Welcome to Baltimore!

Philadelphia may pride themselves on being home to Betsy Ross, but Baltimore has their own flag maker. Baltimore native Mary Pickersgill’s flag not only flew over Fort McHenry in one of the most important battles in the War of 1812, but her 15 stars and 15 stripe creation inspired the penning of our National Anthem.

Little Italy is the proud home of The Star Spangled Banner House and Museum. In the early days of the War of 1812, General George Armistead asked Ms. Pickersgill, a master military flag maker, to create a flag so large that the British could see it flying high when they approached the Fort up the Chesapeake Bay. Ms. Pickersgill, along with her family, started sewing in their tiny row house, built in 1793. The flag became so large that she later had to finish in the basement of the neighboring brewery. Today, the home-turned-museum grants a unique look into how such the large and iconic flag, 30 by 42 feet, was no easy feat in such a small home.

Although the actual flag hangs in preservation at the Smithsonian in Washington DC, there's a lot to explore throughout the Flag House. When entering the Pickersgill home, visitors meet Mary and her family in an interactive experience as they make their way through the family heirlooms that fill the rooms, transporting visitors back in time. In the museum next door, visitors are treated to a theater experience and galleries with even more history about Baltimore in the War of 1812. Make sure to check out Ms. Pickersgill’s built-to-scale “American flag window” in the courtyard between the two museums that displays a replica of the historic flag.

Want to know more about Mary and her flag? Check out The Star Spangled Banner Flag House online and become an expert before the Star-Spangled Sailabration!

Long before nicknames like "the Sultan of Swat" and "the Babe," George Herman Ruth, Jr. was a bright-eyed, Baltimore-born ballplayer. Even though Babe played the majority of his major league ball for the Yankees, his storied career is cataloged and on display in Baltimore at the Babe Ruth Birthplace & Museum.

The museum is made up of several exhibits, such as the 500 Home Run Club and the Historic House. It even boasts the small upstairs bedroom where Ruth was actually born on February 6, 1895. Located just a long fly ball away from Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the museum can easily be found by following the 60 painted baseballs on the sidewalks leading from the ballpark to the museum's front door.

Looking for a more comprehensive Baltimore sports experience? Opened in May 2005, the Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards is home to everything from horse racing to the Baltimore Colts, the Blast to the Ravens, and the Terps to the O's. Located inside the historic Camden Station (Abe Lincoln stopped here en route to his 1861 Inauguration,) the Sports Legends Museum is every fan's ticket to history. With interactive exhibits, one of a kind memorabilia, and frequent appearances by Baltimore sports icons, Sports Legends Museum is a must-see for any fan.

Want to know more? Check out the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Sports Legends Museum on their official homepage or follow along with their social media profiles below.

Nobody has more "moving" art than Baltimore! Want proof? This Saturday, May 5, the 14th annual Kinetic Sculpture Race from the American Visionary Art Museum pits human-powered works of art against one another in a grueling race across land, through mud, and even through the waters of the Inner Harbor. Constructed from a multitude of spare parts, these peddle-powered pieces of art can be piloted solo or by a team. Pilots (Kinetinauts) compete for the most coveted "Mediocre Award" (given to the sculpture that finishes in the middle) or the highly prized "Next-to-the-Last Award," as well as more serious prizes, like best-of Art and Engineering.

After the opening festivities (including the "Blessing of De Feet,") the race begins at 10am in front of the American Visionary Art Museum. The race is free for spectators anywhere along the nearly 15-mile course, which takes the participants through Federal Hill, Patterson Park, Canton and more.

Check out the Kinetic Sculpture Race on AVAM's homepage or follow along with their social media profiles below.

American Visionary Art Museum 800 Key Highway Baltimore, MD 21230 Neighborhood: Camden

April in Baltimore means three things: 1. blue crab season opens, 2. the start of neighborhood street festivals, and 3. Orioles Baseball. We can practically hear the roar from section 34 now as the 2012 Birds prepare to take the field this Friday, April 6 against the Minnesota Twins for Opening Day. Adding to the excitement, "the stadium that changed baseball," Oriole Park at Camden Yards, celebrates it's 20th anniversary this year with ceremonies honoring team greats like Frank Robinson, Arnold Palmer, and Cal Ripken Jr. (among others,) stadium improvements, commemorative logo stamped baseballs used during all O's home games, new food venues available on gamesdays and more.

