GENERAL INFORMATION
Located by Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is a waterfront town offering cultural and economic diversity. It also has plenty of history—it is the birthplace of Babe Ruth, the final resting spot of Edgar Allen Poe, and the city where the “Star Spangled Banner” was written. Often referred to as “Charm City,” Baltimore has several inviting regions. Downtown’s Inner Harbor offers the Columbus Center of Marine Research, and water taxi rides to Fort McHenry. Mount Vernon is the city’s cultural hub, featuring art, music, dining and history. Little Italy has the genuine feel of its European namesake. Nearby, Fells Point is a maritime district offering cobblestone streets and cozy pubs. Other attractions include the 178-foot Washington Monument, the B&O Railroad Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Art, as well as Memorial Stadium (home of the Ravens), and Camden Yard (home of the Orioles).
Description: INNER HARBOR. Part of a reputable chain, this restaurant has risen to the top of Baltimore's seafood pack. The old-fashioned, masculine decor and the extensive menu of well-prepared classics have made it a hit with a diverse clientele. Sure, a lot of the credit goes to its location on Pier 5, which affords patrons incredible views of the harbor, especially from the patio. But if the view gets people to visit, the food keeps them coming back. Seafood Newburg, crab cakes, and rockfish topped with crab and black bean salsa are just a few of the menu options available.
Description: INNER HARBOR. In the elegant Hyatt Regency, this restaurant with the astrological moniker has one of the most amazing views in the city. The upscale, nautical-themed decor is attractive and low-key, ensuring that only the cuisine competes with the stellar skyline. The menu features a wealth of treasures from the sea, prepared in creative, contemporary style. Among the temptations you'll find are Chesapeake paella, chock full of seafood, chicken and sausage, and sauteed rockfish topped with crabmeat and pine nuts.
Description: FELLS POINT. Modern American cooking, a huge assortment of beers from around the world, and an intimate, artistic dining room add up to a fun evening of fine dining at this Fell's Point find. Like many restaurants in the area, the seafood is a specialty; look for the meaty, juicy crab cakes and the Chilean sea bass, both regulars on the always-changing menu. Beef and chicken dishes are favorites as well, and desserts like Oreo cookie ice cream pie and Chocolate Oblivion offer plenty of reason to linger. No reservations are accepted at this cozy 12-seater, so plan to arrive early or late.
1 Druid Hill Park Lake Dr, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, MD 21217 · 410-366-5466
Description: DRUID HILL PARK. The Baltimore Zoo offers a large variety of animals, with more than 2,000 species on 161 acres of natural habitat. Founded in 1876, the Baltimore Zoo is the third oldest zoo in the United States. They offer a multitude of activities such as Safari Sunsets, Zoo Booo! and Zoo Lights. The interactive children's zoo is a popular attraction, as is the Zoo-Choo, a train that zips visitors around the entire facility.
Description: INNER HARBOR. One of the best, if not THE best, aquariums in the country. Laid out perfectly, this museum actually lets you touch living creatures such as starfish and snails. The dolphin show is phenomenal! Don't miss it during your visit. Located along the harbor, the seven-story glass structure is easy to spot. Upon entering the large foyer, you will notice a four-story tank holding a multitude of marine life. Start on the fourth floor in the rainforest exhibit and then walk down a spiral ramp that intersects the doughnut-shaped tank. Don't forget to view the sea lion pool outside the aquarium, or the Marine Mammal Pavilion that houses fascinating and friendly bottle-nose dolphins.
Description: INNER HARBOR. Located in the tourist and local gathering place that is Inner Harbor, it's impossible to miss this wild club thanks to its blazing neon lights and bass-heavy sound system, both noticeable for hundreds of yards in every direction. Once inside, enjoy a tropical drink from the always-packed bar or grab a beer from one of the famous bikini-clad "beer girls." Then head for the dance floor, which has several raised platforms that let brave souls and exhibitionists strut their stuff in full view of the crowd. Dance and Top 40 rule the DJ booth. If dancing isn't your thing, play darts or pool, or even grab a spot in the corner to watch ESPN.
Description: DOWNTOWN. Add a little levity to your evening agenda by visiting the Comedy Factory. Top comedians from around the country stop here to try out their latest and greatest material. Everyone from Robin Williams to Judy Tenuta has entertained the fun-loving crowd. Have dinner at Burke's downstairs and then enjoy what is sure to be an evening full of laughs. Two drink minimum.
