Best Things to Do in Baltimore

Conveniently located at the Inner Harbor, just steps away from more than a dozen Baltimore hotels and even more attractions, Harborplace & The Gallery offers visitors a one-stop shopping experience. This indoor mall is right in the center of the action and is home to popular national retailers as well as some local shops. You'll find common items here as well as things unique to Baltimore. If you're looking for inexpensive dining options to re-appropriate some funds for your shopping, there are more than two dozen eateries and restaurants in the building to choose from. But don't get carried away indoors. Be sure to step out and take in the sights and sounds of the outdoor Inner Harbor. In the summer months especially, you'll stumble upon lively entertainment of some sort in the amphitheater.

Shh . . .get out of all the city's hustle and bustle for free, right in the shadow of the Washington Monument. Our nation's oldest music library is one of the largest. Its holdings include some of the rarest and earliest musical manuscripts, as well as sound recordings in every format. The public is welcome; books are brought to the reader by librarians. But it's the interior itself that's stunningly beautiful. Flooded with natural light from the skylight and adorned with Corinthian columns, this library is actually an extremely popular local wedding site. During the summer, as a matter of fact, the library's only open on weekdays.

The National Aquarium is a very popular destination with visitors of all ages, so they stagger admissions to ensure everyone can see the marine life. You ascend the building on a slight incline, with low lighting. Exhibits start from fish and crustaceans that live in Maryland and expand to more far-flung, exotic creatures. Additionally, there are dolphin and shark exhibits. On the top floor, you'll find a tropical rainforest with the flora and fauna typical of that ecosystem. The museum has a special "after dark" program that includes interesting talks, exhibits and even local chef-created sustainable seafood dinners.

The Jewish Museum of Maryland is located in what was the original settlement of Baltimore's Jewish population during the Great Migration over 100 years ago. Their exhibits focus on the Jewish experience in America with a special emphasis on Baltimore. Fun and engaging exhibits have included Jewish fashion, Jewish food, Baltimore's department stores, Jews in cinema and Paul Simon. The openings of exhibits usually have a special speaker and kosher snacks. Admission tickets include the historic Lloyd Street and B'nai Israel Synagogues. There's also a small, but fantastic gift shop offering exquisite Judaica, perfect for house gifts during the holidays.

You're going to go to the Inner Harbor, of course. Before the marathon of eating and drink begins, or if it starts to downpour or boil, do something fun that invites conversation! Those with a quirky personality, love of trivia and history will be amazed at the weird and exotic exhibits. While not totally about Baltimore, some locally themed items give this museum a unique feeling. People of all ages will find themselves gasping, giggling and sharing stories with their friends. The 4D movie feels like an actual amusement park ride. The mirror maze will have you running around and dancing.

This exciting art museum has free admission every day. Collections are arranged both chronologically and geographically: be amazed at the sheer number of African, Asian and ancient Americas works of art. The BMA also has an outstanding contemporary art collection, rivaling collections in much larger cities. Two courtyard gardens are home to 20th century sculptures. In addition to its permanent collections, the BMA hosts a wide range of temporary exhibits. Their gift store has a wonderful variety of books on fine art as well as crafts, jewelry, clothing, stationery and other interesting curios.

Green Mount was where many of Baltimore's elite were buried. In the pre-museum era, cemeteries had the best sculptures, art and the finest gardens open to the public for free. Green Mount carries on this tradition beautifully. Also, because its stone gates are protective and the cemetery is raised above the surrounding landscape, the 68-acre "garden" cemetery is home to wildlife not commonly seen in any city, as well as providing an amazing view of downtown. Famous people buried here include Elizabeth "Betsy" Patterson Bonaparte, the abandoned socialite sister-in-law of Napoleon. It is also the final resting place of John Wilkes Booth.

Baltimore was the first to start construction on a monument to George Washington. It's located in what was historically the toniest neighborhood in the city; its surrounding cross of green space is still a beloved gathering space. It's the site of fireworks and concerts for the Christmastime lighting of the monument, as well as Flower Mart. Head to the website to learn about walking tours and also to make arrangements to climb to the top. The 228-step spiral staircase to its apex more than rewards intrepid visitors with lovely views of the city skyline.

What sorts of relics are you favorite? Egyptian mummies, Etruscan jewelry, Medieval coats of armor, ancient manuscripts? What about Baroque oil paintings on lushly colored walls? All these and more are on display to the public for free. The Walters does have special touring exhibits that do charge a fee, except for on Thursday nights. Also, check out their website well in advance for fun events and classes.They fill up early, so be sure to sign up as quickly as you are able.

Don't let the 3 seconds your history teacher spent on the War of 1812 color your decision about Ft. McHenry. The continued war against England was complicated and doesn't lend itself to an easy narrative. The US Park Service rangers at Ft. McHenry breathe life into the battle and how Baltimore safeguarded the freedoms we all enjoy today. Summer is an especially good time to visit the fort, with daily ranger talks and weekend living history. The Fort McHenry Guard performs drill, musket and artillery demonstrations. Fort McHenry was where the flag was still flying that inspired Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner."