And now a new feature for the Memory Project — Bouchercon ’08 countdown, with tips and advice on what to do while in Baltimore, and what do you mean you’re not coming?
Today’s tip: Vanessa’s Vintage Treasures, 1132 S. Charles Street.
This is a mile-plus due south of the hotel and the windows alone are worth a visit. The eponymous Vanessa, who describes herself as self-taught, puts together amazing tableaux appropriate to the seasons, changing them once a month on average. If you’re used to shopping in big cities, her prices for vintage jewelry (especially Bakelike), bags, hats and glassware will seem like relatively bargains, but Vanessa knows the worth of her wares. They’re just orderly enough, so one still has the thrill of the hunt. Once, when her windows went undecorated for a few days, a mutual friend inquired if she was okay and Vanessa reportedly said: “I’m fine, I just have window block.”
If you go: Plan to have lunch at Cross Street Market, whose food stands include a good raw bar, sushi, several sandwich places (egg salad at Big Jim’s!) and a barbecue joint. Or stop by Spoons for coffee and a wrap.
Um um probably not? And I feel like a heel saying it.
Not every entry is necessarily going to appeal to every visitor. It’s general advice, geared to appeal to a broad range of tastes. “All About Andi — What Andi Wants to See and Do in Baltimore” will be added to the site later, as time allows.
(Just teasing, ever so gently.)
As much as I’d love to get out there this year–and I would, I have fond memories of time at JHU–it’s not very likely. But. Being an easterner in exile in Indiana, I have to ask, what are the chances of your showing up at Bouchercon ’09 in Indianapolis?
I’d like to be there, David. My dearest friend lives there. Just too far away to plan ahead.
I know what you mean. We’re still planning our spring theatre season right now, so 2009 is a little cloudy here, too…
[*chanting*] I am so ex-cit-ed… I am so ex-cit-ed…
Haven’t been in Baltimore since fall of ’81. Far too long!
Cornelia, are you any relation to Helen Read who attended St. Andrews College in Laurinburg, NC in the mid-70′s?
Laura, what is the Hotel you are referencing that is 1 mile north of Vanessa? Cross Street Market is worth the trip.
PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT IN 2 WEEKS!
It’s called Sheraton City Center. Used to be the Wyndham and, before that, the Omni. I always forget the Cross Street. Baltimore? I live here, so I just think, “Go up to that building and turn left.”
Oh sweety, don’t get me wrong I WANNA be there. My best frined from college (whom I never see) lives in that region and I SO want to be at “your” Bouchercon. Cross-country travel is so #$^(%^& prohibitive. WHERE the heck is that transporter? They PROMISED…
No stupid questions here. Bouchercon is the annual convention for mystery writers. Named for Anthony Boucher (the pseudonym of a critic who championed mystery writing), it is held every fall.
L – would you believe i LIKE egg salad? Sigh.
I do feel like a heel – remember i was on a Bcon committee and have a strong tie to it. And it’s a great family reunion. “Very large” is of course relative too since large Bouchercons still seem realllllly small to someone from the science fiction world.
Bu AHEM it is not “the annual convention for mystery writers” my dear friend. PLEASE don’t perpetuate that myth – Bouchercon is indeed the “World mystery convention” but is open to all people who like mystery fiction. And it’s mostly run by readers/fans, not writers. Voluntarily. (as someone who has fielded far too many “but I’m a WRITER” kinds of inquiries about conventions, i do harp on it but please know how improtant it is that folks understand this is not just for writers. It’s an annual gathering of all of us who love mystery/crime fiction. We read it, write it, sell it but it’s not a writer’s event.
And now back to your comments already in progress. More food please!
Andi’s right, I goofed. Bouchercon is for mystery fans, and put on by mystery fans, but they let the writers come, too.
Glad for the clarification (which I think I had learned on this very blog previously).
If they let mystery fans/readers/librarians in, I’m really hoping to make this an occasion for a trip home to Baltimore. Although I am finding it a bit depressing that my store of things to do/see/eat in Baltimore is so outdated. What, no Haussener’s strawberry pie!? Does the Cultured Pearl still exist? (I once won a bobbing for apples contest there.)
Oh, Andi, I thought you were dissing Vanessa’s. You shouldn’t feel like a heel for skipping Bouchercon. No one should.
This one, by the way, promises to be very large, which I know is not everyone’s cup of tea.
Ok, stupid question time, what the heck is Bouchercon?
Diane!
“If they let mystery fans/readers/librarians in, I’m really hoping to make this an occasion for a trip home to Baltimore.”
Are you kidding????? Without fans/readers/librarians, who would we talk with when the authors all have to go meet with their editors for dinner? (it happens on occasion). But no really – it’s what about a 2:1 ratio at least of fans and readers to writers at most conventions. Let us in? We run the thing! (cue evil laugh and rubbing of hands together).
<I>””I’m fine, I just have window block.”</I>
When I opened my shop 13 years ago I thought, ”I get to decorate a window just like Rhoda!”
Now I think, ”Shit, I have to decorate that window.”
It’s true Bouchercon is fan-centric, by the fans, for the fans. (And those who know me also know that I don’t let anyone say, “I’m just a fan.” No “just” in that sentiment.)
It isn’t cheap, but the conference usually has a block of rooms at a discounted rate. Google “Bouchercon 2008″ and you should find a lot of info.
<a HREF=”http://www.charmedtodeath.com/” TARGET=”_blank”>Bouchercon 2008: Charmed to Death</a> is the website for this year.
I was CERTAIN that I would be finished with my WIP by 2008 and ready to attend Bourcheron as a soon-to-be-published crime fiction writer. Alas, not yet.
When I read in a how-to book that “your first draft will not be publishable”, I thought surely I would be the exception!
I am not.
I’ll see everybody sometime after I finish the damn book.
Old Beeg, if you keep demonstrating this level of swift efficiency, you are in danger of me beseeching you to become my assistant. Not that I can afford you, but a girl can dream.
time + no life = fast find stuff on ‘Net 
Hmmm, I only have the “no life” part down . . .
Ah, John, I’m torn: I’d love to see you at Bouchercon, but it’s not cheap. Can I make the case that it’s a good use of a pre-published writer? (Not a phrase I normally use, but I think it’s accurate in your case.) It’s hard to know, as I wasn’t even aware that Bouchercon existed until I had my first contract. So, if some other writers on the cusp — Bryon comes to mind — want to throw in their two cents, that would be interesting.
By the way, I’m not sure it’s accurate to describe Bryon as “on the cusp,” as he has a story in Ed Gorman and Martin Greenberg’s best-of-2007 anthology.