American Can Company is a home to the head offices of various companies including the DAP Products, Inc, the largest manufacturer of adhesives and sealants in Baltimore. This place is not just a business hub, but also has various stores for shopping like the Cloud 9 Clothing, Downs Stationers and Long & Foster. The American Can Company also has various food junctions including the Austin Grill, Chesapeake Wine Company and the Pasticcio Italian Café.
Before all the mini-libraries popped up in neighborhoods all across the United States, the Book Thing of Baltimore had taken this idea to a whole new level with its store stacked floor-to-ceiling in books. The concept has always been simple, leave a book, take a book, and never, ever pay for one. Even if you try to pay for one, the volunteer workers will not accept your donation. It opened in 1999 and since then it has amassed a massive library of more than 150,000 books. It's located near the campus of Johns Hopkins University and it's definitely an impressively altruistic place to visit.
Normal's Books & Records shop offers a vast collection of small/regional press publications and second-hand titles. The inventory includes an impressive fiction and poetry section and children's books. You'll also find art books for the coffee table, and titles that cover a range of topics from African American culture to Zen. The store also stocks a large selection of records, compact discs, 45s and videos. The owners, a group of four men, also provide information on poetry readings and alternative music.
Enjoy a cup of hot coffee while reading your favorite book in a tranquil environment at Bird in Hand. A part of the noted Ivy Bookshop chain and located in Baltimore's Charles Village neighborhood, this cafe-bookshop features a mindfully curated and carefully selected collection of non-fictional and fictional books, along with literary works of noted writers and poets. The establishment also organizes regular literary events with famous local and national authors in attendance. The cafe, opened in collaboration with the Artifact Coffee Family, offers delicious breads, pastries and meat produce that have been prepared using locally sourced ingredients. The barista serves invigorating spirit teas, counter culture coffee, and offers a wide selection of sodas, tisanes and juices to choose from. If you like to enjoy your food in peace and stimulate your mind at the same time, then this is the place for you.