Want to get away? When it comes to nearby cities for a weekend trip, there’s an array of options for Susquehanna Valley residents. Why not rediscover Baltimore? Sure, there is a great aquarium, but there’s a whole lot more to this port city than the Inner Harbor. Here’s a run-down of things to see, taste and experience. Jot down your favorites to make your own itinerary.
Stay & Go
Plant Here:
Book a room at The Ivy Hotel, a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of historic Mount Vernon. This Gilded Age mansion was built as a residence; however, the property’s charm stayed intact through its transformation. You’ll love wandering around the exquisitely decorated public rooms (think library, conservatory and tea room) discovering new hidden nooks with each turn. The 18 guest rooms are eclectic, yet plush. Plus, the Ivy provides a complimentary car and driver, which makes getting around the city a breeze.
The Ivy Hotel www.theivybaltimore.com
H20 to Go:
Baltimore is an extremely easy city to navigate. Parking’s ample, and the city is largely walkable. But for a fun way to get from Point A to Point B, try the Baltimore Water Taxi. With stops from Harborplace to Fell’s Point, all the way to Fort McHenry, it will get you where you need to go, and with a lovely view, too.
Baltimore Water Taxi www.baltimorewatertaxi.com
Do & See
Shop Around:
If you want to bring back a memento from your trip, head to Fell's Point for some prime boutique shopping. Here, there is a shop for everything from jewelry to décor. Trohv Home & Gift is great for new and vintage home goods; Brightside Boutique has fab clothing and accessories; and Poppy and Stella is a must-visit for footwear.
Fells Point www.baltimore.org
A Walk in the Park:
Take advantage of the warmer weather with a stroll around Patterson Park. This lush spot of greenery is a Baltimore-native favorite, and you’ll see why. The highlight of the park is the Pagoda, a renovated Victorian structure that shows you a panoramic view of the city.
Patterson Park www.pattersonpark.com
Get Your Art On:
If you’re looking for a little culture, Baltimore has some excellent options for art museums, with free admission at that. If you’re interested in old-world works, try The Walters Art Museum, which houses pieces dating back to the third millennium B.C. and all the way up to the early 20th century. For a well-rounded collection of more contemporary creations, check out The Baltimore Museum of Art (Matisse fans: They have the largest holding of his works in the world).
The Walters Art Museum www.thewalters.org The Baltimore Museum of Art www.artbma.org
Savor the City
Southern Belle:
When it comes to brunch, Baltimore residents love Miss Shirley’s for Southern-inspired classics. Fans rave about the stuffed French toast, which changes flavors monthly (think strawberry chocolate cheesecake or coconut cream). For something savory, order the fried green tomatoes. They appear on the Southern Slammer Sandwich as well, along with bacon, avocado, cheddar and a fried egg. Um…yum. Make a trip to the original restaurant in Roland Park, or stay close to the action at the Inner Harbor location.
Miss Shirley’s www.missshirleys.com
Fish in the Sea:
What’s a trip to Baltimore without some seafood? Head over to historic Fell’s Point for the Thames Street Oyster House. Locals go back again and again for the New England lobster roll, featuring generous hunks of tail and claw meat on a buttered bun. And, of course, this place does crab right: The Cast Iron Crab Cake comes sizzling in a small skillet, topped with pickled shallot remoulade. Oh, and take advantage of the full raw bar while you’re here.
Thames Street Oyster House www.thamesstreetoysterhouse.com
Gourmet Galore:
Want to impress your date? Take him to Fleet Street Kitchen for a fantastic night out. Here, local, artisanal ingredients come together to form delicious dishes. Begin the meal with the Berkshire pork belly, served with fingerling potato, melted leeks, navel orange and shaved fennel (see what we mean about the ingredients?). High marks also come for the pastrami shortrib, crafted with huckleberry, kale and parsnip. Plus, there’s a wine pairing recommended for each item on the menu.
Fleet Street Kitchen www.fleetstreetkitchen.com
Cocktail End:
Finish a perfect evening at Wit & Wisdom in Harbor East. This Baltimore-beloved restaurant and bar has some of the most interesting cocktails around. Menus change seasonally, so you’ll have to stop in to see for yourself. Don’t miss the house-crafted infusions, like the Bacon-Washed Bourbon, which is made from Four Roses Yellow Label and—you guessed it—salty slices of bacon.
Wit & Wisdom www.witandwisdombaltimore.com
Festivals
What better way to explore the city than with a celebration? Baltimore has no shortage of events and festivals. You might want to plan your visit during one of the following:
Maryland Film Festival May 4-8 www.md-filmfest.com American Visionary Art Museum Kinetic Sculpture Race May 7 www.avam.org/kinetic-sculpture-race Honfest (think beehives and boas a la "Hairspray") June 11-12 www.honfest.net Artscape July 15-17 www.artscape.org Baltimore Restaurant Week July 22-31 www.baltimorerestaurantweek.com Fell’s Point Fun Fest September 30 through October 2 www.fellspointfunfest.com Free Fall Baltimore Free events throughout October www.freefallbaltimore.org Baltimore Beer Week October 6-17 Fell’s Point Privateer Festival (a celebration of all things pirate) April 2017 www.fellspointmainstreet.org/privateerfestival
