Baltimore questions

[Jan in SC]

I'm planning a surprise weekend trip for my son's birthday. He loves baseball, so I thought it would be fun to send him and my DH to Baltimore for a weekend. They would stay near the inner harbor and just go to baseball, meals, and the aquarium. Well, maybe other places right there.

 

Is Baltimore a safe place to be this summer? I understand that any city can be dangerous, but after the riots, have things calmed down? We go to NYC a lot, so they are very comfortable in a large city.

Also- any other cool things to do/ advice would be welcomed!

He loves a good steak- if you know a place.

[PrincessMommy]

I would think being near the Inner Harbor will be safe.  There's lots of tourists and swanky hotels/restaurants there.  They should be fine.

 

I prefer the Science museum to the Aquarium, but that's me.   Taking the water taxi over to Fort McHenry is also a nice thing to do, esp. if the weather isn't too bad.  There's certain times during the day to be there for the raising and lowering of the flag.  I missed it the time we visited, but I hear it's a nice little ceremony.  

 

 

[mysticmomma]

I wouldn't hesitate at all to go down town. Especially the inner harbor. Our science center is awesome! The zoo is also a quick drive from downtown. Fort McHenry is pretty cool, too.

[Guest]

Inner Harbor should be as safe as any other city.

 

There is a Ruth's Chris (actually, there are two) for steak. I personally don't like the way Ruth's Chris operates, but the steaks are quite delicious. McCormick and Schmidt is also fantastic.

[Farrar]

The AVAM is awesome if you like weird art. Baltimore is excellent generally speaking.

[Junie]

Camden Yards :001_tt1: and the Baltimore Aquarium would be an almost perfect day for me.  I hope they have a good time!

[Jan in SC]

Thanks! I'll go ahead and make reservations. He'll be excited.

[Spryte]

The AVAM is awesome if you like weird art. Baltimore is excellent generally speaking.

Love that place. Highly recommend it, too.

 

We were there a few years ago, and everyone was in that quiet museum mode, gazing at the work. There was a painting I wanted to see, but two women were really into it - lots of words, I love anything with words worked into art - so I stood reading the artist bio. And then... I realized it was a friend. A good friend, who had just spent several nights with us, passing through. I blurted out, "oh my god, it's Bob!" Loudly. ...I was so embarrassed. Everyone whipped around and stared at me, and the two women looking at his painting asked, "do you know him?! Is he *sane*?" I could have died. It is, however, one of Bob's favorite stories. :)

[Alessandra]

We were in Baltimore a few years ago. Inner Harbor was fine, as was downtown area (near Cathedral, Walters). But we decided to go to a crab place that was a number of blocks east of Inner Harbor. It was a very iffy neighborhood, nice row houses, but some abandoned, just a funny feeling. We walked there, but took a taxi back. I'd have to check a map to get neighborhood name.

 

The water taxi mentioned up thread is great. And we thought the Aquarium was one of the best we have ever visited.

Edited June 26, 2016 by Alessandra

[bettyandbob]

How old is your ds? What is he into? There's a lot of stuff for different ages and interests.

 

If he like military or ships there are 4 ships you can walk through. You can buy a ticket for one, two or four. It's an easy add on.

 

I like the aquarium. But I go to aquariums any chance I get. I realize not everyone is into aquariums.

 

I like the science museum, but depending on your ds age it might be too young.

 

Water taxi is fun.

[Jan in SC]

How old is your ds? What is he into? There's a lot of stuff for different ages and interests.

 

If he like military or ships there are 4 ships you can walk through. You can buy a ticket for one, two or four. It's an easy add on.

 

I like the aquarium. But I go to aquariums any chance I get. I realize not everyone is into aquariums.

 

I like the science museum, but depending on your ds age it might be too young.

 

Water taxi is fun.

He'll be 15. He likes baseball, so they'll go to two games. He likes steak - ha! He really does like aquariums. He's been to the Georgia Aquarium several times. He likes nice cars. He enjoys seeing some shows, but he's seen a lot. I'd love any other suggestions. He probably would like the art museum that a pp mentioned. He would enjoy a water taxi, or something on the water. He might enjoy the view from the observatory, but he's had hotel rooms on the 45th floor and been to much taller buildings.

They won't have a car, but don't mind a light rail, cab, or hiring one.

[bettyandbob]

Sounds like you've got a weekend with two games and the aquarium. And you now have a list of a few extras to fit in if necessary.

 

The Baltimore aquarium is not as big as the Georgia aquarium. I still like it.

 

Now I'm thinking of going to Baltimore for part of a day next week.

Edited June 26, 2016 by Diana P.

[mysticmomma]

I'd highly recommend uber for rides instead of cabs or light rail. Cabs tend to be more expensive and harder to come by. Also less clean and friendly. Light rail is shady.