Visiting Baltimore

[hiphopvenom]

Booked my flight and hotel ...can't wait 4 months away!...is the days inn inner harbor a decent place to stay?

[Ragin'Raven]

[quote name='Raven07' timestamp='1343697344' post='1107082']
like any city, Baltimore has its "Bad" areas and its "Good" areas. and navigating your way around wil be key.
[/quote]

I live just outside of Reisterstown, but I found a "bad" area of Baltimore the other night when I was driving back from Johns Hopkins with my sons. I was literally confused as to where I was, and none of the people walking around looked like they wanted to help give me directions (if you know what I mean). They would have probably loved for me to stop though!

[Moderator 3]

[quote name='hiphopvenom' timestamp='1343851655' post='1108163']
Booked my flight and hotel ...can't wait 4 months away!...is the days inn inner harbor a decent place to stay?
[/quote]

Yes, it's fine. It's walking distance (on main, well-lit streets) to the stadiums and the harbor. There are good bars nearby, especially if you like premium ales. There are plenty of restaurants in all price ranges. I'm in that area 5 days a week.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='Ragin'Raven' timestamp='1343857261' post='1108226']


I live just outside of Reisterstown, but I found a "bad" area of Baltimore the other night when I was driving back from Johns Hopkins with my sons. I was literally confused as to where I was, and none of the people walking around looked like they wanted to help give me directions (if you know what I mean). They would have probably loved for me to stop though!
[/quote]

Please be cautious. Things can go real bad real quick. I took a wrong turn down a one way street years ago and we had bottles and rocks thrown at the car.

[hiphopvenom]

[quote name='Moderator 3' timestamp='1343859086' post='1108237']


Yes, it's fine. It's walking distance (on main, well-lit streets) to the stadiums and the harbor. There are good bars nearby, especially if you like premium ales. There are plenty of restaurants in all price ranges. I'm in that area 5 days a week.
[/quote]

Thanks for the info...I would prefer to walk everywhere ..get the feel since this might be my one and only time out that way...its just killing me that its 4 months away lol...one last question...do they give tours at m&t?

[Moderator 3]

They generally don't do tours on gameday as they are too busy. You'll get to see plenty just by going to a game, anyhow.

[hiphopvenom]

Oh alright...sorry for all the questions lol

[PandaKC]

Hi! I'm visiting Washington DC and spending 4 days in Baltimore while I am there. 14th-18th Aug. I'm travelling alone so it's all a bit of an adventure, but would really like to meet some Ravens fans over there and go to the Lions v Ravens preseason game. Where is the best bars, hangouts to meet NFL nerds like me?
Any other advice about where to go will also be great.
Thanks!
Manda x

[Moderator 4]

Manda:

Did you know that in 1950s, Baltimore had more bars per capita than any other city in the US? That factoid may or may not be true today, but the tradition carries on!

Outside of a few despicable Steelers hangouts, every bar in the Baltimore area is a Ravens bar. It's really how much Ravens spirit is flowing and on what day. Here are a few suggestions:

[url="http://www.mothersgrille.com/"]Mothers Grille[/url] - within walking distance to the Stadium at the foot of Federal Hill. It does get overcrowded after Ravens games, with the crowd spilling out onto the street. There are another dozen or so [url="http://www.410area.com/baltimore/federal-hill/"]bars and restaurants in the Federal Hill vicinity[/url].

Another area loaded with bars -- I have been there for Orioles games and assume Ravens games similarly draw -- is along the Pratt Street corridor, starting around [url="http://www.picklespub.com/"]Pickles Pub[/url] across from the Orioles baseball stadium and working east along Pratt past the [url="http://www.harborplace.com/dining-entertainment"]Harborplace[/url] to the [url="http://www.powerplantlive.com/index.cfm?page=dine-drink-play"]PowerPlant Live[/url] section.

A newer, more upscale (and more expensive) entertainment area is the [url="http://www.harboreast.com/"]Inner Harbor East[/url], which is just south of [url="http://www.littleitalymd.com/"]Little Italy[/url]. These areas are more restaurant than tavern oriented, but you have to eat, right? Anyway, did you not state that you will coming over from the Nation's Capital? The difference in food is substantial: the typical DC fare is a slice of cheese slapped on white bread with mayo. Contrast that to the rich & flavorful foods hundreds of ethnic restaurants and crabhouses in Baltimore -- you will appreciate the opportunity to eat well during your visit.

Further east is a small but lively nightlife area called [url="http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/travel/26DayOut.html"]O'Donnell Square[/url]. I used to catch a bus loaded with Ravens fans from [url="http://www.looneyspubmd.com/"]Looney's Pub[/url] (50+ TV sets and 25+ drafts) to Ravens games played at Memorial Stadium. In subsequent visits, I have seen many Ravens fans there. There are another 1/2 dozen taverns on the Square.

