Skiing
The nearest ski areas to Baltimore are Ski Roundtop (about 60 minutes,
north on I-83), Ski Liberty (about 75 minutes, west on I-70 then north
on 340), and Whitetail (about 75 minutes, west on I-70). An annual ski
show is held at the Baltimore Convention Center each year in October or
November.
b) Parks
Baltimore Zoo, Druid Hill Park
Features 1,200 animals. Swinging bridge, zoo train, carrousel. Includes a children's zoo with a wilderness exhibit. Admission Charge: Info: (410) 396-LION
Druid Hill Park Conservatory, Druid Hill Park Various shows throughout year including Christmas poinsetta display, outdoor display of 10,000 tulips in spring, indoor greenhouse displays throughout year. Renovation & expansion will be taking place during 1993.
c) Festivals
Preakness
For about 2 weeks prior to the annual running of the Preakness, the city will hold various festivals, parades, and parties throughout town.
Maryland State Fair
The State Fair is held just before Labor Day each summer and takes place at the Timonium Fairgrounds on the north side of the city off I-83.
d) Weekend Time...
This is a catch-all category for neat things to do in the area that don't fit neatly into other categories for various reasons.
Visiting Vineyards
Although the East Coast is not known as a major wine-producing region,
there are a number of interesting vineyards all along the coast, many
producing some excellent regional wines. Maryland currently has about
20 wineries, virtually all of them growing vitis vinifera (European
hybrid) varieties. These are some of the wineries within an easy
driving distance of the city. There is also an annual Maryland Wine
Festival held each year in Westminster (usually in September).
Basignani
Boordy Vineyards
Maryland Renaissance Festival, Crownsville MD (near Annapolis)
Go back in time to the 17th century and see knights in shining
joust on horseback as kings and queens watch, chow down on
whole smoked turkey legs while quaffing mugs of ale or mead,
watch actors perform shakespearean spoofs, and see various
characters, fools, and artisans. The festival is held each
year on weekends from early September to mid October.
Admission Charge: Info:
Bay Bridge Walk
About a 45-minute drive southeast of the city is the Chesapeake
Bay Bridge over which U.S. Route 50 crosses the bay. Each year
one span of the huge suspension bridge is closed and pedestrians
are allowed to walk across. Thousands of people from throughout
the region will show up if it's a nice day. Typically the first
weekend in May. The walk is about 4 miles, so wear comfortable shoes.
Ladew Topiary Gardens
Antique Shops
There are a cluster of antique shops known locally as 'Antique
Row' in the 700 & 800 blocks of N. Howard Street, and extending
onto the 200 block of W. Reed Street. Most shops are open Mon-Sat
10-5, and Sun. 12-5.
e) City Markets
Who needs chain grocery stores when you've got city markets? These are wonderful places where you can pick up fresh produce, freshly caught seafood, baked goods, deli meats, and other fresh foods from local merchants. Friendly bustling places filled with delicious scents of fresh foods. Most city markets are open Monday-Thursday 7am-6pm and Friday & Saturday from 6am-6pm.
Belair Market, Gay and Forrest Streets at Oldtowne Mall
Broadway Market, Broadway & Fleet Streets in Fells Point
Cross Street Market, South Charles at Cross Street in Federal Hill
Hollins Market, Hollins Street and South Arlington in SoWeBo
Lafayette Market, Pennsylvania Ave and Laurens STreet
Northeast Market, Monument and Chester Street
Also, (not run by city, but very nice and modern)
Lexington Market, 400 Lexington at Eutaw Street, Mon-Sat 8:30-6pm, Info: (410) 685-6169
The markets closest to tourist areas are Broadway Market in the heart of Fells Point (take the water taxi from Inner Harbor) and Cross Street, which is my personal favorite, a few blocks south of the Harbor in the Federal Hill area.
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Most of the large hotel chains have hotels near the Inner Harbor area, many also have hotels near the airport. A few recommendations:
Close to airport: International Inn
Comfort & Personal Service: Society Hill
Close to Stadium: Sheraton
Best Location in Inner Harbor: Stouffer, Clarion
Budget Traveler in Town: Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Quality Inn
Luxury: Harbor Court
Hotel costs can be expected to average over $100 per night for a double at any Inner Harbor or Downtown hotel. The more luxurious hotels will be higher. Some, such as Comfort Inn, may be lower. Marriott, Hyatt, Sheraton, and Omni frequently advertise promotional rates for weekends and/or off-peak periods...you may be able to get better rates. You can also cut your costs by looking to budget hotels outside the city, although the savings may be offset by travel costs to get into town or parking garage fees if you drive. Hotel costs in suburbs near beltway (I-695) can be found for as little as $40 (Days Inn at exit 29B) to $45 (Comfort Inn, exit 20). Parking is available at several lots in the Inner Harbor for $5 all day on weekends (higher on weekdays). 'Local Tip:' Some downtown hotels offer free or cheap shuttle service to BWI airport. Ask about this when you make reservations.
Inner Harbor
Brookshire Inner Harbor, 120 E. Lombard Street, (410) 625-1300 (800) 647-0013. All suites. Currently quoting price of $99/night.
Clarion at Harrison's Pier 5, 711 Eastern Ave, (410)783-5553 71 rooms, located directly on harbor, next to National Aquarium. Expensive.
Harbor Court Hotel, 550 Light Street, (410) 234-0550 Luxury hotel with many amenities including indoor swimming pool, fitness facility, tennis court, and rooftop croquet court. Expensive.
Holiday Inn, 301 West Lombard St., (410)685-3500, (800)HOLIDAY Comfortable hotel with olympic-size swimming pool, fitness facility, restaurant & other amenities. Moderately expensive.
