Great Blacks in Wax Museum
The first thing you hear when you enter this museum is the sound of moaning, coming from the Slave Ship exhibit. This wax museum doesn't shy away from the tough topics -- a lynching exhibit is in the basement -- but it revels in the African Americans, indeed all people of color, who made a difference. Some you expect: Martin Luther King, Frederick Douglass, and Crispus Attucks, as well as famous athletes, artists, and entertainers. Some may be people you weren't aware of: rodeo star Bill Pickett, Matthew Henson at the North Pole, African Americans who made advances in medicine, science, law, and politics. The second floor is devoted to Marylanders and an exhibit of children's efforts to secure freedom from oppression both in the United States and elsewhere. Parking is available in a supermarket lot across the street.

Maryland Historical Society
Francis Scott Key's manuscript of the "Star-Spangled Banner" is the centerpiece of a brand new exhibit, "Looking For Liberty." The exhibit includes artifacts that recall Maryland's past, including Tench Tilghman's Revolutionary War officer's uniform, and pieces from the old Baltimore City Life Museum. Another permanent exhibit, "Maryland Through the Artist's Eye," features the society's enormous art collection. Scheduled for 2004 is "Baltimore Ablaze," an exhibit about the Great Fire of 1904, or the exhibit on its internationally acclaimed furniture collection. You can also find all kinds of stuff here: Cal Ripken's bat, Baltimore painted furniture, Stieff silver, a recording of Eubie Blake playing the piano, mementoes of the Duchess of Windsor, a local girl. The collections represent some part of Maryland's 350-plus years of history in a sprawling museum that takes up a city block and includes the town house of Baltimore philanthropist Enoch Pratt which served as the MHS's first home. Don't miss the gift shop. Part consignment/part gift shop, it has plenty of antiques and other interesting items. It's easy to spend a couple of hours here. It's close enough to the Walters for a full day in the museums. And it's not far from the Eubie Blake Cultural Center and the antiques shops of Howard Street.

USS Constellation
You can't miss the Constellation, docked for years at the Inner Harbor (predating Harborplace). A triple-masted sloop-of-war launched in 1854, the Constellation is the last Civil War-era vessel afloat. Tour her gun decks, visit the wardrooms, see a cannon fired, and learn about the life of a sailor. Demonstrations begin with the raising of the colors at 10:30am and continue on the hour. Special events include a Fourth of July picnic and a New Year's Eve reception, both ending with fireworks. Tickets are required. A free birthday party is usually held the Saturday closest to August 26. The Constellation marks its 150th birthday in 2004, and it may be moved to Annapolis for a celebration at the Naval Academy in September.

Sheraton Baltimore North Hotel
Nearby Airports: * Baltimore/Washington International Airport - 30 Miles * Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport - 45 Miles * Washington Dulles International Airport - 60 Miles Nearby Cities: * Towson - 1 Miles * Timonium - 4 Miles * Owings Mills - 5 Miles * White Marsh - 8 Miles * Baltimore - 10 Miles * Columbia - 15 Miles * Aberdeen - 20 Miles * Belair - 25 Miles * Laurel - 25 Miles * Ellicott City - ...

Tremont Park Hotel
The Tremont Park Hotel with its 58 suites, offers affordable luxury in a quiet setting. Featuring a distinctive European atmosphere in the heart of Baltimore's business and cultural district. Within walking distance to Inner Harbor, Baltimore Convention Center and the Theater and Restaurant district. Newly added 24-hour complimentary self service Business Center and 24-hour complimentary Fitness ...

Hilton Garden Inn Columbia
Conveniently located between Baltimore and Washington DC in the thriving city of Columbia, Maryland. the hotel is within easy access to Interstates 95 and 295 which connect to Baltimore and Washington DC. The hotel is nine miles from Baltimore Washington International Airport, 13 miles from Baltimore and 28 miles from Washington ...