Bowleys Quarters - Middle River, MD

Originally named after merchant and sea captain Daniel Bowley, who owned over 2,000 acres in and around Baltimore in the mid-18th century, Bowleys Quarters' primary purpose was transformed a number of times over the years. During the late 1800s into the 20th century, the area acted as a game preserve for waterfowl where presidents and many celebrities, including Babe Ruth, hunted ducks. The industrial boom of the 1920s through the 1950s attracted many blue collar workers to the area, and many of the current residences and subdivisions were built during this time.

Drive just west of Bowleys Quarters to reach the Glen L. Martin Aviation Museum. Attached to the Martin State Airport, this museum seeks to educate attendees via a number of rotating exhibitions on the history of Maryland aviation, including the display of 12 aircraft. Check back to catch the monthly lecture series.

Head north along Bowleys Quarters Road and Eastern Boulevard to experience some of the best food and drink in the area. Whether they're in the mood for a romantic night on the town or a quiet place to unwind after work, residents of Bowleys Quarters never have to travel far for a good time.

Capturing the seaside feel of the neighborhood, Sunset Cove serves patrons a variety of classic American dishes on a deck overlooking the bay. Dock your boat nearby, and take advantage of the daily drink specials at the outdoor bar while you wait for your food. Not sure what to order? Try the crab cake sandwich for one of Maryland's best takes on the local staple.

Carson's Creekside Restaurant & Lounge specializes in Maryland's classic seafood style. Order the Commodore's Toast for a hearty mix of lump crab meat, shrimp, scallops, tomatoes and mushrooms served with toast points. If you're not in the mood for seafood, Carson's serves a number of styles and cuts of meat well worth the price, including the savory Austin's Filet.

Found alongside Eastern Boulevard, the Memphis Belle draws crowds for more than just its sports bar vibe. Order the signature BBQ sundae dish to find out why people praise the Tennessee-style barbecue. Live bands play on the weekends, and the full bar service gives you a reason to stick around well after you've finished your meal.

Bowleys Quarters Road navigates its way through the neighborhood's center to reach Route 150 to the north, allowing easy access via automobile to the greater surrounding area. In addition to services such as Uber and Lyft, a number of Baltimore taxi cab services are available to residents of Bowleys Quarters, but call ahead if you plan to use one as finding a cab to hail in the street proves difficult.

Public parking is freely available throughout the residential roads in Bowleys Quarters. The main roads lack designated biking lanes for cyclists, and the spread-out nature of the area means residents rely on automobiles to get around. The Maryland Transit Administration services Bowleys Quarters with bus stops on White Pine Road and along Carroll Island Road.

Overlooking the expansive Chesapeake Bay, Miami Beach Park provides locals with a great place to spend the day outside in the sun while enjoying the natural beauty of Maryland. Bring the dog along for a scenic jaunt along the park's nature trails, or grill up some dogs with the family using the public grills and shaded pavilion seating area. The playground within sight of the seating area makes for a great place to have the kids get out some energy while the parents take a breather.

Though its a bit of a drive, the Towson Town Spring Festival located north of Baltimore in Towson is Maryland's largest open-air festival. Spanning a weekend in May each year, the Towson Town Spring Festival includes a carnival midway, over 40 live performances, including both local and international musical acts, hundreds of food, arts and crafts vendors and engaging children's activities, making the trip fun for the whole family.

The cost of living averages 15 percent higher than in Baltimore, and average the rental rate for a month's rent for a one-bedroom apartment costs $769 a month. A 24-hour pass for the MTA bus line costs $3.50. A pint at local bars costs around $5, and gas prices hover 3 percent lower than the national gas average.

The Carroll Island Shopping Mall and surrounding area collects a number of valuable stores in one convenient place for Bowleys Quarters residents, including a Dollar Tree, Rite Aid Pharmacy, Walmart and GameStop. Those looking for smaller specialty stores should plan to drive out to Baltimore or surrounding suburbs such as Parkville or Nottingham. Royal Farms makes up the other local supermarket option.

Making plans for your big wedding day? Don't overlook Juliet's Bridal Boutique northwest of Bowleys Quarters in Parkville. Call ahead to make an appointment, or simply walk in and speak with an available consultant to begin looking through the boutique's many assorted styles, cuts and fashions. The in-store seamstress does all alterations on site, making those last-minute changes far less of a hassle.

Hidden along Belair Road in Perry Hall, Ryan's Relics contains a wide array of antique and modern furniture for all price points. The knowledgeable staff are happy to help your search for a particular piece or style. Those who love searching for unique trinkets should stop by to check out the assortment of antique collectibles and costume jewelry as well.

The closest local-produce market for Bowleys Quarters residents can be found north in White Marsh. Open year round, and family owned and operated, Richardson Farms sells local produce, meat and fish. The attached kitchen serves food made from ingredients fresh off the farm and rotates with the seasonal harvests.