Baltimore Travel Guide

Built in 1867 for $200,000, with its 2nd empire style and Baroque design, Baltimore City Hall is a great tourist stop. Built by 22 year old architect George E. Frederick, there are only a few government buildings with this style. Visitors can tour the chambers and view exhibits regarding vast amounts of Baltimore’s history. City Hall Plaza located across the street from City Hall was the first place the ever popular Star Spangled Banner was publicly sung.

The wax museum was the first opened in Baltimore in 1983. Its founders, Dr. Elmer and Joanne Martin opened their museum with 21 wax figures. The history of African Americans like Frederick Douglass and Thurgood Marshall in Baltimore is great. Some of the exhibits include the Magnificence of Africa which features the Egyptian Pharaoh Imhotep and Chaka Zula. Another available exhibit is the Underground Railroad, featuring Thomas Garrett and the well known Harriet Tubman.

The Lexington Market was established in 1782 and is the world’s largest continuously running market. The land for the market was donated by General John Eager Howard, a hero from the American Revolution. Merchants and farmers gathered at Lexington Market to purchase and exchange barter’s for livestock, hay, and other goods. President George Washington was said to have passed the market occasionally on his trip to and from his estate. The Lexington Market has been up and running for 220 years and still is today with such events as the Chocolate Festival and Lunch with elephants.

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum is known as the birthplace of the railroad system. In association with the Smithsonian Institute, the B&O Railroad displays 120 of the oldest, full size locomotives along with their memorabilia such as dining car china, signals, artwork and other significant pieces. Visitors can dine at the Iron Horse Cafe for lunch and purchase hats, shirts, cups or other souvenirs from the museum’s store. Train rides are available Tuesday through Sundays, April through December.

Located just 10 miles South of Baltimore the Arundel Mills Mall is definitely worth the trip for those shopping enthusiasts. Frommer’s described the mall as “theme-park like” and who wouldn’t with the 1.3 million square feet of retail outlets available. There are over 200 shops to visit including Saks Fifth Avenue, Bass Pro Shop and Sun and Ski Sports. It also offers Egyptian 24 Theaters and Jillian’s for family fun!