Tuesday, July 27th, 2010
Baseball fans make their pilgrimages as much as any religious group, and Baltimore is one of the most important stops on a fan’s list. While Baltimore’s Inner Harbor has been celebrated for decades, the crown jewel of the area may be Camden Yards, home of the Orioles, which opened in 1992.
A classic-style ballpark with all the modern amenities, Camden Yards in many ways began the revival of baseball stadiums around the major leagues. Cities like Pittsburgh, Minnesota, Houston and Cincinnati have all followed suit and tried to evoke the Golden Era of baseball as Camden Yards did.
However, there are many things about Camden Yards which cannot be duplicated. For one, Camden Yards has an old warehouse as its backdrop, one which legend (and a good deal of fact) has identified as the stomping grounds of none other than George Herman ‘Babe’ Ruth. Ruth haunted this neighborhood as a child, and Baltimore’s famous son – still the most important figure in baseball history – lives on in the imagination of every fan that walk through the gates at Camden Yards. Read the rest of this entry »
Friday, July 16th, 2010
If there is any city that has recently experienced a serious renaissance in its residents, that city definitely has to be Baltimore. Once a mere stopping ground on I-95 for those heading from Washington D.C. to New York or Boston, Baltimore is starting to hold its own as a center for culture. Surprisingly enough, a lot of young artists who were once relocating to Brooklyn or Providence are starting to make their way to Baltimore, where they can live in spacious houses and create their latest records and paintings without having to worry about rent getting hiked sky-high. But there is another reason that so many younger, artistic people are finding themselves in Baltimore. It’s the fact that a whole lot of their favorite films and television shows happen to have been based here recently.
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Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Visiting Baltimore but unsure where you should stay? Baltimore offers a wide variety of hotels ranging from traditional bed and breakfasts to upscale luxury hotels. Here’s the breakdown of the top ten places to stay.
- The Mount Vernon Hotel: this newly renovated hotel is located in the beautiful historic Mount Vernon District. Their convenient downtown location (walking distance from the Inner Harbor) makes it the optimal choice for tourist visits, business trips, or leisure. Rates start at $99 and up, depending on the season.
- 1840s Carrollton Inn: This dainty inn features boutique style rooms and suites complete with fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, and a private garden courtyard. If you ever feel the need to get out of your personal paradise, the Inn is located a few steps away from Little Italy and the Inner Harbor. Rooms range from $175-$375.
- Aunt Rebecca’s Bed & Breakfast: This quaint Victorian home is located in downtown Baltimore’s cultural center, Aunt Rebecca’s is just minutes away from all points of interest. Conveniently, a bus stop and train station are just around the corner and a home cooked breakfast and free parking is included. The gorgeous assortment of rooms range from $110 a night to $150 a night, with extended stay rates available.
- Baltimore’s Tremont Plaza Hotel: Not as homey as the aforementioned, the Tremont Plaza understands genuine hospitality. It is fully equipped with 303 luxury suites, conference facilities, an outdoor pool, a sauna, fitness center, restaurant, lounge, gourmet deli, room service, internet, valet parking, and complimentary newspaper. Many package options are available. What more could you possibly need? Read the rest of this entry »
Monday, June 14th, 2010
Museums are boring… right? It’s time to scratch that thought and form a new opinion; you’ll have to check out Baltimore’s spunky museums to see for yourself.
Babe Ruth Museum
If you think Babe Ruth is a chocolaty peanut treat, you don’t belong here. The Babe Ruth Museum honors the legendary baseball player and 500 Home Run Club member, Babe Ruth. Check out “The Great Bambino’s” mitt, stare in wonder at his old jersey and gawk over his unprecedented records. As if Babe’s baseball greatness isn’t enough, wander over to the Sports Legends Museum and view the Oriole’s Hall of Fame.
Great Blacks in Wax Museum
Maybe you’ve been to the wax museum in New York and seen the lifelike wax statues of celebrities. The Great Blacks in Wax Museum is similar to the celeb studded wax museum, but it is infused with a meaning more profound than simple entertainment. Walk through the good and bad times African Americans have faced in history and get lost in the realistic sights. Cringe at the sight of Hannibal, view Harriet Tubman up close and personal, take a picture with Malcolm X, sway to the tunes of Bob Marley, see Dr. Martin Luther King, gawk at the realistic President Obama and much, much more. Read the rest of this entry »
Friday, June 4th, 2010
The city of Baltimore is not only filled with fun things to do, it is also brimming with great restaurants. After a day in the sun visiting Fort McHenry or walking around the National Aquarium, nothing sounds more appealing than sitting down for a relaxing meal with family or friends. If you’re looking for a great dining option, take a pick from out top ten list below.
- Bo Brooks Restaurant and Catering: Everyone knows you can’t go to Baltimore without trying the crab. This laid back, reasonably priced restaurant, located in the Baltimore Marine Center is known to have the best crab in town. You’ll love it so much you’ll be stopping by the Bo Brooks store after dinner to have the unbeatable crab shipped back home.
- Cinghiale: The urban chic feel of the restaurant coupled with its nightly-changing menu is a must try for the Italian food lovers. The extensive Italian wine list offers great variety, with something perfect for any taste. Last year City Paper ranked Cinghiale Best Fancy Restaurant.
