Honeymoon in Baltimore
by Rita Cook

Edgar Allen Poe's home today.

If you find yourself honeymooning on the East Coast then by all means take the time to discover Baltimore, Maryland. Often referred to as Crabtown USA, Baltimore is small and intimate, but has that big city feel.

I felt warmly nestled at the Admiral Fell Inn (888 South Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland, 410-522-7377) and imagine a honeymoon in the two-level suite would be a good choice for a romantic getaway. The Admiral Fell is a historical property that even comes with a resident ghost drifting around the lobby. While Baltimore might have a reputation for being cold outside, my room in the inn was anything but as I slid into the large whirlpool tub in preparation for a late dinner in Little Italy at Aldo's. If Italian food is your thing then this is a stop you won't want to miss, truly authentic inside and out, it has been rumored to be Baltimore's best Italian restaurant.

After a hearty meal I returned to my room, ready for what Baltimore would bring the following day. I was not disappointed as I headed to the Top of the World the next morning to get a panoramic view to the east, west, north and south. There, over the rooftops of the Baltimore skyline, I mapped out my route for the day; museums, opera house, Egyptian exhibit and of course, more fabulous restaurants.

As for museums in Baltimore, there is quite a bit to offer. Walter's Art Museum was showcasing "Eternal Egypt," then there was the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Maryland Historical Societies re-opening and an incredible little museum called the American Visionary Museum. This last museum was nothing other than a true inspiration as life became art and art became life in images and sculptures that bespoke a real truth inside the artist's soul. If you only have time for one museum in Baltimore, make it the American Visionary Museum for a true change of pace and a change of outlook.

Of course, not to spend all your time at those stuffy museums, Baltimore is also about names. Names, for example, of some well-known people come to mind when thinking of Baltimore. Edgar Allen Poe died in this town. However, since that time many have found the town quite alive such as John Waters who, it could be said, put Baltimore on the map with his films "Hairspray" and "Polyester." Billie Holiday spent many important years in Baltimore and Babe Ruth great up in this city too. For the patriotic at heart, visit the newly renovated Maryland Historical Society and see Francis Scott Key's original Star-Spangled Banner manuscript.

Baltimore is a cultural city too, but on Saturday night while my friends were enjoying a night of opera I quietly made my way to do some shopping around the Inner Harbor. Four books, one beauty product and several items of clothing later it was time to return to my room for a relaxing evening at the Admiral Fell Inn, I was quite eager to talk to the ghost.

Since the history is so rich in Baltimore and especially around the old harbor area, there is much to tell. The city was actually established in 1729, but by the early 1800s it was a significant town and played a big role in the war of 1812.

Always an important city and certainly situated in just the right place, Baltimore will cater to the history buff, the sports junkie, the music lover or the pop culture artist. There is truly something for everyone as Baltimore is a place where you can find romance, culture, relaxation or just plain fun. One final thing you won't want to miss before you head back home, enjoy Brunch at Gertrude's located in the Baltimore Museum of Art - try their version of a Bloody Mary, that alone will convince you to return again and again.

Return to
Travel Adventures with Rita

Return to Travel

Return to Home Page