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The Perfect Long Weekend In Baltimore

Baltimore has so much to offer to visitors, as well as residents. From visual arts, music, museums, gardens, culture and history, it would be easy to spend an entire day at just one location. As for its history, Baltimore is celebrating its role in the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, it is a unique geographical location that is responsible for the cosmopolitan flavor of Charm City. Here are four suggestions on where to spend four days experiencing Baltimore.
Fort McHenry

Day OneFort McHenry National Monument and Historic Site
2400 E. Fort Avenue
Baltimore, Md. 21230
(410) 962-4290
www.nps.gov/formc

With the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 underway and the upcoming celebration of the creation of the country's national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key on Sept. 13-14. 1814, Fort McHenry is steeped in the nation's history. This year, the Star-Spangled Banner Defenders' Day Weekend runs Sept. 13-15. The weekend begins on Friday, 10-10:30 a.m., with a keynote speech by the U.S. Treasurer. On both Saturday and Sunday, spend the day steeped in early 19th century life and history by visiting the large living history encampment at the site. Thrill to the sound of fife and drums, military drills, cannon and musket firing demonstrations and more. While there, visit the nearby Flag House and see the remnants of the original flag that inspired Key to write the words to the national anthem.

Related: Best Fall Concerts In Baltimore

2/4/12 – Family & Pets- Family Fun Guide to National Aquarium- National Aquarium
Photo Credit: Thinkstock

Day Two:Museums of Baltimore
Baltimore Visitor Center
401 Light Street
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(877) 225-8466
www.baltimore.org/visitor-center

After stopping at the Baltimore Visitor Center, located on Light Street downtown, plan to spend the day visiting the museums of Baltimore. For an historical view of baseball, visit Camden Yards, the Sports Legends Museum and the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. While Ruth became famous with the New York Yankees, he started his career in Baltimore. Next, head to Geppi's Entertainment Museum and learn about American culture vis-a-vis American icons, such as Batman, Superman, the Care Bares and even the California Raisins. It is a fun spot for adults and kids. After lunch at the Inner Harbor, spend the remainder or the day at the National Aquarium. See sharks, jellyfish, the dolphin show and more.

INNER HARBOR

Day ThreeBoat Tour of Inner Harbor & the Maritime Museum
Maryland Office of Tourism Development
401 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, Md. 21202
(866) 639-3526
www.baltimore.org

To become immersed in the maritime history of Baltimore, what better place to start than boarding a boat and taking a water tour of the Inner Harbor? Watermark Cruises on the Bay feature a tour of 45 to 90 minutes. Or spend 60 minutes as a pirate aboard the Fearless by Urban Pirates. Water taxis depart from 17 locations and operate year-round. After spending the morning on the water, have lunch at one of the Inner Harbor's diverse eateries. Spend the rest of the afternoon touring the historic ships in Baltimore, such as the Constellation and the U.S. Submarine Torsk. While there, tour the Baltimore Maritime Museum. For an evening on the water, take a dinner cruise.

Edgar Allen Poe
Photo Credit: SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images

Day Four:Edgar Allan Poe Society
203 N. Amity Street
Baltimore, Md. 21223
(410) 752-2490
www.eapoe.org

Experience the Baltimore of Edgar Allan Poe by visiting the Baltimore Poe House and Museum. Originally built around 1830, Poe was 23 when his extended family lived in the brick house on Amity Street. The display includes glassware, a telescope, a sextant, a lap desk and other Poe memorabilia. While living in the house, Poe wrote a number of stories, such as "MS. Found in a Bottle," "Bernice – A Tale" and a number of poems. After visiting the Poe House, head to Poe's Memorial Grave, which was dedicated in November 1875. For lunch, head to the Annabel Lee Tavern at 601 S. Clinton Street to ponder the writer and his work. In the evening, take in a play at Baltimore's famous Centerstage.

Related: Best Baltimore Businesses With Art Galleries

Jeffrey B. Roth has won numerous state and national news and feature-writing awards during his career. A well-known crime writer, investigative reporter and a feature writer, Roth writes for a number of magazines and newspapers. Listed in the Locus Index of SciFi and Fantasy authors, Roth is the author of a number of published short stories and poetry. His work can be found on Examiner.com.

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