Shopping, dining and attractions on Pennsylvania Avenue in Baltimore MD

The 1500-1800 blocks of Pennsylvania Avenue, also referred to as “The Avenue,” hold a special place in Baltimore’s history. The Avenue has it’s roots as the premier entertainment district for all African Americans in the city from the 1920′s to the 1950′s. Today, Pennsylvania Avenue is still a bustling commercial district that residents use to connect with each other and the past. Pennsylvania Avenue Merchant’s Association is dedicated to furthering the growth of Pennsylvania Avenue.

Pennsylvania Avenue is conveniently located near the Baltimore Metro. Sandwiched at each end by Pennsylvania Triangle Park and Robert C. Marshall Park, Pennsylvania Avenue is surrounded by many beautiful green spaces.  The merchant community is designated by the City of Baltimore as an official Retail Business District License area.

Attractions on Pennsylvania Avenue include The Royal Theatre where greats such as Nat King Cole, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Redd Foxx, and Billie Holiday played. Billie Holiday is commemorated on the corner of Layfayette and the Avenue with a memorial.  Part of the National Baltimore Heritage Trail, the Pennsylvania Avenue Heritage Trail introduces you to Baltimore African Americans that made fundamental contributions toward building Baltimore.

Keeping with it’s tradition of being a hub for community activity, Pennsylvania Avenue has a wide variety of merchants and services. Many of the businesses have a long-standing relationship with the surrounding neighborhood. The Casino Bar has been a fixture to Pennsylvania Avenue since the 1940′s.  Now Bank of America,  1808 Pennsylvania Avenue has been used to serve the banking industry for over 60 years.  Northwestern Loan has been under the same family ownership at the same location, 1701 Pennsylvania Avenue,  since 1919.  The Avenue Market was first opened in 1871, and was restored in 1996 after a fire. The colorful market is home to many vendors which include soul food, fried chicken and groceries.

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Get out, cut loose and grab some smiles at Shake & Bake Family Fun Center. The center offers indoor recreation and amusement for all ages. Enjoy an afternoon or evening out roller or in-line skating with friends and family to the latest music. Good times and open lanes also await you at the bowling alley. Bowling at Shake & Bake Family Fun Center is family fun at its very best. Check out the Grab & Go Snack bar for a variety of tasty treats. The Shake & Bake Family Fun Center is the perfect venue for birthday parties, large group activities or family reunions.