The weekend after our Memorial Day mountain trip, Kevin and I drove up to Baltimore on a Thursday night to spend the weekend up there. His dad was in Baltimore with a Vermont kid's baseball team and we were able to tag along on all of their adventures. It was a jam-packed weekend, but we did some things I haven't done on previous visits which has encouraged me to write a travel post for Baltimore. It's a pretty cool city and one you should check out if you haven't!
Things to do:
Edgar Allan Poe- Poe was born in Boston, but died in Baltimore. His house and museum are in Baltimore as well as his grave. For any "Raven" fans (not football), both of these sites are must sees.
Inner Harbor- The Inner Harbor is a great spot to visit. You can dine and people watch, paddle boat, walk around, etc. With our love of lighthouses, Kevin and I always make our way over to the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse. The National Aquarium and Maryland Science Center hug the banks of the Inner Harbor as well, though I've never been to either.
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum- My love of Babe Ruth started in 3rd grade when I researched him for a project and dressed up as him to present in class. He was born in Baltimore and got his start in baseball here with the Orioles minor-league team in 1914 before going to the Red Sox. If you're into baseball at all, you must stop by the Birthplace and Museum!
Fort McHenry- Best known for it's role in the War of 1812 when it defended the Baltimore Harbor from attack by the British Navy, it's also the spot where Francis Scott Key spotted the victorious garrison flag after a night of fighting and penned a poem now known as the Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem. The fort is pretty awesome and the museum does a great job of depicting what that battle would have looked like. This is an awesome spot to visit in Baltimore.
Baltimore Orioles- You can't go to Baltimore and not catch an Orioles game (unless they're not in season, I guess). This is one of my favorite parks in part because of the awesome tour we got to go on this past visit. There are so many elements here that pay tribute to other parks around the country. You can't go wrong with baseball, popcorn and ice cream! The Warehouse building that faces the park is the longest building on the east coast and adds to the charm of the park. Thank goodness they didn't tear down this old railroad hub!
Baltimore Basilica- I never would have visited this if we weren't with a Catholic group. Yes, we travel to ALL OF THE CHURCHES in Europe, but I don't even think to check out churches here in the states. The Baltimore Basilica is America's First Cathedral and it is gorgeous! Go for Mass or drop in just to admire it's beauty!
The Baltimore Museum of Art- If you're a fan of museums, this is a great stop! My favorite parts were the outdoor sculptures and the modern art sections. They do have some classics.
Other highlights: Federal Hill Park for great views of the Inner Harbor, Baltimore Phoenix Shot Tower,
Washington Monument (nope the one in DC is not the only one),
The Flag House and Star Spangled Banner Museum.
Where to stay:
Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel- now Radisson Hotel Baltimore- This is the spot Kevin and I stayed when we first visited Baltimore about 8 years ago. It's a great central location for easy walking to the Inner Harbor and around downtown. Not sure how it's doing as a Radisson, but the Sheraton was great.
Hayatt Place Baltimore/BWI Airport Hotel- Our most recent stay was here. The rooms are great and even though it's a little drive from downtown Baltimore, I really enjoyed being here!
What to eat:
It's really difficult to remember where we ate 8 years ago, but most of our meals were down at the Inner Harbor. There are some great seafood restaurants and then the usual chains like Cheesecake Factory.
Visit Little Italy just east of the Inner Harbor. The restaurants are authentic and the food is delicious!
Baltimore is all about crab cakes, old bay seasoning, crab soup, and Chesapeake fries. Indulge!
So, what are you waiting for? Get on over to Charm City, explore and have a great time!
