Baltimore Things to Do Tips by brendareed

Fort McHenry National Monument Fort McHenry Review

In 1814, Francis Scott Key was a prisoner on a British ship during the Battle for Baltimore. As the battle raged on all night long, Key wondered about the fate of those in the fort. As the morning light appeared, Key saw the flag still flying and knew that the USA had won the battle. From this experience, Key wrote the poem that has since become the national anthem of the United States – “Star Spangled Banner.”

Today, you can visit the fort that Key saw from the ship. And, if you are lucky, you will be there when the park rangers bring out a replica of the flag he saw (the original is hanging in the Smithsonian in Washington, DC). The flag was massive and it takes a large number of people (50+) to hold it – which is why the rangers don’t always bring out the flag (there needs to be a large group there or a very crowded day with lots of visitors).

As you enter the grounds, you begin with the museum – a small display of memorabilia from the fort’s history. There is a nice scale map of the fort that puts everything into perspective. Be sure to see the movie before you head into the fort. Not only does it give you a good overview of the War of 1812 and the Battle for Baltimore, but it is moving at the end when the curtains open and you look out onto the flag flying above the fort as the national anthem plays.

In the fort, the museum continues with the barracks and other buildings opened up for viewing, many with artifacts arranged and everything well described in signs. You can walk around the wall of the five sided star shaped fort that looks out over the entrance to Baltimore Harbor.
On nice days, the grounds of Fort McHenry make a wonderful picnic ground and the breezes from the water make kite flying a lot of fun.

There is a fee to enter the fort ($7/adults, children are free); however, if you are with an educational group, you can get a waiver if you act in advance (a form needs to be faxed to the fort – see website for details). The fee is good for seven days.

Getting there is not too hard – either by car or by bus (bus #1 stops in front of the fort). It is about three miles from the Inner Harbor.

The Star Spangled Banner
~ Francis Scott Key, 1814

Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming?
Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming?
And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner! Oh long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!

Address: 2400 East Fort Avenue

Phone: +01 410 962 4290

Website: http://www.nps.gov/fomc/index.htm

National Aquarium National Aquarium Review

The National Aquarium is located right at the Inner Harbor and is a favorite place for adults and children. It is not just about the fish, but the aquarium has birds, snakes, reptiles and amphibians. The Australian animal exhibit is fascinating.

In the middle of summer the Aquarium is very crowded – I guess the term sardine would be appropriate here! Come early in the day to avoid the crowds. Tickets are not cheap (current prices are $25/adult and $20/child) and you will want to enjoy your time at the aquarium without getting bumped and moved along with the crush of people.

The Aquarium has a dolphin show (added fee) that runs 3-5 times a day (check the schedule online). You can see the dolphins without going to the show, but the show adds to the fun and education about these mammals.

It is highly recommended that you buy your tickets in advance online – that way you avoid the lines. Come early in the day or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds (and avoid the summer if at all possible!).

The Aquarium makes for a fun outing, especially with children. The air conditioned building also makes a nice break from Baltimore’s heat and humidity.

Address: 501 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore

Phone: +01 410 576 3800

Website: http://www.aqua.org

M&T Stadium – home of the Ravens Camden Yards - Raven's Stadium Review

In 1984, Baltimore’s national league football team the Colts, left in the middle of the night and moved to Indianapolis, leaving this football loving city heartbroken and longing for a team for ten years. Baltimore was given one of the new expansion teams in 1995 and the Baltimore Ravens were born. This team went on to win the Superbowl XXXV in 2001.

Ravens stadium, M&T Bank Stadium, is located in Baltimore near the Inner Harbor and right next to Camden Yards and Orioles Park. Tickets for the games are difficult to get, but if you are lucky enough, you can experience one of the best home field advantages due to the loudness of the fans. Dressed in purple and black, Ravens’ fans know how to cheer their team on to victory.

The Ravens practice in Owings Mills, which is northwest of Baltimore, in a closed facility. Each summer, McDaniel College in Westminster, Md., becomes the home of the Ravens training camp, which is free for fans to visit and watch the team get ready for the upcoming season.

Baltimore is proud of its team – and no matter what time of year you’ll see the fans wearing the purple jerseys around town. Just don’t say the word “Colts” in earshot of one of them!

Website: http://www.baltimoreravens.com