Interesting places near Baltimore Maryland?

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ssjones

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Staff member
May 11, 2011
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Covington, Louisiana
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Don't go to "Enchanted Forest". Really. It's just a playground.
its a shopping center now!

Main Street Cigar, in Bel-Air (sounds like you are in that area), used to have pipe tobacco, but I have not been there in years.

If you are into baseball, the Babe Ruth Museum might be interesting:

Poe Place:

What we used to have in/around Baltimore, I miss Faders.
 

spike

Starting to Get Obsessed
Oct 21, 2009
165
392
I work in NE Baltimore. I'm not sure if you're going to be staying in Baltimore itself or in the County just outside. Also where are you coming from and how are you getting there?

The only real place to find pipe tobacco in a B&M around Charm City is a regional chain called Davidus. It's... ok. A few tins of C&D/GLP and a couple standards now from Peterson. If you're coming from the south on I81, swing by Winchester, VA to John B. Smith. It's worth the stop.

For food we are indeed known for our crab cakes, but the market price is ridiculous right now. Papa's, Mos, and Kokos are your best bets for an authentic Maryland crab cake. We also have a unique take on BBQ, which we call "pit [meat]". Chaps on Pulaski Highway is the famous one, all the Food Network talking heads stop by there. But the real deal is a tiny little former gas station up to the north a little called Jake's. The food is amazing, worth its... interesting parking. And Federal Hill or Fells Point are where I'd recommend getting your thirst quenched, with tons of small eatery options sprinkled in. And our unofficial drink is National Bohemian beer. But for God's sake, do not order a "National Bohemian"! You want a Boh, or Natty Boh. The pictograms in the bottle caps are fun and get progressively more challenging as the night goes on.

As far as stuff to do, that really depends on what you like. Orioles tickets are still pretty cheap, and it might be fun to check out the ball park that started the current trend of integrating the stadium into the cityscape instead of standing out so much. Ft. McHenry is a great place if you are a history buff. There as much history in this town of mine than I've seen in many places, so if there's a period you like you'll probably be able to find a historic spot to see and appreciate. If you like craft beer, a 30-45 minute trip along I70 to Frederick should definitely be on your itinerary. More craft breweries per square mile than anywhere else I've seen. And if you like live music, Power Plant Live would be your most consistent option.

Annapolis is a wonderful excursion. Parking will be most convenient at the West Street Garage. At the traffic circle, take a right going down the hill toward the harbor (I can't remember for the life of me what that street is called). Poke at the shops on your way down, but the real show is Ego Alley at the harbor. It's always nice looking out at yachts that cost more than my house and car and children's college funds. And while you're there, it's worth the $5 to get into Sandy Point State Park. It's right on the Bay, right next to one of our more distinctive landmarks.

I'm not sure how much time you'll have, where you're coming from, how you're getting there, how often you visit the area, and who you'll be with. But if you've never been, you owe it to yourself to see the nation's capitol. As long as you're not trying to drive down to DC during rush hour, I can't recommend making the trip enough. Park at BWI, take the Marc down, and the metro while you're in DC. There's too much to recommend there, so go through a guidebook and see what tickles your interests.

As far a pipe smoking here, you're ok as long as you're not smoking inside. Outside, Baltimore has too many problems to worry about someone smoking, well, anything.

Since I brought up the problems of Baltimore, I'll touch on them a minute. Yes, the news stories are true. Just pay attention to where you are. Like any other city.

If you want specific recommendations on what to do or see, let us know what you're interested in (beyond the art of turning smoldering tobacco into happiness) and I can be much more helpful. I know Baltimore is not everyone's idea of a garden spot, but still I'm glad you're coming to see Charm City for yourself. Even if it's not your first choice.

Edit: For souvenirs, I'd recommend a can of Old Bay and something with our flag on it. Maryland in general has a simple belief. If you can eat it, put Old Bay on it. If you can't eat it, put the flag on it.
Correction: it’s John B. Hayes.
 

The Clay King

(Formerly HalfDan)
Oct 2, 2018
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I'm taking a surprise work trip to Maryland all next week, northeast of Baltimore.
I'm completely unfamiliar with this part of the country. Looking for local info/advice.

I plan to bring some pipes, but wondering what sort of culture I'll find out there. How friendly to smoking will the place probably be?

