We have never been to Baltimore and would like some suggestions on places to go in and around the Baltimore area. It will be the first week of November. We have a car and are not locked into staying in Baltimore. We golf, like quaint shopping areas, sightseeing and new experiences. Fodors people always give us something off the beaten path and wonderful.....Thanks in advance!!

Definitely consider Ellicott City.

There is a number of things you can do.

Downtown "old" Ellicott City is a pretty good call. Another "old town" is Savage which is about 20 minutes south of Ellicott City toward DC.

You might want to do a walk around the touristy area of the inner harbor but head over to Federal Hill across of the harbor andcheck out the Cross Street Market. Another option is Canton and Fells Point for some new experiences

There are numerous golf courses to try out as well. One of the neatest is Renditions in Davidsonville. Each hole is crafted after unique holes from major golf courses. There is amen corner from Augusta, the 17 at TPC Sawgrass, Etc. It is only about 1/2 hour away from downtown baltimore.

Lastly, you could also drive down to Annapolis and check out the town, the state capital and Naval Academy.

The Lexington Market downtown is reputedly the nations first indoor mall, not a real brag now with all the food courts all over, but go to this one for (in the least) the fried chicken and the crab cakes (find the seafood spot in the very back). I believe the market is now on two blocks so be sure to spend time in the older area.

Fells Point is great for antiquing. There are some sweet little cafes and restaurants on side streets, trendier ones along the waterfront.

Fells Point is good - you should take the Water Taxi over from the Inner Harbour. Also the WT goes to Fort McHenry, which is a great place to wander around. The Mt. Vernon has a great art museum, and lots of small galleries, as well as great places to eat.

Have a great time!