First Trip To Baltimore

[r.lewis52]

Hey Ravens fan! Me and my girlfriend are takin a little trip to baltimore this weekend for the Denver game for the first time! Were so exicted but we have no clue how were going to find parking or the best places to park. Were getting a hotel or motel saturday night also.Anyone know the best spots to park and a good place to sleep at before the game? Ill greatly apperciate it! I cant be anymore exicted about going to my first Ravens game! Whoooooooooo!

P.S 5 hour trip from CT.

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

depends on where your Hotel is, if its not Downtown, dont drive to the stadium, take the Light-Rail. When I go to games I stay in the Baltimore highlands, a few hotels in that town. also the light rail station. grab a round trip ticket and hop on in the morning and go tailgate.

[r.lewis52]

[quote name='BohBalmerOsbohs' timestamp='1286257283' post='498910']
depends on where your Hotel is, if its not Downtown, dont drive to the stadium, take the Light-Rail. When I go to games I stay in the Baltimore highlands, a few hotels in that town. also the light rail station. grab a round trip ticket and hop on in the morning and go tailgate.
[/quote]


ok thanks! Is there a certian hotel thats nice but cheap or which one do u go too?

[Jabara]

[quote name='r.lewis52' timestamp='1286258682' post='498915']
ok thanks! Is there a certian hotel thats nice but cheap or which one do u go too?
[/quote]
I don't know of any Hotels to suggest since the ones downtown are pretty expensive, but I do know that if you aren't from Baltimore, or if you don't know the area that well, [b]be careful[/b].

I'm not trying to scare you, if you aren't familiar with this city, but just like anywhere, if you don't know about a certain area, don't test it, unless you find some friendly Ravens fans after the game to hang out with. The city goes from a really nice area, to a horrible area, block by block, one wrong turn and you can be in a warzone, no joke.
Plan/map it out as best you can. If you make it there early enough to tailgate, you'll meet some of the best people you'll ever meet, and they will tell you where to go and more importantly where [b]not[/b] to go.
I've lived in Baltimore my whole life, and in Baltimore City my entire adult life. It's worth doing some research to find interesting unique places to go, there are a lot in this city. I don't know the amount of time you'll have here, or what you plan on doing, or else I could be a bit more helpful. Just be careful.

P.S. If you can find a nice hotel near the lightrail, you'll be fine.
The lightrail is basically a train-type of transportation that moves throughout the city and into the county.
If you choose to use it, since it will take you to the stadium, and you'll see a lot of Ravens fans on it, it's probably your best option.
Make sure you buy a day pass, $3 I think, you'll be able to use it as much as you want plus it's good for any buses you might need just in case.
And when the Broncos have the ball, Screeaammm!

Have a good time!

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

[quote name='r.lewis52' timestamp='1286258682' post='498915']
ok thanks! Is there a certian hotel thats nice but cheap or which one do u go too?
[/quote]

I stay at the Comfort Inn in North Linthicum.

[b]6921 Baltimore-Annap. Blvd., Baltimore, MD[/b]
[u][i](410) 789-9100[/i][/u]

Right across the street from the Hotel is the Light Rail station, it will take you all the way through Town, into the city and drop you off right outfront of the stadium.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Jabara' timestamp='1286259676' post='498919']
The city goes from a really nice area, to a horrible area, block by block, one wrong turn and you can be in a warzone, no joke.
[/quote]
Word, I took my girl to the Colts game last year, had the time of my life we stayed downtown by the warf and it was awesome. But we took the city bus one day to that big mall on the north(?)side I think and we basically went through what I would call worse than South Central LA.

Having said that, you gotta goto the Warf area. I loved it personally.

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

if you find yourself in one of those towns during the day, ur fine.

[Moderator 2]

[url="http://www.baltimore.to/lodging/index.html"]List of hotels[/url]

Closest Parking off of Stockholm street and under 395 has several lots you can pay 40 bucks a game to park and tailgate follow the signs

[Jabara]

[quote name='BohBalmerOsbohs' timestamp='1286260766' post='498922']
if you find yourself in one of those towns during the day, ur fine.
[/quote]
That's [b]not[/b] true. Just because it's daytime doesn't mean you are anymore safe.

[ravenfan17876]

Guys,

I am also making my first trip to the game this Sunday, we are looking for a place to hang out after the game. What are the better local bars?

