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Baltimore Entertainment

A photo of the Baltimore National Aquarium tak...

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What is There to do in Baltimore?

A popular city, not only to the many people who visit it each year from all over the world, but to its visitors as well, Baltimore is full of activities to keep people busy. Here is a glance at some of the entertainment Baltimore has to offer.

The Baltimore Grand Prix

Set during Labor Day weekend, the Baltimore Grand Prix, cars are seen going at speeds well over 100 miles per hour during a three-day festival that is thrilling and exciting. Those watching the Baltimore Grand Prix will get to witness new and exciting technologies out on the track.

Family Fun at the Port Discovery Children’s Museum

The Port Discovery Children’s Museum is the perfect destination for families with younger children. The museum has several different exhibits and displays that parents and children will enjoy seeing together. In addition to all usual exhibits that are there year round they also do special events throughout the year that allow children to really use their imaginations.

The National Aquarium

The National Aquarium is one of Baltimore’s more popular attractions. They have the usual animals one would normally see at an aquarium but they also feature animals from all over the world. The aquarium has a large variety of birds, invertebrates, sea creatures and amphibians. Not to mention all the exhibits that showcase the animals. The National Aquarium also has a 4D theater that makes visitors experience not only the sights but the sounds and smells as well. Another popular feature at the aquarium is their tours that actually allow aquarium visitors to go underneath the water to see what goes on behind the scenes!

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Baltimore remembers the Civil War

Baltimore will remember veterans of the civil war. In the 150 anniversary celebrations to be held here, Baltimore remembers how it all started from here. Baltimore’s history is dotted with lots of civil war events. At the launch of this celebration, exhibitions will be made. Such exhibitions will give a chance for people to see what happened in Baltimore during the civil war.

During the civil war, this city was run by the army. Such scenes are displayed at exhibition sites as part of this celebration. Those were the times when the people of this city had to contend with living under the surveillance of the military. Such were the times, when people longed for democracy and the freedom to exercise fundamental rights.

The Pratt Street Riot happened during this time. Civil War’s notable violent event, this riot took place in Baltimore. The bloody event is recorded as a violent struggle in the lives of the people of Baltimore during that time. On the Pratt Street, hundreds of people will walk in remembrance of the people who lost their lives in the Pratt Street riot.

If you want to see more of such Civil War history then you must visit the B&O Railways Museum. Showcasing the locomotives used at that time, you will be drawn to the past. Antique and vintage coaches are on display here. You might be wondering how people used to fight wars with such equipment, after seeing the modern equipment in contemporary times. You might be lucky to get someone to explain to you how the trains were used, and where they were used.

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Crime in Baltimore

If you are planning on moving to a new city often crime statistics are of great interest. You want to make sure that you are moving to an area where you will feel safe and secure. People often make the statement that things aren’t like they were in the good ole days, but times and areas will always change. So how can you find out what the crime levels are like if you are interested in moving to Baltimore?

Crime Baltimore is an interactive map that you can filter a specific date range to see what crimes have been committed in various areas.  You can also select and de-select which types of crimes that are reported. There is a disclaimer that the information has been modified from the original source; therefore, there may be some levels of inaccuracy. It is always a good idea to verify the information with the local police department. For this you can go to The Baltimore Police Department Crime Map in which you can select an area that you are interested in finding out more information in regard to the crime statistics. Another site to review is Neighborhood Scout which allows you to do research in specific areas of the city and gives a comparison between cities and the whole state of Maryland.

No matter where you live there is always a chance that something can happen. Therefore, it is important that people use common sense and practice safety. Anyone could at some point in their lives become a victim of crime, so educate yourself and learn to protect yourself. Self defense and safety classes are often provided in community programs and sometimes even by police departments. A little research and preparation can save your life.

