When people come to Baltimore, their original intention was to go shopping at the downtown area, visit a couple of tourist attractions and maybe bring the kids to some of the most famous parks in Baltimore.
But did you know that there is a very deep story and history behind Baltimore, especially in a small town like Hampden which is located in the northern part of the city.
It is a quaint little neighborhood where there is story behind the buildings and residents.
Most of the people who came to Baltimore, or more specifically Hampden, were mill workers.
You see, it was originally a residential community for the mill workers, there was a sudden springing-up of mills around Jones Falls around the 19th century.
So, people moved from the likes of Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and west Virginia moved here because of the abundance of work.
So, for decades that follows, the community basically consist of white collar people and from the working class.
It wasn't until around the 1900's that a group of people discovered and brought in artist studios and started to spread the love for arts and culture.
Both cultures started merging, turning Hampden into what some would call the epicenter of hipster Baltimore kitch.
'The culture in Hampden is quite unique from the rest of Baltimore because, let's face it, even strangers call you hon here and nobody makes a bone about it.
If you want to really get into what the locals are like, you should just head of 'The Avenue' which is also known as the 36th street where all the fancy, truly original shops and eccentric cafes are like.
It will be really fun for foreigners too, like stepping into another zone or country,' laughs Amy, a regular Baltimore party bus rental customer.
On The Avenue, there are plenty of storefronts, award-winning boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, gyms, spas, yoga studios and upscale wine bars.
Suffice to say, it is has become a much more intriguing neighborhood now as compared to before.
Because of the emergence of these establishments, suffice to say, there is a huge rise in price in the real estate realm.
Housing has also become more available, which is bringing in people from surrounding neighborhoods in Baltimore.
Foreign visitors and local visitors alike will be amused when they visit Hampden during HonFest and experience the locals' Bawlmerese accent which sees residents dress up to the 1960s fashion and hairstyles.
The accent is more of a Dundalk and Essex accent, so, when you are here in Hampden during HonFest, 'Hey Hon, are you ready to learn how to talk in Bawlmerese?'