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That’s a wrap on Baltimore Bash ‘26!

First and foremost I must thank @Alex and @Giles for (perhaps foolishly) believing I could host a party worthy of the Iron Heart stamp of approval. While this event met all of my personal expectations I sensed throughout the long weekend that everyone else’s were wildly exceeded and I think that’s what excites me most of all.

There’s never any question that Katie and I will travel to the literal ends of the Earth to spend time with our friends whom we love and miss, but to think that so many of you took a risk and came to a city most people aren’t familiar with, and that the rest may avoid like the plague is truly humbling and we certainly don’t take that for granted. It warmed our hearts to see all of you having such a great time and experiencing Baltimore’s real charm and history. I hope the experiences we shared here will bring some of you back for more, of which there is plenty.

Obviously there are too many of you to thank personally but please know that all of you and your families are welcome in my home forever. Thanks to those of you who were fortunate enough to make an extended holiday of it, I’ve not had a nap or full night of sleep since Monday and will be enjoying the quiet, at least until I start to feel the itch to party again. Hopefully sooner than later.

A quick mention to those of you who know who you are that I’ve considered forum friends for many years but who I’ve only just met in person this weekend. I hope that you experienced
the same change in how you regard this community that I did after attending my first party and meeting so many of you for the first time in real life. I promise you won’t look at this place the same once you’ve actually hugged the person you’re talking to here in the forum.

For those of you who wanted to make the trip but for whatever reasons weren’t able to I sincerely hope these posts and pics will inspire you to see for yourself what we have to offer here. Please let me know if/when you do and I will see to it that you have something to post about.

For those of you who were fortunate enough to meet Ava, know that she misses you already.

Katie and I are anxiously awaiting next year’s party, for which we are already prepared to attend regardless of its ultimate location. I hope to see some of you before that.

Iron Heart Army Always.

@goosehd said in IRON HEART WAYWT - 2025 EDITION:

Oh to think what could have been…

I tell people I like what they’re wearing all the time but when I told @Giles I liked the shirt he was wearing at the party I just happened to be standing next to @Clint_D so this showed up in my mail today…

SEPTEMBER 18, 19 & 20, 2026

In lieu of a formal Iron Heart sponsored anniversary party in 2026, I was asked if I wanted to organize an East Coast gathering right here in my hometown.

You’re all invited.

The gathering itself will be at a local church turned brewery called Ministry of Brewing on Saturday September 19, 2026 from 4 pm – 10 pm. It’s a large venue with plenty of room but I will need to give them a head count at some point so please let me know if you plan on attending. MoB has food trucks every day, and as we get closer to the date I should have access to their calendar and will let you know but as many times as I’ve visited I’ve had just as many amazing meals. They also have a full supply of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to accommodate the masses. Children are welcome as well. Mine will not be there because I’m smart.

For any of you able to make it 1 day early, I’ll be hosting a loose pub crawl in one of our East Baltimore neighborhoods (likely either Fells Point or Canton) where there is no shortage of walkable bars for us to visit and take over. For any of you able to make it even earlier in the week I’ll be off work and available to assist with excursions and meet ups. I can recommend tons of places to visit and points of interest. Just let me know. Sunday Donut Brunch will be another loose gathering at Patterson Park (weather permitting). For those interested, directions and precise park location will be provided on Saturday evening. Coffee and Donuts will be provided but please feel free to bring any food or drink that you see fit.

The Padmores have RSVP’d already and I’ve asked them to invite anyone who may wish to join us but may not frequent the forum.

Your best option for air travel is Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI) which is just a short Uber ride to/from downtown Baltimore. There’s even a Light Rail that has a terminal at the airport with a stop right outside Camden Yards, Home of the Orioles. The stop is another short walk to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor area which is just a few minutes’ walk from Fells Point and plenty of hotel options. There are also Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Ronald Reagan National Airport (DCA) but these are closer to DC and would be a much longer drive to Baltimore with traffic concerns. They’ll work though if flying into BWI isn’t an option for you.

Below is a list of hotels I’d recommend due to their proximity to the areas we’ll be visiting…

The William Fell Baltimore, Tapestry Collection by Hilton – this is a beautiful boutique hotel located in the heart of Fells Point, an historic waterfront neighborhood that used to be a wharf full of sailors and prostitutes but is now full of bars, restaurants, shops and prostitutes. There’s also an excellent record store right down the street from the hotel called The Sound Garden, a favorite of our very own @endo. The William Fell Baltimore, Tapestry Collection by Hilton

The Inn at Henderson’s Wharf, Ascend Hotel Collection – also located in Fells Point. This one’s right on the waterfront, great views. The Inn at Henderson's Wharf, Ascend Hotel Collection

Hyatt Place Baltimore Inner Harbor – this one’s in Harbor East, an area of shops, restaurants, bars and a movie theater between the Inner Harbor and Fells Point. It’s less of a neighborhood vibe and more of a shopping area. Hyatt Place Baltimore Inner Harbor

Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore Downtown/Inner Harbor – Same as the Hyatt Place in location and atmosphere. Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore Downtown/Inner Harbor

These are but a handful of the options in the area. I suggest using a map view on your preferred booking site to see what area you’d like to be in. There are, of course, plentiful Air BnB’s or Vrbo’s in the area as well.

The Baltimore Water Taxi has free weekday service and tourist prices on the weekends. You can find a route map and details here… Baltimore Water Taxi.

I couldn’t be more excited to be hosting this here in the city I love, and I can’t wait to see all of you.

If you would, please fill out THIS FORM so we can start tallying the numbers.

I took this one last night while chilling in my office and forget to post. I was very excited to be able to wear jeans and a flannel…

Here’s the shot I wanted…

vs what Ava wanted…

It only took 13 years…