Baltimore: More Than Crab Cakes and The Wire

Baltimore content provided by Mom With a Map staff writer

Whenever you bring up the topic of Baltimore, people think of one of two things: crab cakes, or the TV show, The Wire. But it turns out that there’s a lot more going on in Maryland’s biggest city than just seafood-eating and social degradation. It’s actually an amazing place to visit! 

Top Reasons To Visit Baltimore

Fort McHenry

Fort McHenry is one of Baltimore’s most iconic landmarks. Famous for being the site of the 1814 Battle of Baltimore that inspired Francis Scott Key to write the Star-Spangled Banner, it’s not a popular place for tourists to visit in the city.

When you visit Fort McHenry, you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the city and its skyline. You can also learn more about the building’s significance and the role in the history of the area that it played several hundred years ago. 

National Aquarium

For wildlife lovers, the National Aquarium is one of the best and most diverse in the world. It encloses more than 20,000 species, including jellyfish, sharks, turtles, and more. 

The nice thing about this aquarium is how it keeps creatures in themed habitat zones, reflecting the sorts of places they would live naturally in the wild. You can find everything here, from coastal tropical waters to the Atlantic shelf. 

Throughout the day, staff perform various demonstrations and feedings. These let you see what creatures are like in different situations. 

American Visionary Art Museum

If you are staying at the ROOST Baltimore Hotel and want to see more of the city’s creativity on display, then head on over to the American Visionary Art Museum. This impressive attraction showcases various works of art by self-taught artists who aren’t afraid to use unconventional materials and methods. There are also rotating exhibitions and workshops that fire the imagination and help you feel more involved in everything that’s going on. 

Baltimore Museum Of Art

The Baltimore Museum of Art is another top attraction that should be on your list of places to visit in the city. It’s home to more than 95,000 artworks from various periods and regions and boasts an impressive collection, including works from some of the greats, such as Warhol, Matisse, and Picasso. 

It’s also home to a unique African art exhibit, with multiple galleries dedicated to celebrating the continent’s culture and heritage. And the best bit? Admission is free. 

The Inner Harbor

Lastly, make sure you pay a visit to Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and Historic Ships. These attractions provide plenty of opportunities for entertainment, shopping, and dining. 

As you explore the area, you will see many historic ships docked – a great place to take the family. Good examples include the USS Torsk and the Lightship Chesapeake. Tour guides can show you around the vessels, explaining their history and significance to the local area. You’ll get insights into Baltimore’s rich maritime heritage and its links with the Old World. 

As you can gather, Baltimore is more than just crab cakes and The Wire! You might also be interested in reading:

Choose Adventure, Always

3 Years As a Nomadic Family

New York City: In a Day and On a Budget

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