Day 300 - Baltimore's Inner Harbor

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***Scroll down to see my offer for Red Cross donations.***

Classic Baltimore Icon

What a gorgeous day it was!  To celebrate Day 300, I decided to go to Baltimore to walk around Inner Harbor.  Veronica, my new intern/boarder, who is from New Jersey, had never been to Baltimore, so off we went in the red convertible to enjoy a sunny afternoon in the city.

Although I am not a city girl, I like downtown Baltimore's harbor area.  I know where to park, the spaces are wide open, and it is easy getting in and out.  I parked at the Royal Sonesta on Light Street, across from the Maryland Science Center, and we first walked to the top of the battery at Federal Hill.

That's how Baltimore rolls!

All the elements of the harbor in one.

The large, commanding, flat-topped hill overlooking the harbor has played roles in both the War of 1812 and the Civil War.  You can read the history of Federal Hill here:  history.  The views from atop the hill are fabulous.  On one side, you can see the stadiums; on another, you can overlook the harbor and all of its hustle and bustle.  On the third side you can see the famous Domino Sugar sign; the fourth side is a neighbohood of homes facing the hill.

Street Musician

We walked down one side of the hill to the Museum of Visionary Art below, having fun with looking at the highly decorated bus, the mirror mosaics, and the funky metal sculptures.  Then we walked back toward Inner Harbor, passing the beach volleyball courts that were busy with players.

Only in Baltimore

We continued past the anchored tour boats, then entered one of the sets of buildings where there are numerous shops and restaurants.  I had to buy a children's crab book for Norma.  Next we tried to get a table at one of the seafood restaurants, but the wait was an hour.  I suggested we go to Little Italy, so we continued walking on Pratt until we turned right on President, finding Mo's Waterfront.  The crab cakes were amazing -- Veronica's first.

1813 Flag

Lovin' Life

We went back to the area of the harbor known as the old Power Plant, walking by the Barnes & Noble, the Hard Rock Cafe, and the National Aquarium.  We walked on the waterfront past the paddleboats, then rounded the harbor and went into the Visitor's Center.  Children were having a wonderful time playing in the water spouts outside the center.

All in all, it was a great afternoon at Inner Harbor.  Groups of people were wearing Yankees gear, as well as Orioles gear, because there is a game this evening.  I dropped Veronica off at the stadium, where she met my nephew.  Veronica is from northern NJ, so you know who she's rooting for.

Go O's!!!!!

Federal Hill Pano

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Forward me by email any receipt for an online donation made to the Red Cross for disaster relief, and I will send you a 5x7 print of your choice from any of my daily photo walks or from my website.  Offer good until September 2, 2013.

Visit my web site: camscamerashots.zenfolio.com
Follow me on Twitter: @camscamerashots
Email:  cam.miller@comcast.net

Cam's rules for the Daily Photo Walk:

1. walk every day
2. the walk must be in addition to any other planned activity for the day
3. post a photo every day
4. use whatever camera is easy and convenient for walking comfortably; always have a backup camera at the ready in case of mishaps (I use the Nikon Coolpix P7700)
5. no weather excuses
6. walk only where it is safe to do so