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During your Baltimore vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum/Baltimore Orioles Museum
George Herman "Babe" Ruth was born in this rowhouse. Two rooms are re-created as they would have looked when the Sultan of Swat was a boy. Other exhibits include a wall enumerating his home runs, and memorabilia from his major league career and his days at St. Mary's Industrial School in Baltimore, where he learned to play the game. The Orioles and gone-but-not-forgotten Colts, especially the late Johnny Unitas, have their own exhibits here, as well. The Ruth Museum is opening a new gallery at Oriole Park in Camden Station in May 2005 so they can expand their exhibits on the Orioles. The Babe Ruth Museum's original site, the Babe's home, will focus on Babe Ruth himself.
Federal Hill
It's that big hill that overlooks the Inner Harbor. Take the 100 steps on the Battery Avenue side, the east side; or enter from Warren Avenue on the south side, and you won't have any steps to contend with at all, except maybe a curbstone. The hill has been valued for its scenic views since the first Baltimoreans came here to watch construction around the harbor. A single black cannon recalls the Civil War when federal guns were trained on this city. Take your dog (on a leash) or take your children. Once they get tired of the view, they can play in the fenced-in playground.
Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center
Baltimorean Eubie Blake, ragtime pianist and Broadway composer, is remembered in this small museum on Howard Street's Antique Row. Exhibits also feature local musicians Billie Holiday and Cab Calloway and the local arts and cultural scene. Because the focus is music, most of the space is devoted to recitals and programs for children. Open mic is held last Thursday of the month at 7pm; the Eubie Blake Legacy Band has open rehearsal Saturday at 11:30am. There usually isn't a lot to see, and not really very much about Blake himself. Insider tip: Talk to the docents here; many of them knew Blake or Calloway personally.
Mount Vernon Hotel
The Mount Vernon Hotel is an historic building with 133 guest rooms and is only 9 blocks from Inner Harbor, Convention Center, Oriole Park at Camden Yards and the Baltimore Raven's Stadium. Located in the historic Mount Vernon Cultural District, guests can walk to the Walters Art Museum, Peabody Institute and nearby dining on historic Charles Street.The hotel offers complimentary continental breakfast daily. Several locally popular restaurants are within a short walk on historic Charles ...
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