At first glance, the row of neon-colored Victorian clapboard houses appears like an illustration out of a children?s book. The area feels more like a seaside attraction than a business district in Mount Washington. And its charm is unparalleled.
Founded in the mid-1800s, Mount Washington was a place to escape the oppressive conditions of the city during the summer. As one of the first “street-car suburbs,” the area quickly grew into a year-round community. Its improvement association, formed in 1885, continues to this day as one of the oldest neighborhood associations in the country.
The Groomery, at 1619 Sulgrave Ave., dates to 1867. Once the Saffell Hall, it was at various times a theater, general store and school house.
Today, as many as 35 dogs at a time are shampooed and clipped inside the historic place, owned by Kathy Phillips.
Ethel and Ramone?s Cafe, at 1615 Sulgrave, is well-known around town for its gumbo.
In their 120-year-old building, Ed Bloom and Jeff Berkow serve Baltimore?s only authentic Creole restaurant.
Nearby is Something Else, a stocked-to-the-rafters shop, owned by Elsie Fergusson.”We are an eclectic mix of clothing, jewelry, and accessories,” she said. In business at 1611 Sulgrave for 30 years, she owns the large, two-story home with a front porch that acts as an expanded space for merchandise.
Mustapha Snoussi, owner of Crepe du Jour at 1609 Sulgrave, has been making his crepes for seven years. His Victorian house, painted blue and yellow, offers a French Country welcome to hungry shoppers. In reference to three restaurants in the same short block, Snoussi replied, “We?re all friends here, there?s no competition. The more ethnicity we have, the more visitors.”
Ilene Mandelberg, a waiter at Desert Cafe next door, couldn?t agree more. In addition to providing guests with Mediterranean cuisine, the cafe also features Saturday night live belly-dancing.
“We get a lot of repeat customers then,” she laughed.
Parking can be a problem on weekends in the village. Currently, the merchants? association is in negotiations with the state for a new parking lot off of Smith Avenue near the light rail stop.
In detail
» For more information on the businesses of Mount Washington and Sulgrave Avenue in particular, call 410-561-0065 or log on to www.mtwashingtonvillage.com.