Any great B&Ms people would recommend? I went to the Retailer Directory and found some places within driving distance. I've never really been to a real B&M tobacco shop, they don't seem to exist where I live. The shops around here say "TOBACCO" on the outside, but all seem to be headshops in disguise. Given the historical significance of tobacco in the area, I hope there could be a neat experience to be had. Not to mention I've got to replace some broken clay pipes.

Since I have your ear, I'm interested in recommendations for non-tobacco related sightseeing as well. Considering whether it is worth the ~2 hour drive to see DC?
@aspiring_sage I've lost count of how many clays I've broken:)
 
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Merton

Lifer
Jul 8, 2020
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Boston, Massachusetts
I endorse the notion that you should take some time and go to D.C. Every American should walk up the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and spend some time with Abe and reflect from the steps from which MLK spoke 60 years ago today. There is so very much to see, much more than you can do in a single day. However, a trip to the Viet Nam memorial (WWII and Korean) and the short drive to Arlington National will bring you a profound sense of the fact that "Freedom is not free"...Please go, they are all sacred places
Georgetown and the Georgetown pipe shop are fun to see
Have a good journey
 
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gkunkel

Starting to Get Obsessed
Mar 18, 2014
102
658
Baltimore is not an incredibly safe city. Inner Harbor should be ok. Otherwise, I recommend DC ... in the day time for that matter.
 

ssjones

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May 11, 2011
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Baltimore is not an incredibly safe city. Inner Harbor should be ok. Otherwise, I recommend DC ... in the day time for that matter.
True, the TTG gang set a record for serial murders a few blocks from the Inner Harbor (Sandtown area). I just read the book. (sentenced in 2019) But, that is for any large metro area. I won't go downtown in Hagerstown at night, and I have a restaurant a few blocks away!

 

RookieGuy80

Part of the Furniture Now
Jul 6, 2023
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Maryland, United States
Baltimore is not an incredibly safe city. Inner Harbor should be ok. Otherwise, I recommend DC ... in the day time for that matter.
That's very true. The Harbor is safe during daylight usually. But I'll be honest, I've been robbed/mugged more times in Washington than I ever have in Baltimore. And I easily spend 10x more time in Baltimore than DC.
 
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ssjones

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May 11, 2011
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Covington, Louisiana
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That's very true. The Harbor is safe during daylight usually. But I'll be honest, I've been robbed/mugged more times in Washington than I ever have in Baltimore. And I easily spend 10x more time in Baltimore than DC.
Yikes "mugged" (ie multiple times!) So far, I've avoided a life time of getting mugged in DC/Baltimore/NYC/New Orleans/Philadelpha...hoping to keep that streak alive!
 
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anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
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Last time I went to the aquarium was about a year ago, as long as you go when there aren't to many people it still is pretty amazing. I went on a weekend once and there was barely enough space to see most of the exhibits. Probably the most crowded place I've ever been besides front stage at a concert. If you can't see anything it doesn't matter how amazing it is.
I went there a few times on one trip back in the 80's. The Galleria Mall was still mind blowing (that's what that place was called right?). It was pretty packed but not horribly except around the big draws. But it was one of those experiences that parts of it stay crisp in your memory for many decades.
DC is absolutely worth it, just plan ahead for your parking so you aren't driving around in circles making that 2hr trip close to 3. In addition to the Capitol Mall memorials, which are absolute must-sees, several of the museums are free and definitely worth a visit.

Lastly, you should go to the big front doors on the corner of the Department of Justice and bang the big door knocker rings saying, "Hello? Is anybody in there? We are looking for some Justice, do you have any of that?" The security guard came around the corner and politely told my wife and I not to do that while chuckling. It was the highlight of my last trip to DC. They looked real but seemed to be made of plastic, very fitting.
 
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anotherbob

Lifer
Mar 30, 2019
16,835
31,582
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In the semi-rural NorthEastern USA
Yikes "mugged" (ie multiple times!) So far, I've avoided a life time of getting mugged in DC/Baltimore/NYC/New Orleans/Philadelpha...hoping to keep that streak alive!
I only almost got mugged once. I saw the look on the two guys faces and thought oh that's the look I get when I find a 20 dollar bill on the sidewalk. I just pulled out some acting though and pretended to be nodding out and super itchy (who says acting isn't a useful skill?, basically I thought if I act like I just did some hard drugs they'll think I spent my money). The highlight though was getting off the bus telling them to have a good night.
 
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