Baltimore is the largest city in the state of Maryland and is named after Lord Baltimore of the Irish House of Lords who was the founder of the Maryland colony. The name itself comes from the Irish word Baile an Tí Mhóir and means "Town of the Big House". It refers to the O'Driscoll castle in Ireland.
Baltimore is full of history and culture. It is easy to get lost in the halls of a great museum and spend some time out of the apartment. Interested in the history of the United States? This is a great place to start your research. Locals and visitors alike are often enthralled by the educational opportunities here. It's just as easy to find
family fun, night life and exquisite dining here.
Spend hours learning about the city, state country and the world around us in any of Baltimore's wonderful museums. Plan a visit to Maryland Science Center, Walters Art Museum, Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum, Port Discovery Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, National Museum of Dentistry, Jewish Museum of Maryland, Baltimore Civil War Museum, Great Blacks in Wax Museum and the Star Spangled Banner Flaghouse and 1812 Museum.
Shopping is an exciting activity in Baltimore. With so many high end shops you feel like a celebrity perusing the lanes. There are retail malls and specialty shops as well, dotting the roadsides like tiny jewels. For extreme bargain hunting plan a shopping excursion at Paris West, Men's Warehouse, Lexington Lady, Nelson Coleman, Coldwater Creek, Lullabye Baby, Pen Boutique, Traynham's, Samuelson's, New Creations, Haas, Haggar and Hajoca.
All the excitement in Baltimore can stimulate the appetite. There is no better place to be hungry. If your tastes run to the delicate flavors of haute cuisine or if a burger and fries is your idea of fine dining you'll have no trouble finding what you seek. Step out for breakfast lunch or dinner in great restaurants like Cazbar Turkish Restaurant, Ruths Chris Steakhouse, Phillips Harborplace Restaurant, McCormick and Schmick's Seafood Restaurant, Sabatino's Italian Restaurant, Abacrombie's Fine Food, Pazo Pizza, Speakeasy Saloon and Dining, Ixia Restaurant, and Roy's Restaurant.
Kids need some down time too so when you are searching for that perfect reward for a job well done consider one of Baltimore's family fun destinations. Plan a trip to Shake and Bake Family Fun Center, Port Discovery, Six Flags America, Maryland Zoo, Camden Yards, Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum, Baltimore Museum of Industry, Sandy Point State Park, Medieval Times and the Adventure Park USA.
Baltimore is an important part of U.S. history and a wonderful place to visit. Whether you are a local or a visitor, take the time to visit some of these special places soon.
