Golden opportunity top five
In compiling this list, I couldn't help but think that I had come full circle. A little over a year ago, when I started this blog, my first topic was pick-ups.
What did we learn then? To meet people, it's best that, first, you don't think of it as, well, a pick-up. Secondly, be yourself. And thirdly, you can find opportunities for romance anywhere, as long as you're aware of the possibilities.
But what places will up the odds? What places in Baltimore are good spots to meet people? Finding sources for man-on-the-street interviews is a lot like finding sources for love, so a lot of these suggestions have been tested, in a way from yours truly.
So, from your brains and mine, here's a list of five:
5. Sports events. Whether it's Orioles baseball, Ravens football, or even a Baltimore kickball game, they're all good places to meet fellow sports fans. (Or pretend that you are.) At sporting games, you can kick back with a beer, commiserate over the suckiness (or greatness underneath?) of your team, and meet some new people.
4. Libraries/bookstores. The women who went to school to get their MRS degree did have one principle right: Hang out where your desired mate is likely to hang out. And while I'm not advocating becoming a gold-diggerish woman/man -- I know some of you guys would like to be kept men -- I am saying it doesn't hurt to hang around the books if you're looking for an academically minded date. For instance, the Hopkins Barnes and Noble in Charles Village is not just populated with undergrads; there's plenty of eligible grad students milling about, willing to talk about Sartre or string theory over a cup of coffee. With the many universities in the city -- there's a wealth of places to meet new folks.
3. Classes. One-day art events are not just for dates; they're good spots to meet people, too. A few months ago, I participated in the Seeing Beyond Sight project at the American Visionary Art Museum with a couple of friends of mine; there's nothing like being "blind" to put down people's defenses. Everyone was so friendly, I couldn't help but think that it would be a great way to meet someone new. Continuing education classes and non-credit classes at local colleges are hit-or-miss (one of my friends took a photography class filled with elderly women -- but all of them were trying to hook her up with their sons!) but even, say, a spinning class, or a martial arts class can be a good start.
2. Farmer's market. The Baltimore Farmer's market opens up this weekend, which means it's the start of the prime pick-up season. Aside from the tasty wares -- I'm a big fan of the mini doughnuts, a cup of coffee and a yummy crepe -- the fresh produce, the cute kids and the cross-section of beautiful Baltimore can't help but bring a smile to your face: A *great* time to meet someone new. Sure, some other markets can be hit-or-miss (Cross Keys is a good place for some produce, but not necessarily to meet people) and it's mostly seasonal -- except for Waverly, which is open all year -- but its possible benefits far outweigh its drawbacks. At very least, you'll be supporting your local economy. :)
1. Festivals. If Baltimore knows how to do anything, it's how to throw a festival. This weekend seems to be the jump-off: Between Flower Mart, the Maryland Film Festival and the Kinetic Sculpture Race, there are plenty of non-bar venues to meet people, all attuned to your interests. And the fun doesn't stop this weekend; the parties go on all summer. The AfrAm Festival downtown and St. Anthony Festival in Little Italy, both in June, are just a start. Take a friend and make a new one.
(Photo by me, at last year's Flower Mart. If you do go, don't dress your dog like that.)
Comments
I am seeing your article after the fact, but yes the Kinetic Sculpture Race turned out to be a great place to look for a groom. Applications are still being taken...
Posted by: the kinetic bride | May 5, 2008 2:48 PM