tigersonthego

By Cameron Wilson

If you’re looking for a quick escape from campus without breaking the bank, Fells Point is the place for you. It’s just a quick 20 to 30-minute drive from Towson. Between the local shops, good food, and the waterfront breeze, it’s a solid way to spend an afternoon without spending too much. 

 It has cobblestone streets, vintage shops, indie art and a salty coastal smell to tie everything together. I spent my afternoon exploring a few spots that prove Fells Point is one of Baltimore’s most underrated college hangout spots. 

First Destination

Vagabond Players Theatre. It’s on South Ann Street and has been running since 1916! It is the oldest continuously operating community theater in Baltimore. The space feels cozy and local, with an “everyone knows everyone” kind of vibe. 

 Unfortunately I wasn’t able to catch a show, but tickets are cheap (usually below $20 with a student discount), which is a win for student budgets. 

Second Destination

After checking out the theater, I wandered into Hi’s Variety, it’s a small but packed little shop that feels like walking into an art student’s dream. It’s full of handmade trinkets, funky stationery, and Baltimore-inspired goods. You’ll find things you didn’t even know you wanted. 

The owner was very friendly and he guided me through all of the different items he has to offer. The store gave me a very nostalgic feeling when I got to the toy section. I saw different DVD’s of movies that I watched and old versions old board games that I played growing up. He also had a little creepy doll section that made me jump back a bit.

 It has all sorts of cute little things such as retro stickers, candles, and local art prints that make great dorm decor or gifts for friends. It’s quirky, affordable, and definitely worth a browse. 

Third Destination

Reversed Thrift is the kind of place that makes you want to spend an hour digging through racks just to see what you’ll find. The shop has a laid-back, vintage feel, with shelves full of clothes, accessories, and random treasures. 

You can score everything from retro t-shirts to unique jewelry and hats, all at student-friendly prices. It’s a great stop even if you’re not buying anything, it’s a fun place to walk through and get outfit inspiration. 

I loved this placed and I will definitely be back on my next visit. I spent nearly 45 minutes looking at all of the pieces they had to offer. Everything was super cute and affordable.  

Last Destination

My last stop was the Affogato Cat Café, a cozy little spot where you can hang out with cats while you snack or study. Instead of coffee, I went for a double – scoop of cookie dough ice cream, and I didn’t regret it one bit.  

The space felt very calm and welcoming, with five to six cats that ran around like they owned the place. They were playing trendy indie music and the smell of the ice cream filled the place. It’s a nice spot to take a break, cool off, and enjoy some quiet time before heading home and ending the day.

This was another place that I will definitely be visiting when I head back to Fells Point. One for the cats and two for the delicious ice cream. This place was also very affordable. The ice cream was less than $5 and for a 30-minute session to play with the cats it’s only $10 per person. 

By the time I left, I realized Fells Point is one of those spots that just feels good to walk around in. You can grab ice cream, thrift for something random, and catch a show all in the same afternoon. It’s chill, affordable, and worth the trip if you need a break from campus life.