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Baltimore

Be prepared to be charmed by this Old rebel of a city - Baltimore, Maryland.

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Rising from the Patapsco River that empties into the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is a true American success story.

Nicknamed “Charm City” because of its hospitality, Baltimore is every bit as proud as it is welcoming. Pride shines through in every nook of this city, from the beautifully kept cobblestone streets of historic Fells Point to the wide avenues of the wealthy Mount Vernon. You can even sense the pride in the elaborate descriptions of entrees on the menus in Little Italy and in the beckoning voices of vendors in the city’s five markets. There is no doubt that this city is proud, and it has every right to be. It has a courageous past and a very bright and promising future.

Baltimore played a significant part in the American Revolution and has since endured a cycle of rebounding and suffering anew. Established by the Colonial government in 1729, the town grew as a port and shipping center and enjoyed booming business during the War of Independence. Because it was the home port for a significant portion of the U.S. Navy vessels and privateers, it was a natural target for the enemy during the War of 1812. After capturing and torching Washington D.C., the British fleet sailed up the Patapsco River and bombarded Baltimore’s Ft. McHenry, but in vain. The 30- by 42-ft, 15 star, 15 stripe flag was still flying “by the dawns early light,” a sight that inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Photo Credit: Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association

After becoming the second-largest city in the U.S. post-Revolution, Baltimore was crippled by military rule and violence born of divided loyalties during the Civil War. Blooming again during the railroad-rich last decades of the 19th century, the city was devastated by a fire in 1904, bounced back undaunted, but was then plunged deep into the doldrums by the Great Depression. Baltimore didn’t rally back until the renewal programs of the 1980s.

Today the crown jewel of Baltimore is the Inner Harbor, a scenic and popular waterfront area with dozens of retail stores, restaurants and attractions. But when talking about attractions of this city you can’t exclude the runner-up to the crown jewel title — Camden Yards. Home to the Baltimore Orioles, this stadium has become a key element in renovating the central city. So when you are in town, and if the timing is right, be sure to catch a game.

Visiting Baltimore is an open event, you can go when you like. The spring and fall are the most temperate and scenic seasons. But The Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean gives the eastern part of Maryland fairly mild winters and humid summers.