The Can Company in Canton
If you have a love the repurposing of old spaces, then this is the shopping/dining spot for you. The Can Company, located on Boston Street in Canton, is the epitome of cool and concientious re-lifing of old space. The building was originally an old aluminum and tin can production facility, it sat mostly vacant for years.
Listed on the EPA's Smart Growth website as a space that "Fosters Distintive/Attractive Communities with a Strong Sense of Place" the space now provides multiple retail and dining space as well as housing the Emerging Technology Center. The ETC is part of a push to create a new technology location called "Digital Harbor" that will bring additional tech businesses into Baltimore central to further revitalize the area.
There is something for everyone at The Can Company:
Cloud 9 Clothing: a great little boutique clothing shop that caters to the hipster boheme stylings of the neighborhood locals. While it is a chain, it is easy to find great unique pieces that will be the envie of your friends.
Downs Stationers: A new arrival for the space, they carry a wide range of stationary, cards, and paper accesories, and invitations. A great place to pick up supplies to send those "wish you were here" letters.
Vircity: a full service business hub that will gladly handle all your shipping and recieving needs,faxing, shredding, and any last minute photocopying you might need done.
The retail experiences is rounded out by GNC (in case you forgot your vitamins) Radio Shack (in case your forgot your headphones) Lens Crafters (in case you forgot your glasses) Ritz Camera (in case you see something you have to photograph) and Long and Foster (in case you fall in love and decide to move here!)
Services are also plentiful at The Can Company:
Brocato Studio of Hair Design: a lovely place with hip stylists and a long list of services.
Babylon Nails and Spa: Mani/Pedi, facial, and waxing services available.
Safe Harbors Travel Group: Offering complete travel planning and booking services since 1986.
The Food and Drinks really make the scene, and outdoor seating is plentiful, but in high demand. On a gorgeous night the locals can be found lounging in big groups spilling over into the sidewalks, with at least one dog lounging happily under a table.
The Austin Grill: With a motto like "the only completely wind powered restuarant in the world" you can bet the food is good. The service at the bar is attentive and friendly, and you can usually find a table outside by a potted plant to enjoy one of their signature margaritas. I recommend frozen with salt.
Kiss Cafe: Kiss has managed to cover all the needs of hipsters by offering a coffee house feel, and still serving a mean martini. Their menu isn't bad either. Portions are plentiful and they arrange some impressive flavor combinations that are just upscale enough to please everyone.
Ray Lewis' Full Moon BBQ: This is good old fashioned barbeque disquised as a sports bar. Don't get me wrong with more tv's then I can count, it is hard to miss the sporting side, but the food will make you feel guilty telling your momma you ate there. It is that good. Plan on bringing an appetite and clothing you don't mind staining (or wear a bib, they are provided. )
Chesapeake Wine Company: Get a seat outside if at all possible. Drinking delicious wine, expertly recommended by their staff, listening to live music, and enjoying the weather can't be beat. They also offer a huge selection of well chosen wines for retail, so try out a couple glasses and take home a case!
The best part of The Can Company Experience is that you can do and see all of this spendor with free parking! And you can top off the evening with some indulgence from Cold Stone Creamery or Starbucks! What more could you need?
