The World Famous Lexington Market

My birthday was spent roaming the fabulous World Famous Lexington Market, home every kind of Mom & Pop fried chicken, dessert stand, Asian cafe, seafoods and meats imaginable. A virtual treasure trove of crispy, fried goodies! However, my nostalgic choice for a birthday lunch was the award-winning lump crab cakes at John W. Faidley's fish palace. It was really good, outdone only by the historic ambience of the place.

Established in 1782, Lexington Market is one of the longest running market in the world and stands on its original ground. Located in downtown you can see a real slice of Baltimore life in all of its seamier sides. It is not a place for the tourist or resident that requires a safe, predictable environment. But if you crave a diverse mix of people of all ethnicities and have an appreciation for life's hustle, then this is the place.

Because I grew up running through Seattle's Pike Place Market well before it became the elite tourist attraction it is today, Lexington Market feels like home, a somewhat shady but endearing, familiar friend. There's a spirit that runs throughout the place found only in markets, a spirit of history and brash characters looking to make that sale. The market place, a metaphor for the rigors of making a life whatever your circumstances. Oh, how I love a market.