Friday

1) 3 P.M. Crab Pizza

Crab shacks might be ubiquitous in Baltimore, but Matthew’s Pizzeria, in Canton, might be the only place to get a crab pizza. This casual, Formica-table-filled institution (it opened in the 1940s) turns out chewy, cheesy deep-dish pies that are worth a visit on their own. But the backfin crab-topped pizza, sprinkled with mozzarella, caramelized onions and Old Bay (which originated in Baltimore) is an experience not to be missed. Note the painted window screen on the outer wall, a Baltimore tradition. Lunch for two, around $20. Then stroll across the street to the Creative Alliance, a community arts space, for whatever’s on offer — a theatrical performance, a locally made documentary or an art exhibition.



2) 4 P.M. Outsider Art

The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM), a temple of outsider art (admission, $15.95), deserves all of the praise that has been heaped upon it since it opened in 1995. Since then, it’s added a warehouse, a second sculpture park and an outdoor movie theater, all at the foot of grassy Federal Hill, just steps from the harbor. The signs accompanying each artwork describe artists whose life stories run the gamut from uncomfortable to tragic, while the pieces themselves — colorful and compelling — merit hours of examination.

The American Visionary Art Museum at the foot of Federal Hill. Credit Darren S. Higgins for The New York Times



3) 7 P.M. Urban Farm

Maggie’s Farm, in the northeast section of the city, is the purveyor of a winning combination of seasonal ingredients (some from its own garden), domestic inspiration (like brisket rubbed with coffee from the Baltimore roaster Zeke’s) and global influence (Singapore noodles with peanuts and peppers); it’s one of the leaders in the city’s rapidly growing local food movement. The red interior manages to be dimly, romantically lit even at lunch time. Try quirky cocktails like the Corn ’n’ Oil, a combo of barrel-aged rum, Velvet Falernum, lime juice, Angostura bitters and Coke. The oft-changing menu is limited to a small number of dishes, but the beloved crispy brussels sprouts are usually available. Dinner for two, about $90.

4) 9 P.M. Coffee and Kimchi

The Station North neighborhood is home to an array of late-night options. Start at Red Emma’s, a radical bookstore-cafe run by a worker cooperative. The cavernous space sells its own roasted coffee, vegan and vegetarian meals and children’s books with a revolutionary bent. Then head to the Crown, a bare-bones venue that hosts bands, art shows and competitive karaoke competitions in its “red” and “blue” rooms. This is where former art students like to drink $6 pints of Duckpin pale ale, made by Union Craft Brewing, based in Baltimore, and named after the local style of bowling. Afterward, head around the corner to Jong Kak, where the Crown clientele soak up the night’s high-percentage beers with enormous portions of Korean barbecue and kimchi ji gae, a spicy kimchi stew. Wash down a last soju with a crispy seafood pancake stuffed with green onions and shrimp.