Finally, you should include the Fells Point bar scene at least one evening. If it's a weekend, forgettabout parking, because Fells Point is mobbed. However, unless the local colleges have started up, you may find it not so crowded in August. A Ravens hangout (where postgame shows are broadcast) is [url="http://www.maxs.com/"]Max's Taphouse on Broadway[/url], which has about 150 different drafts. There are dozens of other [url="http://fellspointbar.com/"]bars[/url] & restaurants at [url="http://baltimore.citysearch.com/listings/fells-point-baltimore-md/bars_pubs/5349_1686?page=1"]Fells Point[/url]. My favorite -- also a lot of Ravens fans hang out there -- is the [url="http://thewharfrat.com/"]Wharf Rat[/url].


edit: Manda -- I see from your profile that you come from the UK. One of our former moderators, who has since moved back across the pond, introduced me to several local taverns which were hangouts for soccer teams (actually Gaelic football) comprised mostly of young men from the UK and Eire. Two which I remember are the Wharf Rat, which I mentioned above, and [url="http://slaintepub.com/"]Slainte Irish Pub[/url].

Also, for your next visit, you should time it better, [i]i.e.[/i] come during the regular season, when we have an annual "British Invasion" by Ravens fans from the British Isles. It is very festive, catching the eye of local TV sportscasters for local sportscasts, as the Ravens fans are adorned by their nations flags. Your countrymen have taught us some bad habits for tailgating, such as celery-tossing.

[Purple Nurple]

Love the wharf rat. It's a must visit whenever I'm back in town.

[BmoreInBmore]

[quote name='alg52' timestamp='1337023490' post='1077591']
Hey guys, from the UK and want to go to a Ravens game, What is Baltimore like as the place to visit? Much to do there?


Thanks in advance
[/quote]

Save your money and time and just watch it on tv, its not like you even understand the game anyway.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='BmoreInBmore' timestamp='1344489364' post='1113441']


Save your money and time and just watch it on tv, its not like you even understand the game anyway.
[/quote]

Are you kidding???

[mairead_k24]

Hey guys! My boyfriend and I are coming to visit from Toronto Canada for the Baltimore vs. Dallas game October 14th. (Unfortunately he’s a Dallas fan ) but I’m die heart Ravens!! It is my first NFL game ever and I’m so stoked it just happens to be in our home stadium!

Anyways, I was just curious about a few things... we’re planning on driving down as oppose to flying – is it best to park at the hotel and just walk around and tailgate or should we park our car somewhere? Also, we haven’t gotten our tickets yet... they’re super expensive!! We’re looking in the 552 section for about $250 a ticket – I know the ravens are amazing but is that normal for Baltimore tickets? We are looking at buying on Stubhub or the NFL exchange site (If anyone has a better suggestion I would greatly appreciate it, it’s been really stressful trying to plan our trip without the tickets)

I’m sorry for all the questions I’m just really excited about going! My boyfriend is NOT a big mouth at all, he loves Dallas but also really enjoys watching Baltimore. Is there a possibility people will harass him if he wears his jersey? Chirps we can handle but nothing more than that lol. We’re really excited to come to Baltimore – I can’t wait to experience that atmosphere I hear so much about!

- Mair

[Guest Moderator 6]

Assuming your staying at a hotel in the city that is in/near the Inner Harbor you should be within walking distance; park at the hotel.

I can't speak to the ticket prices.

Your boyfriend should be fine in his Cowboys jersey. Just remember for any trash talking he gives out he will have to be able to handle in return and he's way out numbered lol.

[Moderator 3]

Tickets for the Cowboys game are selling at a premium. Apparently there are a lot of people looking for tickets to that game. Not only do the Cowboys have some fans on the east coast who want to come, the Redskin fans want to come to cheer for the Ravens that game, AND it's our only October home date. It's a perfect storm for driving up ticket prices.

[cobrajet]

As a city police officer for 21 years, I feel obligated to inform any visitors to Baltimore that it is actually a very dangerous city. There are a lot of guns on the street and you don't have to drive far from the downtown area before you get into the violent drug areas.

A few tips: If you are driving in and have a windshield mounted GPS, please hide it when you are parked or your car will be broken into. Also, do not wear expensive jewelry or carry a lot of cash. If you park at the meters be sure to read the signs carefully - they tow quick during rush hour on the main streets downtown so be mindful of the time. The 400 block of E. Baltimore Street is a cess pool so don't be lured by the fancy lights.

I don't mean to scare anyone from visiting our city but again I feel obligated to warn visitors of the plain truth. Feel free to send me a message if you want any specific advice on specific places or areas or you want more tips.

