Baltimore, Maryland, founded in 1729, has been pivotal in American history as a major port city on the Chesapeake Bay. It played key roles in the American Revolution and the War of 1812, notably defending against British attacks. Throughout the 19th century, Baltimore thrived as an industrial center and transportation hub, with significant contributions from its African American community.
Today, the city blends historical charm with modern revitalization, offering visitors a rich tapestry of museums, historic neighborhoods like Fells Point, and vibrant waterfront attractions at the Inner Harbor.
The Same
The Family tends to limit their time in big cities, preferring to focus on specific attractions. Meanwhile, The Dinks visit Baltimore frequently, usually for baseball games. Despite their different approaches, both groups found common ground when it came to experiencing the city’s culinary scene.
Local Cuisine:
Baltimore, Maryland, boasts a distinctive culinary scene that reflects its rich history and diverse cultural influences. Spoilter Alert: From Crab Cakes, Steamed Blue Crabs, Softshell Crab sandwiches and even Crab pretzels – you have to have some or #AllTheCrab.
- Crab Cakes: Perhaps the most iconic dish of Baltimore, crab cakes feature lump crab meat seasoned with Old Bay seasoning and pan-fried to perfection. They are often served with a side of coleslaw and French fries. The best are from Fadley’s which is pricey but worth it at least once.
- Maryland Crab Soup: Similar to a vegetable soup but with a tomato base, Maryland crab soup features crab meat, vegetables, and often includes Old Bay seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Steamed Blue Crabs: Baltimore is renowned for its steamed blue crabs, often enjoyed with a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning. Eating crabs is a social affair, where diners crack open the shells to extract the sweet meat inside.
- Crab Everything: In addition to the crab dishes above, Baltimore is know for crab anything and everything from Crab pretzels to Softshell crabs to crab fries (fries with old bay seasoning.)
- Pit Beef: A local favorite, pit beef consists of thinly sliced, char-grilled roast beef piled high on a Kaiser roll. It’s typically served with horseradish sauce and often found at roadside stands and festivals.
- Oysters: Given its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore offers fresh oysters served raw on the half shell, fried, or in dishes like Oysters Rockefeller.
- Natty Boh: Short for National Bohemian, Natty Boh is a locally brewed beer that has become synonymous with Baltimore culture and is often enjoyed alongside crab dishes.
The DINKs
With family in near by Northern Virginia, we usually visit Baltimore once a year and if possible when the New York Yankees are in town playing the Baltimore Oriole’s.
Fell’s Point
We usually start our day at Fell’s Point. The neighborhood boasts a mix of well-preserved historic buildings, many of which have been converted into shops, restaurants, bars, and art galleries, preserving the neighborhood’s historic charm. Fell’s Point boasts a wealth of well-preserved historic buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of these buildings were once homes, warehouses, and businesses associated with the maritime industry that thrived in the area. Visitors can stroll along the neighborhood’s cobblestone streets and admire the distinctive brick rowhouses, storefronts, and warehouses that contribute to its unique charm. Situated along the shores of the Patapsco River and Baltimore Harbor, Fell’s Point offers picturesque views of the waterfront and opportunities for leisurely strolls along the promenade. Visitors can enjoy scenic vistas of sailboats, waterfront parks, and historic shipyards, as well as catch glimpses of iconic landmarks such as the USS Constellation and the Domino Sugar Factory. Whether you’re in the mood for craft cocktails, local brews, or live entertainment, you’ll find plenty of options for evening entertainment in this historic waterfront neighborhood.
Orioles game at Camden Yards
There is nothing we enjoy more than walking the charming cobblestone streets & bar hopping in Fells Point, except maybe the excitement of an Orioles game at Camden Yards especially when the Yankees are in town. Camden Yards is one of the iconic baseball stadiums and doesn’t disappoint. The ballpark is home to several iconic features that add to its charm and character. These include the B&O Warehouse, a historic building that looms over right field and serves as a distinctive backdrop for the stadium; Eutaw Street, a pedestrian walkway behind the outfield that features plaques commemorating home runs hit onto the street; and the Orioles Hall of Fame plaques, located near Gate H. Make sure you grab a bbq beef sandwich from Booge’s inside the stadium or soft shell crab sandwich or both (We aren’t judging.)
Pratt Street Ale House
If you have time before the game (We always make time,) grab a drink and some delicious food at the Pratt Street Ale House. With a wide selection of craft beers and pub fare, this establishment is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. The ale house offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with cozy seating areas, exposed brick walls, and classic pub decor. Whether you’re grabbing a drink at the bar, dining with friends in the restaurant area, or enjoying the outdoor patio during warmer months, you’ll feel right at home in this quintessential Baltimore establishment.
