Since it snowed the first day of spring, we're still waiting for the real awakening, and the steady stream of days outdoors.
In the meantime, indoor activities are key for kids - and parents - to keep us all from going stir crazy.
Our family discovered a few new things happening just a jaunt away in Baltimore's Inner Harbor.
1. If you like food, starting or ending the day at Family Meal is a good idea. http://baltimore.voltfamilymeal.com/ Bryan Voltaggio's latest addition to the Baltimore dining scene is comfort food at its finest. A casual, yet stylish atmosphere is a trendy mix of industrial lighting, wood, and metal elements. Its Inner Harbor location makes it convenient.
Now lets get down to business and talk about the food. Because that's why you're really going. When I saw this menu, my mouth watered for almost everything on it. I settled on the fried chicken salad club sandwich, a chopped version of their fast-becoming-famous fried chicken with bacon, cheddar, and avocado on thick whole grain bread. Simple, yet one of the best things I've ever eaten. I was also admittedly jealous of my hubby's pepperoni cheeseburger with avocado, pepper jack, and a fried egg, which one taste (and that's all I got) revealed was juicy burger bliss. The granola hotcakes with caramelized apples and creme fraiche on the Breakfast-for-Lunch menu were a hit at our table too.
The menu boasts family faves (especially for a southern gal like myself) like green bean casserole, deviled eggs, shrimp and grits, and new takes on classics like chicken pot pie fritters and meatloaf with sriracha ketchup and everything mashed potatoes. Whatever you do, don't miss sharing a side of the pimento mac and cheese (or don't share if you're smart). For the adventurous palette, there are globe trotting twists like Korean BBQ wings with cilantro, peanuts, and pickled celery as well as a parsnip and apple soup with madras curry. Be sure to save room for Maryland's famous Smith Island Cake or a slice of pecan pie.
If it's before noon and you need a little something to take the edge off the trip traveling with a toddler, Something with Bubbles will do the socially acceptable trick with prosecco, gin, aperol, orange and St. Germain. Or try Family Meals' pit beef BBQ bloody mary. Otherwise, a full menu of cocktails, wine and beer also awaits.
The Fried Chicken Salad Club and Something with Bubbles at Family Meal
2. Now that you're all relaxed in a comfort food and drink induced state, you can let the kids go crazy inside Port Discovery's 3-story urban treehouse. Other tyke faves include the water exhibit (insider tip: take a raincoat, boots and a change of clothes) and Tiny's Diner where kids can serve parents sitting in pint-sized booths from a replica 1950's diner kitchen and dining area.
Making a GIANT bubble at Port Discovery's Wonders of Water!
In the newest exhibit to come to Port Discovery, the LEGO Castle Adventure, builders of all ages can construct castles, learn about real-world castles, and climb into the lookout tower to defend the castle walls. This exhibit runs through September 20, so there's plenty of time to plan your visit.
3. While the National Aquarium itself is an old family fave, there are always lots of new things to discover, including the Animal Encounters, Puffin Feedings, Atlantic Coral Reef Dives, and 4-D immersion films such as "SpongeBob Square Pants 4D: The Great Jelly Rescue." Click here for the full calendar of events.
Bonus tip: Head over to Little Italy, right next to the Inner Harbor if you need a little pick me up before you head home. Vaccaro's authentic Italian pastry shop serves up sweet treats galore, cappuccino and coffee for the grown ups, and delicious hot chocolate for the kiddos.
Find even more family fun here: http://baltimore.org/