Gems of the Baltics cruise! in
I'm off in the Baltics....
7/06 - Brilliance of the Seas - Mediterranean/Greek Isles
7/05 - Serenade of the Seas - Alaska
9/04 - Jewel of the Seas - Canada/New England
7/04 - Zuiderdam - Western Caribbean
7/03 - Zaandam - Alaska
4/03 - Norweigan Star - Hawaii
7/96 - Noordam - Alaska
7/96 - Golden Princess - Alaska
8/94 - Carnival Jubilee - Mexican Riviera
I think Baltimore is an...occasional port by comparison to most. I hope this is helpful to those who have time to putter around. The aquarium is awsome, and the Inner Harbour makes for a very nice stroll.
Beth
Licensed to Chill
Beth (queen of sandy painted toenails)
and Rod (gem of a guy)
Eastern Caribbean NCL: MS Southward, June 1986; Eastern Caribbean
RCI: Jewel of the Seas, January 2005; Western Caribbean, RCI: Jewel of the Seas, November 2005, Princess: Grand Princess, Christmas 2007
Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me! I want people to know why I look this way. I've traveled a long way, and some of the roads weren't paved.
Most people walk into and out of your life . . . but FRIENDS leave footprints in your heart
Thanks for the great information on Baltimore. We will be sailing from there in Sept. 06 and plan on spending at least a day, or possibly more, in the Inner Harbor area before we board the Grandeur.
If you spend more than a day, consider Annapolis as well. Lots of history there. September in Maryland is usually beautiful.
Beth
Licensed to Chill
Beth (queen of sandy painted toenails)
and Rod (gem of a guy)
Eastern Caribbean NCL: MS Southward, June 1986; Eastern Caribbean
RCI: Jewel of the Seas, January 2005; Western Caribbean, RCI: Jewel of the Seas, November 2005, Princess: Grand Princess, Christmas 2007
Gems of the Baltics cruise! in
I'm off in the Baltics....
7/06 - Brilliance of the Seas - Mediterranean/Greek Isles
7/05 - Serenade of the Seas - Alaska
9/04 - Jewel of the Seas - Canada/New England
7/04 - Zuiderdam - Western Caribbean
7/03 - Zaandam - Alaska
4/03 - Norweigan Star - Hawaii
7/96 - Noordam - Alaska
7/96 - Golden Princess - Alaska
8/94 - Carnival Jubilee - Mexican Riviera
Provided it's not a dry year, yes we do, but September can be early for it. They are just changing here now.
Beth
Licensed to Chill
Beth (queen of sandy painted toenails)
and Rod (gem of a guy)
Eastern Caribbean NCL: MS Southward, June 1986; Eastern Caribbean
RCI: Jewel of the Seas, January 2005; Western Caribbean, RCI: Jewel of the Seas, November 2005, Princess: Grand Princess, Christmas 2007
Gems of the Baltics cruise! in
I'm off in the Baltics....
7/06 - Brilliance of the Seas - Mediterranean/Greek Isles
7/05 - Serenade of the Seas - Alaska
9/04 - Jewel of the Seas - Canada/New England
7/04 - Zuiderdam - Western Caribbean
7/03 - Zaandam - Alaska
4/03 - Norweigan Star - Hawaii
7/96 - Noordam - Alaska
7/96 - Golden Princess - Alaska
8/94 - Carnival Jubilee - Mexican Riviera
Not a stupid question at all. You would be surprised how often that comes up.
Depending on traffic, you are about a hour away from it. If you want to see monuments and museums, stay near a Metro and take Metro in to the monuments and museums. Don't ry to drive a rental in to DC and find parking. You'll lose your mind, and half the day.
There are lots of great museums. If you are an Air & Space museum type of person get there early to purchase your I-Max tickets. The I-Max theatre shows some wonderful flying films, but they sell out FAST for all shows. Do this before you do other things if the I-Max expereince is important to you. It's really cool!
I'm a native Marylander. Ask away!
Beth
Licensed to Chill
Beth (queen of sandy painted toenails)
and Rod (gem of a guy)
Eastern Caribbean NCL: MS Southward, June 1986; Eastern Caribbean
RCI: Jewel of the Seas, January 2005; Western Caribbean, RCI: Jewel of the Seas, November 2005, Princess: Grand Princess, Christmas 2007