Some costless priceless things to do in Baltimore

Photograph of Baltimore Museum of Art sign

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Baltimore is a place of history, culture, art, and entertainment. It has many museums, some of which are highlighted below. There are so many things to do in Baltimore. And that too free of cost.  Would you want to know about it? Baltimore has everything you ever wanted to se. Parks, museums, waterfronts, guided tours and a lot more.

Baltimore Museum of Art

This museum exhibits artifacts regularly and free of cost to people. Baltimore is a place of culture and heritage. This is reflected from the exhibits displayed by the Museum of Art. Year on year, the Museum of Art presents some really creative programs. Outside of the Museum of Art, you will embrace the serene settings. Sculpture Gardens with its splendid lush settings, lots of fountains, and numerous sculptures will leave you asking for more.

Atop the Fearless

The Fearless is a ship in Fell’s Point. It is a pirate ship. Over here, you will listen to anecdotes of fearful pirate expeditions. You will understand how pirates operate. For once, you will feel like becoming the danger-loving Jack Sparrow.
Walters Art MuseumThe Walters Art Museum is another great museum featuring thousands and thousands of artifacts. Admission is free. However you need to pay for special exhibitions.

American Visionary Art Museum

If you are visiting the American Visionary Art Museum for the first time, you might be amazed at the exteriors of this museum. The exteriors are extremely interesting, and will keep you pondering over it. All around the museum, you will find interesting sculptures. You will be left finding a meaning to what these sculptures mean or refer to.

Celebrate the spirit of Baltimore with simple activities

Fells Point Vignette

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You can get to do so many simple things in Baltimore. You don’t need to spend a lot of money. Such is the beauty of Baltimore. It is a place where you can do much for less. Visiting tourists will vouch for the plethora of simple things to do in Baltimore. Which is unlike many cities in the world.

Enjoy movies outdoors
Fell’s Point has free outdoor movies. On Wednesday nights, the movies are beamed for people to see. You will see scores of people watching the movies in their cars, or sitting outside and seeing the movie with their family. It is a different way of watching movies. A different experience all together. Fell’s Point’s Films on the Pier is as popular as Federal Hill’s Flick’s from the Hill. Both are popular outdoor film exhibit venues that are frequent jaunts for experience-loving movie junkies.

Artscape – Get your creativity rolling
This is an art festival. You can participate in it for free. You will be given everything required to paint. At the venue, local, national, and international musicians perform for passionate artists. There are plenty of children activities here. It is a perfect setting for getting children to paint, and love what they are doing. All around you will meet creative people expressing themselves through their art.

African American Festival
The African American Festival is a festival of culture and music. In the month of July, music and history come together to entertain people. There are historical exhibitions, and various other exhibits of cultural interest. Children have a separate area that features interactive displays, various exhibits of interest for children.

 

 

 

Exploring Baltimore

View from the Inner Harbor

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You can the length and breadth of Baltimore and still not get tired of it. Such is the vastness and depth of the variety this place offers.

Edgar Allan Poe’s Grave

We won’t say this place should be the first on your list. But we should say that it is worth a visit. If haunted stories haunt you, and you want to trash out that feeling, then you must visit this place. Unlike being an eerie grave, this place has a friendly environment. It is quiet, and restful. Located in the middle of Baltimore, the grave is where Poe and Virginia Clemm rest in peace.

Water Taxi Harbor Connector

Connecting Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, the Water Taxi Harbor Connector operates daily. It is a free service. You can take the free ride, and enjoy yourself cutting through the water.

Harborplace Amphitheater

This amphitheater is frequently visited by hundreds of people. It is like an open gathering, where people are entertained for free by various artistes. You can get to see innovative and unique street performers displaying all sorts of performances. It might be musical or a physical exertion.

The amphitheater is also a place where budding and talented singers express themselves. All concerts are free. There is something happening here all the time. So if you want live and free entertainment, this is the place. And mind you, most performances are really good to watch and hear.

Heritage Walk

This is a guided walk. You will get to unravel Baltimore’s interesting history. Walkers will be taken to interesting sites. Some of the sites are located along the inner harbor. Heritage Walk is popular among new visitors.

Take a Look Inside Baltimore’s National Aquarium

Baltimore, Maryland is home to the National Aquarium, an educational and fun experience that is appropriate for all ages. Families and young adults alike flock to the aquarium annually to check out the diverse wildlife and to learn a thing or two. The busiest times at the aquarium tend to be during tourist season. This occurs during the warmer months of spring and summer. Any time of year is appropriate to visit the aquarium, although some weather conditions may alter some outdoor show schedules.

At the National Aquarium in Baltimore, you are guaranteed to see a variety of wildlife. Aside from beautiful tropical fish, you will see other species such as sting rays and sharks. Amphibians like frogs and reptiles such as alligators and tortoises also reside at the aquarium. Dolphins and a variety of birds call the National Aquarium home. The facility even features an Australian Animal exhibit with different snakes, turtles and other select species.

 

Tickets range between $20 and $25, depending on age. Children under the age of three are admitted for free. Keep in mind that strollers aren’t permitted in some areas of the aquarium. There are extra attraction fees you can add on to your admission, such as the Dolphin Show. To save some time, you might consider planning your trip to the aquarium online. You might be able to find a few discounts as well. Some of the proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales go towards conservation efforts through the National Aquarium Institute. The institute helps save wildlife around Baltimore’s Chesapeake area, as well as other conservatories throughout the world. Donations are always accepted.

Weather Trends for a Summer Baltimore Vacation

Baltimore, Maryland Skyline from the Inner Harbor 

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Baltimore, Maryland is a versatile city located in the mid-Atlantic right along the Chesapeake Bay. If you live further north than this city, you might welcome the warm summertime weather that takes place during the months of June, July and August in this city. In fact, the average summer temperatures in Baltimore range from the mid to upper 80s. Humidity comes with the temperatures, providing some relief from the hot weather.

The fact that Baltimore is near different water masses helps provide relief during the hot summer afternoons. The Chesapeake Bay is in close proximity to the Monument City. Consider a boating excursion to check out the great estuary and escape from the city life for a few hours. Along the way, you might see historic sites that were once occupied by the Algonquin Indians. Fishing excursions are also available if you prefer.

On a sweltering summer day, you might consider checking out the Atlantic Ocean. The ocean itself meets with Chesapeake Bay, and is a short drive from the city of Baltimore. Atlantic beaches near Baltimore are particularly busy between Memorial Day and Labor Day, so you should plan accordingly. Check out the daily weather forecasts in advance and pick a day ahead of time. Plan to arrive early to pick the perfect spot on the beach.

Afternoon thunderstorms are common weather phenomena during summer in Baltimore. If you are near any bodies of water, you should move inside to a safe location. Although the storms might rain out any outdoor plans, they provide welcome relief for the summer time heat.

City Arts Apartments: Ideal Living for Artists

Inspiration isn’t a certainty. Genius isn’t guaranteed. The success of an artist is dependent not on his creativity, but on his surroundings — where distractions can snatch away all hopes of creating masterpieces and budget woes can brand a mind useless. Space is needed to explore design. Stability is required to maintain a muse. The day to day duties are laced with productivity.

It’s vital therefore to consider apartments for rent that offer the necessities.

City Arts, a massive housing complex centered in Baltimore, is ideal for composers, painters, singers, and more. This structure, which opened in March 2011, boasts a style that’s conscious of convenience — with the needs of artists offered as the focus for all apartments. The floor plans (which are shaped to lofts, one-bedroom or two-bedrooms options) give a division of space, allowing for work and play to be separate; elements like high ceilings and multiple windows provide essential natural light; and the views presented from each unit grant glimpses of the neighborhood and its vibrant shops and galleries.

And this is all coupled with affordable monthly prices with a two-bedroom 1,012 square foot apartment costing only $775 dollars per month, as of 2011. This allows artists to offer their focus to their creations and not to fretting over the rent.

City Arts is shaped to the needs of the bold (and the occasionally income challenged). Its units are practical; its amenities are many; and its costs are reasonable. Such a combination allows it to provide artists with more than mere apartments for rent. It instead offers a home — and that distinction is vital.

Must See Attractions in Baltimore

St. Mary's City Historic District, Reconstruct...

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Urban Pirates

Fancy living the life of a pirate? The crew at Urban Pirates in Baltimore are there to teach you everything you need to know. They will teach your family how to talk, walk and play games like a swashbuckling pirate. Its a great fun filled day for the family at a fairly moderate price. After dark they also cater for the more boisterous pirates and wenches with the B.Y.O.G cruises.

National Aquarium

Baltimore is host to one of the largest aquariums on the planet. The staff are incredibly friendly and always willing to answer your questions. There are often many daily event to keep the little one’s entertained, although watching the many colorful fish might just be enough.

St. Mary’s City

A restored village from the 17th Century which is more than meets the eye. The family will simply love this village. The staff and historical actors are helpful and entertaining, and the historical games are fantastic. This is an incredibly moderately priced attraction, and many visitors return several times.

Evergreen Museum and Library

Probably not a place to take young children, but for someone interested in history and museums it is a must see attraction. You can’t wander around the grounds on your own but the guided tour lasts little over an hour and the tour guides are always very informative and eager to answer all your questions.

The Walters Art Museum

This is a great free attraction and hosts a large collection of everything from Asian, Greek and even pieces from the middle ages. However, the museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Ready, Set, Ski: Planning a Ski Trip Made Easy

When planning a fun ski trip to France for family or friends, choosing which mountain to tackle isn’t the only decision you’ll need to make. Considering how much to spend, who to bring and where to stay are important questions you’ll need to answer before your trip. To start, find great ski deals and establish a budget. Then, the rest of the planning is easy.

Find a Deal and a Budget

Finding ski deals is a lot easier today than in the past, with lots of great deals available online. A good deal can really boost your vacation budget and get you on the slopes faster than trying to save for the trip alone. The key to planning a successful ski France trip is to establish a budget before making other arrangements. Don’t forget to budget for rental cars for the snow, ski equipment rentals/purchases, meals, extra activities and lift passes. This will make planning much easier.

Who to Bring and Where to Stay

Another tip for planning a ski vacation is to determine who to invite. Are you taking family, friends, or both? How many people are invited? Once these questions are answered, arrange your accommodation. When considering where to stay, make sure you check the proximity to your destination mountain and if they offer any package deals. Ski packages will help you stay on budget and free up funds to spend elsewhere, perhaps new ski boots—just don’t forget to pack them!

To properly plan a ski trip, be prepared with a solid budget and a great ski deal. Get set to go with a guest list and convenient accommodation…and lastly, just ski and enjoy!

Music in the Theater in Baltimore

Music is something that most people are going to enjoy in one form or another. Baltimore can provide a musical experience for almost any taste. Check out the Baltimore Fun Guide as one resource to help you find entertainment that will suit your mood.

You can browse the music by genre or just take a look at the listing of events to see what is happening in the city. From concerts to other forms of music you can find some interesting activities. For example, on April 8th and 9th there will be Live and Let Die: A Tribute to Paul McCartney at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. This event is being brought to you by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. So, if you are a Beatles fan or just a Paul McCartney fan you should not miss this event.

If you like musicals then you should check out the Hippodrome to see what the latest event is taking place in this beautiful theater. In February the Hippodrome brought Baltimore The Jersey Boys which was a Tony Award winning musical about the Four Seasons musical group. If clubs are more of your style there are plenty of places to run out to catch a band while kicking back with a drink.

A quick search can help you find a musical city and a night of great entertainment. From clubs to symphonies you can find it here in Baltimore. Keep event calanders bookmarked on your computer and check them regularly as you do not want to miss the many events and concerts that come through. Many of these can be one time performances that you may really regret missing out on. So come visit the musical world of Baltimore.

Baltimore Nature Activities

Baltimore has a great deal of activity for everyone. Even if you are looking for outdoor activities you can find something to do in Baltimore. Baltimore Fun Guide is a great resource if you are trying to find something to do either outdoors or indoors.

Under Nature and Outdoor you can find activities such as the 2011 Eco Ride: Bike for a Greener Maryland and Eco Fair which will be taking place on June 5, 2011 at the Pearlstone Conference and Retreat Center. Other events earlier in the year include MECU’s Pee Wee Preakness at Federal Hill Park on May 10, 2011 in which children race to the finish line on their bouncy balls and provide a day of fun and entertainment for everyone.

There are several parks that you can visit such as Carroll Park in southwest Baltimore. Druid Hills and Patterson Parks are also areas of beauty and interest that you do not want to miss.

If you do not want to be outside, but still want nature activity there are places to go for that as well. Through March 6th there is an Insectology display at the Silber Art Studio at Goucher College. This is an artist’s interpretation of our friends in the insect world. So come out to experience art and nature brought together.

No matter what you are interested in you can find an outdoor activity that will keep you busy in Baltimore. Just a ride around the city will bring you a variety of sites and sounds that you can enjoy with the family. Do some research before just driving to find the various parks and recreational activities and you can plan out a day of fun and excitement in this beautiful city.