But before the first commemorative ball is put into play, fans will be treated to a variety of Opening Day pregame events such as musical groups roaming Eutaw Street and the main concourses, God Bless America complete with the large 15 Star American flag from Fort McHenry in center field, and the 2011 Golden Glove presentations to Matt Wieters and Nick Markakis. Make sure you're in your seats for the ceremonial first pitch, as Rick Sutcliffe is set to throw to Chris Hoiles, the starting pitcher and catcher from the ballpark's debut two decades ago, April 6, 1992.

Want to know more? Check out the Baltimore Orioles on their official homepage or follow along with their social media profiles below.

Click here for an Orioles ticket offer from Visit Baltimore.

The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum in Baltimore is America’s first wax museum committed solely to the study and preservation of African American history with the presentation of over 100 life-size, life-like wax figures highlighting historical and contemporary personalities of African ancestry.

In 1983, Dr. Elmer and Joanne Martin founded the Great Blacks In Wax Museum in downtown Baltimore with 21 wax figures to highlight the stories that make up the African-American experience. They began traveling with the figures and setting up exhibits in schools, shopping malls, and churches. In 1988, they opened their museum on North Avenue, making their mark in Black History with wax figures and scenes including Malcolm X, Sojourner Truth, Langston Hughes and a full scale model of a slave ship.

In this Visit My Baltimore video, Dr. Martin talks about what visitors can expect when they tour the museum and the significance of the exhibits on display.

Want to know more? Check out The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum homepage and related profiles below.

From fighting the Transatlantic slave trade to performing daring rescues on the Chesapeake, the Historic Ships in Baltimore boasts some of the most impressive and historically relevant ships in the world. Visitors can expect a "hands-on encounter with history" as they tour these floating museums throughout the Inner Harbor.

Baltimore's Historic Ships Tour consist of four vessels and the Knoll Lighthouse, with all of the attractions just a short walk from one another. The USS Constellation (pictured above) was constructed in 1854 and is the last all-sail warship still afloat in the United States.  The USS Torsk (to the right) is one of two Tench Class submarines still in the US and is credited with firing the last shot of WWII. The USCGC Taney, known as "The Last Survivor of Pearl Harbor", is one of two Treasury-class Coast Guard Cutters still afloat. The LV116 Chesapeake is a survivor of two hurricanes and worked to guide ships in and out of the Chesapeake Bay port. The Seven Foot Knoll was built in 1855 and is the oldest screw-pile lighthouse in Maryland. Visitors are encouraged to plan a visit and hop aboard the historic ships, speak with the crew members, and explore a collection of roughly 50,000 objects, photographs and historical documents pertaining to the ships.

Want to learn more about Historic Ships in Baltimore? Visit their website to begin your next adventure and follow along with their social media profiles below.

With locations in Baltimore and Columbia, Toby’s Dinner Theatre combines award-winning live performances with equally satisfying dinner options. Featuring countless Broadway favorites as well as original musicals, Toby's has provided a deliciously different theater-going experience to Baltimore's performing arts scene since 1979.

To find out more, we spoke with theatre founder Toby Orenstein:

Visit Baltimore: What can visitors expect when they see a show at Toby's?

Toby Orenstein: “We have a wonderful professional cast and over and over again we hear the comment this was as good as any show I have seen on Broadway. The biggest difference you will find is the cost and we pass the savings onto the customer. For the quality, it is the best theatre value you will find.”

VB: What are some of the "must-see" performances this season?

Toby: “They are all must-sees! When you look at our line up in both our Columbia and Baltimore theatre you will see that there is something for everyone. When we make our show selections we are conscious of choosing shows to satisfy everyone’s taste. We always make sure that each season we have a show that will make it enjoyable to introduce a child to theatre. What better way to do that, then at Toby’s where they can get close to the stage and meet the actors.

VB: For a night out, why Toby's?

Toby: For an extremely reasonable price you not only get a world class theatre experience, but your meal is included in the price too. We have a 25 item salad bar, a huge buffet and carving station, a choice of desserts and a make your own ice-cream sundae bar. Our two theatres offer two different experiences. The Columbia theatre is in the round and our Baltimore theatre is proscenium styled, more like a traditional theatre. But the best part is, your server is also one of the actors on the stage, so you get to meet the talent up close too. It's Deliciously Entertaining!"

Want to learn more about Toby’s Dinner Theatre? Visit their website for an upcoming schedule, or follow along with their social media profiles below.

Dedicated as a national heritage site, the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park celebrates the accomplishments of African American entrepreneurs throughout the history of Baltimore's maritime industry. Located in historic Fell's Point where the cobblestone streets meet the water, the views from the park are some of the best in the city, making the park a hotspot for outdoor events and weddings.

