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During your Baltimore vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Port Discovery
This is a kid-powered museum where in exhibits covering three floors, kids of all ages (though mostly ages 6-12) can cross the Nile to explore ancient Egypt, climb through a kitchen drain as they solve a mystery in Miss Perception's Mystery House, and climb and play on the three-story-high Kidworks. Walt Disney Company "Imagineers" designed most of the exhibits. Adding to the activity are some high-tech toys in the PD Kid Club, where children use computers to compose music, shoot videos, or produce their own cartoons. Oasis Story Times are offered at 11am Monday through Saturday in summer and Tuesday through Saturday during the school year.As part of a visit -- or on its own -- visitors can take a trip on a tethered helium balloon that rises 450 feet above Baltimore. The HiFlyer (tel. 410/949-2359) can carry 20 passengers (including up to three wheelchairs) for the 20-minute ride. It flies 11:30am to 8pm (until 10pm Fri and Sat) daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with weekend hours September through May whenever the weather's agreeable. You can see to the city's limits.
Baltimore Maritime Museum
This museum is comprised of three boats and a lighthouse that tell recent maritime history. The Coast Guard Cutter Taney survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The submarine USS Torsk sank the last two Japanese merchant ships of World War II and still holds the record for the most dives and resurfacings of any submarine. The Seven-Foot Knoll Lighthouse is worth a climb up the steps to see the Fresnel light and learn about the lighthouse that once welcomed immigrants here. The lightship Chesapeake spent 40 years anchored near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Each provides an interesting glimpse into the lives of 20th century sailors.Insider tip: For a good value, buy a Seaport Pass and combine this ticket with a visit to the USS Constellation and a ticket to ride all day on the Seaport water taxi for $16 adults; $13.50 seniors; $9 ages 6 to 14; free for children under 5.
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.
Americas Best Inns-Baltimore
Americas Best Inn is a moderate hotel conveniently located close to major attractions in downtown Baltimore, ideal for tourists and tour ...
Comfort Inn Bwi Airport
Free full breakfast buffet. 24 hour airport shuttle to BWI Airport. WIFI high speed internet access available. Full service restaurant on premises. Baltimore Light Rail adjacent to hotel. 2.5 miles from BWI. Exercise room on premises. Parking limit: Length of stay only (unless parking ...
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