Ideas for a getaway weekend in Baltimore
Looking for a weekend to Baltimore, Maryland? Charm city has so much to offer for a couples getaway weekend. Here are a few ideas of where to stay, explore and eat in Baltimore.
Museums
American Visionary Art Museum
There is so much to see at the American Visionary Art Museum!
More than 70 weddings a year take place at AVAM. Total rentals and admissions income help AVAM generate one of the highest museum percentages of total earned incomes to total annual operating costs in the US. Debt-free, our Board’s stated goal is set to raise a $25 million endowment before exploring the many offers to establish a West Coast branch of our national museum in fulfillment of a founding vision to bring AVAM’s original thematic exhibitions, unique education programs, fun and spirited philosophy, literally, “From Sea to Shining Sea.”
There are now more than 40 museums and major visionary art environments open to the public around the world. AVAM is the largest and continues to influence and inspire museum and city planner thinking all over the world.
- Adult: $15.95
- Senior (60 and up): $13.95
- Student/Child: $9.95
- Children 6 and under: FREE!
- Members: FREE! (just show us your Fan Club Card)
Membership has its benefits – JOIN NOW or Discover More - Veterans: FREE on Veterans’ Day, November 11, 2017 with valid ID
Take the FREE Charm City Circulator to American Visionary Art Museum (Stop 404 on Banner Route) at Key Hwy & Covington St. Continue a few more steps up Key Hwy toward Covington Street (AVAM is at corner of Key Hwy & Covington – just look up!). Main entrance is a little further up Key Hwy on the right. Circulator info, including Route Maps, Schedule, Alerts, and more can be found online at www.charmcitycirculator.com.
Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA)
The BMA is open 10am-5pm, Wednesday through Sunday (more information). The BMA’s Sculpture Gardens will close when the temperature here is 94 degrees or higher, or 40 degrees or lower. Please call ahead at 443-573-1700 if you are planning to visit.
The BMA is located near Maryland Transit Administration buses CityLink Silver (formerly No. 3) and LocalLink 51 (formerly No. 11.) Use the MTA’s trip planner to estimate travel time and plan your route.
The Charm City Circulator is a free shuttle that runs four routes in Baltimore City, generally arriving every 10 -15 minutes at the designated stops on each route. You can take the Purple Route to the BMA. Hop on and off the Northbound bus on Charles at 31st Street.
Free Family Sunday
Explore your creative side with hands-on art-making workshops in response to works on view. Family workshops are held in the studio space of the Joseph Education Center, located on the first floor of the Museum.
Space is limited.
The Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland is internationally renowned for its collection of art. The collection presents an overview of world art from pre-dynastic Egypt to 20th-century Europe, and counts among its many treasures Greek sculpture and Roman sarcophagi; medieval ivories and Old Master paintings; Art Nouveau jewelry and 19th-century European and American masterpieces.
General admission to the Walters Art Museum is free.
Hours of operation for the museum are Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. and until 9 p.m. on Thursdays.
Get directions to the Walters Art Museum, located at 600 North Charles Street in Baltimore’s historic Mt. Vernon Cultural District. Please allow extra travel time when you visit. Due to construction in the Mt. Vernon neighborhood, there may be street closures and/or detours near the Walters Art Museum. Parking is available.
Aquarium
Ft. McHenry
O! say can you see,…by the dawn’s early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars . . . were so gallantly streaming! over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The valiant defense of the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
The entrance fee to the historic area of the park is $10.00 for adults 16 years of age and older; children 15 and younger are free. This fee provides the visitor with a 7-day entrance permit to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine. You must keep your entrance receipt to re-enter the park in the 7-day time period. America the Beautiful or Fort McHenry annual Passes are alternatives to the above fees. All passes can be purchased or obtained at the Visitor Center Information Desk between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during June, July and August.
Outdoor activities include daily flag changes, weather permitting; interpretive programs; living history (seasonal); star fort and grounds, self-guided.
Food
Hampden
The Food Market
From small plates to large plates to share The Food Market has food that is both comforting yet upscale. Many selections can be modified to be gluten free.
Try and get a table by the windows and enjoy the views of the eclectic streets of Hampden.
