This past weekend, we spontaneously decided to take a trip to Baltimore. We had heard great things about Maryland seafood and were ready to explore the Inner Harbor! In this post, I touch on where we stayed, the places we ate, where we went, and how we had the greatest weekend in this city!
Where we stayed
Since my husband and I enjoy traveling frequently, we try to save money when possible. Over the years, we have had great experiences at IHG hotels. That meant we booked our stay at the downtown Holiday Inn Express. This hotel had free wifi, continental breakfast, and free shuttle service. Everything we needed! Their parking situation was quite limited, but we never had an issue.
Other highly rated hotels:
- Hyatt Place Baltimore
- Pier 5 Hotel
- Lord Baltimore
DAY ONE
In the morning, we had no plans other than to walk around and find some cute coffee shops or boutiques. On weekend trips, we try to plan only a few activities and leave plenty of time to explore. For my over-planning personality, having no itinerary goes against everything I believe in but can be so freeing.
Inner Habor
On our first day, we decide to spend our morning in the Inner Harbor. We got up early and took advantage of the continental breakfast in the hotel lobby. After we filled up on too much caffeine and donuts, we walked to the Inner Harbor. This area has to be one of the best views of the city. We walked around many lively restaurants, cafes, and shops. My favorite part of this area was the bookshop and the ships rolling in the harbor. I couldn’t describe a more peaceful morning.
What to do
While exploring the harbor, we stumbled upon a French Naval Ship named the Garrone. This ship was doing a transatlantic test run from France to Baltimore, and they were giving free tours. So, we climbed aboard! Only about five crew members were on the entire ship, but they showed us around, which was a unique experience.
Shop similar items to my outfit:
Other activities to do in the Inner Harbor:
- Lexington Market
- Edgar Allan Poe Grave Site and Museum
- Living Classrooms’ Pirate Ships of Baltimore
Where we ate
After exploring the harbor, we were ready to grab some food for lunch. I mean it when I say we made no plans before coming to Baltimore. The first restaurant we walked past was the one we decided on for lunch. Our goal in Baltimore was to eat all the seafood we could, so it worked out when we ended up at the James Joyce Irish Pub.
Since we planned on having a large dinner that evening, we decided to split a fish and chips entree and two side salads. The interior was so charming. I can’t wait to visit Ireland one day.
Other places to eat within the Inner Harbor:
- Blackwall Hitch
- Faidley’s
- Captain James Crabhouse
Fells Point
After lunch, we headed over to this cute neighborhood named Fells Point. Fells Point is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Baltimore. This place was paved with cobblestone streets and was full of historic buildings. According to lore, Edgar Allan Poe took his last drink at The Horse You Came In On Saloon, which still stands today.
Quoth the Raven, “Nevermore.”
Where to stay
- Sagamore Pendry – This hotel is the top-rated hotel in Baltimore. It is filled with excellent reviews and is gorgeous from the inside out. This place has a prime location overlooking the water and is within walking distance of many areas within the point.
- Admiral Inn – This hotel is also another highly rated place within the city and comes with a very historical atmosphere.
What to do
- Baltimore Water Taxi
- Farmers Market
- Nepenthe Brewery
Where to eat
Unfortunately, we did not eat in Fells Point, even though there were a million restaurants I would have loved to try. We ended our night in the Inner Harbor to eat at Phillips Seafood. However, if you are looking to dine in Fells Point, some fantastic-looking restaurants are:
- Thames Street Oyster House
- Duck Duck Goose
- Ekiben
DAY TWO
National Aquarium
The next day we woke up bright and early so we could be one of the first at the aquarium. Our hotel offered discounted tickets, so we purchased them the night before in the lobby. The National Aquarium is one of Baltimore’s main attractions, so we wanted to beat the crowds. Once again, we enjoyed the continental breakfast from our hotel and then walked to the aquarium.
This aquarium was massive and so much fun. All ages can find enjoyment in this place. This place was very interactive. While there, we talked to a Macaw parrot, touched a handful of jellyfish and crabs, and watched a dolphin show. The National Aquarium is excellent because it focuses on rehabilitating some larger aquatic animals, such as the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins. By 2020, they plan to relocate their dolphins to the Dolphin Sanctuary off the coast of Florida.
Thank you for having us, Baltimore! You were a darling, and we hope to return someday.
For other trips we have taken, check out my travel tab on:
Disclaimer: In no way or form is this a sponsored post. We used our hard-earned money to book this stay, and all opinions are our own.
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