Any experts on Baltimore?

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anneshirley
anneshirley Member Posts: 1,110

I have to be in Baltimore in early October for two nights and three days.  Won't have a great deal of time to explore but would love advice on what I absolutely should see, maybe somewhere a bit off the beaten path.  Also would like to know about any interesting restaurants, not too posh. Thanks for any advice

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  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited August 2008

    go to the inner harbor.  There's so much to do down there... unless the weather is crummy- then it's not as much fun.  But the aquarium has this great friday night dolphin show.  The science center has great IMAX movies.  There are TONS of retaurants right in the harbor.  Camden yards and federal hill are in walking distance, or you can take the water taxi to Fells point and walk around the shops- mostly bars, and such... In Canton there are more shops- everything is right on the water, but as far as tourist stuff, the inner harbor is the place. 

    If you like crabs, you have to go to Phillips Seafood in the harbor... its a baltimore staple.

    If you like art galleries head 7 minutes up Charles st. from the inner harbor and go to the Walters Art Gallery, across the street is the Peabody conservatory- where you can see a performance or an opera.  Up Charles st a little further is the Baltimore Sympony house (Meyer Hall)

    MICA is an amazing art school that often has events happening up on that part of Charles st.

    The main campus for Johns Hopkins is a little further up if anyone was a lacrosse fanatic- their games are great.

    If you choose to walk around the city-- stick to St Paul st, Charles st and Calvert st-- three safe streets that almost everything is off if.

  • PSK07
    PSK07 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2008

    Bouchercon?

    I was looking at going to Baltimore at that time, but I may be under the knife instead.  Friends say there's tons to see and do.

    Lexington Market, Faidley Crab Cakes, Berger Bakery, Parthenon Diner, David and Dad's.

  • otter
    otter Member Posts: 6,099
    edited August 2008

    Anneshirley, I was at Johns Hopkins for surgery 4 years ago, in mid-December.  They even had a blizzard/ice storm while I was there, which was pretty interesting.

    As others have said, it is a great city for eating, and for harbor-related activities.  Also, if you like history, be sure to go to Fort McHenry:  http://www.nps.gov/fomc/  Take enough time to watch the video(s).

    For me, it made the words to the National Anthem much more meaningful.

    otter 

  • anneshirley
    anneshirley Member Posts: 1,110
    edited August 2008

    Thanks Beth and Otter for good information.  My hotel is just three blocks from the inner harbor so I'll definitely do that, and probably Fort McHenry, as I do like history.  And, for sure, crab cakes.  Love them.  We're still deciding if my husband will come along, but if he does (he's a painter) we'll definitely do some art galleries.

    Pam, yes it is Bouchercon.  I hope it's a minor surgery, but if you do get to Bouchercon, let me know.  I'm doing a panel discussion on Friday but, as of now, don't know any of the participants, or for that matter any of the attendees. 

    Thanks again. 

  • Daffodil
    Daffodil Member Posts: 829
    edited October 2008

    Don't forget Little Italy and Corned Beef Row (Lombard Street)~~~~just thinking of these places makes my mouth water!

    They don't call it Charm City for nothing!! Your husband, the painter, will also enjoy the Baltimore Museum of Art. Nice historic houses, too....

  • chj127
    chj127 Member Posts: 382
    edited August 2008

    Check out the Hippodrome Theater - nice, restored theater, close to downtown.  In early October, "Legally Blonde the Musical" is playing.  I'm not sure how hard it is to get tickets.  Someone suggested Lexington Market - be careful if you go there, and only go during daylight hours!  It's fun just walking around the harbor (I work there) and drinking in the sights.  You could also try Fells Point for shopping and eating.  You'd need to drive or take a cab, but it's a fun area.  The Walters Art Museum is free, so don't miss that.  The Aquarium is pricey but nice.  There are a number of restaurants that have seating right on the water which is fun.  During the day if you have time, walk up through Federal Hill (love the architecture) and through Cross Street Market.

  • BethNY
    BethNY Member Posts: 2,710
    edited August 2008

    Duh- How could I forget little Italy.

    YOU MUST GO TO VICCARO'S! It is a dessert restauarant in little Italy...

    222 Albemarle St
    Baltimore, Maryland, 21202

    Think desserts the size of your head.  It has won Baltimore's Best for years..

    In the 2800 block of FLEET st. my FAVORITE restaurant is GECKOS. Casual Southwetestern, the nicest staff, and Baltimores best frozen Margeritas.

    If you are there on Monday go to KISLINGS also on fleet and Boston st. They literally have the best buffalo wings you have ever eaten.

    OMG- I miss Baltimore (i lived there for 8 years) I think I need a trip down soon.

  • anneshirley
    anneshirley Member Posts: 1,110
    edited August 2008

    If you could see me, you'd know that the last thing I need is a dessert that's as big as my head.  But I will definitely go Southwestern and Margeritas!

    Thanks again everyone! 

  • PSK07
    PSK07 Member Posts: 781
    edited August 2008

    Which panel?  I know someone who will be on one on Thursday and one on Friday. I truly wish I could go - there are some online buddies I haven't seen for ages. I'll know more in the next week.

  • anneshirley
    anneshirley Member Posts: 1,110
    edited August 2008

    I don't remember the name, but it's at 4:30 on Friday, and it focuses on novels set in foreign settings; mine are set in Italy.  I hope you can go, and maybe stop in for mine.

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