- Salt: The new American cuisine of this restaurant makes it a great place to dine in style. A deliciously original menu offers everything from stake, to Spanish mackerel to chicken fried quail.
- Charleston: One of the best reviewed restaurants in the city, Charleston’s menu may be pricey but it’s worth every penny. Each menu item comes with a suggested wine pairing to offer you the best taste possible. If you still have room for desert, the crème brulee trio is unbeatable.
- Aldo’s Ristorante Italiano: This upscale authentic Italian dining option has an extensive menu with something for everyone. Staying true to the city, Aldo’s also offers delicious jumbo lump Maryland crabcakes. Read the rest of this entry »
Monday, May 24th, 2010
Tired of the walking world? The National Aquarium in Baltimore is home to over 16,500 animals, all on display for your viewing pleasure. Whether you want to walk around and sight see, sit back and enjoy a show, get your hands wet with creatures under the sea, or learn how to make the earth a better place, the National Aquarium has the right exhibit for you.
Dolphins
You may have heard they’re the smartest mammals on earth (besides humans of course), but who knew intelligence could be so entertaining? The National Aquarium’s show Our Ocean Planet takes you on a journey through the seas, from a dolphin’s perspective. Sushi anyone?
4-D Immersion Center
Three dimensions are simply not enough for the National Aquarium’s productions. As you sit back and relax, you get to enjoy the show with your eyes, ears, nose, and body. Feel the spray of the ocean as a whale surfaces, smell the open sea, and lose yourself in the amazing sights the ocean has to offer. The only downside: your movie theater experience away from the aquarium will never be the same.
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Monday, May 24th, 2010
Looking for something different and exciting to do in the Baltimore area? Urban Pirates is the place to go. Offering fun adventures for adults, families and children, Urban Pirates is located in historic Fells Point. The Urban Pirates ship, Fearless, is 52 feet long and is designed to carry up to 49 passengers. This vessel is even coast guard certified. Founded in 2008 by three moms from the area, Urban Pirates is designed to offer a variety of experiences for all ages.
Family cruises are an hour and a half long and include face painting, dress up, and even a little treasure as well as an hour spent out on the water. Family cruises cost $20 for ages 3 and older and $10 for children under 3.
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Monday, May 24th, 2010
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor offers a variety of breathtaking views and mouth watering restaurants that will keep you busy for days on end. Choose from ethnic foods or local cuisines, grab a bite outside or dress up and enjoy a night on the town. Either way, the selection of restaurants below should have your taste buds screaming for more in no time.
ESPN Zone
Attention all sports fans: we’ve arrived in heaven. If you love the smell of a ball park as much as the smell of a hot-off-the-grill mouthwatering double bacon cheeseburger, you’ve found your calling. Trade your Orieles jerseys for a nice bib so you can keep your eyes on the TV while you down your fries and meet world famous athletes. Invite all your friends because ESPN Zone is party friendly.
McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant
Gaze out at the beautiful ocean while enjoying all of the rich delicacies it has to offer. McCormick & Schmick’s employs gourmet chefs who are professionals at mixing traditional seafood dishes with contemporary flair. The menu is ever changing, revolving around the fresh catches of the day and seasonal flavors. The non seafood lover need not fret, there are juicy steaks and chicken dishes that will make your mouth water. Don’t forget to stop by the bar where the bartenders will whip you up your favorite cocktail with fresh squeezed juice.
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Monday, May 24th, 2010
Undeserved reputations can be a real drag, and for a very long time the City of Baltimore, Maryland has been treated in a manner that is completely misguided and mistaken. The reality is that Baltimore is an incredibly attractive and fun city with loads of things to do for intrepid visitors of all stripes, from the posh all the way down to the petty backpacker. Let’s take a look at some of the fun which this historic and unforgettable city has to offer…
Any visit to the City of Baltimore simply has to start in the Inner Harbor district, which is the city’s revitalized and remodeled entertainment, dining, and events center. The Inner Harbor is the number-one reason for why Baltimore ought to be considered in significantly higher esteem by people across the nation. It is an area that pretty much has it all: dining establishments reflecting the entire world of culinary arts, a touristy walkway for pleasant strolls and city-gazing, water taxis to connect with the other shores, and specifically the Harborplace—the tourist destination that all visitors to Baltimore have to check out.
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Monday, May 24th, 2010
The city of Baltimore is absolutely rife with cultural and recreational activities and is one of the most important cities of the entire Eastern Seaboard of the United States, all of which means one thing: Baltimore is a great place to check out when you’ve got a little time for vacations or even just an extended weekend.
The sheer skyline of Baltimore is worth exploring as this is a city with a rich architectural inheritance. Various stellar examples of the finest architectural styles can be found strewn throughout the city: the Baltimore Basilica, which dates back to the early 1800s, is a brilliant example of the neoclassical style; then there’s the Sun Iron Building, which served as an emblem of mid-19th century ingenuity, inspired many downtown structures across the nation; and finally there is Baltimore’s proud World Trade Center, from the late 1970s, which has the unique distinction of being the tallest pentagonal structure on the planet with equal-length sides.
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