Chrome to Cool

Laureen Miles

Katyn Memorial

The Harbor East neighborhood went from toxic dump to shoppers’ delight in less than a decade. On the former site of a chromium processing plant, this waterfront enclave boasts upscale boutiques, galleries and shops (without a tacky souvenir store in sight). Surrounding the Katyn Memorial are neighborhood stores, some at ground-level beside new office towers and hotels, some in old warehouses on Aliceanna Street, which runs to Fells Point.

Urban Chic (811 Aliceanna Street, 410-685-1601) with its rustic, beach-house theme carries fashions ranging from men’s to maternity plus housewares. Get reports from home at Harbor News (1010 Aliceanna Street, 410- 244-5140), which carries more than 3,000 newspapers and magazines from across the globe.

While the neighborhood also hosts fine eateries, visitors may prefer to shop for a picnic dinner at organic grocer Whole Foods (1001 Fleet Street, 410-528-1640). Here one finds prepared meals that be complemented with wine from next door Bin 604 (604 South Exeter Street, 410-576-0444). For dessert, pop across the street to Glarus Chocolatier (644 South Exeter Street, 410-727-6601) where confections are locally with Swiss chocolate.