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BaltimorePrepare to be charmed by this old rebel of a city - Baltimore, Maryland. Nicknamed "Charm City" because of its hospitality, Baltimore is every bit as proud as it is welcoming. Pride shines through in every nook of this city, from the beautifully kept cobblestone streets of historic Fells Point to the wide avenues of the wealthy Mount Vernon. You can even sense the pride in the elaborate descriptions of entrees on the menus in Little Italy and in the beckoning voices of vendors in the city's five markets. There is no doubt that this city is proud, and it has every right to be. It has a courageous past and a very bright and promising future.
After becoming the second-largest city in the U.S. post-Revolution, Baltimore was crippled by military rule and violence born of divided loyalties during the Civil War. Blooming again during the railroad-rich last decades of the 19th century, the city was devastated by a fire in 1904, bounced back undaunted, but was then plunged deep into the doldrums by the Great Depression. Baltimore didn't rally back until the renewal programs of the 1980s. Today the crown jewel of Baltimore is the Inner Harbor, a scenic and popular waterfront area with dozens of retail stores, restaurants and attractions. But when talking about attractions of this city you can't exclude the runner-up to the crown jewel title — Camden Yards. Home to the Baltimore Orioles, this stadium has become a key element in renovating the central city. So when you are in town, and if the timing is right, be sure to catch a game. Visiting Baltimore is an open event, you can go when you like. The spring and fall are the most temperate and scenic seasons. But The Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean gives the eastern part of Maryland fairly mild winters and humid summers. Baltimore TransportationAir Bus, Charters & Tour Operators Trains Water Transportation Baltimore AttractionsPerfectly put, Baltimore is a city that keeps an eye on its past without ever getting stuck there. The Inner Harbor is a great place to see the mix of tradition and innovation. Once a dilapidated warehouse district, it has been transformed into a colorful, thriving area that serves as the heart of the city. But there is definitely more to this city than its harbor. Each of the surrounding neighborhoods is unique in its character, history, charm and of course, cuisine. What most people don't realize about this city is that most of its sites and neighborhoods are within walking distance to one another. Making "Charm City" an ideal place for business and pleasure. B&O Railroad Museum Baltimore ShoppingFor those who are looking for paradise in the shopping world "X" marks the spot right here in Baltimore, Maryland. In the words of John Waters, the favorite son of Baltimore, "You'll never discover a stranger city with such extreme style. It's as if every eccentric in the South decided to move north, ran out of gas in Baltimore, and decided to stay." Baltimore is boutique bliss! If you have even the slightest passion for fashion you need to indulge yourself for at least one day during your trip and go shopping. This city has many quirky and eclectic shops, from fine antiques to nouveau decor, doorknockers to dinner bells, flea markets to farmers markets. But here is one bit of advice before you set out on your shopping adventure — take a car! This port city's sprawling neighborhoods each has its own squadron of must-see boutiques. (If you decide on taxis, residents say no matter where you go in town, the ride seems to cost around $5). Downtown Fell's Point is Baltimore's answer to New York's SoHo, only the neighborhood stores are smaller, quirkier and less about designer clothes than unusual finds, often by local artists. If you want designer clothes, you want the newly renovated Ruth Shaw boutique — a temple for the rich Baltimoreans. Think Gaultier, Marc Jacobs and Narciso Rodriguez. Think a silk gown by Oliver Theyskiens marked down from $2,200 to $100, and Jimmy Choos marked down from a towering $400 to a humble $130. If you are looking for truly unique, never-find-anywhere-else-ever, head to In Watermelon Sugar. Here you'll find things like picture frames made out of salvaged boat wood. This store is filled with items that make the shopping here worth the trip. End your day on a high note by making your way to the super-cool Canton neighborhood for Cloud 9. This trendy clothing shop is situated in a sprawling warehouse that used to house the American Can Manufacturing Plant. Recently, Pascale Lemaire, the fashion editor of Baltimore Magazine, was there and busy pulling clothes for an upcoming spread. We are talking HOT! Hampden Merchants Baltimore NightlifeIf you crave neon lights, live music and dancing, come experience some of the best Baltimore bars and nightclubs. As rich and varied