City: Baltimore, MD

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (410) 837-7400, (410) 547-SEAT

Address: 12 North Eutaw St.

Description: The Hippodrome (or the Hipp), a historic theater from vaudeville days underwent a $62 million renovation and reopened on February 10, 2004, dropping the curtain on the Morris Mechanic Theatre that had maintained Baltimore as a vibrant theater town as best it could until it just wasn’t good enough. Jeff Daniel, an early figure in the theater’s revitalization, has returned as its new executive director. It’s been said that part of his mission is to bring the bigger, more impressive shows, and to book other performers, including concerts and gospel shows, to help expand the theater’s appeal. The thinking, of course, is along the lines of “when the tide comes in, all the boats rise.” When more people stay or come to the Westend then there will be more things for them to do (restaurants, shops, services), which will bring more attractions and people. Good thinking.