Baltimore's Waterfront Area

The aquarium, the mall located on the waterfront, the restaurants, and the overall ambience, it's easy to see why so many people move to Baltimore. Don't forget you suntan lotion while you are walking around the dock areas because the sun is brutal here. Also, no matter what side of the water you end up going to, there is plenty to do, just make sure you get there early enough to avoid the crowds because people come out of nowhere on the weekends.

Quick Tips:

I am not sure if there are coupons available for the aquarium, but the area surrounding it is full of fun and cheap things to do, like peddle boat rentals for kids and historic ships that you can easily walk through. If you have the time, get to the aquarium early, buy your tickets, then go exploring through downtown area. There is plenty to do and see, just beware of the ever increasing crowd. The influx of people never seems to stop.

Best Way To Get Around:

The best way to get to downtown Baltimore is through the Lightrail which runs every half hour all weekend long until 11pm or so. Get off at the Convention Center stop and walk from there. The downtown area is located not even a 10-minute walk away. Otherwise, I guess you could take a cab or drive in, but the parking in downtown Baltimore is expensive, so beware.

We got to Downtown Baltimore at around 12am and the crowds were in full swing, so the next available entry time for the aquarium was at 3pm. We bought the tickets then, expecting it was only going to get worse as time went on, and went on out exploring.

After returning from our walk, we jumped on line and awaited the doors to open for our time. The doors open every 15 minutes allowing the crowds not to be as big and making your experience much better. The first thing we saw as we entered was a giant waterfall, which was amazing.

Next, we explored around through the main pool that had dozens of sting rays, all varying in size, and one of the biggest turtles I have ever seen. We then continued being shoveled through the aquarium to the different areas, but before doing that, we went upstairs to the Australian Exhibit. There were crocodiles, birds, fish, sting rays, and the entire surrounding area was replicated to look like the outback. It was a really neat setup.

After slowly being ascended through the crowds to the upper levels, we finally reached the rain forest section which is unbelievable. Birds are flying around, snakes and fish are everywhere and the air is moist and heavy. The whole aquarium seems to be never ending since there are tons of exhibits in the two large buildings.

While you are preparing to go to the aquarium, wear comfortable shoes, you will need them. Otherwise, this place is worth the $21 entry fee and will leave you with a fully satisfied feeling. It is definitely one of the best aquariums I have ever been to.

While waiting for our entrance time at the Baltimore Aquarium, we all decided to go for a walk to the famed Lexington Market in the downtown area. As we walked from the waterfront to the inner part of downtown, the ambience around us went from business commercial to uncomfortable in the matter of a couple of blocks. If you plan to head to Lexington Market, please take the Light Rail, it drops you off right there. Try not to walk over there.

Anyway, when we got there, the four of us went exploring for some lunch. Now this place has endless areas of food courts, most of it specializing in local cultural influences, such as Polish, Soul Food, Chinese, and Greek. It is a unique mix if I have ever heard of one, but it was an experience to say the least.

After looking around for about half an hour, we decided upon Pollack Johnny's, a Polish Sausage house on the first floor. Oh my God! The food was amazing and cheap (about $3 for a sausage and a soda). I would highly suggest it. We then parked ourselves upstairs in the dining area and ate and listened to the music playing downstairs in the square. Throughout the summer, there are musical celebrations on the weekends celebrating the music of all of the cultures that reside in the Baltimore area, making the festival a sight-to-see.

So, if you find yourself with nothing to do in Baltimore while waiting for your time at the Aquarium to come around, head over to the Lexington Market and enjoy some real Baltimore, the way Marylandians do.

If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path place to go to, look no farther. The American Visionary Art Museum is one of a kind. Located just east of the Inner Harbor, this place is full of the radar art.

Each of the artists, whose work compiles the inventory of this place, is someone who has a mental deficiency and is expressing himself through this unique art. One of the craziest things that I remember seeing was a to-scale model of Coney Island with working parts and lights that was just amazing. There were also giant sculptures of fish made out of old, used metal. This stuff were so out there but so cool. And since the place that houses all of this stuff is an old whisky storehouse, makes it all that much stranger. At about $12 or so (I was there last year, so I don't really remember, but I think it was that much) the place is total worth the trip. You will love it!

This is a secret that I have been using for the last 5 years or so, and I feel that it is time to let the cat out of the bag. With climbing gas prices, decreased gas mileage, increased toll prices and high concentrations of congestion on highways, the cost of driving is getting out of control. But have no fear, there is an affordable answer right in front of you: the Chinatown Bus.

The Chinatown from New York to Baltimore is a decent $35 round-trip and the ride isn't too bad. It really depends on the bus and the driver. The ride can either be fast and enjoyable or long and unbearable. There is nothing in between, but the price and the convenience are unbeatable. Now the bus leaves New York and stops in Jersey somewhere usually for a restroom break, then straight through to Baltimore, then onto D.C. I used to take the bus to D.C. because the Metro is right there and it's easy to get around, but my brother moved to Annapolis and the Baltimore stop is easier to get to. The only problem with the Baltimore stop is that the it is in the middle of a bad area, so if you have to go there, get there before dark. Trust me!

Anyway, if you find yourself on your way to the D.C. or Baltimore area, try the Chinatown bus out. Just go to Google and type in Chinatown Bus and see what comes up. There are buses that go all over the country, so find what you are looking for and take the chance, it's worth it most of the time.