With 5,000 square feet of gallery space divided into permanent exhibits, exhibitions, and interactive learning centers, the maritime park highlights the lives of Frederick Douglass and Isaac Myers, the founding of the Chesapeake Marine Railway and Dry Dock Company, as well as the establishment of an African American community in Baltimore in the 1800s. Visitors are welcome to explore the park and galleries on their own or schedule a guided tour where they can learn to caulk, build boats, and participate in many other family oriented activities.

Find out more about the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park by visiting them on the web at douglassmyers.org or follow along with their social media profiles below.

We are looking for a few proud, loud Baltimoreans to represent this great city with pride, honor and cool travel tips. For your brave efforts in spreading the Baltimore love you will earn exclusive access to Baltimore events and attractions, and be featured as an expert on Baltimore.org.

Geppi’s Entertainment Museum lives up to its abbreviation: GEM. Play on words aside, Geppi’s shines as a pop culture mecca with each exhibit filled to the brim with nostalgic Americana. From “A Story in Four Colors” (a comprehensive collection of rare and historically relevant comic books) to “Going Global” (a look at 90’s – 2000’s movies, toys, games and more,) each gallery is designed to capture a specific period in American pop culture.

In addition to their permanent exhibits, GEM hosts a variety of unique events that celebrate the spirit of the museum. One of our favorites, Zombie Gras, is coming this Saturday, February 11, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It's a gloriously geeky combination of the undead and Mardi Gras and comes complete with a zombie bar crawl, scavenger hunt, costume contests, an exclusive reemergence of Devin Hannon’s famous Zombie Nation exhibition, and more!

But you don't have to take it from us. Here's Steve Geppi (President, Founder, and CEO of GEM) to tell you all about what makes this museum a must see:

Find out more about Geppi's Entertainment Museum by visiting them on the web at geppismuseum.com or follow along with their social media profiles below.

Geppi's Entertainment Museum Neighborhood: Camden Station 301 W. Camden Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

Located at Pratt Street and Pier 4, the historic Power Plant complex (completed in 1909) is a staple of Baltimore's skyline. With tenants like Hard Rock Cafe, Barnes & Noble, Phillips Seafood, and Dick's Last Resort, Power Plant is a must-visit for those in and around the Inner Harbor.

New this December is the nightly Power Plant Holiday Light Show Spectacular, a free and family friendly event featuring a professionally choreographed laser light show with music, fireworks (after 9pm) and projections on the Power Plant building.

To get the lowdown on Power Plant and the Holiday Light Show Spectacular, we spoke with Megan Slattery, the Marketing Manager at the Cordish Company.

Visit Baltimore: Power Plant is an iconic building synonymous with the Inner Harbor, can you talk a little about the history of the space and what people can expect when they visit?

Megan: Developed in partnership with the City of Baltimore, the Power Plant features first class restaurant, entertainment and retail venues including Phillips Seafood, Hard Rock Cafe, Barnes & Nobles and more and is considered one of the leading entertainment projects in the United States.

VB: There’s a lot going on in Baltimore for the holidays, what are the ‘must see’ events happening at or around Power Plant?

Megan: The Power Plant Holiday Light Show Spectacular runs nightly through New Year’s Eve! It is an amazing display of synchronized lights, brilliant lasers, and state-of-the-art video mapping projections all choreographed to festive holiday music and set to the backdrop of the iconic downtown landmark, the Power Plant. Every night catch shows at 6PM, 7PM, and 8PM. Fridays and Saturdays there are additional 9PM shows with fireworks! Plus, on New Year’s Eve shows will run every hour on the hour from 6PM-11PM – each incorporating a fireworks display! It adds another exciting element to an already fantastic show.

Visit the Cordish Company's website to learn more about Power Plant and their other properties in Baltimore.

Want to see the Power Plant Holiday Light Show Spectacular "teaser?" Check out our video here.

Power Plant

One of the most distinguishing features of Baltimore is its neighborhoods. Each area has a unique personality brought to life by the residents, local shops, restaurants, and history. Whether you're in the Inner Harbor or Mount Vernon, Fell's Point or Federal Hill, Canton or beyond Downtown, a rich and diverse experience is always just around the corner.

One such neighborhood, a quick walk or free Charm City Circulator ride away from the Inner Harbor, is Federal Hill. Named in 1789 after a parade celebrating the ratification of the new Federal constitution ended atop the hill, Federal Hill is a staple of the City's landscape. A charming mix of old and new, Federal Hill boasts a variety of  specialty shops as well as some of the City's best pubs and restaurants.

Author's note: If you're looking for some great local food (both to eat-in or take home) and chill place to grab a big beer all under one roof, check out the Cross Street Market. Dating back to 1846, the "Market" is a must when exploring Historic Federal Hill.

