The Explore All 50 States Project
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When I told my kids our first stop was Baltimore they were a little put off with images of gritty city life with run down streets. I will admit Baltimore does have some sort or tough urban reputation to those not in the know but once we set foot in the city any illusions we had were quickly shattered. We found ourselves in a beautiful city rich with cultural heritage and diversity set against the backdrop of deeply … [Read more...]
One of the first things my kids and I do as we plan a road trip is to find out what is the city's top ice cream spot. Doing a little digging and reading the reviews, all arrows pointed to the Charmery as a place we just had to check out. Interestingly enough, Lilia's college friends based in Baltimore hadn't heard of it so we sent them to do a little reconnaissance and they came back with huge thumbs up. It just goes … [Read more...]
I don't know about you, but I find graveyards a welcoming place and not spooky at all. Though this was a very quick stop, we felt it was important to pay homage to one of America's most famous poets. Sadly as we made our way to the gate of Westminster Hall and Burying Ground we soon realized the gate to get in was locked as there was some sort of construction project going on. Seems they are refurbishing or … [Read more...]
I can only imagine the patriotism that was stirred in the hearts of those who saw our Star Spangled Banner as she flew after the British attacks at Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor in 1813. Standing within the fort my heart swelled imagining those brave souls who risked life and limb for their love of country. If you are fortunate to visit the city of Baltimore, you absolutely cannot miss this … [Read more...]
Honestly, my kids and I had no idea what to expect at this "Museum of Pop Culture" located right across the street from Camden Yards, but I am so glad we didn't miss it. I am not sure my kids got as much out of it as I did but it was still a fun adventure for all involved (not to mention a great excuse to get into an air-conditioned building on a sweltering day). The best part was that my kids got to know a side of … [Read more...]
Ideally located right next to the Star Spangled Banner Flag House, my kids and I were excited to check out this museum and learn more about the history and culture of the African American population in Maryland. As a parent, I think it is very important to educate ourselves about peoples and cultures other than our own and so we were really looking forward to learning a bunch in this museum. Sadly, as … [Read more...]
Baltimore is an awesome city that has strategic and historical significance because of it's location on the Chesapeake Bay with a well protected harbor. Baltimore's inner harbor is a fun and bustling place to not only eat and drink and enjoy the views, but also a place to have fun. One of the best ways to explore the harbor is one of the variety of options for boat rides anything from a tame harbor … [Read more...]
When I first read a couple of TripAdvisor reviews for this place I almost didn't go until Lilia's college friend Kathleen who is from Baltimore said it was a Do Not Miss activity that really shed light on one of the city's most famous events in history. Am I glad I listened because my kids and I all agree this place was awesome! The original home on the site is that of Mary Pickersgill, the widow and experienced flag … [Read more...]
If you've been following my adventures you know my kids and I are huge collectors of squish pennies. Yep, after 13 years, we are still at it with volumes of books to show for our travels. We still love collecting them, but something shiny and new caught my eye on our last two trips that I want to share with you. Thinking I was heading toward a squish penny machine at Ellis Island, I came upon a machine that sold … [Read more...]
So much of this trip was a sobering reality check that left us understanding the bitter divide between North and South and the everyday souls who endured so much for their cause. Often times words could not describe our feelings looking at the battlefields and learning the personal stories of brave Americans, from decorated generals to those barely old enough to enlist. But not everything on this trip revolved around … [Read more...]
