Eclectic Elements in Baltimore

Most tourists want to see the Aquarium in the Inner Harbor, and that’s fine, but the Inner Harbor has several excellent attractions. A short walk around the Inner Harbor from the Aquarium will take you to The American Visionary Art Museum, one of the most unique art galleries of its kind in the world - many visitors come just for the annual Kinetic Sculpture Race alone.

Another excellent attraction in the Inner Harbor is the incredible Maryland Science Center and its IMAX theater.

Around the corner from the Inner Harbor is the charming Federal Hill neighborhood. The Cross Street Market is a place to go for lunch, for produce, or as a staging point to explore several wonderful bars and restaurants nearby.

Around the corner from the world famous Lexington Street Market is the grave of one of Baltimore's world famous authors. An enjoyable wlaking tour can be had exploring the cemetary around the old church.

A short walk from the light rail is the world-famous enclosed street market. Many stands of produce and soul food, as well as Faidley's, home to one of the best Maryland Crab Cakes to be found.

A trip to The Avenue in Hampden is always a must. Eclectic shops and boutiques abound, and Golden West is a restaurant that is worth the trip alone. Southwestern and Asian fusion cuisine with breakfast served all day, coupled with a decorating scheme to match gives the place a truly unique feel.

Located across the street from the Golden West Cafe in Hampden, this is one book store not to be missed. Take time to savor the unusual titles, sections, magazines and zines from every subject from cooking to counterculture revolution.

Open only on weekends this is the place to go for free books. That's right, free! A little hard to find for the uninitiated, but located not very far from Johns Hopkins University and the Baltimore Museum of Art. People drop off books that they no longer want, volunteers sort them and put them on shelves, and everyone is invited to come in and help themselves. Greed is encouraged!

There are many places for art and theater in Baltimore, such as the Walters Art Gallery and the Hippodrome, but for an unparallelled artistic experience in an intimate setting, take in a show at the Creative Alliance near Patterson Park. Baltimore's art scene is exploding, and this is one of the premier spots in the city to see what hasn't hit everyone else's radar yet.

One of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, and for good reason. There is a lot to see and do there. From places to eat like Jimmy's for breakfast, Bertha's Mussels for lunch, or Silante Irish pub for dinner. Not to mention the boutiques like Mystery Loves Company bookstore, or the Chess Shop where you can play a game or buy one, or just stop in Birds of a Feather whiskey bar and let them recommend a shot that fits your personality.

Everyone wants to visit Little Italy, and this restaurant is a local favorite. Family-friendly, reasonably priced, and an unadvertised appetizer that's out of this world.