as Baltimoreans themselves, the nightlife activities in Baltimore include everything from laugh out loud comedy clubs to hot dance spots for getting in the groove with live music. Or, if you'd rather, meet some friends at a local brewery or tavern and just kick back and relax. Sports fans might want to settle down to watch a Baltimore Ravens football game or a Baltimore Orioles baseball game in one of the many local sports bars. A favorite attraction for visitors and natives, Fell's Point offers a unique experience after dark. With historic notables at every turn, Fell's Point is known for its abundance of pubs! Now Baltimore's Halloween hot spot, local pubs and taverns in Fell's Point have garnered a reputation as the watering hole destination of choice. Nightlife also abounds at the Inner Harbor, Little Italy, Canton, Federal Hill and Mount Vernon. Baltimore is a lively town, with music from jazz to rock and reggae to classical, plus clubs that reflect sport and the gay scene. Restaurants run the gamut of cuisine, but specialties are seafood and crabs. Baltimore Healthcare FacilitiesWhen it comes to healthcare, Baltimore has a world-class reputation. Home to The John Hopkins Hospital, the U.S. News & World Report #1 ranked heart hospital since it began ranking the top 100 in 1990, this city is looked at by physicians as the backyard to some healthcare heavyweights. The technology innovations in the healthcare arena this city boasts is dizzying, from identifying a key enzyme in the brain that forms a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease to discovering a new gene family that contributes to aggressive prostate, lung, breast and children's cancers. But when it comes down to it, great doctors make great hospitals, and doctors are only human — they too want to live in a great city. When they choose Baltimore as their home they get a down-to-earth place where patients are generally respectful and often greet you with a "Hello Hon" in a unique but welcoming Bawlamer accent. Major Baltimore healthcare facilities include: Bon Secours Baltimore Health System Baltimore Nursing ResourcesMaryland Board of Nursing Baltimore WeatherBaltimore is inviting pretty much all year round. It has no distinct rainy season, so if you like getting caught in the rain we're sure there's a pina colada waiting for you in one the area's happening bars. Downpours don't seem to put a damper on this town. Truth be told, there is always something going on in this city, so there truly isn't a wrong time to visit. But because of the boating culture and serious baseball following, summer is the most popular and crowded time to visit. During this time of year historical buildings and museums tend to schedule longer opening hours to serve the crowds. Baltimore's Inner Harbor can be swarmed with tourists and yachtsmen. And on warm summer evenings the promenade is filled with visitors from around the world. With summer crowds in mind you may consider visiting in the spring. Place your bets — this season brings horse racing to Baltimore. The Preakness Stakes, the second race in the quest for the Triple Crown, is a highly festive occasion. But there are many point-to-points and steeplechases that are also entertaining to watch. If you happen to travel to Baltimore in early May, don't miss Sherwood Gardens –– well known for hundreds of thousands of tulips, azaleas, pansies and blossoming trees. As we have already mentioned there is no season when Baltimore doesn't have something to offer its visitors. Come during autumn and see the spectacular colors of the foliage of the Catoctin Mountains west of Baltimore. This is an ideal time of year for hiking and biking. Winter is also a fabulous time. This city has plenty of holiday traditions that are unique to Baltimore, like the Mayor's Christmas Parade, the lighting of the Washington Monument, performances of The Nutcracker and Handel's Messiah and don't forget the Parade of Lighted Boats, Night of 100 Elvises and Chanukah Family Programs. Whenever you decide to pay this town a visit is the right time. |
Baltimore played a significant part in the American Revolution and has since endured a cycle of rebounding and suffering anew. Established by the Colonial government in 1729, the town grew as a port and shipping center and enjoyed booming business during the War of Independence. Because it was the homeport for a significant portion of the U.S. Navy vessels and privateers, it was a natural target for the enemy during the War of 1812. After capturing and torching Washington D.C., the British fleet sailed up the Patapsco River and bombarded Baltimore's Ft. McHenry, but in vain. The 30- by 42-ft, 15 star, 15 stripe flag was still flying "by the dawns early light," a sight that inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star Spangled Banner." |
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