A Weekend in Baltimore
A well-guarded secret to those in the know, Baltimore’s charm, history, and endless waterfront attractions make it one of the most ideal weekend getaway destinations. Whether you want to walk the cobblestone streets of Fells Point, sip on cocktails while watching the sun set over the harbor, or pull up your sleeves and pick a dozen crabs covered in Old Bay, the city truly has something for everyone. In fact, “Charm City” has undergone such an extensive refurbishment in the past 20 years that most natives don’t recognize some parts of it anymore – making it the perfect place to dive into for a couple of days of exploration.
Places to Visit
Fells Point – Established in 1763 on the Baltimore Harbor waterfront, Fells Point boasts a maze of cobblestone streets lined with trendy restaurants, lively bars, live music joints and eclectic shops. You can’t go wrong here.
Inner Harbor – Catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards, drink Natty Boh beer at Pickles Pub, stand spellbound by marine life at the National Aquarium. The inner harbor remains the best area for a family-friendly day!
Federal Hill – Take the water taxi over to Federal Hill, where a high concentration of bars, pubs, and restaurants cluster around the historic Cross Street Market. Take a stroll through Federal Park and cap it off with a visit to the American Visionary Art Museum, a playful and creative display of art produced by self-taught artists.
Fort McHenry – On the other side of the harbor lies Fort McHenry, a national monument that gained prominence during the War of 1812. It was bombed by the British during the Battle of Baltimore in 1814, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner.
Mount Vernon – Baltimore’s cultural center, Mount Vernon will keep history and art buffs busy with the Walters Art Museum, Peabody School of Music, and the Meyerhoff Sympony Hall, home to the Baltimore Symphony. Mount Vernon’s leafy streets are perfect for a walk up to the “original” Washington Monument or over to the Basilica of the Assumption, the oldest cathedral in the United States.
Hampden – Retro and eclectic Baltimore comes to life in this hip neighborhood of colorful rowhomes, now a growing nexus for vintage shops, cafes, and farm-to-table food.
Canton and Brewers Hill – Trendy but laid-back waterfront neighborhoods on the “outer” harbor of Baltimore, Canton and Brewers Hill have undergone significant gentrification in the past 15 years, now showcasing some of the best oyster bars, seafood shacks and charming dive bars against a residential backdrop of gorgeous yet affordable rowhomes and condos.
Places to Eat & Drink
Thames Street Oyster House – In the heart of Fells Point, this highly popular seafood restaurant shucks up a boatload of its namesake, but also specializes in excellent crabcakes, grilled fish and shrimp. Mid-upscale but still dressed down. Reservations are absolutely necessary.
Loch Bar – A dressy tavern with an oyster bar, excellent cocktails, a good wine list, and chilled seafood platters, and a killer cream of crab soup. Decent for families with some walk-in availability, even during busy hours. Lively bar.
Duda’s Tavern – Yes, this seems like a dive bar. But look no further for the best crab dip in Baltimore. The crabcakes will also give you a run for your money. You’ll need a cold Natty Boh to wash down the Old Bay.
Penny Black Bar and Restaurant – Shockingly good peel and eat shrimp, oyster po-boy and smoked wings. Fries are also fresh-cut. There’s seating at the bar but casual seating inside and on the patio. Great for a bite with close friends.
One-Eyed Mike’s – A pirate-themed bar with Grand Marnier Bottle Club that serves some of the best food in Baltimore? Strange as it seems, this place has been here for awhile because it works. Drippy wax candles, white tablecloths, dim lighting – the romance is vibing. Perfect for date night.
Blue Moon Café – Easily the best diner food in Baltimore. The hash browns are out of this world and the French toast concoctions will leave you in a sugar coma for hours to come. First come, first served seating, so make sure you’re out of the door early for this one. A Baltimore culinary classic.
Ouzo Bay – Trendy Greek food, serving up flaming plates of Saganaki, whole Dorado deboned and grilled with capers, oregano and parsley (must try), and fall of the bone lamb shank. The crowd can be rowdy, but you can sit back and easily imagine yourself transported to the Greek Isles.
Alexander’s Tavern – Home to the largest mimosas and bloody Marys I’ve ever seen and the best breakfast sandwich ever created: the Baltimore Crab Melt. This impressive brunch pleaser consists of a Maryland cab cake topped with scrambled egg and melted cheddar on a perfectly toasted croissant. Don’t miss it.
Rec Pier Chophouse – If nothing else, go for the ambiance. Located in the Sagamore Pendry Hotel in Fells Point, this steakhouse will astound with the high ceilings, leathers booths and dark sultry corners. Beautiful bar, decent steaks. A place to see and be seen.
Slainte – Behold, a great pint of Guinness! This beautiful three-story Irish pub celebrates soccer as a religion while dishing out plates of pub favorites like burgers and Reubens. Even better, they’re open for breakfast everyday starting at 7am.
Where to Stay
Sagamore Pendry – 1715 Thames Street, Fells Point. Without a doubt, the best place to stay in Baltimore. The Pendry combines a spectacular waterfront location with stylish luxury. Born out of a 1914 Beaux-Arts style building that was originally a port (Recreation Pier), everything about the hotel is stunning. The lobby emanates the fragrance of wood and leather, and while the decor has a nautical edge, the overall atmosphere is lush and lacquered, with burgundy and copper, lofty ceilings and velvet curtains. Many of the rooms have water views. In the summer months, the courtyard celebrates the al fresco life, even housing a Moet vending machine for a little bubbly when the lines are long. Cool off in the stunning pool that sits in the center of the harbor – complete with a beautiful bar that keeps the drinks flowing well into the night. Doubles starting at $500. Perks if you book with me: $100 hotel credit, $75 daily breakfast credit, upgrade on check-in if available, early check-in and check-out, welcome amenity.
Four Seasons Baltimore – 200 International Drive, Harbor East, Baltimore. You won’t be disappointed if you choose the Four Seasons over the Pendry. Located in the more residential area of Harbor East, but with no less of a spectacular view of the water, the Four Seasons has a mezzanine infinity pool that is probably the best city pool I’ve ever been to in the United States. A great choice for families, the location of the Four Seasons is more accessibly by car, and the catering to children is commendable. A beautiful Art Deco bar/restaurant called the Bygone garnishes the rooftop of the hotel, while Loch Bar and Maximon are adjacent restaurants on the ground floor. Rooms are decked out in sleek minimalist Four Seasons style. Get a view of the harbor for the best experience. Doubles from $800. Perks if you book with me: $100 hotel credit, daily breakfast, upgrade on check-in if available, early check-in and check-out, welcome amenity.
Canopy by Hilton Baltimore Harbor – A relative newcomer to the waterfront hotel scene in Baltimore has a breathtaking location. Sitting on a Peninsula that juts out slightly into the harbor, the hotel is surrounded by water on three sides and has a sleek modern vibe at a reasonable pricepoint. A beautiful restaurant and bar, Cindy Lou’s Fish House, sits facing the Domino refinery, providing casual seafood dining with a contemporary twist. Doubles from $250.
Alright, ready to book Baltimore for the weekend? Contact me now and let’s get started!