Baltimore Recap

Recap of Baltimore | Sagamore Pendry, Baltimore Marathon, Cooper's Hawk

Happy Monday everyone! I can't believe how fast this week flew by! It seems like just yesterday Ross and I were driving down to Baltimore… I’m still dreaming of the views and eats from last weekend! It was such a lovely trip, I've enjoyed thinking back on it and writing down the favorite memories & details to share with you!

I grew up boating along the Chesapeake, so I have a deep love for the towns nestled along it and for Maryland crab! Baltimore & Annapolis were two of our favorite boating destinations, and it was so nice to be back for a bit. Baltimore is such a charming city; it's actually nicknamed 'Charm City', and for good reason! We were so blessed to have such beautiful weather while we were there!

We started the weekend by driving down Friday evening to a restaurant near Annapolis that we adore: Cooper’s Hawk. The restaurant is one we actually discovered in Florida last year. It’s a winery as well, and we loved the wine so much when we discovered it, that we became wine club members! Since alcohol can't be shipped to us in PA, we make a trip down 2-3 times a year, and it's always a wonderful time! The food is sooo good. We always start with the Sweet Chili-Ponzu Glazed Calamari and it is mouthwatering!

After dinner, we stopped in Target for some candles because I love to burn candles, especially when traveling; it's so relaxing! I know I promised to share any good ones we found while taking you along on InstaStories, so here are my top picks from what we smelled while there! Better late than never, right? ;)

Then we were on our way to the Sagamore Pendry, our home for the weekend. The Pendry is located right on the water in Fell's Point and is a historical landmark, formerly the Recreation Pier, that was restored and renovated to create a luxurious boutique hotel. The property was more than restored to it's former glory, and is a magical sight to drive up to in the evening. It has a beautiful, grand entrance with large pillars and dramatic lighting. As soon as I saw it, I knew we were in for a treat.

Inside the Pendry is equally as beautiful though! The interior design & decor are swoon-worthy, from the moody, luxe lounge area, to the velvet couch & pillows in the front desk area, to the marble decked bathrooms.

\(this is basically my dream shower: black marble and gold!!)

We woke up the next morning to the sun streaming in through our beautiful, all-glass balcony doors. The balcony looked over a little inlet from the harbor, and was perfect to relax on while sipping a cappuccino & munching on a smoked salmon & cream cheese croissant from a darling café just across the little inlet. After breakfast we enjoyed a mouth-watering whiskey cake that was waiting for us when we checked into our room!

We went for a run after breakfast and found out that the Baltimore Marathon was happening that day, which was fun to see. I did a half-marathon a few years back and don’t think I’ll even attempt double that distance! So much respect. We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring & enjoying the Pendry and shooting a bit. The Pendry has a beautiful courtyard that we enjoyed relaxing in before dinner! It’s such a peaceful space, the perfect way to escape and enjoy some fresh air without actually leaving the hotel.

Next was dinner at the hotel’s on site restaurant the Rec Pier Chophouse, which was almost too wonderful to put into words. Even the smallest of details exemplified the hotel’s commitment to excellence, such as our waiter pulling out my chair to seat me and the sommelier inspecting every single wine glass to ensure it was in pristine condition as the hotel prepared for dinner.

Our server was so helpful and knowledgeable about the menu, offering suggestions that we were so delighted with! The Maryland Blue Crabcake appetizer and Linguini Fini with Spicy Blue Maryland Crab were two of his suggestions that we loved. I also enjoyed the Day-Boat scallops, which were cooked to perfection as well as the cheese board! The dishes were flavorful and presentation artistic. The sommelier was also just as helpful, patiently listening to what I was looking in a Zinfindel & helping us decide. We left dinner full & happy!

The next day we woke up early to shoot, and ended up discovering so many beautiful spots in the Sagamore Pendry, including their incredible pool that looks right over the harbor! I was half wishing we were back in summer so I could throw on a bathing suit and relax in these adorable little cabanas! (A rare behind-the-scenes snap of my cutie photographer! ;) )

We worked up quite an appetite shooting, so we headed back to the Rec Pier for brunch. We enjoyed relaxing for a bit while looking out the giant windows and people watching, and I enjoyed trying to get a cute shot of my matching phone case and Blood Orange Mimosa (which was delicious! As were the truffle fries…so good.).

After brunch we packed up and checked out, which was quite bittersweet! This was the longest we’d ever left Myko, so we were eager to get back to him. But the weekend was a short one that flew by, and we found ourselves wishing we had a few more days in Baltimore and especially at the Pendry! It was the perfect little escape from work and reality; with everything you could possibly need to relax and recharge. We spent so much time at the hotel, yet still felt we didn’t have a chance to enjoy everything they have to offer.

The love of service was also impeccable. We felt so spoiled our whole time at the Sagamore Pendry. Every single staff member was beyond helpful and hospitable. The hotel manager, Seth, even took time out of his day to give us a tour of the lounge and whiskey bar and tell us a bit about the hotel. We were so impressed by the level of excellence in every aspect, and truly loved the experience of staying at the Sagamore Pendry! I couldn't recommend it more if you're looking for the perfect weekend escape!

Bisous,

Laurelle

Thank you so much to the Sagamore Pendry for hosting us!

My 'Must-Have' In my Fall Skincare Routine

AW 2017 — Lightweight Sweaters for Fall