Baltimore is a city made up of several interconnecting neighborhoods surrounding the Baltimore Harbor. Urban renewal here meant preserve and restore. Colonial roots now have a modern twist, but without new high-rise condos that often change a city’s landscape. You’re just south of the Mason-Dixon Line, so you’ll see the blend of the North and South in attitudes and service. All of this adds up to a city with lots of charm.
EXile to one of the many hotels located in the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, or Federal Hill areas. All of these neighborhoods border the harbor. Your main means of transportation is Ed Kane's Water Taxi (410-563-3901) for a mere $8 a day, and your comfortable pair of walking shoes. Armed with a map you’ll easily transition from one neighborhood to another. Not only will this provide great EXorcise, but also it will let you enter the world of the eccentric and celebrated. John Waters made a career out of portraying the normal Baltimore—it’s just different to the rest of the world. Hairdos alone will fulfill your desire to people watch. No wonder he made a film titled Hairspray. If your level of participation in the EXorcise department only consists of the armchair type, this city is a fan’s dream--nearby Camden Yard is home to the town’s celebrated sports arenas.
Things to do are everywhere. Take a trip over to Fort McHenry, (410/962-4290) and EXpress yourself by singing the Star Spangled Banner. It’s done all of the time. Stop off at Fells Point to browse the boutiques as you stroll the cobblestone streets. If hunting antiques is your passion, Baltimore is home to many old-line blueblood families whose discarded treasures end up in local shops. The artistic traditions of the city results in a variety of arts and crafts sold in several boutiques, located in most neighborhoods. EXplore the Walters Art Museum (http://www.thewalters.org/html/home.asp 410-547-9000) in the artsy Mt. Vernon area that’s home to the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, Peabody Conservatory of Music, and Maryland Institute College of Art. It’s several blocks north of the harbor. The Walter’s was started as home to one of the best private art and artifact collections available for public viewing. For lunch, visit the Woman's Industrial Exchange ( 410-685-4388), a nearby Baltimore tradition, and you’ll support a worthy cause. On your way back to the harbor, take a slight detour to Edgar Allen Poe’s gravesite at Westminster Cemetery.As you’ve probably figured out by now, there’s pride in the area’s roots. You’ll see markers for both Yankee and Confederate history, sometimes posted side-by-side, and the Revolutionary era is referenced regardless of Patriot or Tory.
