🍦 Baltimore's Black Ice Cream Trail + Raven's Training Camp

It’s always so much happening this weekend but If I had to narrow it down, these are the events I'd tell my own friends not to miss..

If you are looking for more recommendations like wine festivals, top pools or outdoor movies this week? Check the main home page itssomewherelocal.com

(Always view web version for updates I make throughout the season)

🍦 Created by Lisa Summers

The Black Ice Cream Trail: Baltimore Edition 🍦 Created by It's Somewhere Local

Summer is officially here and we are celebrating it the sweetest way possible. I put together Baltimore's first Black Ice Cream Trail with 10 Black-owned frozen treat spots across the city that deserve your coins, your time and your sweet tooth this season. Make a day of it or hit them one by one. Either way, save this and share it.

1. Tia's Italian Ice The only Black-owned scoop shop in Hampden. Philly-style water ice with flavors like The Gold Coast and Juneteenth — and yes, she has ice cream spaghetti. 📍 851 W 36th St, Baltimore, MD 21211

2. Taharka Brothers Ice Cream Employee-owned and community-rooted. They use ice cream to create opportunities for young adults from Baltimore's most underserved neighborhoods. Try Honey Graham or Mintflix & Chillz. 📍 301 W 29th St (R. House) | 1065 S Charles St (Cross Street Market)

3. The Chill Spot @ Notre Maison Snowballs, Italian ice, herbal teas and community vibes all in one spot. A true neighborhood gem run by people who genuinely care. 📍 36 W 25th St, Baltimore, MD 21218

4. Cajou Plant-Based Ice Cream The first Black-owned plant-based ice cream shop in the entire country — right here in Baltimore. Every scoop is made from handcrafted cashew milk. Try Blueberry Cheesecake or Jamaican Rum Raisin. Open Thu-Sun only. 📍 411 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD 21201

5. Bmore Licks 100+ soft serve flavors, 30+ hard ice cream, ice cream nachos AND tacos. Dog friendly too. Right across from Patterson Park. 📍 2437 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224

6. Noel's Italian Ice & Ice Cream A brand new spot already pulling 5 stars. Get the Italian ice with a scoop of vanilla soft serve on top — customers say it's the move. Open every single day. 📍 2401 E Monument St, Baltimore, MD 21205

7. Tipsy Scoop Baltimore Boozy ice cream, Black family owned in Federal Hill. Adults get the tipsy scoops, kids get classic cookie dough and cookies & cream. ID required for the good stuff. 📍 209 Key Hwy, Baltimore, MD 21230

8. Buns & Roses Chimney Cakes Black owned and absolutely Instagram worthy. Fresh baked chimney cone filled with soft serve ice cream — flavors like Banana Pudding, Oreo and Strawberry Crunch. Sundays only so plan ahead. 📍 803 Light St, Baltimore, MD 21230 — Sunday only, 1-8pm

9. Sydney's Ice Creams Black woman-owned, small batch flavors, vegan options. Located inside the adorable Arcola coffee shop. Try the apple pie or butter pecan — both are life changing. 📍 3500 Harford Rd, Baltimore, MD 21218

10. Ice Queens Snowball Shop Black and woman-owned New Orleans-style snowballs right by Fort McHenry. The egg custard with marshmallow is legendary. The vibe, the art, the energy — this place has personality. 📍 1648 E Fort Ave, Baltimore, MD 21230

Working Moms, This One's For You ❤️

I'll actually be speaking at this conference on "Fun Is a Form of Self-Care: Finding Joy in the Middle of It All," and if you're a working mom, I'd love to see you there.

It all takes place at a beautiful Boordy Vineyard, so think less stuffy conference and more a day to pour back into yourself while connecting with women who truly understand this season of life.

When was the last time you were in a room full of women who just got your life?

Women balancing careers, kids, bills, dreams, and trying to remember if everyone ate breakfast before rushing out the door.

That's exactly why I love what the Working Mom Conference is creating.

✨ Your day includes:

🎤 I'll be speaking on: Fun Is a Form of Self-Care: Finding Joy in the Middle of It All.

I'd genuinely love to meet you there there! Check the line up and other topics below.

FAMILY & ALL AGES

🌳 Jul 10 | Parks & Recreation Day | Fallston, Harford County MD
Moonbounces, food trucks, field games, obstacle courses & live demonstrations — then a free outdoor screening of Space Jam: A New Legacy at 7:45pm. 5–8pm. ✅ FREE

🍽️ Jul 10–19 | Baltimore County Restaurant Week | Baltimore County, MD
Two weeks of exclusive specials and discounted prix fixe menus at 30+ restaurants across Baltimore County. The perfect excuse to try somewhere new or go back to a favorite with a deal.

🥁 Jul 10 | Runaway J'Ouvert | Baltimore, MD
Kick off Caribbean weekend early with this J'Ouvert pre-party — powder, paint, music & pure energy.

🥁 Jul 10 | Baltimore Washington ONE Carnival — J'Ouvert | Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD
The official kick-off to Baltimore Carnival Weekend! Caribbean-style J'Ouvert party at Druid Hill Park. 3–10pm.

