City Pulse: The Only Guide to Baltimore You Need

Patrick Clarke
by Patrick Clarke
Last updated: 3:00 AM ET, Fri January 16, 2015

We Say:

Better known as "Balmer" or "Baldamore" by locals, Baltimore is the largest independent city in the U.S. and has played a vital role throughout American history. It's where the Second Continental Congress met for three months during the Revolutionary War and where Francis Scott Key wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner" amid the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812.

Once a booming shipping and manufacturing hub, Charm City is now one of the top tourist destinations on the East Coast, having experienced a shift to a more service-driven economy. Boasting a plethora of nearby schools-none more prestigious than Johns Hopkins University-the city is quickly becoming renowned for its progression in the health and science industries.

They Say:

Baltimore is a year-round vacation destination filled with experiences for travelers of all interests. The centerpiece of downtown Baltimore is the world-famous Inner Harbor, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, attractions and shops nestled in historic and trendy, fun-filled neighborhoods. All within walking distance, you can get up-close-and personal with dolphins, jellyfish, sharks and other creatures from the deep at the National Aquarium; submerge yourself in the courageous journey of African Americans at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum; wander through pop culture icons of years past at Geppi's Entertainment Museum; or take in an Oriole's game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. - Baltimore CVB

Weather:

Current Traffic: Google Traffic

Airport: Baltimore Washington International Airport

Public Transit: MTA Maryland, Charm City Circulator

Bikeshare: Charm City Bikeshare coming in June/July 2015

Walkability Score: 67 at WalkScore

Parking Options / Expense: ParkMe, Best Parking

Best Accommodations: (Expedia.com Highest Guest Rated w/ at least 50 Reviews)

Boutique: Inn at Henderson's Wharf

High End: Four Seasons Baltimore

Mid Range: Residence Inn by Marriott Baltimore Inner Harbor

Bargain: Hampton Inn Baltimore Downton / Convention Center

Foods to seek out:

Crabcakes - Don't sleep on the side dishes at Faidley Seafood

Pit Beef - We recommend the Bull Dog at Chaps Charcoal Restaurant

Old Bay - Sprinkle some on whatever you order from Thames Street Oyster House or Mama's on the Half Shell

Berger Cookies - Get the original hand-dipped fudge cookie anywhere and everywhere.

Known For:

History - Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, Babe Ruth Birthplace

Arts / Entertainment - Walters Art Museum, Hippodrome Theatre, American Visionary Art Museum, Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards

Inner Harbor - Watermark Bay Cruises, World Trade Center, Baltimore Maritime Museum, Harborplace

Sports Teams:

NFL: Baltimore Ravens

MLB: Baltimore Orioles

Cool Attractions:

Single

1. Jam out, enjoy some libations and make friends at Power Plant Live!

2. Visit the various settings for HBO's highly acclaimed TV series on The Wire Tour

3. Win big and have a blast at Horseshoe Casino

Couple

1. Tour the town on a 16-person bicycle with Charm City Pedal Mill

2. Take the original Fell's Point ghost walk with Baltimore Ghost Tours

3. Get up close and personal with a wide range of wildlife at the National Aquarium

Family

1. Have fun while you learn at the Maryland Science Center.

2. Entertain the kids at Port Discovery Children's Museum.

3. See Baltimore from the water on a cruise with Urban Pirates

Nightlife

1. Mixology - Cat's Eye Pub

2. Live Music - Rams Head Live

3. Dancing - Red Maple

Baltimore is:

Image courtesy of WorditOut.com


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Patrick Clarke

Patrick Clarke

Senior Editor

A Maryland native and wanderer who has lived across the U.S. from North Carolina to SoCal, Patrick Clarke graduated from Towson University with a B.S. in journalism. He previously worked for Bleacher

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