[Moderator 4]

The ticket price for that section appears excessive -- keep shopping. You may find premium seats for less.

As to hotels, if you stay at one of the hotels along the Pratt Street corridor (Convention Center to Inner Harbor), you would walk along Ravens Walk. That should take care of your tailgating needs - it should be very lively in October. Check out:

[indent=1]http://www.baltimoreravens.com/Gameday/Gameday_Events/Ravens_Walk.aspx[/indent]

[indent=1]http://www.baltimoreravens.com/Gameday/Gameday_Events.aspx[/indent]

[indent=1]http://www.nfl-football-on-the-cheap.com/baltimore-ravens-stadium-ravens-walk.html[/indent]

As to driving vs. flying: that's quite a haul through NY State and Pennsylvania. Beautiful territory, sometimes bears will cross the highways. But the flight is a short hop. And the Light Rail from BWI connects to the Stadium and the Convention Center -- [i]i.e.[/i] consider getting around without a car. Baltimore is not as car-friendly as Toronto.

[mairead_k24]

Thanks for all the suggestions, they've been a big help! We actually just bought our tickets today... we got sec.530 for about $250 each. I'm getting REALLY excited now. lol We've found a hotel called the Hampton Inn Baltimore - Downtown - Convention Center on Washington Blvd and Portland St... Any advice??? Is this a good area and safe to stay?

We've also decided to drive the full 8.50 hours. I've driven to Tennessee with a few stops so we should be fine. Would you guys recommend the Baltimore Zoo? I was really looking forward to going there so hopefully I'll enjoy it.

I also heard crapcakes are a specialty in Baltimore - anyone know a good place to get some? (Is there anything else you guys are known for?) We aren't looking for anything too fancy, pubs and bars are great as well!

Thank you for all your help! Anyone going to this game??

[Moderator 3]

[quote name='mairead_k24' timestamp='1345300023' post='1123087']
Thanks for all the suggestions, they've been a big help! We actually just bought our tickets today... we got sec.530 for about $250 each. I'm getting REALLY excited now. lol We've found a hotel called the Hampton Inn Baltimore - Downtown - Convention Center on Washington Blvd and Portland St... Any advice??? Is this a good area and safe to stay?

We've also decided to drive the full 8.50 hours. I've driven to Tennessee with a few stops so we should be fine. Would you guys recommend the Baltimore Zoo? I was really looking forward to going there so hopefully I'll enjoy it.

I also heard crapcakes are a specialty in Baltimore - anyone know a good place to get some? (Is there anything else you guys are known for?) We aren't looking for anything too fancy, pubs and bars are great as well!

Thank you for all your help! Anyone going to this game??
[/quote]

Look on a map of Baltimore that shows the stadiums. You want to pick one that is north or east of the stadiums, not south. There are quite a few reasonable motels just north of the stadium. Days Inn and Holiday Inn are both within easy walking distance and are close to pubs, etc.

The Zoo is definitely worth a visit.

[mairead_k24]

Hey guys,

Thanks for all your help - I was wondering how I go about getting a stadium tour... I found infromation on Camden Yards but NOTHING on M&T. Can anybody help? I would LOVE to get some sort of tour done while I'm in Baltimore.

Thanks!

[Moderator 4]

I believe you will be out of luck on for a stadium tour. Unlike Rogers Centre (great tour!) or Orioles Park at Camden Yards, the Ravens, to my knowledge, don't conduct regularly scheduled stadium tours. You can try calling the ticket office at 410-261-RAVE.

However, an alternative which you may find rewarding would be to tour the [url="http://www.baberuthmuseum.com/pagebank/index.html?id=179"]Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards[/url], 301 West Camden Street Baltimore, MD 21201 ph (410) 727-1539. There is a great Ravens exhibit there. If possible, see if you can arrange a small private tour by John Ziemann, who is the leader of our Marching Ravens Band and volunteers at the Museum. (John was a central figure in the Barry Levinson produced ESPN documentary "The Band That Wouldn't Die", which should be required viewing for any Ravens fan -- try You Tube). We luckily came across Ziemer last year at the Museum and were treated to an insightful view of Baltimore football history which can't be read in books.

[triumph]

Hi Guys,

Rather than start a new topic I figured it'd be best to post in here. My girlfriend and I are coming over from Australia for the Ravens v Steelers on December 2nd, we're staying in DC and travelling to the game via train and I have a few questions you may be able to answer?

1. I'm planning on buying a replica helmet as a souveneir from the game and on the off chance I may get an autograph, are replica helmets allowed into the stadium?
2. Is there an entry fee too the ravens walk pre game area?
3. Can I take a camera into the stadium?

Thanks everyone, I can't wait to be at the bank finally seeing the Ravens play!