Hyatt Regency, 300 Light Street, (410)528-1234 or (800)228-9000 Comfortable hotel connected to Harborplace by overhead walkway. Swimming pool, tennis court, fitness facility. Expensive.
Marriott Inner Harbor, Pratt at 110 S. Eutaw Street, (410)962-0202 (800) 228-9290. Close to Inner Harbor & stadium. Now advertising weekend rates of $110/double with 7-day advance purchase good through 6/30/93.
Ramada Inner Harbor, 8 N. Howard St., (410) 539-1188
Sheraton Inner Harbor, 300 South Charles, (410)962-8300 (800)325-3535 Comfortable rooms, restaurant & night club, swimming pool, fitness facilities. Connected via skywalks to Inner Harbor. Close to stadium. Expensive. Has been advertising 'Sure Saver' weekend rate of $109/double.
Stouffer Harborplace Hotel, 202 East Pratt Street Comfortable modern hotel connected to Harborplace by overhead walkway. Elaborate indoor shopping mall with fountains, restaurants and four floors of shops. Expensive.
b) Downtown
Comfort Inn at Mt. Vernon, 24 W. Franklin St. (410) 727-2000
Days Inn, 100 Hopkins Place, (410)576-1000, (800)325-2525 Comfortable accommodations at moderate prices. Swimming pool. About four block walk to harbor.
Doubletree Inn at the Colonnade, 4 W. University Pkwy., (410) 235-5400 Luxury hotel located next to Johns Hopkins University.
Radisson Lord Baltimore Hotel, 20 W. Baltimore Street, (410)539-8400 (800) 333-3333
Elegant hotel located about four blocks from Inner Harbor. Contains two restaurants/lounge and indoor fitness club. Expensive. You can get a double room for $84 if you ask for the 'Historic Harbor' package.
Omni Inner Harbor Hotel, 101 W. Fayette St, (410)752-1100 (800)THE-OMNI Connected via skywalks to Inner Harbor. Swimming pool, fitness facility, restaurant and lounge on premises. Expensive.
Latham (Peabody Court) Hotel, 612 Cathedral Street, (410) 727-7101 Luxurious, traditional hotel, expensive, many amenities. Elegant, spacious rooms. Guests have privileges at Downtown Athletic Club. Located at Mt. Vernon Square.
Quality Inn Inner Harbor, 1701 Russell Street (B-W Pkwy), (410)727-3400 Older hotel on south side of stadium. Industrial-type neighborhood. Fairly close to stadium and harbor though with rooms about half the cost of large on-harbor hotels. Reasonable choice if you're on a budget. Access out of city cannot be beat.
c) Bed & Breakfasts and Inns
To find out about small Bed & Breakfast inns, contact: Amanda's Bed & Breakfast Service, (410) 225-0001 Traveller in Maryland B&B Reservation Service, (410) 269-6232
Admiral Fell Inn, 888 S. Broadway (Fells Point), (410)522-7377 (800) 292-INNS. European-style B&B type hotel. Free parking nearby.
Celie's Waterfront B&B, 1714 Thames St. (Fells Point), (410)522-2323 7 rooms, A/C, whirlpool, balconies, roofdeck.
A House by the Side of the Road, 132 Birckhead St. (Federal Hill) (410) 539-0652.
Inn at Hendersons Wharf, 1000 Fell Street (Fells Point) Comfortable 38-room inn in historic Fells Point area. Near restaurants, water taxi to Inner Harbor. Ask about weekend rates. Info: (410) 522-7777 or (800) 522-2088
Shirley Madison Inn, 205 W. Madison St. (410)728-6550, (800) 868-5064
Society Hill
The Society Hill operates elegant inns with a European flavor. Rooms are decorated with antiques, breakfast served in your room. Three locations:
Society Hill Hotel, 58 West Biddle Street (410)837-3630 Society Hill Hopkins House, 3404 St. Paul St., (410) 235-8600 Society Hill Government House, 1125 No. Calvert St., (410) 752-7722
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Most of the large hotel chains have hotels near the Inner Harbor area, many also have hotels near the airport. A few recommendations:
Close to airport: International Inn
Comfort & Personal Service: Society Hill
Close to Stadium: Sheraton
Best Location in Inner Harbor: Stouffer, Clarion
Budget Traveler in Town: Comfort Inn, Days Inn, Quality Inn
Luxury: Harbor Court
Hotel costs can be expected to average over $100 per night for a double at any Inner Harbor or Downtown hotel. The more luxurious hotels will be higher. Some, such as Comfort Inn, may be lower. Marriott, Hyatt, Sheraton, and Omni frequently advertise promotional rates for weekends and/or off-peak periods...you may be able to get better rates. You can also cut your costs by looking to budget hotels outside the city, although the savings may be offset by travel costs to get into town or parking garage fees if you drive. Hotel costs in suburbs near beltway (I-695) can be found for as little as $40 (Days Inn at exit 29B) to $45 (Comfort Inn, exit 20). Parking is available at several lots in the Inner Harbor for $5 all day on weekends (higher on weekdays). 'Local Tip:' Some downtown hotels offer free or cheap shuttle service to BWI airport. Ask about this when you make reservations.
Inner Harbor
Brookshire Inner Harbor, 120 E. Lombard Street, (410) 625-1300 (800) 647-0013. All suites. Currently quoting price of $99/night.
Clarion at Harrison's Pier 5, 711 Eastern Ave, (410)783-5553 71 rooms, located directly on harbor, next to National Aquarium. Expensive. |
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