BALTIMORE - ATTRACTIONS

Everyone knows about the inner harbor, and of course, we suggest that you spend some time wandering around. The National Aquarium is world-famous, but we are not big on that sort of thing, instead here are some lesser known attractions that we recommend.

1. Babe Ruth Museum - Just a few blocks away from Camden Yards lies the birthplace of the greatest baseball player ever, George Herman "Babe" Ruth. Both the house in which he was born and the houses on either side have been preserved and are now a great baseball museum. The Ruth house itself has a couple of rooms that have been preserved, while the other buildings contain exhibits on his life and career. As well, special displays on Cal Ripken's career and Memorial Stadium add a Baltimore aspect to the place. A great museum that must be visited during your time here.

2. B&O Railroad Museum - If you like trains, you will love this museum, now located in the old Mount Clare station on Pratt Street, a few blocks west of downtown. The main building contains an explanation of railroad history and B&O's development, as well as the largest model railroad in the country. But the best part is the roundhouse, which contains over 20 old locomotives and other train cars. In the yard outside are more locomotives, and you can step into some of them. Take your time and see everything on display - the history here is detailed and impressive.

Roundhouse

3. Fort McHenry - The "Star Spangled Banner" was written by Francis Scott Key while watching the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in 1814. Key was on a British warship, and was moved by the sight of the American flag in the early morning after the British had stopped their attack. Since then, the fort had been used as a prisoner-of-war camp and a hospital, but it now tells the story of Key and what is now the American National Anthem. The visitor center provides a good explanation of the events surrounding the life of Key and what happened to lead him to write the words which would later become the "Star Spangled Banner". You can take a water taxi here from downtown, but there is plenty of parking as well.

4. Top of the World - For a great view of the inner harbor and the surrounding area, head to the top of the World Trade Center, the tallest 5-sided building in the world. The pictures that identify the surrounding area were taken in the summer of 2001 and are thus right up-to-date. The top floor is very wide and not crowded at all, so you can take your time and really enjoy the views. 

Down below

Aquarium from the Top of the World