What to Check Out in Literary Baltimore While You’re in Town For AWP

Baltimore was dubbed “The City That Reads” in 1988, when newly elected Mayor Kurt Schmoke declared his intention to boost literacy in his inaugural address. The slogan was plastered on benches in the late eighties and early nineties, and for good reason: the city is home to a vibrant and thriving literary community. From John Waters’ favorite independent bookstore to Edgar Allan Poe-themed bars, Baltimore is a city for book lovers.

If you need a break from the conference rooms at AWP this week, consider taking a literary tour around Charm City. You might be surprised at the hidden gems you find!

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The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
Poe lived most of his adult life in Baltimore, and you can visit his carefully preserved former home in all its glory. Inside, you’ll find his writing desk and the original interior fabric from the period of time in 1833-1835 that Poe lived there with a handful of his family members.

Annabel Lee Tavern
Located in the heart of Canton, this Poe-themed bar and restaurant is named after the author’s final completed poem. Featuring themed drinks and decor, Annabel Lee’s is the perfect spot for a nightcap in the candlelight.

The Horse You Came In On Saloon
Historic Fell’s Point is rumored to be haunted, but you can take a visit and decide that for yourself. The Horse You Came In On is allegedly the place where Poe had his last drink before his sudden death. Whether that’s true or not, it’s worth checking out Baltimore’s oldest saloon and enjoying daily live music.

Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave
Located in Westminster Hall and Burying Ground, stop by to see Poe’s final resting place. Ask around for the story on the “Poe Toaster,” an anonymous visitor who, for decades, stopped by Poe’s grave on the eve of his birthday each year —January 19th—and left three roses and a half-full bottle of cognac.

Scott Fitzgerald’s House
The Gatsby author lived in Baltimore in the early 1930s, which was a dark time for the Fitzgerald family. His house in Bolton Hill is the last place he lived with his wife, Zelda—who spent most of her time at Sheppard and Enoch Pratt Hospital in Towson—and it’s where Fitzgerald’s dependency on alcohol grew after Tender Is the Night was poorly received. The house is a private residence now, but features a blue historical designation in his honor.

Red Emma’s
A worker cooperative radical bookstore, cafe, and community events space in Charles Village, Red Emma’s has everything from book clubs to vegan treats to community workshops on how to call your representatives.

Dreamers and Make Believers
This queer-owned bookstore, comic shop, and coffee house in the Highlandtown Arts District specializes in graphic novels and prioritizes titles by women and LGBTQ+ and BIPOC voices on their shelves. The 21224 zip code of Baltimore didn’t have a single bookstore or comic book shop until Dreamers and Make Believers came along, and it’s worth stopping by to grab a drink and something to eat while you browse.

Bird in Hand
Bird in Hand is a delightful coffee shop meets bookstore with a monthly writers’ circle, poetry readings, and concert series.

Atomic Books
Come see where John Waters gets his fan mail (and drop some off yourself, if you’d like)! This indie bookstore specializes in small presses and comics, and is home to books, films, and zines by Baltimore’s Pope of Trash.

The Peabody Library
The Peabody Library is so beautiful that people get married there! It’s often described as a “cathedral of books,” and has a collection of over 300,000 volumes. It’s free to visit and open to the public.

The Enoch Pratt Free Library
If you’ve ever wanted to see a lock of Edgar Allan Poe’s hair, the Central Library of the Enoch Pratt Free Library system is the place to go. Located in Mount Vernon, the branch takes up nearly a whole city block and also features a collection of Poe’s letters, photos, and poetry, and also contains a room dedicated to writer H.L. Mencken, who lived in Baltimore his whole life.

The Walters Art Museum
The Walters boasts an incredible collection of manuscripts and rare books, chronicling the art of the book for at least a thousand years. Featuring both ancient and modern books from all over the world, this collection is perfect for museum fans and book nerds alike.