Once upon a time, as an overzealous 23-year-old aspiring journalist, I moved to Baltimore on a whim.
I had taken a job at a small newspaper in southeastern Pennsylvania and spent my days writing about heavy topics such as poverty, crime, and budget cuts.
On my nights and weekends, though, I was able to discover the many unique and enchanting facets of my new city. From lingering Sundays spent snacking on stacked nachos and sipping Natty Bohs (the local nickname for Baltimore’s National Bohemian Beer) in Fells Point to random weeknights enjoying Orioles games at Camden Yards, I was delighted to uncover a city teeming with amazing food, incredible attractions, and wonderful people.
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When I revisited Baltimore, which is aptly nicknamed Charm City, last month during a stopover en route to a hike along the Appalachian Trail, I was relieved to find that most of the things that I loved about the city 20 years ago have persevered. If you’re heading east, here are four fun things to do in Baltimore.
Discover Inner Harbor
If you’ve seen pictures of Baltimore, you’ve no doubt seen photos of Inner Harbor, one of America’s oldest seaports turned waterfront entertainment destination. Home to everything from the Maryland Science Center and the American Visionary Arts Museum to Power Plant Live!, which features a collection of restaurants, bars, and clubs, there’s a little something for everyone here. Don’t miss the fantastic National Aquarium, a nonprofit public aquarium widely considered one of the best in the country, where you’ll find thousands of species including sharks, dolphins, birds, crocodiles, and exotic fish. Want something a bit more immersive during your trip to the aquarium? Go before it opens for a sunrise tour, take a behind-the-scenes shark tour, or even learn the ins and outs of being a dolphin trainer during a dolphin training session.
Bocce is a beloved tradition in Baltimore’s Little Italy. Kristin Finan photo
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Eat your way through Little Italy
Only a few blocks from Inner Harbor lies Baltimore’s Little Italy, a vibrant and utterly charming neighborhood enclave where you’re likely to find yourself entranced by everything from the spirited evening bocce matches on the courts at D’Alesandro Park to lively festivals including June’s Feast of St. Anthony. Some of the main draws, however, are the authentic Italian cafes and eateries, which serve up classics including steamed mussels, meatballs in marinara, Italian sausage, lasagna, and, of course, cannoli.
It’s easy to tell when you’ve made your way to Baltimore’s Little Italy. Kristin Finan photo
Get to know Edgar Allan Poe
Writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe spent a lot of his life in Baltimore, and there are a variety of unique ways to learn about him and his relationship with the city. One can’t-miss opportunity is to spend the day at the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, a National Historic Landmark that is located inside Poe’s former home. Much of the original exterior and interior remains the same as it was when Poe lived there from 1833-1835 with his aunt, grandmother, and two cousins — displayed artifacts include the author’s portable writing desk and chair, his telescope, and china and glassware that he used. For a deeper dive into Poe’s history in the city, you can schedule a bus tour that leads you to notable places in his life and death including his grave, the hospital where he died, and a statue dedicated to him. Baltimore is also home to other amazing museums, including the Baltimore Museum of Art, where you’ll find Auguste Rodin’s “The Thinker” and the largest Matisse collection in the world.
Go back in time at Fort McHenry
Brush up on your American history at Fort McHenry. Contributed by the National Park Service
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is probably best known for its role in the War of 1812, when American troops defeated a British navy fleet after a 25-hour bombardment. As a result, Francis Scott Key, who witnessed the battle and America’s victory, was inspired to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.” During your visit to Fort McHenry, which is located in the Locust Point neighborhood and set within a 42-acre park, don’t miss the informative ranger programs or the visitor and education center with exhibits that include actual war artifacts.
If You Go
Getting there:
Multiple airlines offer nonstop service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. It’s approximately a three-hour flight.
Stay:
The Four Seasons Baltimore is an ideally located five-star hotel located in the heart of Baltimore’s vibrant Harbor East district. ROOST Baltimore offers apartment-style units with boutique-hotel perks.
Do:
Go under the sea at the fantastic National Aquarium, a nonprofit public aquarium widely considered one of the best in the country. Depending on the time of year, catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards or a Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium. Go neighborhood hopping while you sample the restaurants, cafes, and coffee shops in areas such as Federal Hill, Canton, or Brewers Hill.
Sample everything from crab cakes and steamed mussels to Maryland’s signature Orange Crush cocktail — made with orange juice, orange vodka, triple sec and lemon-lime soda – during your trip to Baltimore. And be sure to grab a bite at Amicci’s, a Little Italy eatery with unforgettable fare.