🎶 Jul 10–12 | Broccoli City Festival | Washington, DC
DC's biggest hip-hop, R&B & culture festival — music, wellness activations, panels, food & community vibes.

🦀 Jul 11 | Baltimore Magazine's Crab Fest | Baltimore, MD
Live music, steamed crabs (pre-order required), food vendors & a true Baltimore summer experience. VIP includes early access & souvenir glass.

🎉 Jul 11 | Baltimore Washington ONE Carnival — Parade of Bands | Park Circle to Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD
The parade steps off at noon from Park Circle winding through Baltimore streets — followed by a Caribbean festival with live entertainment, jerk chicken & international vendors. ✅ FREE to watch

🚗 Jul 11 | Carroll County Car Fest | Carroll County Farm Museum, MD
A classic car show at the beautiful Carroll County Farm Museum — a great family outing. ✅ FREE to browse

🏳️‍🌈 Jul 11 | Westminster Pride Festival | Westminster City Park, MD
Westminster's Pride celebration with performances, vendors & community love. ✅ FREE

🍺 Jul 11–12 | Maryland German Festival | Timonium, MD
Authentic German food, beer, music & cultural performances at the Maryland State Fairgrounds.

🎨 Jul 11 | The Baltimore Makers, Music & Craft Festival | Baltimore, MD
Local makers, artisan crafts, live music & creative community energy all in one spot.

🍔 Jul 11 | Western Maryland Food Truck Festival | Frostburg, MD
Dozens of food trucks, live music & summer fun in the heart of Western Maryland. Worth the drive! ✅ FREE

ADULTS ONLY (21+)

⛳️Jul 10 | Beach Party at Midnight Mini Golf | Columbia, MD
Hawaiian shirts, shorts & sunglasses required! Midnight mini golf with a beach party theme — food truck on site. 🌺

🕯️😂 Jul 10 | Candles & Comedy Experience | ReWax & UnWine, Owings Mills, MD Make your own custom candle while a comedian keeps the room laughing. (Sold Out but next one available is July 24th)

🌙 Jul 10 | 14th Annual DMV Overnight Cookout | Hughesville, MD
The legendary overnight cookout is back for year 14! DJ Frank White, DJ Big John & DJ 5'9 spin 90s & 2000s hits from 11pm to 7am — food trucks, hookah, mechanical bull, vendors & RV space. Bring your blanket, tent & lawn chair. 21+

🌴 Jul 10 | Caribbean Party: Reggae vs. Soca | Baltimore, MD
Reggae vs. Soca — two vibes, one night.

🦀 Jul 11 | Crab Fest | Baltimore, MD
A crab feast experience for the grown folks — crabs, drinks & summer vibes.

🍹 Jul 11 | The Cocktail Lab LIVE! | Baltimore, MD
A live cocktail making experience — learn, sip & have a great time.

🎤 Jul 11 | R&B Karaoke & Mimosas Day Party | Woodlawn, MD
Bottomless mimosas, R&B throwbacks & your turn at the mic — a whole Saturday mood.

🥃 Jul 11 | Bourbon & Brownie Sundaes Class | Baltimore, MD
Bourbon tasting meets brownie sundaes — the most delicious Saturday afternoon class in the city.

🎵 Jul 11 | Throwback Millennial Party: The Playlist That Raised Us | Mount Airy, MD
Every song that made you who you are tonight — a full millennial throwback party.

🌺 Jul 25 | Fête Champêtre: A Luxe Garden Party | Middle Branch Park, Baltimore, MD
Year 3 of Baltimore's most elevated outdoor garden party — waterfront views, floral décor, live entertainment, food trucks & mobile bars.

🎵 Jul 25 | Frequency & Flame | FELT Exclusive | Our Time Kitchen, Baltimore, MD
An intimate ticketed experience blending music, food & creative energy — check Posh for details.

This is a spot we enjoy each year as its chill with multiple games and a good time. Only $16/pp if you pay in advance. Come and play between 9pm-1am

Upcoming dates:

July 10 - Beach Party - Hawaiian shirts, shorts and sunglasses

August 14 - Hat and Tie Night

September 11 - Sports Night - Show your team pride

October 9- Halloween costume night.

I wanted to share something a little more personal this week.

My dad just published a book, and reading it has been eye-opening. I always knew the man who became a pastor and licensed addiction counselor, but I didn’t fully know the young man who grew up in Sandtown, Baltimore, or everything he had to overcome to get there.

In Fellowship of Grace, he shares how the church can learn from AA, how AA can learn from the church, and what faith, recovery, and real redemption can look like. Not in some counselor or pastor talk but from a person who has lived it and still fighting to stay on the right side of it all.

If you or someone you love is navigating addiction, recovery, or simply needs a reminder that your past does not have to be your ending, I think this is worth reading.

📖 Read it on Amazon →

It's an easy, relatable read, and I'm incredibly proud of him. ❤️