Similar story - moved out of Fed and kept going to City pets for a while, then got tired of going into the city for it, went to Paradise in Catonsville, then ended up back at City Pets.

I will say that scheduling emergency visits into City Pets is very difficult. They stay very booked and are closed Sunday and Monday. Great for all the normal upkeep, but most urgent matters we go back to Paradise.

For about ten years prior to Covid, we'd bring 40 ish people to James Joyce before/after the parade. We were well known, had our spot reserved every year, gifted our favorite bartender an award (we miss you Dave!), and had a great time every year.

Definite mixed feelings when Atlas resurrected JJ. However, a portion of our group went after the 5k this year. They tried to charge us a cover at the door that may or may not have been linked to a fundraiser they couldn't explain.

It feels a bit sterile in there now; not many decorations hung up and I don't particularly like the new paint scheme. Once the band started up it felt a bit more like old times. Drinks came fast enough, fish and chips were exactly what I needed at the time.

I'm glad JJ is open and that its not an empty storefront, but I do miss the old team and feel.

To me, your post reads like list of reasons you are using to talk yourself out of living the city life you've never experienced. At first I read this post as purchasing a home and I would have put my support behind living in the county. But renting? I'd do a year or two in the city (plenty of suggestions where in this thread), experience the good and the bad, then figure out what you want to do when the time feels right.

FYI, I moved out of downtown (fed hill) in my late 20's for some of the reasons you mentioned. Knew a kid was on the way, wanted a large yard, dog, room to host, etc. I'd lived in the city for 6+ years though, and got to experience a lot of great times in my mid 20's. We made the move to Arbutus (which I've recommended in the past) and are now looking to upsize yet again. Arbutus/Catonsville/Ellicott City are all areas that I'd recommend looking at if you decide against city life.

Where is this mystical publix? I'd go for a publix sub right now! ;)

Though the Sun is certainly falling out of favor, a couple years ago I purchased an "every front page from your birthday throughout the years" for an aunt. Its a neat timecapsule.

How?

If heading back to the city afterwards, Heavy Seas is 2 miles past Guinness towards the city.