Baltimore a top ten summer destination (Frommer's)

[Former Goalie]

FYI for those travelling to/from Baltimore, the city has been ranked one of the top ten summer destinations in the world by Frommer's. Below is the link from the Baltimore Sun:

 

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.travel27may27,1,4036948.story

 

As a frequent visitor to the area, I would agree about what "Charm City" has to offer. The Orioles are hot, and Camden Yards is a beautiful ball park within walking distance of the Inner Harbor. There are all sorts of dining opportunities in that vicinity, and a myriad of things to see. Just a great place to visit, and that's just a small slice of the area.

[Charles4515]

FYI for those travelling to/from Baltimore, the city has been ranked one of the top ten summer destinations in the world by Frommer's. Below is the link from the Baltimore Sun:

 

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/local/bal-te.md.travel27may27,1,4036948.story

 

As a frequent visitor to the area, I would agree about what "Charm City" has to offer. The Orioles are hot, and Camden Yards is a beautiful ball park within walking distance of the Inner Harbor. There are all sorts of dining opportunities in that vicinity, and a myriad of things to see. Just a great place to visit, and that's just a small slice of the area.

 

Sure it is a great destination if you ignore that two thirds of it is a dump.

[Former Goalie]

"Sure it is a great destination if you ignore that two thirds of it is a dump."

 

That's certainly a way of looking at the glass as half empty. I suppose I could say the same thing about the great majority of the destination ports I've visited while cruising.

Baltimore, just like any other large city, has a significant share of problems and crime. I found that out first hand mistakenly travelling 40 east from the beltway to downtown, through West Baltimore. I acknowledge the cruise terminal is far from ideal, and is not in the best area of town.

 

I do agree with Frommer's that Baltimore has a lot of attractions which makes it a destination worthy of more than just an overnight stop. I was trying to encourage those who embark and disembark in Baltimore, and maybe have them enjoy the area for a few days either pre or post cruise. I personally don't think they would be disappointed.

[Charles4515]

That's certainly a way of looking at the glass as half empty. I suppose I could say the same thing about the great majority of the destination ports I've visited while cruising.

 

I am just reacting to them ranking it one of the top ten summer destinations. No way. Frommers is nuts. I do think that slice of attractions at the inner harbor is worth an overnight stay pre-cruise but top summer destination it isn't.

[emerald777]

This is too funny! Someone on the B'more advertising team definitely deserves a raise! A couple months ago, I watched a show on Travel Channel about B'more, by the time it was over I was ready to throw on my jacket, race out the door and break speed laws to get there while chanting 'Balmer.... Balmer..... Balmer....."! Don't get me wrong, B'more has more charm than many large cities and the Inner Harbor area is definitely a great weekend getaway, but to make Top 10 in the World????? :eek:

[Tony O]

Thre is more to Baltimore than the Inner Harbor area. You have Littly Italy, Fells Point, Canton Greektown Roland Park are just a few areas withn Baltimore City. Alot more to see and do than a lot of other parts in Maryland.

[Charles4515]

Thre is more to Baltimore than the Inner Harbor area. You have Littly Italy, Fells Point, Canton Greektown Roland Park are just a few areas withn Baltimore City. Alot more to see and do than a lot of other parts in Maryland.

 

True. I have been to all those but those don't make Baltimore a top ten desination. Or a top twenty destination. I have been a lot of places so I can compare. And it is not that simple getting from one place to another if you are from out of town. Also the cab drivers in Baltimore love to rip off tourists.

 

I do think Baltimore is an up an coming destination. There is a lot of potential and the city has been fixing itself up. One reason is that real estate is such a bargain compared to other cities because it has been a dump that it is attracting new investment attracted to the low prices that can't be found anymore elsewhere.

 

For cruise passengers what they need to do is build a real passenger cruise terminal. Been on three cruises out of Baltimore and will to do more if there are cruises from there as the port is close by but the embarkation and debarkation is about the worst I have experienced.