Baltimore, Maryland, Visits: Enjoying a Trip to Charm City

This marvelous city, known as "Charm City" and located close to Washington, D.C., has a multitude of activities, culture, scores of historical places to visit, unique stores and markets to shop at, plus myriad eateries and bars to enjoy. In addition to all the US history that is here, Baltimore is also the place Edgar Allen Poe died at the age of 40. His tombstone located in Westminster Hall has a black raven on it. Local legend says a special visitor comes every year and leaves a bouquet of fresh flowers and cognac behind.

If the timing is right and you're a sports fan take in a Baltimore Ravens football game or a baseball game at Oriole park. Even if you don't go to a baseball game, take a tour of Oriole Park. For kids - any young boy will be thrilled to visit the dugout which is part of all tours except at 2pm on game day. There are a couple of sports museums here also including Babe Ruth's birthplace and museum.

Take time for a walk along the water front. At Inner Harbor there are plenty of shops, museums, and restaurants to while away an afternoon, or an entire day. At the Baltimore Museum of Art , you can look at 130,000 works of art from Monet, Picasso, Warhol and many more.

Any children with you will enjoy the Port Discovery where you'll study an Egyptian tomb, explore a mystery house and enjoy lots of hands on activities. The young at heart of any age will also enjoy the National Aquarium, the Baltimore Zoo and the Maryland Science Center. Consider starting your visit to Baltimore with a "Ride the Ducks Tour" where you'll ride on an land-amphibious vehicle on a ride through key historic sites and enjoy a short harbor cruise.

Baltimore is at the center of our nation's history, much of it from the time our country was just a collection of British colonies. Francis Scott Key wrote the Star Spangled Banner at the star-shaped Fort McHenry. This fort is now reached by boat and has tours. The highlights of any day at the fort are the flag-raising and lowering ceremonies. Visitors are asked to help hold the large flag and fold it.

Be sure to visit the country's oldest market, the Lexington Market. Here you'll see everything from delicious pastries to live lobsters. And the merchants get your attention as you walk by - by yelling out chants.

Great dining is easy to find in Baltimore and fresh seafood leads the way. You find, Baughers and Baldwin's Station are among the finest local eateries. Toby's Dinner Threatre of Baltimore on O'Donnel street is also a fun place to enjoy a buffet dinner and a show.

You'll find luxury hotels, medium priced hotels and motels plus charming B and B's situated throughout the city of Baltimore. It's a popular place to be sure to make reservations well in advance of your trip.