Baltimore Questions
 

Will be coming to Baltimore for 2 days in May.

Will be driving down on Saturday, getting to the city around noon (5 hour drive from Hartford - without traffic).

Our intent is to go to 2 Red Sox games (already have tickets to Sat (7pm) and Sunday (1 pm) games).

1. Have reservations at Marriott BWI Airport hotel. How is this hotel? Easy to get in / out of the city from?

2. Obviously will have very limited time to see other things. Would like to do a boat tour around the Harbor on Sat afternoon. Any recommendations?

3. How bad is traffic around Baltimore on weekends?

4. If you had to choose 1 site to see in Baltimore, what would it be?

Will be leaving Baltimore right after the Sunday game to drive home. Quick weekend but its still more time than my last 2 trips there when we flew down, went to the game and flew back.

I live up in southern PA, but I have been to Baltimore a few times (but never stayed overnight). Honestly, there's not much to see outside of the Inner Harbor area.

Traffic on the weekends is much better than it is during the week. I think you'll be fine.

I think you'd do better to stay inside of the city, but since you already have reservations, I'd look into taking the light rail to get from there to the Inner Harbor/Camden Yards rather than driving.

We can cancel the reservations if we need to. Hoping to keep the costs way down as this is just a prelude to our main trip (Chicago-Minneapolis). I just wanted to get a cheap rate. Will try Priceline at one point in the next few weeks.

I would definitely try to get a hotel closer to Camden Yards (LOVE going to games there - you'll really enjoy it...). There's a Hampton Inn and a bunch of other hotels there. I wouldn't want to drive all the way back to the airport at night, when I could walk to my hotel from the game.... :)

The traffic around Camden Yards is awful on game days - we were there last summer for Red Sox Orioles game. I agree if you can get Inner Harbor area hotel, go for it. Price goes way up when there is a game. We have stayed at several hotels in the area and last summer ended up at Holiday Inn since it was the only one with rooms left on short notice. Not usually a Holiday Inn fan, but this one was nice. It was really nice to be able to walk to/from game.

Agreed that we should switch hotels. Will be using Priceline to get a different hotel.

The seats I got at Camden are Section 330 (Upper Reserved) and Section 65 (Terrace Box). Are these good sections for a game? How high is the Upper Deck? I have always sat near the visitors dugout when I was there so I cannot remember how high the Upper Deck is.

Good luck with Priceline, but I would not hold my breath waiting for a good rate - we found for Red Sox series all Inner Harbor hotels were sold out or close - and that is not the kind of market that Priceline works well within.

We stayed at Days Inn inner harbor last june for a Yankees/Orioles game. The hotel is nothing spectacular but its w/in walking distance to the park and the inner harbor. We would stay there again.

As stated earlier the traffic during a game is massive and I would not want to drive in it.

We like the aquariam at the Inner Harbor and the ferry that goes to several points on the harbor, like Fells Point and the Fort.

We really enjoyed the Wharf Rat- we went for the beer and were really impressed by the food. Not as much by the beer, but it was decent.

We loved the aquarium. They also shot the cannon on the USS Constellation, which was cool to explore too.

There will be horse racing that afternoon (the 31st) at Pimlico. The Preakness is on the 17th, so you will miss that.

How long does it take to go through the Aquarium?

"How long does it take to go through the Aquarium?"

A couple of ours I would say. Will you have little kids with you?

No, 4 adults

IMO, Pimlico is a dump, and it's not near anything else.

Spend some time in the Fells Point area.

Minimum couple of hours at the aquarium. Buy your timed entry tickets in advance on-line.

I agree w/o kids the aquarium takes a couple of hours. I think we were there just under 4 hours only because we wanted to see the dolphin show and had to waste sometime before it started.

I was just in Baltimore, and, other than the Aquarium, pretty disappointed in the inner harbor-- unless you want to shop in the same chain stores and eat in the same chain restaurants (only a few are local). But, it's a nice place to walk and people-watch--but nothing else. It was a gorgeous day, Sunday, and no ball game at Camden Yards, so I had no trouble finding a parking spot on one of the side streets.

How interesting is Fort McHenry?

My favorite sites in Baltimore are the American Visionary Art Museum, which is across the harbor, the Edgar Allen Poe House, the Walters and the Aquarium.