[Moderator 3]

[quote name='triumph' timestamp='1346914172' post='1140725']
Hi Guys,

Rather than start a new topic I figured it'd be best to post in here. My girlfriend and I are coming over from Australia for the Ravens v Steelers on December 2nd, we're staying in DC and travelling to the game via train and I have a few questions you may be able to answer?

1. I'm planning on buying a replica helmet as a souveneir from the game and on the off chance I may get an autograph, are replica helmets allowed into the stadium?

[b]I would think so, they even sell them inside.[/b]


2. Is there an entry fee too the ravens walk pre game area?

[b]No. The area is free (though the food and beverages are not).[/b]


3. Can I take a camera into the stadium?

[b]Yes, but not a video camera and not a camera case (no idea why not on the case).[/b]


Thanks everyone, I can't wait to be at the bank finally seeing the Ravens play!
[/quote]

[Moderator 4]

To Triumph:

Please note that the MARC trains to the B&O Station, near the Ravens stadium, do not run on Sundays. Coming by train from DC, you will have to ride Amtrak and transfer to Light Rail or cab to get to the stadium. If you transfer at BWI, you will have to take a 5-minute shuttle bus from the train station to the airport terminal of the Light Rail. The Light Rail from the downtown train station is a short walk away, but the train ride from DC is longer. Also note that Light Rail service starts at 11 am, which will squeeze the amount of time available for tailgate partying through Ravens walk.

An alternative you may want to consider would be to come over to Baltimore on Saturday - it's really a more lively city than DC on weekends. It would likely be worth it for the extra hours of tailgate partying.

[thoffman0712]

Hey everybody, gonna piggy back my own plans on to this thread. I'll be in town next weekend for my first home game vs the Patriots. I've lived in Iowa my whole life and have been a fan since 2000 so this is a HUGE deal to me. Just looking for local's thoughts on things I can't miss, good places to eat, etc. If anybody out there wants to welcome my girlfriend and I to a tailgate too that would be cool. I'm the only Ravens fan I know of in Iowa so just being out amoung other fans is gonna be awesome! I'll be in town from Friday night through the game so any suggestions you guys can offer up would be amazing. Thanks!

[Moderator 4]

[quote name='thoffman0712' timestamp='1347649400' post='1150652']Just looking for local's thoughts on things I can't miss, good places to eat................I'll be in town from Friday night through the game so any suggestions you guys can offer up would be amazing. Thanks!
[/quote]

Cannot miss:[list]
[*]Maryland Legends Sports Museum (adjacent to Orioles Park)
[*]Fort McHenry, esp the brand new visitors' center -- must sit through the movie all the way through playing the Star Spangled Banner for proper dose of goose-bumps
[*]President Street Train Station - Civil War Museum
[*]Little Italy
[*]Harborplace
[*]Fells Point
[*]Federal Hill
[/list]
Good places to eat:[list]
[*]Bo Brooks (Boston Street, entering Inner harbor by boat)
[*]Cantler's crabhouse (near Annapolis)
[*]Annie's (Kent Island)
[*]Cheshire Crab (Pleasure Cove Marina, Pasadena)
[*]Vaccaro's (Little Italy)
[*]Amicci's (Little Italy)
[*]Samos (Greektown)
[/list]

[malonekw]

I'll be up in Maryland for Freefest the day before the Ravens @ KC game. Was planning on doing a day in Baltimore that Sunday and head to the aquarium before the game and a walk around the Harbor and what have you post game. Where is a good place in the Harbor area to watch the game at a reasonable cost to eat and a decent game day drink special?

[Neily27]

Hey everyone!

I'm coming to Baltimore from Ottawa, Canada to celebrate my 30th birthday/engagement. Taking in the Ravens / Pats SNF game. It's going to be the first NFL experience for both my fiancee and myself, we were wondering if we would be able to join any tailgaiting festivities.... It would be an awesome experience and we'd really welcome it.

Looking at some of the previous posts we're pretty sure we know what to bring and hopefully we can meet up with some fans and get our first NFL experience.

Thanks!

[mairead_k24]

Does anyone know which hotel the Ravens stay at the night before homegames?? I'm DYING to meet some of the players... especially Ray Lewis. Does anyone know if it's difficult to meet them? This will truly make my dream come true! I know you can meet the players around the stadium, does anyone know any more information to help me meet someone there?

I have also heard that the defence and offense rotate the introductions before the home games... does anyone know who it will be for the Cowboys vs. Ravens on October 14th game??

And does anyone know where the Dallas Cowboys stay when they're in Baltimore - my boyfriend's interested in that.... I'm wayyy more interested in finding The Ravens!! Lol

[Purple Nurple]

Security has been notified of your plans, lol.