A Day with No Plan That Became a Map

Charm Citizen Field Notes

Author

Kendra Nelson
March 30, 2025

I didn’t start this day with a plan. I started with time.

Time in the kind of pocket you rarely get as a solo mom, civic director, a woman trying to build something in public while also living her life in color. The day unfolded on its own— a family café preview, free museum magic, a scoop of ice cream and a street mural, a sports block party I almost skipped, and a solo happy hour that gave me a little Black history I didn’t expect.

It was a day full of softness and city pride, and I left it thinking: maybe my calendar isn’t the only place to look for purpose.

Stop One: Sip & See at Our House

A coffee date with cardboard Charm and Mom joy

This morning started at Our House, a new family- friendly café concept in the making for kids ages 0–5 and their caregivers. Maureen, an entrepreneur mother herself is raising funds via Kickstarter, and today was her "sip & see" to preview the space. I came with my daughter and a good girlfriend who still has kids in the cafe’s targeted age range.

Cardboard espresso machines. Baby laughter. Warm drinks. It was giving “yes! community.” You don’t have to tell me that making space for mothers and children is civic work too. What struck me wasn’t just the vibe (though it was cute cute), it was the possibility of it all. A space made with caregivers and kids in mind. A mother’s vision being funded by the community. I’m always watching for signs of the future blooming quietly, and this felt like one.

Secure a families membership and support Our House kickstarter here

Civic Note: What does it look like when we center early childhood in city design—not just policy-wise, but in everyday public life? Places like Our House aren’t just cafés—they’re civic infrastructure.

Stop Two: Wandering the Walters

Art, ancestors, and standing still

After dropping the Mini Maven off at practice, I had one of those rare solo stretches—just me, Mount Vernon, and a question I didn’t realize I was asking: Where do I go when I’m not rushing?

After yet another failed attempt of seeing the Peabody Library (closed for a Wedding of course) I drifted over to the Walters Art Museum. Free, familiar, and full of ancient wonder. I’ve been coming here since I was a kid. It reminds me of my mother. Of myself. Of all the versions of me that have stood in front of these same works, asking new questions with each return.

Egyptian Goddess Sculpture- Walters Art Museum, 2nd Floor

Some pieces hit harder this time—especially Taweret, the ancient Egyptian goddess of protection in pregnancy and childbirth. She’s got the head of a hippo and the strength of every woman I know who has birthed something, be it babies or ideas or bold new beginnings.

Other moments were just pure beauty. I don’t know what my favorite kind of art is yet, but I know how I feel when I’m around it: seen, still, sacred.

Asian American- Mixed Media Mosaic- Walter Art Museum 4th Floor

Civic Note: Public museums aren’t just cultural spaces—they're archives of memory, imagination, and healing. How might cities better support them as spaces for civic solitude and self-inquiry?

Stop Three: Howard Row and a gold hoop type of LOVE

From there, I kept walking—no destination in mind. I popped into Cajou Creamery for some plant-based ice cream and posted up at a sunny yellow table to people-watch.

Further down Howard Street, cup of Cajou still in hand, I passed boarded up stores, and bursts of beauty. I ran into a mural with bright pink Petunias and the word LOVE in a gold name plate hooped earring (a nod to the historical shops there). I stood there for a second longer than I meant to. A small reminder that Baltimore is always more layered than people expect.

Civic Note: We talk a lot about “placemaking” in urban design—but what if wandering was a civic act? What if joy was an indicator of city health?

Stop Four: Camden Yards Block Party

Baseball cards, dugout dreams, and a new Baltimore tradition?

I almost skipped this one. I saw a reel from a local influencer that made Camden Yards look amazing and more than just Baseball—but I wasn’t sure if going alone would feel weird. I’m not a sports girl.

But I went. And I loved it!

I took pictures. Got my first baseball cards in years. Snapped a selfie with new Orioles owner David Rubenstein. And yes—stood inside the dugout like I belonged there. Because I did.

The Maven and Majority Orioles Owner David Rubenstein

Civic Note: The city belongs to you. Show up—even when you think it’s not “your thing.” Especially then.

It’s giving a league of her own

Stop Five: Happy Hour at Woodberry Tavern

A deviled egg, a cocktail, and a photograph that said everything

My final stop was Woodberry Tavern (formerly Woodberry Kitchen). I sat at the bar, ordered a drink. Their happy hour special is a gem: order a cocktail between 5–6 p.m. and you get the tavern board—cheddar, smoked trout rillettes, apples, salami, even a deviled egg—for free. Yes, free. It was artfully plated unexpectantly robust and tasty.

But what truly lingered was the photo behind the bar. Black and white. Joe Louis, standing at a bar with other Black faces, laughing, glass in hand. The bartender saw me looking and gave me the backstory: Joe Louis had his own liquor label once. It was a reminder that Black history is always everywhere—even in the places where you least expect it.

Civic Note: Who gets to feel comfortable in luxury spaces? What stories live in our everyday environments—if we just slow down enough to ask?

Weekend Charm: Baltimore Recs

  • Coffee Pop Up to Try: Fortress Coffee

  • Free Gem: Walters Art Museum

  • Sweet Treat: Cajou Creamery

  • Date Idea: Woodberry Tavern happy hour

  • Something Civic: Visit a neighborhood you haven’t walked through in a while. Go solo.

Want More Days Like This?

Make sure you’re following me on Instagram for more #CharmCitizen field notes in real time. I’ll be dropping a visual recap of this day on Sunday.

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