Fort McHenry is a nice trip if it is a nice day - but there are probably more interesting things to do with the limited time you have. You get to ride a water taxi from Inner Harbor, then board a painted old school bus to Fort. Usual military stuff, old fort, great views, pleasant walk. We spent a few hours out there, but we had 3 days in Baltimore.

Also the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, very close to Camden Yards:

http://www.baberuthmuseum.com/

We bought some more time in Baltimore as we are leaving Hartford very early Friday morning and driving down, so presumably we have Friday afternoon / all day Sat / Sun morning for touring. We may end up going to the Friday game too.

I'm doing a similar trip in April and I have a long thread on Fodors, tchoiniere, somewhere when I was setting it up.

This one has helped me too!

I was going to ask a couple more questions when the time got closer.

We are going to two games April 16 and April 17. April 18 we may go to Mt. Vernon, among other places.

I got a great price for lodging on Priceline. 4 nights and the hotel is the Radisson Lord Baltimore- 5 blocks from Camden Yards and about 3 from the water.

I studied the 4 star and 3 star choices, and they were of such location, that you can't go far wrong. You just may need to take a water taxi at the worst.

I'm not buying the ballgame tickets until I walk up to the park, I don't think. They won't be hard to get.

JJ5, I have been looking at your thread too. Will be trying priceline in the morning. I was going for tickets ahead of time with it being Red Sox. Many Red Sox fans make the trip to Baltimore - causing sellouts at the games and hotels. Without Priceline, all hotels near the harbor that weekend are ~350-400 which is way out of what we are hoping to pay.

Yes, tchoiniere, my problem was the Friday night. Without that one night, I could have gotten a deluxe B&B that is nearly a 5 star by reputation, but the weekend prices AND the availability are both negatives.

I refuse to pay more than $200 for a great hotel room, and I get what I want.

I got the Lord Radisson for $99 and I bet without the Friday I could have gotten any of 4 different 4 stars for aboug $69 to $79, but the Friday night was the killer on that deal.

Unless you have a reason for staying at the airport, I would stay in Baltimore. My preferred hotel in Baltimore is Henderson's Wharf Inn in Fell's Point, although it may well be pricey along with other in-town choices on game dates. I consider it an excellent value relative to other choices in general.

As a volunteer at the Aquarium, I am slightly prejudiced, but if you have a few hours, it is well worth it. Right next to the Aquarium is the Baltimore Maritime museum which consists of a submarine, a lightship, a Coast Guard ship and a restored lighthouse you can tour for one price. Whatever you do, I am sure you will enjoy your stay in my hometown.

Since you are driving, I see no reason to drive past Baltimore to stay at the airport.

For the drive will you have "Easy Pass" or Fast Pay"?...it will save you a lot of time.

Wait until you see how many Sox fans will be in attendance.

Yes we will have Fast Lane (Mass version of Easy Pass). I have been trying hotels closer to downtown but have had no luck yet. Baltimore Aquarium is a must. The Maritime Museum is on our list of maybes.

We decided to change the hotel afterwards. Paying more than we had hoped but what are vacations for?

Got 2 rooms at Residence Inn Baltimore Downtown/ Inner Harbor

Dick, I agree that there will be a lot of Sox fans. Should be a lot of fun. The Sox also have a package available on their website so it will be Fenway South for the weekend.

I do have mixed emotions about it as it is hard to see the current state of one of the more historic teams in baseball.

I have never realized how much there is to do in Baltimore until this week, in researching what I want to do there. Is it May yet?

What is the best restaurant for Crab Cakes? Preferably a casual restaurant. One of my friends is allergic to shellfish so there needs to be other seafood options.

I also like the long walk from the Inner Harbor on Charles St. to the Washington monument. I think the walters art gallery is there. Baltimore has some markets that it is known for as well. I used to love getting corned beef sandwiches and knishes with mustard on "Corned beef row" east of the Inner Harbor. There is also a little Italy just east of the Inner Harbor. Definitely try to see Fells Point. I think south of the Inner Harbor is an area called Federal Hill that is nice as well. I love May and June in Baltimore when the azaleas and rhododendrons bloom in the elegant residential neighborhoods in north Baltimore near Johns Hopkins University like Homeland and Rowland Park.

Definitely check out Fell's Point. It's a cute/quaint neighborhood within the city. Inner Harbor has the same old stores and restaurants that you can get anywhere in the US. Although, I will say, Inner Harbor IS great for people watching and is home to an amazing aquarium.

