Hidden charms

Construction has changed the face of downtown, but cool shops and eateries can still be found

Destination : Bel Air

52 N. Main St., 410-420-9784, tigerlilybelair.com

8

1:30 p.m Savona Fine Italian Food & Wine

Everyone loves eating at Savona, so it's best not to hit it at peak lunch hour. By now, the wait for a yummy panino shouldn't be too long. Perhaps try the Roma: turkey, provolone, pesto mayonnaise, marinated artichoke salad and tomato on bread baked daily in Baltimore's Little Italy. You can also get cheese and other Italian deli foods and a bottle of wine to take home.

2 N. Main St., 410-803-0000

9

2 p.m. Bel Air Court House

Take a few minutes to sit in the shade of the big trees near the fountain in front of the historic courthouse. You can also wander in and take a look around; it's a very handsome building. Then you're ready for the long walk south on Main to our last stop.

South Main and Courtland streets

10

2:30 p.m. Two Sisters

Don't be put off by the strip-mall exterior of this contemporary gallery; you've come too far to turn away now. Inside are some stunning examples of American and Canadian crafts. Two Sisters (yes, the owners are two sisters) represents more than 125 artists in all mediums.

You'll love the Tsunami Glassworks vases that are on display above the counter; they are only the beginning of the jewelry, ceramics, lighting, accessories and much more.

328 S. Main St., 410-420-9496, two-sisters.com

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Got more time? Here's more to do

*Tiny Toes, 4 N. Main St., 410-420-6727, shoptinytoes .com, a children's boutique

* Moore's Candies, 138 N. Bond St., 410-877-1787, moorescandiesmaryland.com, nationally recognized great chocolate

* Hays House Museum, 324 Kenmore Ave., 410-838-7691, harfordhistory.net, a living-history museum

* Buy the Cup, 104 S. Main St., specialty coffee drinks, teas and goodies

* Carried Away Gourmet, 101 S. Main St., 410-877-9020, carriedawaygourmet.com, breakfast, lunch and on Thursdays and Fridays, a wine bar at happy hour

* Bel Air farmers markets, Tuesday and Saturday mornings, Thomas and South Bond streets, belairfarmersmarket.com

Online

See an interactive map of Bel Air's shopping venues at baltimoresun.com/destination