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The Weather of Baltimore

One of the most important aspects of traveling is the weather. Not only can the weather cause problems if it is not so cooperative, but when it is good it can make a trip a rewarding experience. So, if you are planning a trip to Baltimore, Maryland what can you expect? Of course you can always check on weather sites such as The Weather Channel to determine how your trip will turn out.  But what if you are not going for awhile?

If you are planning a trip for another part of the year then it will be necessary to try to figure out what the city’s average temperature and weather conditions are during that time. Another weather website that can help you figure out what the weather may be is Weather Underground where you can select whatever day you are going to travel and select a year prior to see what the weather was like and averages at that point in time.

If you are flying into Baltimore you can check the Baltimore International Airport website to determine weather conditions in the area. Be prepared for your travel especially if you are from areas that have drastically different temperatures during the year. For example if you live in Louisiana and are used to southern winters you do not need to dress in the same manner if you are heading to Baltimore in January. The average low in January for Baltimore is about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, while the high in August is 88 degrees Fahrenheit. Although this is not the lowest or highest temperatures in the northern part of the United States, if you are not prepared you can be miserable.

Take the time to prepare yourself for your trip to Baltimore and check out the weather. By doing this you will not find yourself caught out one evening freezing because you left your coat back home. If you know what you are heading into you can dress appropriately, plan fun activities, and stay safe.

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Crime in Baltimore

The issue of crime is one that as assumed a global dimension. It is one that has always been a major concern for governments all over the globe. There is no society that is absolutely free of crime, the only difference is that the rates and prevalence of criminal activities vary from region to region and nation to nation. Right from time, the United States of America is one country that is trying very hard to cope with a relatively high rate of crime.

In this regard, the city of Baltimore in Maryland is not immune from criminal activities. Apart from the fact that there is considerable threat to lives and property of the citizens, crime is also very harmful to the local economy. This is more important when we consider the fact that Baltimore is a hub for tourism. Millions of tourists come to the city every year bringing in a considerable amount of revenue, which run into billions of dollars. Therefore, crime has to be reduced to the barest minimum if the city is to progress.

Homicide is a major problem in the city. Baltimore, with hundreds of cases reported every year has one of the highest homicide rates in North America. Without any doubt, this is very disturbing. Other criminal activities routinely reported in the city include burglary, car theft, physical assault, rape, illegal arms possession and trafficking in hard drugs.

However, the local government headed by the mayor, Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is putting all hands on deck to ensure that the rate of crime in the city is brought to an all-time low. Some of the measures include better community policing and collaboration with other relevant security agencies. The state and federal governments have also been of assistance in various ways. As a tourist or resident, you are expected to be security-conscious and responsible at all times.

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Transportation in Baltimore

Baltimore Light Rail outside Camden Yards
Image via Wikipedia

One of the hallmarks of a civilized society is the presence of a suitable transportation network. If this is what you will use to grade a city, then the city of Baltimore in the state of Maryland is very developed. The fact that the transport network of the city is one of the best in the United States partly explains the reason why millions of tourists pour into the city every year bringing with them billions of dollars in revenue to the bustling city.

As a tourist or even a resident, you cannot but be impressed by the orderly, effective and efficient transport network that the city uses. The good thing about the network is that it is not limited to one area. If you wish to travel or commute by road, the highways (interstate, local and federal) are very smooth and motorable by every standard.

In addition, rail transport in Baltimore is also one that serves millions of passengers. Apart from the fact that it has a very high volume, the rail network is also quite affordable and efficient. Railway stations in places like Camden and Penn are some of the best known in the United States and the tourists are also quite familiar with them. You will also enjoy one of the various rail express services as they rumble through the city.

For a city as busy as Baltimore, air travel is also of paramount importance. As a result, you have two main airports, one international (the Baltimore-Washington International, also called the BWI) and the Martin State Airport. Therefore, to find your way around the city of Baltimore is not a problem as you have an efficient transport network at your beck and call. Understandably, this is a fact that will be better appreciated by the tourists.

