Downpour in Baltimore

We experienced quite a downpour during our 2-day trip to Baltimore. First there was a downpour of rain, then a downpour of Phillies fans, and finally a downpour of horse-racing fans. Every time I told someone I was going to Baltimore, they would give a little sigh and say, "Baltimore, oh you'll love it there." Indeed I did.

There was so much to do contained in a small amount of space. The Inner Harbor was filled with food, entertainment, and fun. Camden Yards was amazing and proved not only to be a top-notch ball park, but it has some of the best atmosphere outside of the ballpark I've seen. This is definitely a city everyone should experience at least once.

Quick Tips:

Go to the visitor center for some great restaurant coupons.

Best Way To Get Around:

We probably walked about 15 miles in 2 days. If you really want a feel for the city and you are staying in a local hotel, walking is a really nice way to soak in the atmosphere. There were also an ample amount of taxis.

The only downside to driving everywhere is that you will have to pay for parking everywhere you go. We parked our car in an underground lot marked simply, "HOTEL PARKING," which was located near 20 West Baltimore Street. We parked our car there for 30 hours during our trip and it only cost us when we left. We were very happy. We parked in New York once for 3 hours and paid . Parking in Baltimore is clearly a bargain.

When we walked into the opulent lobby of this hotel, we could not believe that we were staying there, especially for free!

The secret is discipline. We have a Visa Gold Points card. We charge our daily expenses, like groceries, eating out, etc., on it. Then we pay it off at the end of the month and keep the points, which we use for free hotel stays. (Our room would have cost us $250 a night).

This hotel was impressive. It did not have a pool or other such amenities, but there is so much to do right within walking distance that it didn't matter. The room appeared clean and bright and was stocked well with good-quality soaps and shampoos. The cozy bed included a down mattress cover, down pillows, and a down comforter on top. It was like sleeping on a cloud. The only negative was that the walls were paper thin, so you could easily hear what was going on in your neighbor’s room. That was a small price to price to pay, however, for an enjoyable stay at a grand, historic hotel.

Located on Light Street in the Federal Hill section, this bar and bistro is a perfect place for locals and tourists alike. The atmosphere appeared casual and inviting, and you could choose to sit in the dining room, at the bar, or outside café-style. Although it was a lovely day, we decided to sit in the bar area and take in the entertainment of watching the locals cheer their favorite horse on in the Prekness.

The menu contained a great selection of soups, salads, and sandwiches. They also had a great brunch selection, which included pecan pancakes, croissant French toast, and a Portobello and spinach omelet. I ordered the turkey and brie sandwich, which was comprised of fresh turkey breast, melted brie, and a cranberry-mustard sauce. The cranberry-mustard sauce made the sandwich, giving it a delicious sweet-and-tangy flavor. My husband ordered the old bay chicken wrap, which he insisted was very tasty as well. We both agreed that the fresh-cut fries, seasoned perfectly with old bay and sea salt, were the ideal complement to our meal.

The staff had some of the friendliest people I've encountered and were sure to make our meal an enjoyable experience. If you visit there, you might even learn a thing or two about horse racing from the knowledgeable staff. Overall, this was a fun and inviting place, whether you want a great meal or just a drink.

City Lights is a good place for those who may not be very adventurous with seafood eating. Located in Harbor Place on the second floor, it offered a bright, pleasant atmosphere with a fantastic panoramic view of the harbor. The menu was simple and offered seafood, steaks, and pasta. I partook in the mango-barbequed salmon, which was accompanied by red bliss smashed potatoes and sautéed summer squash. The barbeque sauce offered a unique flavor, so I was sure to dip my potatoes into it for every bite. My husband went very simple with fried shrimp and french fries. He had a very ample serving. Be sure to pick up the Quick Look visitor guide or visit the CITY LIGHTS website to utilize the half-off dinner entrée coupon.

As there was a downpour of rain our first day in Baltimore, there was no better activity than the aquarium. The aquarium looms over the Inner Harbor as a large and impressive building that provides fun for the whole family. I will admit that the Aquarium of Americas in New Orleans is far superior to Baltimore's. Baltimore's aquarium feels very crowded and fails to give you time to really explore the exhibits. You are granted enough time to walk up quickly, look, and move aside as the people in the back push their way through.

The large pool on the main level is a nice feature, and Calypso, the one flipper sea turtle, is an interesting sight to see. If you do go to the aquarium, don't miss the dolphin show. It is sure to deliver some giggles and ooohs and ahhhs from the kids and some adults. They have a creative mix of dolphin performing and multimedia presentations, which keeps things engaging. Be sure to utilize the elevators if you need to move between floors quickly. They were huge inside and made moving about a lot easier.

This is an enjoyable activity and a great diversion if it's raining. Just be aware that it will be crowded and you may not get to spend time exploring as much as you would like.