The sight of the American flag flying over Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the 'Star Spangled Banner'. The fort is best known for the part it played during the War of 1812, successfully holding off an attack by the British Navy. When Scott Key saw the flag still flying over the fort after surviving the attack, he wrote the poem that became the national anthem. Today, the fort is a National Historic Park. The restored barracks hold exhibits of military and historical artifacts and a well-kept trail runs along the water's edge, affording spectacular views of ships entering and leaving the busy harbor.
This 173-acre (70 hectares) woodland park in the heart of Baltimore offers nature lovers a respite from the noise and congestion of the city. Formerly an estate, the home and grounds are open to visitors today and include a horticultural reference library, a bird and nature museum and a gift shop. The grounds include formal and woodland gardens and trails. Throughout the year, symposiums, workshops and exhibits on a variety of horticultural-related subjects are held.
Commissioned in 1855, the USS Constellation was the last all-sail ship built by the United States Navy. Today, the historic vessel lies at anchor in Baltimore's Inner Harbor, where visitors can climb aboard and learn about the ship's history, including its mission to disrupt the slave trade and its latter role in delivering famine relief supplies to Ireland.
Johns Hopkins University owns and operates this 48-room, 1850s Italianate mansion decorated with post-Impressionist paintings and sculptures, rare books, Tiffany glass and chandeliers, Chinese porcelains, Japanese netsuke and 17th-century Belgian tapestries. The impressive home contains Baltimore's only private theater designed by Leon Bakst, who is best known for Ballet Russes sets. Call for information on lectures, sculpture shows and other activities. Guided one-hour tours are offered on the hour. Closed major holidays.
This observation area, on the 27th floor of the World Trade Center, offers panoramic views of the Baltimore Harbor. There is also a museum that displays artifacts from Baltimore's past and a gift shop featuring the famous Maryland crab. Although school groups and tours are invited to schedule an appointment to experience the Top of the World Observation Level, the space may not be reserved for private functions.
Housed in the renovated American Can Co., the Chesapeake Wine Co. offers tastings every Tuesday beginning at 7p. Each tasting features about eight wines that share a common theme, accompanied by bread and cheese. On occasion, a local restaurant will offer food. After the tasting, you can buy the wines that were featured at discounted prices. Chesapeake also offers the chance to learn about your favorite wine. During each class, students taste six to eight wines and hear about their history. Reservations are required.
Opened in 2011, Charles E. Miller Branch & Historical Center is an avant-garde book repository. A part of the Howard County Library System’s (HCLS), this beautiful, contemporary building with its pictorial artworks on the region's rural heritage and technologically advanced amenities is a blend of history and technology. The 72 solar panels and green roof make it energy efficient. Get a glimpse of the county's past at the Historical Center. The Enchanted Garden, a teaching garden on sustainable lifestyle is a great place to know about flowers, vegetables and herbs. Areas for children and adults with reading rooms will make any book lover proud.
Made with honey, water, sublime essences and a lot of time, Baltimore's Charm City Meadworks is the first commercial meadery of its kind. A versatile beverage, these can be consumed independently or mixed for some imaginative cocktails for good effect. Patrons are encouraged to carry food with them, taste the lovely mead flavors available on rotating tap, and take some home!
Irvine Nature Center offers patrons an entry into a nature friendly world. Protecting numerous species of plants and animals, the center offers tours and presentations, explaining the importance of conservation. The center has event spaces both indoors and outdoors for rent to host private events, with the emphasis on using sustainable environment-friendly practices. The facility also offers summer camps, different activity programs for families and workshops for educating the younger generation. With 210 acres (85 hectares) of woods and meadows brimming with native flora and fauna along the trails and an interactive exhibit hall, the center ranks among the top 40 tourist attractions of the state. An ideal place which aims to enhance environmental literacy among the young and the current custodians of the planet's resources, Irvine has special programs for school children and the general public every year.
The sight of the American flag flying over Fort McHenry inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the 'Star Spangled Banner'. The fort is best known for the part it played during the War of 1812, successfully holding off an attack by the British Navy. When Scott Key saw the flag still flying over the fort after surviving the attack, he wrote the poem that became the national anthem. Today, the fort is a National Historic Park. The restored barracks hold exhibits of military and historical artifacts and a well-kept trail runs along the water's edge, affording spectacular views of ships entering and leaving the busy harbor.
Johns Hopkins University owns and operates this 48-room, 1850s Italianate mansion decorated with post-Impressionist paintings and sculptures, rare books, Tiffany glass and chandeliers, Chinese porcelains, Japanese netsuke and 17th-century Belgian tapestries. The impressive home contains Baltimore's only private theater designed by Leon Bakst, who is best known for Ballet Russes sets. Call for information on lectures, sculpture shows and other activities. Guided one-hour tours are offered on the hour. Closed major holidays.
Charles Carroll House of Annapolis is a historic house that belonged to American lawyer, Charles Carroll who was one of the four persons from Maryland who signed the Declaration of Independence. An excellent rental facility, the house is the venue for a number of local and cultural events. For more information, call ahead or check out their website.