[Moderator 4]

[quote name='ravenfan17876' timestamp='1286284000' post='499014']
What are the better local bars?
[/quote]

Closest are around the Cross street market, east of the stadium, along Charles and Light Streets. crossed by Cross, West, Ostend, Hamburg Streets. Mother's is very popular, but also very crowded. There are a dozen more in this area, at the foot of Federal Hill.

There are some other good bars north of the baseball stadium, along Pratt Street.

We usually go to Fells Point, which you can access by water taxi or car. Max's on Broadway is very crowded, loud, loaded with football fans catching the second game. At least a dozen more bars between the waterfront and Eastern Ave., along Broadway.

[GTRavens]

I [i]really[/i] hate grammar nazis, but...lossed?

[r.lewis52]

Im so pumped on going thanks guys for the help! Well were going to Baltimore early saturday morning and stay all day. We like goin to zoos and historical places. Havent been to DC so i think were going to go there too! Any tips? I hope i meet some cool Raven fans!

[Moderator 4]

[quote name='r.lewis52' timestamp='1286296075' post='499183']
Im so pumped on going thanks guys for the help! Well were going to Baltimore early saturday morning and stay all day. We like goin to zoos and historical places. Havent been to DC so i think were going to go there too! Any tips? I hope i meet some cool Raven fans!
[/quote]

When we have out of town visitors who have just a day, we take them to Ft. McHenry, Inner Harbor (Aquarium, Science Center, Maritime Museum, shops & restaurants), Federal Hill, Fells Point, then Little Italy, Greektown, or a seafood restaurant for dinner. For sports fans, the Sports Legends Museum, in the former B&O RR station next to Orioles park and the Babe Ruth Museum are mandatory -- please allow a good 2 to 3 hours.


In Baltimore, you will see one of the country's best historical spots at Ft. McHenry. Make sure to see the movie at the Visitors' Center - and do not leave until the curtains are raised on the Flag. The Battle of Baltimore and Battle of North Point battlefield s are historically significant, but not well preserved. Also, the first Civil War casualties occurred in the Baltimore Massacre, at Pratt and President Streets, as Yankee troops marched from the President Street RR station (still preserved at the south end of President Street) to the B&O RR Station (which was also the site of Lincoln's journey through Baltimore in disguise out of fear of assassination). Go to the top of Federal Hill to see the cannons still turned toward the City by the Yankee troops.

There are several historic mansions in the City (e.g. Carroll Mansion and Hampton Mansion), but for mansions you're better off in Annapolis, where there are 1/2 dozen huge Colonial mansions (including those of 4 signers of the declaration of Independence, the Francis Scott Key House, and the Peggy Stewart - ship burning by its owner instead of paying taxes to the King) -- Annapolis has more colonial era structures than any other city in the US. Back to Baltimore, the port side of Fell Point area is fairly well preserved.


Don't go to DC unless you have several extra days. DC is very hard to get around due to traffic & parking issues, or else taking MARC & Metro will kill many hours on trains and transferring. If DC is a "must" for you, the best way to see sights in a day is to take the "[url="http://www.trolleytours.com/Washington-DC/"]Old Town Trolley Tours[/url]". It's somewhat pricey, but worth the time savings.

re zoos, the Baltimore Zoo has fallen on hard times financially, and doesn't really compare to DC's zoo, but, then again, the Baltimore Zoo is a 10 minute drive up the Jones Falls Expressway, while DC's zoo will take 1 1/2 hours or more. Better than either is the National Aquarium, in the Inner Harbor.

[K-Dog]

eat a crab cake wile you are here.

[r.lewis52]

[quote name='K-Dog' timestamp='1286323412' post='499670']
eat a crab cake wile you are here.
[/quote]


You guys are great! Thanks! I hope i make it out alright and meet some cool Ravens fans who will show us around!

[Purple Nurple]

DO NOT miss Baltimore Street. What an experience!

[BohBalmerOsbohs]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1286346645' post='500055']
DO NOT miss Baltimore Street. What an experience!
[/quote]

For Dudes atleast.

[Purple Nurple]

I'm just saying. Its a quick walk from the harbor and the cover charge is worth every penny. What?

