<p>I’m going to be in Baltimore early Nov. for a convention but have a couple free days before I get tied up in convention activities. Hotel is pretty downtown, centrally located (Hyatt) from what I can tell. I like shopping, museums–I’m pretty open… I’d love suggestions for restaurants (I’ll be there a week–pretty open but like casual over fancy). Thanks in advance!
And no car…</p>
<p>Harbor Place, the aquarium. Both are fun. See if there are any concerts at Peabody Conservatory or the Baltimore Symphony.</p>
<p>If you take the water taxi from Inner Harbor to Fell’s Point, there are tons of quirky shops and pubs. Lots of fun to stroll around if the weather is nice. I don’t recommend driving over there, as parking is challenging.</p>
<p>The Walters is the best known museum.
<a href=“http://thewalters.org”>http://thewalters.org</a></p>
<p>Cool, but different, are the American Visionary Art Museum and B&O Railway Museum.
<a href=“http://www.avam.org”>http://www.avam.org</a>
<a href=“http://www.borail.org”>http://www.borail.org</a></p>
<p>Our cousins, who live in Baltimore recommended Philips Seafood restaurant to some of my friends who visisted there. Of course Baltimore is known for it’s Inner Harbor. Also Fort McHenry.</p>
<p>That railway museum is fun…but won’t take you much time!</p>
<p>I personally find Phillips overrated. If they sell crab cakes at rest stops I’m not sure it’s really the quintessential must see restaurant. Little Italy is nearby as well. You check to see if the Hippodrome has any shows going on. Just be careful where you go and stay in the tourist areas if you’re there alone. </p>
<p>Hampden, up north of downtown is the artsy/hip neighborhood that embraces the Hairspray/“Hon” culture. It’s near the JHU campus and very safe, lots of great restaurants - foodmarket is my fave. I agree that the Walters art museum is a don’t miss. Obrycki’s or Bo brooks are reliable places to try the local favorite (blue crabs) if you are inclined. Edgar Allen poe’s grave, the Betsy Ross house and fort mchenry would be my list of sights to see. The water taxi is the best way to get around in the harbor vicinity, and a neat ride too. </p>
<p>Thanks! Keep the suggestions coming! Special restaurants for crab?</p>
<p>The inner harbor and the aquarium are really nice. </p>
<p>The old Obryckis closed, so now I’d suggest Bo Brooks in Canton for crabs. Faidley’s might have the best crab cakes but Lexington Market can be dicey. </p>
<p>The American Visionary Art Museum is amazing!</p>
<p>There is a previous thread which also has some recommendations:</p>
<p><a href=“Baltimore Inner Harbor trip - Parent Cafe - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/parent-cafe/1664101-baltimore-inner-harbor-trip.html</a></p>
<p>Amicci’s in little Italy is one of our favorite restaurants. Very casual but great food. There are many places around Harbor Place. Some really Like Rusty Scupper. I think it’s fine but not great. If you like meat, I have never been there, but there is a place called Fogo de Chao in Baltimore that’s supposed to be fabulous. The Baltimore Museum of art is near JHU. </p>
<p>We live in Northern Virginia but I’ve always liked Baltimore. Harbor Place is fun to explore, and the neighborhoods are very interesting. DH and I went to Baltimore a couple of weeks ago for our anniversary–we ate at a Polish restaurant in the Fells Point Market (called Broadway Market) and enjoyed walking around Fells Point and surrounding neighborhoods. Little Italy and its restaurants are just north of there (that’s where Nancy Pelosi grew up, I believe). I think the area is probably walkable from where you’ll be staying. There’s also a new casino close by, just near the Orioles baseball stadium, if you’re into that.</p>
<p>Thames Oyster House is a great little seafood restaurant. Very high quality and in an interesting area. Walk or take the water taxi.</p>
<p>Wit and Wisdom is at the top of the Four Seasons hotel. I wouldn’t recommend eating there, but it is great for pre dinner drinks . . .amazing views.</p>
<p>Third the Visionary Arts Museum.</p>
<p>S lives in Baltimore, and I’ve visited a lot over the last few years.</p>
<p>If you like things a bit quirky, I’d recommend checking out the Lexington Market (<a href=“http://www.lexingtonmarket.com/”>http://www.lexingtonmarket.com/</a>). It’s a little run down, but is filled with uniquely Baltimorean spots, in particular, Faidleys Seafood, where you get in a cafeteria line to order the crabcakes (the more expensive lump crabmeat ones, they’re worth it) from the brisk, no-nonsense servers, accompanied by a side of cucumber salad, and eat standing up, because the high tables have no stools. Best crabcakes I’ve ever had. Then for dessert, buy a Berger cookie, another Baltimore specialty, at one of the bakery stalls, and count yourself as having feasted well.</p>
<p>If you’re up for spending a lot, the food at Woodberry Kitchen (expensive) and at Cinghiale (very expensive) is great. Brewer’s Art is a less pricey and reliably good. Breakfast or brunch at Miss Shirley’s is an absolute must (check out the online menu and you’ll see why)–if you have a car, the one in Roland Park will have shorter lines than the Inner Harbor one, especially for Sunday brunch.</p>
<p>The Maryland Science Center at the Inner Harbor is a good place to spend a few hours. The Visionary Art Museum is an oddity, not to everyone’s taste; I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it for a first time trip to the city. If you’re into American history, a visit to Fort McHenry will be worthwhile. The guides are volunteers who are founts of information.</p>
<p>Have a great trip!</p>