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History of Baltimore

The city of Baltimore in the state of Maryland is one of the most advanced and developed in North America. The city is known today as an important seaport and a place where you can get the best of health services and education. However, like every other city on the planet, the city of Baltimore has its history, as things have not always been this rosy.

The history of the city of Baltimore is one that is full of various events and it will not be out of place if we discuss some of these events. Named after Lord Baltimore of Ireland, the city had its foundation based on agriculture and could be traced as far back as the 18th century. Baltimore then was a bustling agricultural center where there was cultivation of sugarcane, tobacco and grains. The city was one of the most important sites where the American Revolution that finally led to independence was orchestrated and it is interesting to know that the popular Star-Spangled Banner national anthem of the United States was written in this city. The struggle for independence was to continue in the city like others across the nation until it was achieved in 1776.

The city of Baltimore also featured prominently as at the time of the American Civil War. The city supported the Union forces and was against the Confederates who called for secession from the United States. The city was to later come under federal control and administration to prevent secessionists from gaining power. After the American Civil War, there were no major acts of conflict until the time of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. when riots broke out throughout the city. This should not be a surprise considering the sizable number of blacks that make up the population of the city.

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Baltimore: Combating Crime

All across the great nation of the United States, the issue of crime is a major domestic problem and one that must be tackled on all fronts. Although crime is a universal phenomenon, the United States is notorious for having alarmingly high rates of crime.

Baltimore is an independent city in the state of Maryland, with a population less than a million. Although small, the city of Baltimore is one of the most prosperous in the United States. The city has thriving commercial enterprises and an impressive tourism industry. This is in addition to the fact that Baltimore is a seaport. However, the rate of criminal activity in this little city is quite disturbing.

If you doubt this, perhaps that is because you are not aware of the fact that Baltimore has one of the highest homicide rates in the world running into hundreds of cases on an annual basis. Now, that is truly disturbing. The issue is even more complicated considering the fact that there are other several kinds of criminal activities. These include rape, armed robbery, burglary, car theft and various others too numerous to be mentioned.

Therefore, the government represented by the city council, has put in place the necessary measured that are supposed to combat crime in the locality. To a certain degree, these measures have worked and considerable progress has been made. However, more remains to be done. Whatever the government does, it is important to know that combating crime is the business of everyone including the leaders and followers. As a tourist or resident in the city of Baltimore, you are expected to be vigilant at all times. It is expected of you to report any suspicious activity or movement of any kind to the police or any other relevant authority.

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Baltimore and Pets

A few people can not live without their pets and prefer them by their sides even when they are out on vacations. Many states are extremely against pets at various states. Pets can’t stay with the owners in their hotels or even get into parks. Some cities have no clinics and stores for pets, from where owners can buy food and other accessories for their pets. Baltimore is not one of these states. It is one of the most pet friendly cities in America. Every person in Baltimore has some kind of pet here. All parks here are pet friendly. It is a city which has gone to the dogs in the literal sense. In fact in Baltimore people treat you better if you have a pet. Hence if you are the pet traveler that I preferred by Baltimore, then you are doing a mistake by staying where you are currently staying.

Thought out Baltimore you will find facilities that welcome you and your dog with open arms. There are comprehensive multiple facilities and amenities all over the town which serve animals and their owners. No hotel will shoo you away because of tagging along a dog or cat with you when you go there for a visit. There are hundreds of chic pet facilities and pet boutiques that make you pets more beautiful and take care of them. Every person visiting to Baltimore will find this thing suiting to their needs. It is mostly because of this that Baltimore is visited by more pet owners than people without their pets.

Hotels such as Admiral Fell inn, Baltimore Suites, Candle wood Suites, Aloft BWI Airport Inn, Comfort Suites, Sheraton Hotel, Hotel Monaco, Hilton Baltimore Convention Center Hotel, Pier 5 Hotel and many more hotels are pet friendly. There is no dearth of pet shops either with places such as Dogma, Howl, bark and many others.

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