To learn more about this historic neighborhood, we met with Jane Seebold, Executive Director at Federal Hill Main Street.

Visit Baltimore: What makes Federal Hill unique?

Jane Seebold: It's a tight-knit but welcoming community. Most of the business owners here live just a few steps away from where they work. A good portion of our community are third or fourth generation residents and they take pride in where they live. There's a laid back atmosphere here, with an appreciation for arts at many of our local galleries, a taste for food at our award winning local restaurants, and an active nightlife. We're also in a great location between the Inner Harbor and Fort McHenry, and with the coming celebration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812, we have a lot to offer travelers. Not to mention many of the city's top attractions like the American Visionary Arts Museum, the National Aquarium, and the sports stadiums are only blocks away. 

VB: What does it mean for Federal Hill to be "historically hip?"

Jane: There is a lot of history in this area and you can get a great sense for it while exploring. The architecture of the buildings, the storefronts, the cobblestone streets... there's a lot to see and do. At the same time, people looking for unique shopping, great restaurants, pubs, and local art can find that, too. We have events like "First Thursdays" where our shops, restaurants, and galleries offer special deals, refreshments, and a fun atmosphere for people to meet as well as some big festivals like Street Beat, Jazz and Blues Fest, and the Spring Block Party.

Want to learn more about Federal Hill? Visit their website and check out their social media profiles below.

Federal Hill Main Street

Credited with first coining the phrase "ring in the New Year," Lord Alfred Tennyson wrote in his most well-known poem "In Memoriam"

Ring out the old, ring in the new, Ring, happy bells, across the snow: The year is going, let him go; Ring out the false, right in the true.

There might not be snow, but plenty of "ringing" will be going on this New Year's Eve as Baltimore says goodbye to 2011! Kick off the evening at the Inner Harbor Amphitheater with regional funk and soul band the 8 Ohms at 9 p.m. The club scene more your style? Make your way through all of 10 participating bars and clubs as part of the Power Plant Live New Year's party or dine-in at many local restaurants offering celebratory specials.

After the ball drops, look to the skies over Baltimore as the world renowned artisans from Pyrotecnico bring the boom with their choreographed fireworks spectacular! To learn more about the fireworks display we caught up with Bill Gilmore, the Executive Director at Baltimore's Office of Promotion & the Arts.

Visit Baltimore: What makes Baltimore's New Year's Eve Spectacular the best place to ring in 2012?

Bill: The fireworks display in Baltimore is the largest in the region, making it a great event for families.

VB: Is there anything new in store for this year's celebration?

Bill: In addition to the fireworks and live music from the 8 Ohms, there are a few special surprises to coincide with the 175th anniversary of our presenting sponsor, the Baltimore Sun. Watch our website for more information coming soon.  

VB: Is there a "best seat in the house" vantage point for the fireworks display?

Bill: Anywhere, really. Two barges anchor out in the Inner Harbor and the result is a fireworks display visible from many downtown attractions, restaurants, hotels, residences and surrounding areas including Fell's Point, Harbor East and Federal Hill.

Want to know more about BOPA and other events they have planned throughout Baltimore? Check out their website and social media profiles listed below.

Baltimore Office of Promotion & the Arts

7 E. Redwood Street, Suite 500, Baltimore MD 21202

Harbor Magic consists of three unique hotels located in and around Baltimore's famous Inner Harbor, the Pier 5 Hotel, the Admiral Fell Inn and the Inn at Henderson's Wharf. While the hotels are delightfully different, each location works closely with its sister properties to connect guests to the best Baltimore has to offer.

The Pier 5 Hotel is right in the heart of the action. Located on its own pier next to the National Aquarium and behind the Power Plant entertainment complex, guests of the Pier 5 Hotel are just a leisurely stroll away from the Inner Harbor promenade. The hotel offers complimentary Harbor Magic in-hotel activities like the weekday "Crabby Hours," a hands on cooking demonstration of the fine art of blue crab dip while enjoying Maryland microbrews and wine, and the Saturday Chocolate Events. The hotel is perfect for upcoming events like the Holiday Light Show Spectacular and Power Plant's "Rock the Dock" Family Holiday Bash, not to mention a great vantage point for Baltimore's New Year's Eve fireworks display!

