I thought it would be fun to write some more posts about traveling, since I hope to do more of that in the upcoming years. For now, here's a guide on some of my favorite things to do and see in Baltimore, Maryland, where I go to school!
TO DO
National Aquarium | Of course, the National Aquarium has to be one of your stops if you come to Baltimore. Located in the Inner Harbor, the aquarium is absolutely huge and has such a wide variety of different fish, sea mammals, and other life. I really love the rainforest room and the rooms that talk about protecting the beaches. Plus, the walk out through the shark tanks is super cool!
Oriole's Game at Camden Yards | Nothing says 'Merica like a good ol' fashioned baseball game. The Baltimore Orioles play near the Inner Harbor, and tickets are always really cheap. Such a fun way to hang out with a group of friends and enjoy a nice warm night, especially in the summertime.
Federal Hill and Mount Vernon | Federal Hill and Mount Vernon are beautiful neighborhoods of Baltimore (Fed Hill pictured above) with lots of great shopping and eating! This is a nice area to go with family and friends for a yummy dinner and walking around at sunset.
Fell's Point | Fell's Point, located right next to the Inner Harbor, is another Baltimore neighborhood known for its AMAZING seafood. If you're looking for Old Bay and crabs, head over to Fell's Point for an incredible meal and more sightseeing on the water. Lot's of eateries in this neighborhood have been featured on Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives, and other shows!!
Hampden | GOOD MORNING BALTIMORE! This neighborhood, located just next to the Johns Hopkins campus, was the inspiration for Hairspray! Filled with quirky shops, neon signs, and lots of vintage feels and murals, Hampden is a great place to hang out and find something new. During June every year, Hampden hosts HONFest, where locals and tourists alike dress in their best 1960s gear and celebrate the city's culture and past. Then around September, Hampden is home to Hampdenfest, a huge street fair and flea market where all the shop owners come out to play and sell their items! And last but not least, Miracle on 34th Street is another Hampden tradition that happens in the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas - one entire block of the town decks out every square inch of their property in the most outrageous Christmas lights! Every night, the streets open and all are welcome to check out the magical Christmas extravaganza.
Baltimore Museum of Art | Located on the Hopkins campus, the BMA has such fun exhibits that you could get lost in for hours. It also has one of the largest collections of Henri Matisse's work! Plus the gift shop and restaurant downstairs are to die for.
TO EAT
Red Emma's | Red Emma's is a really great vegan/vegetarian restaurant and bookstore in Baltimore! I've never been myself (it's on my list of places to go) but I have heard absolutely amazing things about it from all my friends. I think it's so cool that this location is part bookstore. It has such an eclectic vibe that I think fits Baltimore perfectly.
The Food Market | Located in Hampden, The Food Market is absolutely amazing! I've never not seen this restaurant packed, and if you don't make a reservation days or weeks in advance the line is crazy long to get inside. But, once you're sitting down the food is sooo good it's all worth it. I went here with one of my sorority sisters for her birthday last summer, and every bite was heavenly - the Pretzels with Beer Cheese are an amazing appetizer, and my shrimp dish was just as good!!
The Charmery | By far the best ice cream place in Baltimore, or Maryland for that matter, The Charmery is another Hampden favorite. Their unique flavors and quirky decor make this the perfect place to cool down on a hot day (or get your dessert before dinner while waiting for a table). You can sample as many flavors as you want before choosing, but some of my favorites are the Berger Cookies and Cream, Fresh Mint with Figgy Lime Swirl, and Blueberry Lemongrass!!
B. Doughnuts | Oh my donut. Another Hampden classic (pictured above) are these delicious filled doughnuts. Be sure to get there early!! When I went it was around 9:30 in the morning and they were sold out of almost every flavor! These are the perfect breakfast treat and have become such a big trend around campus for fundraising!
Blue Agave | Great Mexican food in Mount Vernon!!! I came here with my sorority fam a few months ago and I had incredible enchiladas, they were so delicious and filling I was able to save some and enjoy them for lunch the next day. It was also super packed the day that we went, and their service was awesome. They squeezed us in even though our wait was originally supposed to be super long, and it was such a yummy meal - I really want to go back again this fall!
Clavel | Another taqueria, Bar Clavel has really great food and the cutest atmosphere! I haven't eaten in at this location, but I've ordered out from them and the food was so delicious. I'm eager to head back here to have the full atmospheric experience. Clavel would be super cute for a birthday or other group event since it's so adorable inside. You'd never expect it from the outside, but it's adorable, and totally Insta-worthy.
Gertrude's | This is the restaurant located in the Baltimore Museum of Art, and boy, is it good! I went here for my grandbig's graduation and ordered an incredible fish sandwich. All their food is delicious and they always have discounted student days and prices! I can't wait to go back here with friends since it's super close to all of our classes (dangerously close haha).
If you have any Baltimore restaurant or activity suggestions, let me know! And while we're on the topic of food, my family has been debating which 3 ice cream flavors we would choose at our favorite shop that aren't our typical order. Mine are S'mores, Pistachio, and Pralines and Creme! What three ice cream flavors would you choose?
