitness: Neighborhood gyms with a loyal following, personal vibes, and strong group fitness scenes.

Under Armour Bank Gym: A cutting-edge training space blending pro-level equipment, sleek design, and that signature UA energy.

Community Engagement & Volunteering

Moveable Feast: Students can volunteer to help prepare and deliver meals to those who are homebound or living with critical illnesses. Volunteering is a great way to connect with the community and reduce stress through meaningful work. (moveablefeast.org)

Baltimore Humane Society: Volunteering at the animal shelter offers students the chance to help animals in need, get fresh air, and reduce stress through animal interaction. (bmorehumane.org)

Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake: Get involved with building homes for those in need while forming strong connections with peers and other volunteers. (habitatchesapeake.org)

Stress-Reducing Social Activities

Silent Disco at the Walters Art Museum: Students can enjoy a unique experience by attending a silent disco, where everyone wears headphones and dances to their own beat. It's a fun way to relax and meet new people! (walters.org)

Trivia Nights at Local Bars: Many local bars and restaurants host trivia nights, which are great stress-relieving and team-building activities for students. (baltimore.org)

Outdoor & Nature Activities

Druid Hill Park: A spacious park with trails, lakes, and open green areas. It’s great for running, walking, or simply relaxing. There’s also a yoga group that meets for outdoor sessions during warmer months. (Baltimore.org)

Patapsco Valley State Park: Known for its scenic trails and rivers, this park is perfect for hiking, biking, or picnicking. Students can enjoy quiet moments in nature while connecting with others. (visitmaryland.org)

Baltimore Inner Harbor: Students can walk along the water, enjoy the fresh air, or rent a paddleboat. The calming effect of water is known to reduce stress. (baltimore.org)

Lake Roland: A peaceful outdoor destination for walking, birdwatching, and relaxing near the water, great for students looking to unwind. (baltimore.org)

Mindfulness & Relaxation

The Mindful Practice Center of Maryland: Offers mindfulness and meditation classes designed to reduce stress, promote emotional well-being, and foster community. (mindfulpracticecenter.com)

Charm City Yoga: A local yoga studio offering classes to promote physical health, relaxation, and stress reduction. There are also community classes that foster social connection. (charmcityyoga.com)

Breathe Yoga & Wellness: This yoga studio focuses on yoga, meditation, and wellness practices that support mental and emotional well-being. (breathewellnessmd.com)

Healthy Eating & Social Wellness

Baltimore Farmers Market & Bazaar:  Students can visit the local farmers market every Sunday for fresh produce, healthy food options, and the opportunity to support local vendors. The market is also a social hub for connecting with others. (baltimore.org)

The Plant Based Food Truck Collective: Students can enjoy plant-based food trucks offering nutritious, stress-reducing food options while interacting with other health-conscious individuals. (plantbasedfoodtruck.com)