[flaccopoe]

[quote name='Moderator 4' timestamp='1286304272' post='499321']
When we have out of town visitors who have just a day, we take them to Ft. McHenry, Inner Harbor (Aquarium, Science Center, Maritime Museum, shops & restaurants), Federal Hill, Fells Point, then Little Italy, Greektown, or a seafood restaurant for dinner. For sports fans, the Sports Legends Museum, in the former B&O RR station next to Orioles park and the Babe Ruth Museum are mandatory -- please allow a good 2 to 3 hours.


In Baltimore, you will see one of the country's best historical spots at Ft. McHenry. Make sure to see the movie at the Visitors' Center - and do not leave until the curtains are raised on the Flag. The Battle of Baltimore and Battle of North Point battlefield s are historically significant, but not well preserved. Also, the first Civil War casualties occurred in the Baltimore Massacre, at Pratt and President Streets, as Yankee troops marched from the President Street RR station (still preserved at the south end of President Street) to the B&O RR Station (which was also the site of Lincoln's journey through Baltimore in disguise out of fear of assassination). Go to the top of Federal Hill to see the cannons still turned toward the City by the Yankee troops.

There are several historic mansions in the City (e.g. Carroll Mansion and Hampton Mansion), but for mansions you're better off in Annapolis, where there are 1/2 dozen huge Colonial mansions (including those of 4 signers of the declaration of Independence, the Francis Scott Key House, and the Peggy Stewart - ship burning by its owner instead of paying taxes to the King) -- Annapolis has more colonial era structures than any other city in the US. Back to Baltimore, the port side of Fell Point area is fairly well preserved.


Don't go to DC unless you have several extra days. DC is very hard to get around due to traffic & parking issues, or else taking MARC & Metro will kill many hours on trains and transferring. If DC is a "must" for you, the best way to see sights in a day is to take the "[url="http://www.trolleytours.com/Washington-DC/"]Old Town Trolley Tours[/url]". It's somewhat pricey, but worth the time savings.

re zoos, the Baltimore Zoo has fallen on hard times financially, and doesn't really compare to DC's zoo, but, then again, the Baltimore Zoo is a 10 minute drive up the Jones Falls Expressway, while DC's zoo will take 1 1/2 hours or more. Better than either is the National Aquarium, in the Inner Harbor.
[/quote]

Wow, this is really useful information! I'm planning on visiting Baltimore/Annapolis soon, so thanks! BTW, I didn't know Baltimore played such an important role in the Civil War.

[r.lewis52]

Where can i find parking for the game? Garages?

[r.lewis52]

Im at the Rodeway Inn off of Pulaski highway. Does anyone know if i could hop on the light rail from there or a bus or some other meens of transportation?

[Jabara]

[quote name='ravenfan17876' timestamp='1286284000' post='499014']
Guys,

I am also making my first trip to the game this Sunday, we are looking for a place to hang out after the game. What are the better local bars?
[/quote]
My favorite local bar that screams Baltimore is the Mount Royal Tavern.
It's across the street from the Mount Royal Light Rail stop.
It's a total dirthole, actually referred to as the Dirt Church, but it's the most fun I've ever had at a bar, constantly, hands down.
It's one of the cheapest bars in Bmore, and they also pour the strongest drinks, you totally get your money's worth.
If you're acting like a jerk, the bartenders will gladly tell you you're a jerk. You can't find service like that anywhere else.
It's not like it used to be, but it has the most regulars than any bar I know of, and like I said, it's always a good time. If you truly want to see Baltimore, you need to go to the Mount Royal Tavern.

If you want to go to some clean, cookie cutter bar that is exactly like something you might have at home, I can't really help you, go to Fells Point or Federal Hill.
Even if you hate it, you'll at least have a great story to tell, and yes, it will be filled of Ravens fans and other locals, that are always interesting. It's a mix of different races, cultures, etc.


Either way, have a good time at the game!

[RavensPunkXVX]

Dude when i first read this I thought it was my post, almost identical haha. Me and my gf are headed to Baltimore right now for the first time as well. We have tickets for tha broncos game. Were staying by the airport. Found the hotels to be cheaper.

[Rav'n Maniac]

[quote name='Purple Nurple' timestamp='1286346645' post='500055']
DO NOT miss Baltimore Street. What an experience!
[/quote]
Dude, you are too much! Nobody else would come up with recommending a visit to the "red light" district. LMAO