1. Faidley Seafood – Your choice between the large 6.5 ounce jumbo lump crab cake or the smaller 4 ounce claw meat crab cake will provide a snack for varying appetites.  These creamy crab cakes use Old Bay and mayonnaise-based binder to complement the fresh crab taste in a recipe that’s been famous since 1987.
2. Pappas Seafood Company – Pappas takes an old school approach to their 6 ounce crab cakes, with little auxiliary sauce or flavoring to augment the lightly crisped crab cakes, complete with jumbo lumps bolstering the succulent inside.  Sticking with the same recipe since 1972, Pappas has found little reason to change what some say is crab cake perfection.
3. Pierpoint – This 5 ounce crab cake satisfies palettes in a distinctly different way compared to the thousands of dishes across the city.  Pierpoint’s cakes are smoked in fruitwood, providing even more depth of savory goodness without compromising the essential crab essence.

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.

If you visit Camden Yards, you might wonder where the gates are at all.  The most unique feature of this ballpark is the way fans enter.  Ticketholders pass through the gate one block away from the stadium which serves as the de facto entrance.  Once you are on this street, you pass in between the warehouse on the left and the stadium itself down on the right.  Fans literally walk off the street and down into an open Camden Yards, in stark contrast to all of the ascending which is normal for fans at a stadium.

Is Camden Yards the best stadium in baseball?  While new Yankee Stadium has all the glamour, Fenway Park and Wrigley Field all the history, Camden Yards has combined the two so well you can say it’s the best modern ballpark in the classic, and definitely one of Baltimore’s treasures.

For mainstream audiences, the most obvious project that has led to increased exposure for the city of Baltimore is the much-beloved and much-raved-about series on HBO, “The Wire.” Based on a nonfiction book that chronicles the life of the various police units out there in the streets, “The Wire” was at once a deeply touching and surprisingly funny account of life working on a somewhat difficult beat. And while there were some elements that you wouldn’t expect to immediately help out a tourist board, there were other glimpses into the revitalized world of Baltimore. Whether it happened to be shots of the rebuilt downtown skyline or a look at the condos that are starting to go up left and right on the waterfront, “The Wire” actually exposed plenty of Americans to the new Baltimore for the first time, while taking care to include well-chosen shots of city landmarks, like the Domino Sugar factory.

But as far as the silver screen goes, the number one supporter of Baltimore might be well-known and beloved amongst art school students, but otherwise unknown. Baltimore’s very own John Waters has been like a one-man tourist board for the city, shooting all of his films there even after the success of movies like “Hairspray.” And beloved yet quirky Baltimore natives always had a spot in his films, right alongside some of the biggest names in the business. If there’s one real reason that people are packing it up and heading to Baltimore, this definitely seems to be it.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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?
5. Baltimore Marriot Waterfront: The Marriott is Baltimore’s only waterfront hotel. Located near the Inner Harbor and all of its attractions, the Marriot is a full service hotel with 753 guestrooms.  It is the optimal hotel option for business travelers or guests looking to house large numbers of people.
6. Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards: Get all the benefits of the Marriot in the heart of Baltimore. Offering 524 newly renovated rooms, the Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden Yards features an upscale lounge and contemporary restaurant, plus its only a quick walk to the waterfront shops.
7. 4 East Madison Inn:  If you’re looking for a small elegant place to stay, this is the Inn for you. The East Madison Inn is a 1845 manor that offers nine beautiful guest rooms and meeting and wedding facilities. Its downtown location is perfect for hitting the town and seeing the sights Baltimore has to offer.
8. Admiral Fell Inn: If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Inner Harbor, the Admiral Fell Inn is the place for you. Located in the historic waterfront village of Fells Point, the Inn is surrounded by spunky shops, mouth watering restaurants, and local taverns. Quality in-hotel dining is also available.

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.

American Visionary Art Museum

This culturally rich museum presents the opportunity to build your own robot. In addition to a great place for events, receptions, and meetings, the museum showcases a wide variety of exhibits that include, but are certainly not limited to: “We Are Not Alone-Angels and Other Aliens,” “Love: Error and Eros,” “Wind in my hair” (concerning the human wish to fly), “High on Life” (about addiction), and “The Marriage of Art, Science, & Philosophy.”

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Woodberry Kitchen: A unique dining option where everything on the menu is made from locally grown and raised products.  Their efforts to create a sustainable dining experience leave nothing wanting in the taste department with an impressive and mouth-watering menu.
7. The Prime Rib: True to its name, if you’re in the mood for steak this is the place to go.  The Prime Rib offers a large selection of choice cut meats as well as a wide range of seafood dishes if that’s what you’re craving.
8. Oregon Grille: The romantic setting of this restaurant makes it ideal for a dinner for two.  The large menu offers a variety of options for all tastes.  Unique options such as the coriander crusted long island duck breast go great with a glass of wine from their well-known wine list.
9. The Brewer’s Art: In addition to their unique food menu, the in-house brewery makes this a great place for the beer connoisseur.  A large selection of whiskies, brandies, and wine are also available to cater to every taste and preference.
10. Antrim 1844: Located just outside of the city, this restaurant combines a fine dining experience with the history of Maryland.  The restaurant is housed inside what used to be the plantation of Dorothy and Richard Mollett.  The picturesque setting makes for a unique and romantic dining experience.

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.

Animals

Who knew so there was such variety among us? Check out Australian animals, colorful amphibians, breath taking birds, diverse fish, numerous invertebrates, warm-blooded mammals, and slithery reptiles, you won’t know where to start first. The National Aquarium has animals from all over the world in all shapes and sizes.

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.

Urban Pirates also offer Adult B.Y.O.G (bring your own grog) cruises every Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. for $25 per person. This hour long cruise is a great way to relax with friends and your drink of choice all while watching the beautiful sunset of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. If you’re looking for a unique birthday party idea for your child, Urban Pirates also offers a variety of party packages. Urban Pirates has been featured on MSNBC as can be seen with directv.

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.

Phillips Harborplace Restaurant

Ah, home sweet Baltimore.  If you’re looking to discover all the Chesapeake Bay has to offer, you’ve found your restaurant. Featuring seafood fresh out of the Chesapeake Bay, this locally owned eatery started as a family crab business. The crab’s irresistible flavor and the regions delicious delicacies helped expand this small town crab shack into a two story restaurant that seats 1,400. I’ll take one of those seats please.

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.

Close to the Inner Harbor (only a few minutes’ walk away) visitors can discover the landmark Camden Yards stadium, home of the Baltimore Orioles.  The Camden Yards stadium is not only the site for truly thrilling MLB games, but it is a landmark in its own right, attracting visitors when no games are scheduled and the season is long over.

Continuing along one’s circuit throughout the city, Baltimore presents a mosaic of very distinctive and unique neighborhoods to discover, giving the city the occasional name of “city of neighborhoods.”  There is the Mt. Vernon neighborhood where the city’s cultural life has typically found its greatest expression; the Fells Point district where sailors used to go in seek of debauchery and where gentrification is now the order of the day; the Little Italy neighborhood where Italian immigrants have conglomerated for decades and decades; and many more unique areas besides!