This blog post was updated on July 21, 2021.
The city of Baltimore, Maryland is currently on an upswing with a growing metro population and booming employment sector centered around science and technology (It is, afterall, home to a slew of college and universities, including the prestigious John Hopkins). It’s also got some sweet stuff that’s worth checking out for anyone thinking of visiting. If there was ever a time to visit, it’s now! Here are just five awesome things that should be added to any Baltimore itinerary.
The Inner Harbor
Arguably, THE destination that any visitor to Baltimore should check out is the city’s inner harbor. Just a handful of blocks along the water are home to a multitude of museums and activities, including the interactive Maryland Science Center, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, the Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, the Babe Ruth Museum, the Port Discovery Children’s Museum, and of course the National Aquarium. There’s also a ton of great restaurants, as well as water taxis and boat tours of the city to explore.
Seafood
Any self-respecting gourmand or foodie that finds themselves in Baltimore owes to him or herself to partake in the city’s famed seafood. Restaurants specializing in crab, oysters, and fish are spread throughout the city, highlights include Faidley Seafood, Mama’s On the Half Shell, L.P. Steamers. There’s also an annual seafood festival every September that’s worth checking out.
Edgar Allan Poe Museum and Grave
Probably one of Baltimore’s most famous resident, Edgar Allan Poe was a key figure in American literature, essentially inventing the mystery story and even inspiring the name for the city’s professional football team. So bibliophiles should make a point of visiting The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, as well as the author’s grave. Poe superfans will have to bring their own ravens.
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Although it’s only 25-years-old, the home of Baltimore’s pro-baseball team has a classic retro aesthetic that gives an old-fashioned style that still timeless and fun. It’s routinely voted by fans of all MLB teams as one of the most beautiful sports stadiums in America and is worth a visit from even by non-sports fans.
Fort McHenry
American history buffs will recognize the name Fort McHenry as the site of a key battle in the war of 1812. But the only thing that tourists who failed history class need to know is that same fight inspired the Francis Scott Key’s iconic song “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which is the national anthem, and thus gives everyone a reason to visit the fort.
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