Local InformationBaltimore, Maryland:(This article was prepared by the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association) They don't call it "Charm City" for nothing. When you begin exploring Baltimore, you'll realize how apt this nickname is. From the Inner Harbor to Fells Point, Fort McHenry and beyond, there's no shortage of attractions and neighborhoods to charm you. The Inner Harbor alone has enough to keep the whole family busy for awhile. Harborplace, featuring the Pratt Street Pavilion and Light Street Pavilion, offers something for everyone, from top restaurants to fabulous shopping that lets you take home a bit of Baltimore. Get a quick overview by traveling to the top of the Inner Harbor's World Trade Center. At The Top of the World Observation Level and Museum, a 27thth-floor panorama officers a bird's-eye view of Baltimore. Next stop -the National Aquarium. From sea turtles, sharks and stingrays to re-created ecosystems, this is a learning experience that's truly fun. Galleries also demonstrates the way in which marine life adapts to extreme conditions. The marine Mammal Pavilion features an amphitheater where you can enjoy dolphins in action. Established in 1797, the Maryland Science Center and Planetarium is the oldest research facility in Maryland. Three floors of displays delve into such topics as mathematics and physics, and everything is as entertaining as it is fascinating. The Davis Planetarium offers insight into cosmology and astronomy, while the IMAX Theater features unforgettable films in a state-of-the-art format. If art is your thing, then you'll want to schedule a Baltimore art tour at the world-renowned Baltimore Museum of Art. The museum features everything from period furniture to Old master paintings. The sculpture garden is also well worth a visit. The Walters Art Gallery offers a comprehensive collection of historical artworks that spans 5,000 years. The collection comprises ivories, jewelry, bronzes and European paintings, just the thing for anyone interested in antiquities. Baseball fans flock to Camden Yards to see the Orioles play. The stadium has set the trend for retro stadiums across the country. The NFL Ravens play just across from Camden. The Baltimore Zoo is the place to find Siberian tigers and the six-acre African Watering Hole. The Reptile House, Children's Zoo and African camel exhibits never fail to draw a crowd. If you've come for the history, you're sure to be thrilled with Baltimore. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is just the beginning. There's the Maryland Historical Society, the B&O Railroad Museum, the Baltimore Museum of Industry and much, much more. Transportation: Baltimore is accessible by air, bus, or automobile. There are 3 airports serving the Baltimore area. Baltimore-Washington International Airport is about 20 minutes from the hotel. Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC and Dulles International Airport in Northern Virginia. Limousine, shuttle or taxi services are available from each of these airports. Transportation is provided by the BWI airport Shuttle Express. The shuttle leaves BWI every half hour. Departures from the Baltimore Hilton & Tower are at 20 minutes after and 10 minutes before the hour. Cost is $11.00 one-way. $17.00 round-trip. This page was last modified on April 16, 2001 |