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First Fridays In Hampden

By Abdu Ali Eaton

Thank goodness for Fridays. Without Fridays, people wouldn't be able to kick back, relax and break away from work. Without Fridays, there wouldn't be "You can't beat this" happy hour, and Baltimoreans wouldn't have a chance to explore the retail corridors of exclusive discounts, stylish fashion finds and good times at First Fridays In Hampden.

Hampden is home to more than 60 independently owned shops and on the first Friday of every month, they all open their doors, waving to new and old customers alike, and offering drinks! First Fridays in Hampden is an ongoing tradition, a night to innocently indulge in some soothing retail therapy. From swanky antiques and vibrant art to good fashion find, Hampden has everything you're looking for. A few notable shops to check out include: men's boutique 16 Tons, Double Dutch Boutique for the ladies, and for those who love shoes and chocolate, Ma Petite Shoe.

Double Dutch Boutique

3616 Falls Road
Baltimore, MD 21211
(410) 554-0055
First Friday Hours: 6 – 9pm
Reviews, Directions & More Info

Double Dutch Boutique is an affordable women's clothing shop that sells modern and indie clothing. Opened in May 2006, Double Dutch has played a large role in the success of First Fridays. The shop itself is a fashion success, listed in City's Paper's "Best Of" and Baltimore Magazine's "Best In Baltimore."  Featuring local designers, eccentric jewelry and great gifts, First Friday deals include a 10 percent discount on all items, tasty cocktails and a DJ. You'll find affordable, sophisticated and chic women's clothing.

"One thing I really like at Double Dutch on First Fridays is that it's always like a girls night out, but it's at my job!" - Anilia Hornsby, Sales, Double Dutch.

16 Tons

1100 W. 36th Street
Baltimore, MD 21211
410-554-0101
Hours: Sun – Mon 12pm -5pm; Tues – Thurs 11am – 6pm; Fri – Sat 11am – 6pm
http://www.shop16tons.com/

The place for men to come together in fashion and brotherhood on First Fridays is none other than 16 Tons. A relatively new gentleman's boutique, 16 Tons has an array of stylish modern clothing for men. It's a reliable boutique for quality denim like Naked & Famous, accessories of all kinds and grooming products. There are not a lot of independent men's boutiques in Baltimore for the charming man, but 16 Tons is a refreshing and upstanding shop. Guys, if you are looking for a cold beer and a comfortable place to shop, head over to 16 Tons on First Fridays.

"First Fridays is like a bonus. It adds an opportunity to give back to our customers. It shows loyalty." - Owner, Daniel Wylie

Ma Petite Shoe

832 W 36th St
Baltimore, MD 21211
(410)-235-3442
Hours: Sun 12pm -5pm; Mon-Thurs, Sat – 11am – 7pm; Fri 11am – 8pm
Reviews, Directions & More Info

This former home turned boutique, Ma Petite Shoe is full of trendy shoes, and delicious upscale chocolate. It features men's shoes, women's shoes, children's shoes, and chocolates from all across the globe. As you walk in, you are surrounded by shoes, stacked near the walls, piled on the floor, even upstairs, and then there are the mountains of tastefully inviting chocolate. Stop in on First Fridays for a night of conversation, shoes and chocolate sampling. Not only do they carry quality chocolates like Francois Pralus and Amella Caramels, but they also have top shoe brands, like Jefferey Campbell and Dolce Vita. Ma Petite Shoe is the sensational and savvy stop for your First Fridays in Hampden.

"Chocolate and shoes are two great obsessions!"- Owner, Susannah Siger

Abdu Ali Eaton is an arts advocate and writer living in Charm City, Baltimore. His creative works can be found on EatOnThis.com.

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