1. Hilton Pikesville
City: Pikesville, MD
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (410) 653-1100, (800) 774-1500
Address: 1726 Reisterstown Rd.
Description: The Hilton Pikesville has never been your ordinary Hilton. It opened in 1975 almost before anything else had moved out to that the Pikesville area. When the old Painters Mill Music Fair was the suburban stage for such entertainers at Victor Borge and Liberace, chances were good that they stayed at this Hilton. Fast forward to today, years after Painters Mill burned to the ground, and new interstate roads and rapid transit have been constructed, and the Hilton is still the beacon on the top of the hill that it always was. More than 80 percent of the hotel has enjoyed a total renovation including all 169 guest rooms and a new lobby design. The Baltimore Health & Tennis facility attached to the hotel has a full selection of exercise equipment, free weights, aerobic machines, and, oh, yes, six indoor tennis courts. The facility is free although there is a charge and reservation request for the tennis courts. The FountainSide restaurant and lounge has been refreshed and serves American cuisine. Pets, up to 75 pounds, are allowed with a $75 non-refundable fee. An outdoor pool is open seasonally and is frequently the venue for events. To the best of her knowledge, Linda Glinos (sales department) says that they have never had a wedding at the pool or the tennis courts.
2. Talmudical Academy Of Baltimore
City: Pikesville, MD
Category: Education
Telephone: (410) 484-6600
Address: 4445 Old Court Rd.
Description: Talmudical Academy is the oldest Jewish day school in the United States outside of New York. Founded in 1917, it provides young Jewish boys with an Orthodox environment in which they can receive a secular and a religious education. Boys in pre-K through grade 12 spend mornings in study of the Hebrew alphabet, the Torah, and other sacred Hebrew texts. In the afternoon, they pursue the reading, writing, and arithmetic part of their education.
3. Radar
City: Pikesville, MD
Category: Media
Address: 209 B Oak Ave.
Description: Produced through the support of local arts organizations, radar is a free, pocket-sized print publication reviewing the arts and culture in Baltimore. Radar comes out six times a year, and local artists and journalists write the content. The publication is available at area arts venues, coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, and Visit Baltimore. Subscriptions are $8 a year.
4. The Knish Shop
City: Pikesville, MD
Category: Restaurants
Telephone: (410) 484-5850
Address: 508 Reisterstown Rd.
Description: Here’s your kosher deli. You don’t have to go to New York to enjoy the atmosphere and delicious meats. Where else do you have a choice of lean or full-cut corned beef? Where else can you order your Shabbos meals? A knish, an oven-browned and filled dough pocket, is the namesake and the attraction. The spinach knish draws constant raves, and the potato knish is another winner. An assortment of kosher specialty sandwiches is also available. The Knish Shop is open Sunday though Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is closed on Saturday.