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During your Baltimore vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Washington Monument and Museum
This column, 178 feet tall, stands as the country's first major architectural memorial to George Washington. Begun in 1815, it was designed by Robert Mills, who also designed the Washington Monument (begun in 1848) in Washington, D.C. To learn the whole story, step inside this building and have a look at the exhibit "The Making of a Monument." The physically fit can also climb the 228 steps to the top of the tower and see why this spot is often called the best view in Baltimore.
Creative Alliance
Brand new in 2003, this venue celebrates local arts in its galleries and performance space. Contemporary art in any media is on display here. The auditorium is the site of a Wednesday night classic film series as well as special events. The resident Loyal Opposition comedy troupe, Sound Foundation new music group, and the Charm City Kitty Club play here at least once a quarter. The Baltimore Mandolin Society also holds its annual concert here. Though much of the work is edgy, more mainstream works also have their space. It's worth going out of your way to visit if you'd like a taste of the Baltimore arts scene. The schedule is on their website.
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Visitors can walk into a room surrounded by patrolling sharks, wander among the coral reefs, follow the yearly migration of fish, and visit a rainforest on the roof at one of best aquariums in the country. In addition to the watery denizens, exhibits include a puffin display; Maryland: Mountains to the Sea; and a new Amazon River Forest filled with plants and animals as well as fish. The sharks and the dolphin presentation are the main attractions. On a cold day, it's a joy to skip right to the top of the aquarium and bask in the Amazon heat that envelops the brightly colored birds, the shy iguana, and the sloth. (For the best views, come straight here when the aquarium opens, as that's when the animals are most active.) Though you walk in front of most of the exhibits, you actually walk inside the doughnut-shaped Coral Reef and the Open Ocean (shark) tanks, getting up close with these exotic creatures. At feeding time in the coral reef, the divers always draw a crowd.The Marine Mammal Pavilion is connected by covered bridge to the main hall. It's where you'll find the dolphins. Don't miss the presentations; reserve a seat when you pay your admission at no additional fee.Insider tip: The aquarium draws huge crowds in summer. Beat the crush by ordering timed tickets in advance or order tickets from the aquarium website. Nonpeak times are weekday mornings, Friday evenings, and after 3pm. A new Australian exhibit is under construction and will open in spring 2005.
Quality Inn West
BWI Airport 12 miles. Airport courtesy car Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm. Downtown Inner Harbor and Camden Yards 10 miles. SSA/HCFA 1 mile. Kernan Hospital 2 miles. Security Square Mall and movies 2 blocks. Airport courtesy transportation only available Mon-Fri from 8:00 - ...
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