Friday, November 22, 2013
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
Written by Matt Rosenfeld
While not one of the most famous zoos in the country, the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore, located in Druid Hill Park, is a pleasant zoo to experience. The zoo size is pretty average sized compared to other zoos around the country, however, they have a few unique animal exhibits that are worth the trip here.
The polar bear exhibit is pretty neat, and allows you to go into a Tundra Buggy, which is what is used in Manitoba, Canada for tourists to experience polar bears in their natural habitat. At the zoo, it lets you get closer to the polar bears as it goes over the top of the exhibit. There are also lions, penguins, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and much more to experience here.
For those staying in the Inner Harbor in Baltimore, a car (or taxi) would be needed to get here. It is good for a 2-3 hour trip though, just for a basic walk through the zoo, stopping at most of the animals.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
B&O Railroad Museum
Written by Matt Rosenfeld
The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore offers visitors a unique view into the history of trains and railroads in America. The museum is set up in a circular building and the spaces are designed to walk you through the history of train travel from horse and carriage, to the steam powered engines. As you walk around the museum, there are a few of the trains that you can enter that will give you more details about the interiors of the locomotives. And, around the walls of the museum and at a few stations (no pun intended!) there are kid fun stations that are train related.
In addition, a top notch model railroad is set up for display and is running inside of an actual train car!
For a few extra bucks, you can also take a ride on one of these trains (Although we decided to skip that). We spent about an hour in this museum (without riding the train), so plan on at least an hour or more here. If someone in your traveling party is a fan of trains, make this a must-visit stop on your trip to Baltimore.
Monday, November 18, 2013
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Written by Matt Rosenfeld
Baltimore's Fort McHenry was a pivotal battleground site for protecting the harbor and the city. Only a few minutes from the Inner Harbor, and with plenty of free parking, this National Monument and Historic Site (the only National Park Service location with both designations in the country) is an excellent visit. There are various park rangers in the fort to give answer any questions you may have, and also to give talks on various topics throughout the day (ask for the schedule at the visitor's center).
For $7/person, you're free to walk about the fort. In addition, the surrounding area gives a beautiful view of the harbor. You'll probably spend between 1 and 2 hours here, depending on how much time you want to invest in the talks the rangers give. Overall, it's a good experience and recommended for anyone who enjoys visiting America's old forts.
Labels:
Baltimore,
Fort McHenry,
Historic Shrine,
Maryland,
National Monument
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