Going to Baltimore

OK, so I'm going to Baltimore next weekend, and, while I'm open to suggestions, I mostly want to know about the observation deck of the WTC.

Does anyone know when is the best time to go? Is it even open at night? Is the view better during the day? Is it too much of a touristy thing to do (if I'm a tourist, shouldn't I be allowed some touristy stuff)?

Right now on my docket are Fort McHenry, the Maryland Science Center, the National Aquarium, 34th Street in Hampdon (apparently a really cool display of Christmas lights) and -- possibly -- the Top of the World WTC thing.

Again, I'm open to suggestions. If any of those is stupid and not worth it, please let me know. If there is something better to do, please tell me. I'm pretty much there for one day, and I want to make the most of it.

Thanks, in advance, to all my fellow SJ peeps.

 

If you hear somebody whistling 'Farmer in the Dell" ... duck.

 

Best crab cake in town is at Faidley's in Lexington Market.

 

The Top of the World is an easy way to kill a 1/2 hour or so, but I don't think it's something you have to do. The view isn't all that bad, but it also isn't all that high (this is only Baltimore).

You might want to think adding the USS Constellation, and I think there's a sub there too, to your list if you are interested in that sort of thing.

 

Crabs and pit beef?

 

And if you do, head on down to the Hamsterdam area. They'll take care of you. Tell 'em Bunny sent you.

 

The Maryland Sports Museum (next to the warehouse at Camden Yards) is one of the best sports museums in the country, even if you're not that interested in the Orioles, Ravens, Colts, etc.

And when you're done, MAKE SURE to walk across the street to Pickles Pub for a bite to eat (and drink). It looks like a dump, but it's worth it.

The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum is also a neat experience. It was the first sports museum ever dedicated to an individual player (opened 1974) and even though most of the non-Ruth stuff that used to be housed there is over at the much larger Maryland Sports Museum now, it still retains a lot of charm.

 

The Submarine is very cool.

G&M is the best crab cake among people who live in Baltimore,804 Hammonds Ferry Road | Linthicum Heights, Maryland 21090

THe B&O RailRoad museum if you like big old trains

 

http://chapspitbeef.com/

 

The sub you're referring to is the USS Torsk, which I believe was the last U.S. ship to sink an enemy vessel in World War II, if not ever. There's also the Coast Guard cutter Taney. I've visited all three vessels during various trips to Baltimore.

 

That pit beef place is OK. But it's in the same parking lot as a strip club, and there's a liquor store and check-cashing place nearby, so you could probably make a day of it in the vicinity if you're so inclined.