In Fell's Point, definitely eat mussels at Bertha's...I can't attest to anything else on their menu, but the bumper stickers are right: Eat Bertha's Mussels!! :)

Please eat Bertha's crabcakes! They are some of the best I have had. I was not impressed with the mussels, but the crabcakes are lustworthy.

Bertha's is one of our must-do places when we're in Balmer. We tried both the mussels and crab cakes, and were impressed! We liked the bitter Oliver's made for them better than Oliver's own bitter or ESB.

I'm going in April. We'll try Bertha's.

We are definitely going to try to get to Bertha's on our trip. Probably on Friday once we get into the city. Thanks for the recommendation.

About the tickets to the game:

We have season tickets in the Upper Reserve section 346. We really like the location. We have thought about upgrading in the past, but didn't want to give up the view. It is pretty high, but you don't feel out of the action.

Beware that days when the Yankees or Red Sox play, downtown gets very crowded, so plan extra time if you are going out to dinner before the game. If you wanted to eat in the Ballpark, when you walk in - go towards the great smell on Eutaw Street. Boog Powell has a BBQ stand there and the food is great. There's a couple of picnic tables around, but they are usually full.

I would also recommend taking a tour of the ball park. I did this last season and it was fun. I think on gameday the tours end early so check in advance.

Inner Harbor:

Walking around the Inner Harbor is a must. It's very touristy, but that's what you will be - so you might as well join in! The shops are not that great, but walking around and people watching is fun. Also the Aquarium is right there and a great one to go thru. I love the shark tank!

Another poster mentioned the American Visionary Art Museum. I love this museum. The best way to sum it up is "cooky" - a little out there, but I can guarantee that you have seen nothing like it. Make sure you tour all the buildings - you wouldn't want to miss the 10 foot poodle/car would you!

http://www.avam.org/

Ft. McHenry: I think it's worth the trip out there. Probably a 25-30 minute walk from the Inner Harbor or a very quick cab ride. Right on the water (of course) and a nice walking trail around it. You have to be into walking and/or History to really like it though.

If you are a history buff - also check out the Shot Tower that you can see from anywhere downtown.

Federal Hill - the actual hill itself. Climb up to the top and you will get an amazing view of the city. Also wander around the neighboor hood behind the hill, great little row houses and if you are parched go to Porters Pub. Great place for a beer and really good bar food. www.portersfederalhill.com

The Walters is also great, Mt Vernon area, just north of downtown.

Food:

I'm a bit passionate in this subject.

Before the game we like to go to the Wharf Rat - decent bar food and brew-pub beer. The Fish & Chips are really good. It will be crowded before a Red Sox game, so go early.

Since you are going to be here a couple nights - here's my restaurant recommendations for nice dinners:

The Bicycle: Federal Hill. Expensive, but worth every penny. www.bicyclebistro.com

Blue Agave: Federal Hill. Moderately Pricy, wonderful Mexican. http://www.blueagaverestaurant.com/

The Helmand: Mt. Vernon (on Charles Street just north of downtown) Afghan food. www.helmand.com



Crabs: The ONLY place to get crabs, worth the drive out there just for the "ambiance" Bill's Terrace Inn in Essex. By the way, most crab cakes in Baltimore are better than you will have anywhere else - just try them everywhere you go. I always avoid "Phillips" that you get in the Inner Harbor - not that great. And when you ask locals where the best place is you will get a million different answers.

Baltimore can seem a little "gritty" to people that haven't spent a lot of time here, but don't worry - if you go with a little sense of adventure you will love it.

THANK YOU, so much SavTrav, I wrote down the Upper Reserve 346. We are going to two games April 15 & April 16, and one I wanted upper and one lower. I will get one there for the upper choice.

I am one of those people who love certain sections of the Upper Deck at U.S. Cellular too. My sons' friends think I am nuts, because they are so jaded right behind the dugout. But I like it up there and over the infield, every once in awhile.

Thanks all.

THanks also, SavTrav....I left Baltimore in 87 so it is nice to have up to date recommendations on places to eat. Is Obrycki's still around? Also, what do you think of the markets of Baltimore....I remember there was one downtown in a seedy neighborhood. I used to go to the Northeast Farmer's market near Hopkins Hospital. What do you think of The Prime Rib and Tio Pepe? Are they still the institutions they were in the past?