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“Oh, say can you see?”

Exploring Baltimore

By Sandra Scott

“Oh, say can you see?” You can see all of Baltimore from the Top of the World Trade Center, and what a view it is.   Even by starting at  “dawn’s early light,” it is not possible to see everything in one day – or even in two days.  The Inner Harbor is the perfect place to start exploring Baltimore.

The best way to get orientated, and to get around, is on Ed Kane’s Water Taxi. It offers a no-hassle way to visit many of the Inner Harbor sites. It makes good sense and saves cents.  The eight-dollar unlimited day ticket includes a Letter of Marque. What is a Letter of Marque? When Baltimore was a brawling seaport dedicated to twisting the British Lion's Tail during the War of 1812, a ship owner’s most prized documents was a Letter of Marque, which authorized the ship to legally raid British commerce. Today’s Letter of Marque provides visitors with a way to shave something from the bill at pubs, restaurants, shops and attractions in the Inner Harbor area.

Take the water taxi to Inner Harbor’s great protector during the War of 1812, Fort McHenry. It was from a British ship in the harbor that Francis Scott Key watched the Battle of Fort McHenry and was so inspired to see the American Flag still flying at the end of the battle he immortalized it in a poem, “Defense of Fort McHenry.” It was set to music and became “The Star Spangled Banner.”   An informational video about the Fort’s history ends with a rousing rendition of the song by the Annapolis Naval Academy Choir.

Returning from the Fort to the Inner Harbor get off the water taxi at the landing by the Rusty Scupper Restaurant where it is just a short walk to the do-not-miss American Visionary Art Museum.  The original works of art created by intuitive, self-taught artists will provoke, amuse, intrigue, and appeal to the art connoisseur and even to those who normally refrain from visiting art museums.

Back in the Inner Harbor, check out the plethora of shops, then help to “Man the Mizzens,” where for a few minutes you are a member of the crew. The USS Constellation, commissioned in 1855, was the last all-sail ship built by the United States Navy. It offers a firsthand look at what the sailors’ life was like a hundred years ago.

There is so much to do in the Inner Harbor that even starting “at dawn’s early light” will not provide enough time. The Baltimore Maritime Museum is home to the USS Torsk, the last victorious WWII submarine; the USCGC Taney, the last Pearl Harbor survivor afloat; the Lightship Chesapeake, which marked the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay for 33 years, and the 7-foot Knoll Lighthouse, which guided mariners safely into Baltimore Harbor.

Recently Baltimore’s National Aquarium opened their new Australia exhibit to go along with their unforgettable journey under the sea. Only a short walk to the other side of the harbor is the Maryland Science Center with three full floors of hands-on exhibits, IMAX films, planetarium shows, and observatory.

Of course there is more to see Baltimore besides the Inner Harbor. One of the best ways to learn about all Baltimore has to offer is on a sightseeing trolley tour. Did you know that Al Jolson and Baby Ruth attended the same orphanage school? And, Edgar Allan Poe did not die in the gutter?  The tour puts Baltimore in perspective, providing a unique blend of history, culture, folklore, and trivia about the treasures of Baltimore. And, it helps in deciding just what sites to put on top of the “to-do” list for the next day.

After a full day of sightseeing watch the sunset from the Hyatt’s Pisces Restaurant or take a dinner cruise – with a little dancing – on the Bay Lady.

Evening is time to plot the next day’s activities. What will it be? The Fells Point Maritime Museum to learn about the notorious privateer clipper ships of the War of 1812. Or, The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute & Cultural Center in the Mount Vernon which features permanent exhibitions on Baltimore jazz greats Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, Chick Webb and others. Or, maybe visit the Babe Ruth Birthplace in Camden Yards.

Baltimore has something for everyone. Wander the Lexington Market, dine in Little Italy, discover the power of a healthy smile at the Dental Museum, and of course, there is the shopping.

It is easy to see why Frommer’s, one of the world’s leading travel guide publisher, has named Baltimore one of the “Top 10 Up and Coming Travel Destinations” - in the world! Travel experts polled by Frommer’s cited the city’s cultural renaissance, diversity of the city’s neighborhoods and wealth of unique attractions, restaurants and museums. Baltimore is in good company within the top 10 that also includes Brazil, Puerto Rico, the Cook Islands, Barcelona, Vietnam, Belize, South Africa, and the Catskills

For more information check: www.baltimore.org

Photos by Sandra Scott and John Scott

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