BALTIMORE, MD - Baltimore has a distinct character all its own – slightly gritty, undeniably historic, and brimming with waterfront energy. From crab feasts to quirky museums, dive into this city and discover its unexpected delights.
Crabs, Quirky Charm, and Chesapeake Bay Adventures
Classic Baltimore Experiences
- Inner Harbor: The heart of tourist activity! Stroll the promenade, grab crab cakes with harbor views, or hop on a sightseeing cruise of the Chesapeake.
- Fort McHenry: Where the "Star-Spangled Banner" was born. Stand where Francis Scott Key witnessed the battle that inspired our national anthem.
- Historic Ships in Baltimore: Climb aboard a submarine, a Coast Guard cutter, and more. These vessels bring maritime history to life.
- Fell's Point: Cobblestone streets, waterfront pubs, and antique shops define this charming, walkable neighborhood. Get a water taxi for different harbor views.
- Lexington Market: One of America's oldest public markets! Faidley's Seafood serves up crab cakes so legendary they require a wait. Worth it.
Flavor of the Chesapeake
- Blue Crab Feast: No Baltimore visit is complete without tackling a pile of steamed crabs! Bibs, mallets, and heaps of Old Bay seasoning are a messy but satisfying tradition.
- Visit a Crab House: Obrycki's, Nick's Fish House, and L.P. Steamers are local institutions, serving up fresh seafood in a no-frills setting.
- Bmore Licks: Ice cream with a Baltimore twist! Try flavors with names like Berger Cookie, Old Bay Caramel, and Lemon Stick Swirl.
Museums & Quirky Finds
- American Visionary Art Museum: Outsider art, whimsical creations, and the unexpected. This museum celebrates the uniquely creative spirit.
- National Aquarium: Sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, a rainforest – the aquarium delivers an underwater journey from the Chesapeake to the Amazon.
- Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum: Explore where the master of the macabre lived. This tiny home evokes his work's spooky atmosphere.
- Hampden: This neighborhood is Baltimore's hipster heart. Vintage shops, quirky cafes, and "HonFest," a celebration of working-class women with beehive hairdos.
Beyond the Inner Harbor
- Patterson Park: Locals flock here for skyline views, a historic pagoda, and the chance to simply hang out on the grass on sunny days.
- Fort Carroll: An abandoned Civil War-era fort on an island just off the coast. Explore its ruins for a dose of haunting history.
- The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum: Honors influential African American figures with wax statues and exhibits exploring their legacies.
- B&O Railroad Museum: Train lovers rejoice! Choo-choos galore, roundhouse tours, and a look at the history of the railroad in America.
Baltimore is a city of contrasts – historic grit meets waterfront charm, world-class museums mix with quirky local culture, and those Chesapeake crabs are pure Maryland magic. Embrace its distinct character and you'll find an East Coast gem that's all its own.
