I've lived in Mt Vernon for a while, and it's great, but parking is not my favorite part of it. For the first few years I lived here I did street parking, but I now rent a spot, and I wouldn't go back. I also have a partner visiting from afar regularly and when this happens I move my car elsewhere, she uses my spot. This is a lot simpler.

Also be aware that Area 28 parking restrictions don't apply on the weekend, so (factoring in the 2hr limit without a permit) if your partner is arriving after 5 on Fri and leaving before 9 on Monday, there's nothing to worry about. (Except, much after 5 on a Fri is not the best time to look for a spot...) Other people have highlighted some of the nearby unrestricted parking areas and there's essentially always going to be something with patience, but observationally many of these definitely have a higher rate of broken glass on the ground. I agree that Station North (esp. N. of North Ave) is fine and does have more parking, but just be aware that if you are not used to Baltimore, it ... may not feel that way.

One other thing: there are many random events that will occasionally close small or large chunks of street parking in the neighborhood (these events are a good thing about the area IMO, just a pain for parking), so you need to keep on top of that. Worst seems to be closest to the monument, I'm a ways off it and am only really impacted by the massive ones like the marathon or that bike race we recently had. Yet another benefit of just renting a spot...