Though I am originally from the DC Metro area, no, I don't mean Capitol Hill when I say Hill. I'm talking about a much smaller, more quaint area. Federal Hill is the area just south of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, a place where the locals and tourists mix and mingle to form the perfect community rich with culture and history. In a way, it reminds me of Downtown Frederick, where I grew up. The architecture is brick, and people live above the coffee shops, cafes, and second-hand stores. The only difference is that Federal Hill is 5 minutes from Baltimore, whereas the closest major city from Frederick is still an hour away. The convenience of Federal Hill's location means that you can stop by on your way in or out of Baltimore. You can check in for a quick bite to eat at one of FedHill's many wonderful pubs, restaurants, bars or bakeries, or you can make a day out of it and go shopping and visit the art galleries. Whatever amount of time you spend in the neighborhood, you won't be disappointed. Growing up 10 minutes from historic Downtown Frederick has given me a great appreciation for rustic architecture and eclectic businesses. I remember being able to find the quirkiest gifts in Frederick, and even today I still come back there if I have a friend's birthday coming up and I don't know what to get them. In Federal Hill, there are a ton of eccentric little shops that you can peruse. Funky Beehive, on S. Charles St. offers the most unique shirts, kitchen supplies, and accessories for the favorite people in your life. Phina's for the Home and Le Petit Cochon are also great options if you want to look for home decor. I don't mean to sit here and advertise for Federal Hill, but I must say that the businesses that take residence in the area remind me of home. And perhaps, that is the most comforting thing about the area for me. Moving here to Baltimore after college was one of the most terrifying experiences for me at first. I landed this great job at a top PR firm, and so I just pretty much picked up my life without hesitation and moved to Baltimore without having visited here more than a handful of times. Seeing the brick buildings, multicolored awnings and windows full of trinkets brought back a rush of home for me, and for that, I have formed an emotional connection with this place that I did not think could happen so quickly. Now, it has been half a year since I've moved to Baltimore, and Federal Hill is still my favorite neighborhood in the area. I feel at home here, and I'm so glad I was able to experience the area so soon after I got here. A co-worker took me to lunch my first week at Byblos, a delicious mediterranean restaurant on Light Street. I instantly fell in love with both the food and the scenery, and since then, I've really enjoyed every visit to FedHill. So, I know I've been sounding like a tour guide this entire time, but I reeeeally encourage anyone and everyone who can get to Baltimore easily to visit this little neighborhood. You really do get the best of both worlds here.