Chronic Wanderlust

When you think Baltimore, you don’t normally think “geez, I really want to go there”… but, you should. Baltimore has a lot to offer visitors! Here are my 7 reasons why you should take a weekend and check out Baltimore…

1) Crab Cakes

yummy! (Photo: Stephen DePolo via Flickr)

Crab cakes ARE Baltimore. These aren’t your normal crab cakes, these are gigantic, chunky, 100% lump, fist-size balls of goodness. Baltimore has hundreds of crab shacks, these are the best. Crabs come into season over summer and early fall, so plan accordingly.

2) Bar Scene

Partying in Baltimore (Photo: Danielle Blue via Flickr)

Neighborhoods like Fells Point and Brewer’s Hill have a great bar scene. Grab an ice cold Natty Boh, meet some new friends and stay out all night. A night out on the town here won’t empty your wallet, but it might leave you with quite a hangover the next morning. I recommend grabbing dinner at Rusty Scudder in Inner Harbor, walking over to Fells Point and partying until the bars shut down. With waterside views of the Inner Harbor, Ft. McHenry and the Domino Sugar plant, Fells Point is a fun place to hang out.

3) It’s Cheap!

The city has made a bunch of upgrades for tourist over the past few years, such as the addition of the Inner Harbor, and massive hotel expansion. Luckily, prices haven’t quite caught up to their expansion, so you can still enjoy a fun night out on the town without breaking the bank. For example, a trip from the Amtrak station to Inner Harbor costs about $8, a beer cost me $3 and a gigantic crab cake cost me $10. Totally worth it.

4) History

Ft. McHenry (Photo: Sneakerdog via Flickr)

We all know to (or at least can sing along with) the National Anthem… did you know it was written in and about Baltimore? Well, it was. The city is brimming with history and awesome museums. Visit the Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland’s largest art museum, or the American Visionary Art Museum, which displays original works of art created by self-taught artists; or the Walters Art Museum. If wax is your thing, the Great Blacks in Wax Museum is the place to be (not to mention having an awesome name!). Of course, you can’t miss Ft. McHenry!!

5) Location, location, location…

Baltimore is basically right in the middle of the mid-Atlantic region. You can get there easily and cheaply from the east coast; Amtrak runs frequently, MARC commuter trains have routes across the state and into DC, most of the DC-NY busses make stops in Baltimore too. BWI airport is served by a ton of carriers, Southwest being the most notable. If you are coming to DC for a trip, it’s worth the $10 to visit Baltimore.

6) Aquarium

Inside the aquarium (Photo: Seannaber via Flickr)

The Baltimore Aquarium is easily the most impressive aquarium I’ve ever visited. It’s huge, it has dolphins and it’s right on the Inner Harbor. While it may be on the expensive side (+$20), it’s worth it. You can easily get lost wandering the different halls and exhibits inside the massive glass building. Catch the dolphin show, it’s a ton of fun. Even if you aren’t into fishes, you will enjoy a relaxing afternoon here.

7) Sports!

Camden Yards, home of the O's (Photo: Dnewman8 via Flickr)

Baltimore Ravens (football) and Baltimore Orioles (baseball) both have stadiums right near downtown… while they aren’t great teams, it’s always great fun. Plus, the games don’t often sell out so you can get a ticket pretty easily online.

Filed under: Travel Stories Tagged: | Amtrak, Baltimore, crab cakes, Fells Point, Maryland