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Baltimore |
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Baltimore is a popular tourist destination in Maryland, in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States of America, near Washington (D.C.). It is perhaps most famously known as the city where Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics for the Star Spangled Banner, and today has become a major center for tourism and travel.
It lies on the juncture of the Chesapeake Bay. With continuous nightlife, temperate climate, and plenty of hospitality, any time of the year is a great time to visit.
Downtown Baltimore on a beautiful October day.
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SEE DO EAT
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 SEE
- Harbor. The harbor area is the busy center to the city, a major tourist attraction, a must-see, often featuring live music by jazz groups and crooners.
- National Cryptologic Museum at Fort Meade in Maryland, between Washington (D.C.) and Baltimore. [1], [2].
- American Visionary Art Museum, Inner Harbor, [3]. Tu-Su. The most eclectic and interesting collection of contemporary art from professional and amateur artists alike. Adults $9 / Concessions $6.
- U.S.S. Constellation, [4]. The last all-sail warship built by the U.S. Navy and the only Civil War-era vessel still afloat.
- Fort McHenry, [5]. Birthplace of the Star Spangled Banner
- Federal Hill., A historic neighborhood containing several bars and restaurants, named after the site of a famous Civil War confrontation that gives the large green hill in the neighborhood it's name.
- Hampden. An eclectic, recently gentrified area in North Baltimore that boasts an ice cream soda fountain, many restaurants, several antique stores, unique shops, and hosts the two-day 'Honfest' each Spring. John Waters filmed "Pecker" and "Crybaby" here.
- Fell's Point., Historic maritime neighborhood in Baltimore's Inner Harbor area.
- Port Discovery - The Children's Museum, Voted one of the top 5 childrens' museum in the US - directly off of the Inner Harbor, [6].
- Baltimore Maritime Museum, [7].
- Maryland Science Center, [8].
- National Aquarium, [9]. One of the best aquariums in the nation, the Baltimore Aquarium is famous for its tropical rain forest exhibit, its efforts to saving marine mammals, and its large shark tanks. Well worth the price of admission, it's a draw for marine scientists and civilians alike.
- Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum, [10].
- Baltimore Museum of Art, on the campus of Johns Hopkins University, [11]. W-Su. Fantastic. Free.
- The Walters Art Museum, in mid-town, [12]. Free.
- Johns Hopkins University, [13]. The Homewood campus was a property purchased in 1800 by Charles Carroll, signer of the Declaration of Independence, as a wedding present for his son, who designed and oversaw the building of the outstanding federal style country house. The Johns Hopkins University was the first research university in the United States.
The Johns Hopkins University at the Homewood campus
- Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture 830 E. Pratt Street, (410) 333-1130, [14]. Tues-Sun 10am - 5pm, closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Easter Sunday. This new facility is the largest museum on the East
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DO
- Baltimore Orioles, [16]. The local baseball team plays at the Camden Yards.
- Baltimore Ravens, [17]. Football.
- Fells Point Ghost Tours, [18]. A one hour walking tour of historic Fells Point in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Also has a 2 hour haunted pub tour.
- Hippodrome Theatre
- Toby's Dinner Theatre. A great musical theatre which has presented the musicals Beauty and the Beast, Footloose, Ragtime, It's A Wonderful Life, The Full Monty, Fiddler on the Roof, Grease, and is currently presenting Dreamgirls. It will present Holiday Hot Nostalgia, La Cage aux Folles, The Wizard of Oz, West Side Story, The Phantom of the Opera, A Christmas Carol, and Sophisticated Ladies in their 2008-2009 season. [19].
- Lyric Opera House
- Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
- Morris A Mechanic Theatre
- Water Taxi. Circumnavigates the harbor.
- Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
- Baltimore Maritime Museum
- Baltimore Museum of Industry
- Baltimore Heritage Walk
- Mount Vernon Cultural District
- Ride the Ducks of Baltimore
- American Visionary Art Museum, [20]
- Power Plant Live!
- The Baltimore Museum of Art
- The Walters Art Museum
- The Peabody Institute
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EAT
A wide variety of dining options can be found in Baltimore, but no visit to Maryland is complete without a sampling of the local favorite: steamed crabs! Though by and large the crabs no longer come from the Chesapeake Bay (they are shipped from North Carolina, Louisiana, and Texas due to overfishing of the Bay), it remains a popular summertime activity to spend the afternoon with family and friends at a crab feast. Often crabs are accompanied by steamed shrimp, corn on the cob, and beer.
If steamed crabs are too adventurous, you should at least sample a crab cake, crab bisque, or vegetable crab soup.
The excellent market place, near the harbor, is full of fresh seafood and great food bars. But for a more local experience, head to the neighborhoods surrounding it: Little Italy, Fells Point, Federal Hill, Canton, Mount Washington, etc. all feature both local and international cuisine.
Lexington Market is an especially popular lunchtime destination, with countless vendors selling all kinds of food imaginable. There are standing tables in an open area on the ground floor, as well as a large seating area on the upper level above that.
Canton Square offers a diverse selection of good restaurants, but one of the standouts is Nacho Mama's (2907 O'Donnell St). Fun atmosphere, good Mexican food, and many "priceless artifacts" representing everything Baltimore.
Vaccaro's in Baltimore's Little Italy is a place to die for when it comes to desserts. This intimate Italian bakery is a little on the high side but features some of the best desserts found anywhere in the world. Located two blocks from the inner harbor area at the corner of Albemarle and Stiles street. They also have a location in Canton Square.
Don't miss the Helmand Restaurant in Mt. Vernon. The cuisine here is from Afghanistan and delicious! The prices are inexpensive (around $15.00 for an entree), and they boast 4 star quality service. Try the pumpkin appetizer.
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