The Admiral Fell Inn is recognized as a Historic Hotel of America and dates back to the 1770's. Located in historic Fell's Point, the Admiral Fell Inn has a rich history as part of Baltimore's bustling ship port and has served as a chandlery, a theater, a boarding house for sailors and even a Seaman's YMCA. Harbor Magic guests are invited to the Admiral Fell for the Admiral's Reception, a look into the history of Fell's Point with local historians along with beer and wine, and the Historic Ghost Tour. Nearby, check out The Horse You Came In On Saloon which is said to be one of the last places Edgar Allan Poe was seen alive. There are rumors that he still haunts the bar and can be seen as part of the Original Fell's Point Ghost Walk.

The Inn at Henderson's Wharf, rated the #1 hotel in Baltimore on TripAdvisor, is your place for a quiet getaway. Founded in 1893 and named for pre-Civil War merchant, John Henderson, the Wharf sits on the section of land that gave Fell's Point its name. Just steps away from many boutique shops, upscale pubs and fine dining, guests can enjoy the cobblestone streets and historic neighborhood at their own pace. The Telltale Reception offers guests the opportunity to enjoy an open bar and hors d'oeuvres while learning what to see, do, and discover in Baltimore and Fell's Point.

A Harbor Magic shuttle runs a loop between the locations allowing guests to experience each of the unique events at all three hotels and get the most out of their time in Baltimore.

After making a reservation guests have access to a "Harbor Magic Specialist," a Baltimore travel and events expert that can assist with planning the perfect trip. Whether it's a wedding, bachelorette party, anniversary, family reunion, or group outing, Harbor Magic has partnerships with many of the biggest local attractions to help make your stay in Baltimore one to remember.

Want to know more about the Harbor Magic hotels? Visit their website and pages below for more information regarding packages, events, and reservations.

Harbor Magic Hotels

Pier 5 Hotel: 711 Eastern Avenue, Baltimore MD 21202

Admiral Fell Inn: 888 South Broadway, Baltimore MD 21231

The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Headquarters, built in 1906, stood as a testament to the City's forward thinking attitude and spirited communities. Now, more than 100 years later, the original B&O Headquarters has been elegantly refurbished into Baltimore's first Kimpton luxury boutique hotel, the Monaco Baltimore. In addition to the creative amenities that travelers have come to expect from Kimpton Hotels (ask them about a goldfish), the location puts guests in the middle of the excitement a few blocks away from some of Baltimore's biggest attractions like the Inner Harbor, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Mount Vernon, and 1st Mariner Arena.

Looking for a fine dining experience? Connected to the grand lobby of the hotel is one of Baltimore's hottest spots for seasonal American cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails, B&O American Brasserie. Drawing from the rich history of American railroading, the restaurant recreates the luxury of B&O dining cars, like The York, to perfectly meld time-honored style and substance, so much so that Chef Thomas Dunklin and his team were recently named one of "Baltimore's Best Restaurants" according to Baltimore Magazine.

The space also hosts many events, notably Kimpton's "Living Red Ribbon" Kick-off Happy Hour November 30, 2011, where local residents, Baltimore dignitaries and area non-profit supporters will gather for an “official” kick-off party on the eve of World AIDS Day to garner support and awareness of “B’More Aware of HIV: The Living Red Ribbon.”

For 2011, Condé Nast Traveler magazine honored Monaco Baltimore as one of the few recipients of the coveted "Best in the World" designation. We sat down with John Tiffey, Director of Sales and Marketing at the hotel to learn more about that honor and what makes the Monaco Baltimore a shining example of Kimpton's dedication to customer service and quality.

Visit Baltimore: What makes the Monaco Baltimore, a Kimpton Hotel the best place to stay in Baltimore?

John: The goal of the Kimpton and Monaco brands is to offer a memorable stay for all of our guests which is unique and personalized as compared to the larger hotels. We want all of our guests to leave with a great experience and a great memory. 

VB: What makes Baltimore an appealing travel destination?

John: There is so much history and culture here. There are great neighborhoods and such great diversity for business and leisure travelers as well as convention groups to have everything they need within such a close proximity. This hotel really adds to the great hotel community that's already here. 

VB: Are there events coming up for the holidays that visitors should know about?

John: On Cyber Monday, November 28, 2011, Kimpton will launch a 72-Hour Sale, offering suites and specialty rooms for the price of a standard guestroom. We will also bring back Santa Paws Saturday December 10th from 2pm-4pm where dog and cat owners are invited to bring their pets for a picture with Santa Clause and enjoy tasty holiday pet treats with hot cider for the owners. For New Years Eve, the B&O American Brasserie will host "Black Tie and Bubbles" with three and five course dinners to choose from over three separate seatings (reservations open December 1.)

Want to know more about Monaco Baltimore? Visit their website and pages below for more information regarding packages, events, and reservations.

Monaco Baltimore, a Kimpton Hotel

2 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201