My Choice:
Sarah’s Choice:
Paulie Gee’s
If you love artisan wood fire pizzas and hand crafted cocktails, Paulie Gee’s is the place for you!
There are not gluten free pizzas but there are several vegan options.
Sarah’s Choice for pizza:
Cherry Jones – Mozzarella, Gorgonzola cheese, Prosciutto di Parma, dried Bing cherries and orange blossom honey
My choice:
Pepboy – Italian tomatoes, mozzarella, pecorino romano, oregano and a lot of traditional pepperoni
Vegan pick:
Jackie Brown (Vegan Brisket) – House-smoked & shredded jackfruit, sliced garlic, BBQ sauce from Hampden’s Blue Pit BBQ, house-pickled red onion and house-bourbon reduction. Select Weekends Only & Very Limited Availability
Grano Pasta Bar
Choose your own pasta and sauce and enjoy the friendly atmosphere of Grano Pasta bar. So many possible combinations! This family friendly restaurant sources fresh ingredients from local farmers’ markets.
My Choice:
BOLOGNESE (GF) – A recipe from Bologna. Locally raised ground beef, celery, onions, carrots, tomatoes and prosciutto over fehttuchini.
Sarah’s Choice:
GORGONZOLA E NOCI (GF, VEG) A creamy mixture of butter, milk gorgonzola, & walnut ‘on the side’ over spaghetti.
Blue Bird cocktail room
Water For Chocolate
There may be a wait for a table at Water For Chocolate.
Wait.
Sit down and wait.
Take a walk around the block and wait.
It will be worth the wait.
After years spent in an Executive Chef capacity with such casual dining establishments as Planet Hollywood and Dave & Busters, Sean longed for a simpler, more direct conduit to his guests. His signature sweet potato bread pudding w/ crème angalise, Italian sausage meatloaf and kick-A$$ egg salad w/ crispy prosciutto & avocado need to be ordered by at least one person at your table.
If you have read the book, then stop by and experience his version of “Water for Chocolate”.
And if you have not read it, there is a well thumbed copy waiting for you at the Chef’s table.
Sleep
Brookshire Suites
After all your exploring and eating your way through Baltimore you are going to need a comfortable place to rest and refresh. We stayed at the Brookshire Suites and the hotel was steps away from the Inner Harbor.
Check out the view from our room:
RedBAR
In the lobby is the RedBAR. Grab a seat and try a local craft brew, Maryland wine or a cup of Joe. Enjoy your drink at the BAR or in the beautiful, bright lobby while playing a board game and relaxing.
Charm City is alive and on the walls thanks to local artist, Michael Owen , the creator of the Baltimore Love Project.
Suite
The Brookshire suites are just that… suites. This was the living area of our suite. A great desk with television and big windows flood the room with light. Great for getting work done IF you have to work but a nice space for relaxing on your getaway weekend.
Queen Beds
The queen beds are very comfortable and there are plenty of pillows. The pillows are very full so if you like a flatter pillow, be advised to bring one of your own.
Full Mirror
We don’t have a full length mirror at home. Sarah is always taking a photo in one when she finds one. I think she might be trying to tell me something.
Work out
If you are in need of a work out the Brookshire Suites has a work out room. Free weights and a few machines are what they have to offer. Not pictured is the window that is in front of the treadmill. It does look out to another building but there is a street between the two buildings so you have plenty of light.
Check out Sarah showing you around our room:
Modus Hotels
The Brookshire Suites is part of the Modus Hotel Group. Modus Hotels develops, owns, and operates a portfolio of lifestyle hotels and restaurants in various cities. Modus Hotels offers a one-of-a-kind experience through brand signatures and personalized service. Each guest who walks through our doors discovers an experience fitting of their distinct way of life. The goal is to provide each travelers with elements that mimic their lifestyle, allowing them to live the way they want to on the road.
Their hotels are pet friendly! Bring your furry family member with you when you stay with Modus.
Check out all their properties here.
Modus Friends with Benefits.
Book direct through Modus at one of our lifestyle properties and enjoy these exclusive benefits:
- 10% Off Our Best Available Rate
- Flexible check-in/check-out
- Personalized amenities and preferences
- Complimentary cocktail upon arrival
Check out the other visit Sarah took with her girlfriends to the Avenue Suites:
