By day, 29-year-old Sebastian Marin serves as a Communications Manager for a government agency. At night, he is a creative director and content creator– having worked with colossal brands like Coach, Nike, Sweetgreen, Vice, and Refinery29.

“I love being involved in the creative process,” says Marin. “I get bored really easily, so having a creative outlet helps me be productive and stay focused.”

Sebastian is a photographer living in Baltimore, Maryland. Originally from Colombia, he came to the United States 12 years ago and settled in Maryland. The influencer has grown to love the city, especially neighborhoods like Fells Point. On a 2-day tour, he gave us an inside look at Baltimore’s best haunts and things to do.

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Baltimore Things To Do

CEREMONY COFFEE

For coffee there are so many great options like Ceremony, Pitango, Daily Grind, Order & Chaos, and Artifact.They’re all so amazing, you can’t go wrong. But my favorite is Ceremony.

Address 520 Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21201 | http://www.ceremonycoffee.com/

DIAMOND BACK BREWERY

I love to stop by the Diamond Back Brewery for a cold beer and tour. There’s also the new Sagamore Distillery and take a tour. Go to the top of the World Trade Center building or take a helicopter tour! There’s so many things to do here.

Address 1215 E Fort Ave #008, Baltimore, MD 21230 | http://www.diamondbackbeer.com/

STUGGYS

You have to try Stuggy’s. Their hot dogs are like nothing you’ve ever had. If you’re into ice-cream, you have go to Bmore Licks. A brand new ice-cream shop near Patterson Park with an absurd amount of options for both you and your dog.

Address 809 S Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21231 | http://stuggys.com/

 

FELL’S POINT

Fell’s Point is where I hang out the most. This is the place to visit to grab a few drinks and have a romantic/chill dinner. The scenery is similar to Annapolis but a lot less touristy. I love being able to walk from home to grab dinner by the water in Fell’s Point, then take a walk back by the water’s edge enjoying sunset. I haven’t had a similar experience anywhere else thus far. Go to Thames Oyster House in Fell’s. They have the best lobster rolls ever plus other amazing seafood plates as well.

Website https://baltimore.org/neighborhoods-maps-transportation/fells-point

CLAVEL

My absolute favorite restaurant to go to is Clavel. This is the most authentic Mexican restaurant I have ever been to and it is a must if you’re in town. After Clavel you can walk 2 blocks and get a few cocktails at W.C. Harlan. This speakeasy has zero signs outside and you’ll love their carefully crafted drinks.

Address 225 W 23rd St, Baltimore, MD 21211 | http://barclavel.com/


Q&A With Photographer Sebastian Marin

Hi Sebastian, tell us where are you from? 

My family and I moved to the United States when I was 16 years old. We were forced to leave our native Colombia for safety and in search of a better place to live. I have lived in Maryland since we moved and more recently moved to Baltimore.

Which neighborhood in Baltimore do you live in?

I live in Downtown Baltimore, a block away from the Inner Harbor.

What do you do for a living?

As many of us creatives, I have a full time job but hustle a “part-time” job. My full-time job is being the Communications Manager for a government agency. I enjoy being able to interact with several government agencies and deal with elected officials on a daily basis, while still managing our brand’s strategy and direction.

My side hustle is being a Content Creator and Creative Consultant. I get bored really easily, so having a creative outlet/career that keeps me busy is a great way to be productive and stay focused. Most of my side jobs involve content strategy and production of visuals, whether they’re photo/video/other. I love being involved in the creative process from the beginning, as much as the execution steps that follow.

What do you like and dislike about Baltimore?

I think Baltimore is still a hidden gem in many ways. The amazing local restaurants, the small businesses and all the new private and public investments have made the city a cool place to be. I love being able to walk from home to grab dinner by the water in Fell’s Point, then take a walk back by the water’s edge enjoying sunset. I haven’t had a similar experience anywhere else thus far.

On the flip side, it really sucks that there is such a high crime rate and drug related social issues. I think our local government agencies are doing their best to improve the situation with their current budgets, but it is definitely a long-term problem that can’t be ignored.

If I had 48 hours in Baltimore, what should I SEE and why?

There are definitely a few things I would recommend visiting while in Baltimore. I think its important to visit the Inner Harbor but not get stuck there. While you should plan to walk around the area it is definitely a tourist trap. Instead I would recommend checking out the following places:

Mount Vernon is a quiet neighborhood that has a lot to offer. From restaurants to historic sights, this is one of my favorite hang out spots. While there definitely plan to go up to the top of the Washington monument, enter the Peabody Library, and visit the Walters Arts Museum.

Fell’s Point is where I hang out the most. This is the place to visit to grab a few drinks and have a romantic/chill dinner. The scenery is similar to Annapolis but a lot less touristy. I love sunsets, and so watching the sun set behind the city skyline from Harbor Point or Fed Hill is a must.

If I had 48 hours in Baltimore, what should I EAT and why?

Baltimore has a lot of food to offer. Here are my favorite places thus far in the city:

Breakfast/Brunch:

Lately we have gotten into the habit of going to Canela for a quick low-key breakfast. Their fresh ingredients make everything taste amazing. Another spot we love for brunch is Barconcina in Fell’s Point. They have bottomless mimosas (obviously) and great Mexican brunch options.

Lunch:

If you’re visiting, I would stop at Iggies/Verde for authentic brick oven pizza. Or, stop by New America. This new low-key spot in Downtown is so good you don’t want to miss it.

Snack:

You have try Stuggy’s – their hot dogs are like nothing you’ve ever had. If you’re into ice-cream, you have go to Bmore Licks. A brand new ice-cream shop near Patterson Park with an absurd amount of options for both you and your dog.

Dinner:

We love going to the Mount Vernon Marketplace, its pretty much the same set up as Union Market in DC, but in Baltimore. Can’t beat being able to get an appetizer at the Local Oyster then a juicy burger and a few beers at Between Two Buns. My second option for dinner is at Thames Oyster House in Fell’s. They have the best lobster rolls ever plus other amazing seafood plates as well. Our absolute favorite place to go to is Clavel. This is the most authentic Mexican restaurant I have ever been to and it is a must if you’re in town. After Clavel you can walk 2 blocks and get a few cocktails at W.C. Harlan. This speakeasy has zero signs outside, you’ll love their carefully crafted drinks.

Coffee:

Ceremony, Pitango, Daily Grind, Order & Chaos, Artifact. They’re all amazing, can’t go wrong. My favorite is Ceremony.

Do you call Baltimore home? Are there places in the city that make you feel like home?

Baltimore has slowly become home over the past two years. I can’t say yet whether I will stay in the city long-term, but for now I am enjoying our time in the city. My girlfriend and I both very enjoy being within walking distance of everything we need. That, paired with great local businesses and good food have made me feel very much at home.

Do you have a favorite neighborhood in Baltimore?

I love living in Downtown Baltimore. Everything is within walking distance. If I were to purchase a home, I think the Patterson Park or Fell’s area would be my preference.

I love living in Downtown Baltimore since everything is within walking distance. However, the longer I live here the more I explore and have found a few more favorite neighborhoods. If I were to purchase a home, I would move to Fell’s Point or near Patterson Park. I also love hanging in Hampden. There are plenty of awesome restaurants, bars and shops within walking distance – parking is somewhat of an issue during peak hours so keep that in mind. But you can find Dylan’s Oyster Bar, Paulie Gees and The Charmery all within a few steps to each other.

What’s your advice to someone moving to Baltimore? What should they know?

I think those interested in moving to Baltimore need to look beyond the stigma of crime and drug problems the city is experiencing. Stay for a weekend and walk around, you’ll grow to love this city. Baltimore is growing fast and you have to get in before it gets expensive.

Is Baltimore known for anything (i.e. coffee shops, shopping etc)? If so what?

I think Baltimore is known for two things. First– the Orioles and Ravens and second the number of casual restaurants you can go to. As far as the games go, they’re always filled with energy and are great pastimes that you have to experience if you live in the city. When talking about restaurants you can’t go wrong. There are so many hidden gems when it comes to cafes, bars and authentic food selection. It ranges from Italian, Latin, seafood – literally endless options. The best part is most are family owned restaurants so you know you are supporting the local industry instead of large corporations.

What’s the best way to navigate Baltimore? Train, car, bus, walking…?

There are several ways to get around. Like in DC, Baltimore has their own city bike service. If you don’t want to pedal your way around, you can walk around the water’s edge. You can walk to most things. A unique way to get around the inner harbor is the Water Taxi. Definitely try it if you’ve never taken it.

If worse comes to worse, Uber/taxi. I use it all the time to cover larger Distances. If you need to drive in to the inner harbor, prepare to pay expensive garage fees or try to get lucky with street parking. If you’re driving anywhere else, you should be fine with free/metered street parking.

What should I know about the people who live in Baltimore? What should I expect or not expect?

Everyone is really friendly. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation.

Photography courtesy of Sebastian Marin. Say hello to Sebastian on his website at sebasmarin.com.

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