Faidley’s Seafood
Of course, no visit to Baltimore is complete without sampling some of the city’s famous crab cakes. And when it comes to crab cakes, there’s no better place to go than Faidley’s Seafood. Located in the historic Lexington Market, Faidley’s has been serving up some of the best crab cakes in the city for over a century. Their legendary crab cakes have earned acclaim from locals and visitors alike. Made with jumbo lump crab meat and a secret blend of seasonings, Faidley’s crab cakes are renowned for their generous size, exceptional flavor, and perfect balance of ingredients. In addition to its famous crab cakes, Faidley’s offers a variety of other seafood dishes, including crab soup, shrimp salad, oyster stew, and fried fish platters. The menu features both classic favorites and innovative creations, showcasing the culinary expertise and creativity of the Faidley’s team.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
See the location that inspired France Scott Key to write the Star Spangled Banner. Fort McHenry is a well-preserved military fortification dating back to the early 19th century. Visitors can explore the fort’s ramparts, barracks, and artillery batteries, gaining insights into its strategic importance and role in defending Baltimore Harbor from British naval attacks during the War of 1812. The fort’s visitor center offers exhibits, displays, and multimedia presentations that provide an overview of the fort’s history, the events of the War of 1812, and the writing of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Visitors can learn about the fort’s construction, its defenders, and the dramatic battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the famous anthem. Each day, Fort McHenry hosts a flag-raising ceremony featuring a living history interpretation of the raising of the American flag over the fort. Visitors can witness this symbolic ritual and hear historical narratives from costumed interpreters portraying soldiers and civilians from the War of 1812 era. Fort McHenry is situated on a scenic peninsula overlooking Baltimore Harbor, offering panoramic views of the waterfront and skyline. Visitors can stroll along the fort’s grassy grounds, enjoy a picnic in the park, or take in the sights and sounds of ships passing by on the Patapsco River.
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House
One of our new favorite attractions is just outside Baltimore. The Guinness Open Gate Brewery & Barrel House,” which is situated in Halethorpe, Maryland, opened in August of 2018. The brewery serves as a hub for experimentation and innovation for the iconic Irish beer brand. They have a huge yard with tables and outdoor games. Fun for all.
Serial Podcast Site Tour
The podcast digs into the 1999 murder of Hae Min Lee. Her ex-boyfriend, 17-year-old Adnan Syed, was arrested, tried, and sentenced to life imprisonment within a year. Sarah Koenig delves deep into this complex narrative, sifting through records, conversations, and testimonies, revealing a more intricate tale than initially portrayed. Follow the timeline of the case and see for yourself if was it even possible.
The Family
Baltimore is a fantastic city to explore with your kids! There are plenty of exciting activities to keep the little ones entertained.
Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor
The Hilton Baltimore Inner Harbor is situated in the heart of downtown Baltimore, Maryland. It offers a convenient location near major attractions such as the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, and Camden Yards. Not only was it close to all the activities we had planned but our room had a view right into Camden Yards and we were able to watch the baseball game from our balcony.
Baltimore Aquarium
One of the must-see attractions is the Baltimore Aquarium. The aquarium is home to over 20,000 creatures, including dolphins, sharks, and jellyfish. The kids will love learning about marine life and even getting up close and personal with some of the animals. Visitors can explore exhibits such as the Atlantic Coral Reef, Pacific Coral Reef, Amazon Rainforest, Jellies Invasion, Maryland: Mountains to the Sea, and Australia: Wild Extremes, among others. Each exhibit offers interactive displays, educational signage, and hands-on activities that engage visitors of all ages. One of the highlights of a visit to the National Aquarium is the Dolphin Discovery experience, where visitors can observe Atlantic bottlenose dolphins up close in a state-of-the-art marine mammal pavilion. Dolphin presentations and interactive programs offer opportunities to learn about these intelligent and playful animals and the conservation efforts aimed at protecting their ocean habitats.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
Port Discovery Children’s Museum is another great spot for families. This interactive museum is perfect for children of all ages, with exhibits that encourage learning through play. Port Discovery features three floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits that engage children in imaginative play, exploration, and discovery. Exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including science, art, music, literacy, and culture, providing opportunities for children to learn and grow through play. Port Discovery offers a variety of learning zones and activity areas where children can engage in hands-on learning experiences. These zones may include art studios, science labs, construction zones, sensory gardens, and reading nooks, providing diverse opportunities for children to express themselves, experiment, and discover new interests. Check out the full details of our visit at AffordableFamilyTravel.com.
When it’s time to burn off some energy, head to one of Baltimore’s many playgrounds. Federal Hill Park offers stunning views of the harbor and plenty of space to run around. Pierce Park in the Baltimore Harbor is another great option, with a large playground and nearby picnic area. And for some water fun, check out the Baltimore SprayGround, where kids can splash around in the fountains and cool off on hot summer days.
Overall, Baltimore is a fantastic destination for families with kids. With so many exciting attractions and activities, there’s never a dull moment! Check out the full details of The Family Baltimore trip at AffordableFamilyTravel.com.
Summary
In exploring Baltimore, both the DINKs and the Family embraced distinct aspects of the city’s charm and attractions. The DINKs immersed themselves in Baltimore’s historic and culinary delights, from the vibrant Fell’s Point district and a lively Orioles game at Camden Yards to savoring seafood at Faidley’s and exploring Fort McHenry’s patriotic legacy. They also indulged in local brews at the Pratt Street Ale House and the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, complemented by a unique Serial Podcast Site Tour.
On the other hand, the Family focused on enriching experiences tailored to their interests, visiting the acclaimed Baltimore Aquarium to marvel at marine life and enjoying interactive exhibits at the Port Discovery Children’s Museum, making the most of family-friendly attractions in the city.
Comparing who did it better is subjective, as each group tailored their visit to their preferences and interests. The DINKs delved into Baltimore’s historical sites, culinary scene, and local culture, while the Family prioritized educational and engaging activities suitable for all ages. Ultimately, both experiences showcase Baltimore’s diverse appeal and offer visitors unique perspectives on this dynamic city.
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