Get a 'Taste' of Community at Baltimore's Union Collective

Have you ever been to a place where creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship combine? That's exactly what you'll find at the Union Collective in Baltimore – an inspiring space dedicated to local businesses and artisans coming together for support and collaboration. Union Collective is about 20 minutes north of Rachael's Dowry Bed & Breakfast in the Hampden neighborhood of Baltimore, making it a great place to add to your vacation itinerary during your next stay in the Charm City.

The Union Collective is a testament to the creative and entrepreneurial spirit of Baltimore, as well as a showcase for the city's local talent. This unique concept brings various artisanal food and drink producers, small-scale manufacturers, independent designers and other small businesses together under one roof. The collective is housed in a 155,000-square-foot warehouse that was once a Sears warehouse. Today, the building has been repurposed to create a dynamic space that is a hub of creativity, collaboration and sustainability.

UNION Craft Brewing Company is the anchor of the collective. Founded in 2011, this brewery produces a range of high-quality, handcrafted beers using locally sourced ingredients. Inside the brew hall, you can grab a bite to eat from Carroll & Son Fine Foods. The brewery also hosts events such as beer tastings, brewery tours and trivia nights, making it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Other vendors at the Union Collective include:

Movement Hampden: Climbing gym, plus yoga and fitness studio

The Charmery: Handcrafted ice cream shop, consistently voted among Baltimore's best

Baltimore Spirit Company: Distillery offering blend-your-own-whiskey tours

The Cocktail Gallery: Baltimore Spirit Company's cocktail lounge

The Wine Collective: Makers of craft wine and vermouth

Vent Coffee Roasters: Small-batch roaster and coffee bar

Lor Tush: Manufacturer of sustainable toilet paper made from bamboo

One notable feature of the Union Collective is its commitment to sustainability. The building itself has been designed to be energy-efficient and environmentally friendly, with features such as solar panels, a green roof and rainwater harvesting. The businesses within the collective also prioritize sustainability, with many of them using locally sourced and organic ingredients, using renewable energy sources, and recycling and composting waste.

In addition to its focus on sustainability, the Union Collective is also dedicated to fostering a sense of community among its tenants and visitors. The space regularly hosts events, such as outdoor markets, live music performances and art exhibitions, that bring together local residents and businesses. There is also a shared outdoor space that includes a garden, a fire pit, and seating areas where people can relax and socialize.

One of the biggest events at the Union Collective in 2023 will be the 10th annual Charm City Bluegrass Festival. The two-day festival on May 5–6 will combine music that will get you grooving, regional craft beers and ciders, unique and familiar foods, independent vendors, and thousands of the best people you'll ever meet. In addition to headliners such as the Infamous Stringdusters, the event showcases up-and-coming artists who are keeping the tradition of bluegrass alive. It's is a great opportunity to discover new music and to appreciate the rich history of this genre.

The Union Collective is a shining example of how businesses and artists can come together to create a vibrant, sustainable and community-focused space. It has become a beloved institution in Baltimore and a model for similar projects around the country. We invite all of our guests at Rachael's Dowry Bed & Breakfast to check it out when they're here in Baltimore.