Baltimore, MD
06/6/2013 - United States, Baltimore, MD
06/06/2013 – UNITED STATES, BALTIMORE
Baltimore
“Good Morning Baltimore!” – I sing this everytime we drive into the city. Yes, I will always be a musical theatre girl at heart. Go Hairspray!
A couple of weeks ago, we drove to the Four Seasons in Baltimore to experience a night out on the town. It was my first time staying at a Four Seasons, and I had set high expectations for what I would encounter. I was not disappointed.
The Four Seasons Baltimore has a spectacular lobby, all marble, and from the moment you arrive, the service couldn’t be better. The hotel sits on the other side of the famed Inner Harbor opposite Pier Six. The area has “up and come” with newer office buildings and a gorgeous Marriott surrounding the Four Seasons.
The room was smartly decorated with well thought-out details from the television in the bathroom mirror to our names on the televisions in the living room welcoming us to the hotel. The wood paneling and leather backboard on the bed gave a modern quality that worked excellently with the art décor.
We had reservations with another couple at Michael Mina’s restaurant Wit and Wisdominside of the Four Seasons that evening to celebrate a big real estate closing.
It was the day of the Kentucky Derby so we decided to go down early and watch the Derby at the bar of Wit and Wisdom. The atmosphere was vivacious. The bar was oval shaped and had seating all around it as well as having an outside patio. The drink of the day was the Mint Julep in honor of the Derby so we sipped and cheered on out favorite horses.
After going to our room to change for the evening, we arrived back at Wit and Wisdom for our dinner. We were astounded at the immaculate presentations and service. Stephen ordered a bottle of Opus One, and the celebration began. Dish after dish of mouthwatering delectables were served. We tried everything from the Wood-Roasted Bone Marrow to the Lobster Pot Pie. It was a meal to end all meals. Great company, great food, all I could ever want in life.
The next morning, we grabbed some coffee and decided to walk the pier. The pier actually goes all the way around the harbor making it a great jogging trail for outdoor running buffs. We just walked a bit, though, enjoying the cool morning air before venturing up to the roof of the Four Seasons to the fitness center for a run on the treadmill. We were excited to discover the quality of the machines and ambiance surrounding the fitness center. It overlooked an infinity pool complete with a pool bar that overlooked the harbor. Although it was not quite season (so not quite open), I know we will be back to enjoy a cocktail and a swim this summer.
We left to go back to DC after that, but I want to highlight some other Baltimore spots we have been over the last year.
The Inner Harbor – diverse shopping, unique restaurants, one of the most photographed tourist spots. You’ll find everything form Hooters to McCormick and Schmick’s and street performers galore. I used to come here during my cruise ship days when we were ported in Baltimore on Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas (the one that just caught fire.) We always had a great time at the restaurants and enjoyed watching the performers.
Rusty Scupper – This restaurant, an institution in Baltimore, is to the right of the Inner Harbor, as opposed to the Four Seasons being to the left. It has good food with great views and a reasonably priced menu. We came here for a Christmas event in December and will be back this Christmas season again.
Fell’s point – Stephen’s daughter and her boyfriend were visiting from Oklahoma, and we wanted to show her boyfriend a true local crab house. Captain James Crabhouse and Restaurant features the blue boat seafood restaurant with a crab bar across the street. If you’ve never had Baltimore Crabs, it is a must.
The Ferry – Be wary! The Baltimore Water Taxi provides a gorgeous cruise around the Baltimore Harbor, but it doesn’t hit a lot of stops quickly. Forty-five minutes equals five minutes in a land taxi! If you’re looking for a romantic night though, it’s your way to go.
Orioles stadium – Camden Yards! The field is designed to feel like old style ballpark with comforts for today’s customers. It’s all brick and has the longest office building east of the Mississippi on its border (high priced real estate indeed). We had seats on the club level and had great food and great fun.
Ravens stadium – M & T Bank Stadium has a smaller new stadium feel. You walk through the sponsors and exhibitors on the way into the stadium, and they get you pumped for the big game. They also have bands playing, and the Ravens Dancers and Cheerleaders driving the crowd. It is quite an experience! Parking is easy for both stadiums (Orioles and Ravens), and there are plenty of hotels so go enjoy and cheer on the Superbowl Champs!
Whatever you decide to do here, go visit Baltimore. It’s one of a kind!