Things to Do in Baltimore
Want to turn the weekend a little vacation? The wedding church and venue are situated just on the border between the Mount Vernon neighborhood and "downtown" Baltimore, which makes it a great hub to take in some of city's best attractions. You can stay right in the neighborhood to visit some of the top cultural spots, wander down to the Inner Harbor for fun on the water, or take a cab to Fell's Point - where Tim and Christine have been known to frequent the night life. Here are our top suggestions for things to do that are within walking distance, or a short cab ride, from our suggested hotels. Be sure to visit each webpage by clicking on the photo or text link to verify directions and hours.
MOUNT VERNON ATTRACTIONS
Our wedding is taking place in the Mount Vernon area. VisitBaltimore has a listing of some of the best things to do, such as the Walter's Art Museum or Maryland Historical Society, and you won't have to stray too far from home base. If you're so inclined, you can even tour the historic church where we'll be married - America's first cathedral. Also worth a visit is the National Park Service site about the historic Charles Street corridor.
Inner Harbor Attractions
The wedding activities are taking place about 8 blocks north and 2 blocks west of the Inner Harbor - walkable but you might want to cab if it's a very warm day. It's downhill on the way there, but uphill on the way back. Lots to do in the Inner Harbor - bars and restaurants such as the Hard Rock, tours of historic ships, and the amazing National Aquarium. VisitBaltimore has info on all of the attractions, and we have specifics on the National Aquarium below.
National Aquarium
Address:
501 E Pratt St, Inner Harbor
TripAdvisor Description: Considered one of the world's best aquariums, the National Aquarium's mission is to inspire conservation of the world's aquatic treasures. It champions environmental initiatives by engaging with visitors, volunteers, education groups and schools to actively participate in the preservation of the world's natural resources and living systems. The National Aquarium delivers meaningful experiences through its living collection of more than 17,000 animals from more than 750 species of fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles, marine mammals and sharks, as well as through exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences like sleepovers and tours, science-based education programs and hands-on experiences in the field.
FELLS POINT
Don't let this charming photo fool you. Fells Point is more than just quaint historical row-houses and shops. This is the best nightlife of Bmore, the stomping grounds of Tim's "Smalltimore" crew (everyone knows everyone), and where his groomsman Brian holds court. From VisitBaltimore: "Named for the Englishmen who founded a ship-building company here in 1726 that would go on to produce the famous "Baltimore Schooners", Fell's Point is a spirited waterfront community in perpetual celebration of Baltimore's British nautical roots. The neighborhood's visage has remained largely unchanged since its founding and attracts many visitors. Explore the 18th- and 19th-century homes and storefronts – most were once one of the "three B's": boarding houses, brothels and bars. Chesapeake Bay cuisine is at its best here too, whether you crave oysters on the half shell at a local pub, or fresh seafood at an upscale restaurant."
Spirited is one way to put it. Our easy going out-of-towners looking for a place to start should take a cab from your hotel and ask your driver to drop you off at Duda's. The Erie folk will enjoy it for the namesake (Christine's grandma married a Duda!) and it's akin to the Plymouth Tavern, albeit a bit more of a dive. If you start here, you can work yourself down around the harbor. Dogwatch Tavern is also a civilized start to your evening with beer pong and burgers, then you can head down to the water for more lively nightlife. Hipsters from DC, be sure to visit Rye. Rogala meatheads (O'Doyle Rules!) you'll have many options once you get yourself to the neighborhood. May we suggest the Waterfront Hotel, Max's or The Horse (You Came In On).
Fort McHenry National Monument
Address:
2400 E Fort Ave. This is on the opposite side of the harbor, so we suggest driving or a cab from the hotel.
O! say can you see,...
by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars . . . were so gallantly streaming! over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The valiant defense of the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."
CAMDEN YARDS - ORIOLES BASEBALL
Even if you're not a die-hard sports fan, this is a beautiful stadium and a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon. We trust that you're going to be attending the wedding at hand, but there IS a home game at 1:35 on Sunday afternoon (against the Oakland A's). Just in case you wanted to stick around for a bit, visit the Orioles homepage for tix.