Baltimore has a bad rep.
Donald Trump once called it a “disgusting, rat and rodent infested mess,” a “very dangerous & filthy place” and even went so far to say that “no human being would want to live there.”
Aside from the fact that it’s an incredibly inappropriate thing for a politician to say about their constituents, it completely trashed an entire American city. Sure, Baltimore is known for a high crime rate, shootings and a general air of disrepair, but it would be unfair to label the entire city with that lens.
In reality, Baltimore is a strategically placed harbor town full of culture, crabs and some of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet. Yes, some of its neighborhoods can be a little dicey, but ‘Charm City’ is a place worth seeing.
Here are my favorite things to do:
American Visionary Art Museum
This museum touts itself as the “official national museum, education center, and repository for intuitive, self-taught artistry.” It has has won numerous awards from different publications, including best gift shop, and has been at its Federal Hill spot since 1995. Outside of their permanent collection, the museum has several limited time galleries. Presently, these include yarn sculptures, a freakily realistic doll, walking sticks and so much more. It also hosts a number of frequent events. Be sure not to miss the kinetic sculptures in the back building! Tickets start at $15.
Inner Harbor
Acting as Baltimore’s tourism hub, the Inner Harbor is home to the fantastic National Aquarium, Top of the World Observation Level, the Historic Ships of Baltimore exhibit, the Maryland Science Center and a number of chain restaurants and gift shops. The picturesque power plant is cool, but hosts a Hard Rock Cafe. The iconic 1855 Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse stands guard over the harbor. Aside from the cash grabs, the Harbor has gorgeous views over the water and a nice path to follow it.
Fort McHenry
‘Oh say can you see?’ Francis Scott Key wrote America’s national anthem about a flag at this fort in September 1814. After a night of battle, Key was inspired by a still-waving American flag that signified America’s control of Baltimore. Now, visitors can walk around the fort and the grounds around it. The visitor center has a rousing, albeit dramatic, film with exhibits related to the fort’s involvement in the War of 1812. The dark and musty passageways of the fort are fun to explore and the buildings have small exhibits that feature information on soldier’s quality of life.
Fells Point
I think Fells Point might be Baltimore’s prettiest neighborhood. It’s along the water, but outside of the tourist realm of the Inner Harbor. Close to the water, the old brick houses spill into the cobblestone streets. The Sagamore Pendry hotel has a gorgeous courtyard and harbor-facing pool. The property itself sits on a wharf in the harbor. Broadway Market has a few food stalls and restaurant stands. The neighborhood also has a little trail that connects it to the Inner Harbor.
Annapolis, Md.
Annapolis is about 45 minutes south of Baltimore, the perfect distance for a day trip. Maryland’s charming capital city sits right on the Chesapeake Bay. Known for the Navy, blue crabs and sailing, the city feels almost like a miniature Boston. Grab some seafood from one of the many restaurants and walk around the gorgeous Maryland State House. Getting on a boat is essential, and there’s a few companies that can help you. The Naval Academy has a charming campus and Main Street has quite a few good shops. The City Docks are a bustling scene, especially when locals boat in for dinner in the city.
Federal Hill
Federal Hill is a neighborhood on the south side of the harbor. Federal Hill Park has a hill that gives a great view of Downtown and the harbor. Cross Street Market is a sleek food hall. There are also a few beach volleyball courts right on the water. The Book Escape is one of the city’s best.
Take a Water Taxi/Harbor Connector
As it’s a water city, Baltimore uses ferries as a form of public transit. The limited Harbor Connector service is free, while the Water Taxi tickets start at $18. Harbor Connector takes you short distance, like Federal Hill to Fells Point, every 15 minutes. Water Taxi runs on the weekends and acts more like a bus, transporting people around the harbor and to Fort McHenry. Outside of transportive purposes, the water taxis offer an $18 comprehensive tour of the harbor.
Mount Vernon
The neighborhood in northern Baltimore has quite a few sights to see. The central Washington Monument is actually older than D.C.’s more famous one nearby. You can even go up for 360-degree views of the city. Right next door is the George Peabody Library. It was closed when I went, but the interior is stunning. While in the area, grab a drink at Topside, a rooftop restaurant on top of Hotel Revival and check out the stunning architecture of Mt. Vernon Place United Methodist Church and First & Franklin Presbyterian Church.
Point Park
This small park on the tip of Harbor Point is the epitome of waterfront redevlopment. With grassy lawns and glass skyscapers overlooking the harbor, the downtown skyline looks absolutely gorgeous.
Patapsco Valley State Park
Just about 15 minutes south of the Inner Harbor, the park protects 16,043 acres and 32 miles of the Patapsco River. Split between eight recreational areas, the park has over 200 miles of trails, swimming opportunities in the river and even the aptly named Cascade Falls.
Turquoise Skies 