Things To Do
The Walters Art Museum
I (Alex) took Ryan to the Walters on his very first trip to Baltimore (our first date). It's always been one of my favorite Baltimore spots. Not only is it right behind the Revival Hotel (and our apartment), admission is FREE. The Walters Art Museum started with the gift from collector and philanthropist Henry Walters of his extensive art collection, two buildings, and an endowment to the city of Baltimore, “for the benefit of the public.” The museum—then called the Walters Art Gallery—opened in November 1934. There is a big range of the kinds of art and historical artifacts on the display at the Walters, like ancient Asian and Egyptian artifacts (including a mummy), Indigenous American art, 15th century Italian paintings, and more. We hope some of you guys can make it over there and that you love it as much as we do!
The Owl Bar
Owl Bar is located inside the historic Belvedere Hotel. The Belvedere first opened in winter over a century ago, on December 14, 1903. As legend has it, during Prohibition savvy visitors to the bar at the back of the Belvedere Hotel would know to look at the two large amber-eyed plaster owls stationed at the bar's cash register — blinking eyes meant the liquor was flowing; static-eyed owls meant cool your heels. Here is a short and incomplete list of guests who stayed at the Belvedere: Clark Gable and Carole Lombard (often). John D. Rockefeller. Andrew Carnegie. Lady Astor. Will Rogers. Roy Rogers. Oscar Hammerstein. Cecil B. DeMille. The Duke and Dutchess of Windsor. Groucho Marx. General Douglas MacArthur. B.B. King. Kenny Rogers. F. Scott Fitzgerald. The Smothers Brothers. Tyrone Power. John Philip Sousa. Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Henry Fonda. Al Pacino. Queen Marie of Romania. Every U.S. President from Teddy Roosevelt to JFK, plus Reagan. Bishop Desmond Tutu. SJP. Prince.
Little Italy
One of our first dates was at Café Gia Ristorante in Little Italy. Baltimore has a rich history of Italian and Sicilian immigration (shout out to Alex's great-grandfather) and it's resulted in some really great Italian restaurants. Check out Gia's or La Scala if you're in the mood for some pasta.
Baltimore Museum of Art
Founded in 1914, The Baltimore Museum of Art is a major cultural destination recognized for engaging diverse audiences through dynamic exhibitions and innovative educational and community outreach programs. The BMA’s internationally renowned collection of 95,000 objects encompasses more than 1,000 works by Henri Matisse anchored by the famed Cone Collection of modern art, as well as one of the nation’s finest holdings of prints, drawings, and photographs. The galleries showcase an exceptional collection of art from Africa; important works by established and emerging contemporary artists; outstanding European and American paintings, sculpture, and decorative arts; ancient Antioch mosaics; and exquisite textiles from around the world.
Blue Moon Cafe
If you're a breakfast person and don't mind standing in a pretty long line outside in January, Blue Moon Cafe is definitely a spot you want to hit over the weekend! Famous for its Captain Crunch French Toast and its appearance on Guy Fieri's Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives (take me to flavortown), it has lots of delicious breakfast options!
Sugarvale
Great little cocktail spot a quick walk from the hotel!
Mount Vernon Marketplace
Mount Vernon Marketplace is a foodhall right down the street from Revival Hotel and our apartment. There are places to drink, grab a burger, taco or burrito, ramen, Indian food, seafood, and dumplings. We eat carnitas burritos from Cholito's tacos more than we'd like to admit and we highly recommend!
George Peabody Library
Another neighborhood gem! The library interior is often regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Completed in 1878, it was designed by Baltimore architect Edmund G. Lind in collaboration with the first Peabody provost, Nathaniel H. Morison, that described it as a "cathedral of books." The visually stunning, monumental neo-Greco interior features an atrium that, over an alternating black and white slab marble floor, soars 61 feet high to a latticed skylight of frosted heavy glass, surrounded by five tiers of ornamental black cast-iron balconies and gold-scalloped columns containing closely packed book stacks.
Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
Fort McHenry is in Locust Point, Baltimore, and is the site of one of the most important battles in the War of 1812. It is best known for its role in the War of 1812, when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British navy. During the War of 1812 an American storm flag was flown over Fort McHenry during the bombardment. It was replaced early on the morning of September 14, 1814 with a larger American garrison flag. The larger flag signaled American victory over the British in the Battle of Baltimore. The sight of the ensign inspired Francis Scott Key to write the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry" that was later set to the tune "To Anacreon in Heaven" and became known as "The Star Spangled Banner", the national anthem of the United States.
Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum
For fans of Edgar Allen Poe, you can go visit his home! The self-guided tour of the house includes exhibits on Poe’s foster parents, his life and death in Baltimore, and poems and short stories written in Baltimore. It also features significant artifacts including Poe’s chair, lap desk and telescope, and our informed docents will be happy to answer your questions.
Papi's Tacos
Papi's is a great little taco joint in Fell's Point, another historic Baltimore neighborhood. Even if you're not in the mood for tacos and margs (???) definitely walk around the beautiful cobblestone streets!
Inner Harbor
Even though it will be winter, walking around the Inner Harbor is still a great activity for visitors. There is shopping and lots of restaurants.