Sightseeing
Fells Point & Its
Landmarks
A trip to Baltimore would not be complete without
exploring the historical area known as Fells Point.
William Fell, a British land speculator who in
1726 bought the peninsula on which Fells was developed.
Mr. Fell's son, Edward Fell, and his son's wife,
Ann Bond Fell, did the street planning and handled
the sale of parcels to area newcomers. Today,
Fells Point became a popular trade destination.
Fells makes for a wonderful walking tour. When
you arrive in Baltimore.
Here are some of Fells Point's historical and
cultural landmarks:
Broadway Market Center Median:
This market has been at this location for so long,
it predates the official chartering of Baltimore
City. Of course, the sheds have been revamped
several times, and at one time they extended to
the waterfront.
Broadway Pier: Until 1917, this
is where immigrants disembarked after processing
at the immigration station across the river. Ten
thousand engraved bricks adorn the pier, in memory
of immigrants who settled in the area. Foot of
Broadway at Thames Street.
City Recreation Pier Waterside:
The building used to be a meeting place for young
people from the Point's many ethnic groups. In
more recent history, the building served as "headquarters"
for Barry Levinson's television series "Homicide:
Life on the Street." 1700 block of Thames
Street.
Douglass Terrace: Frederick
Douglass was a 20-year-old slave in 1838 when
he escaped north to freedom. Fifty years later
he returned to Fells Point. Prosperous and world
famous, he built five houses and named the place
where they stood Douglas Terrace. This corner
is also the site of the first Methodist meeting
house in Baltimore. West Side of Dallas Street,
North of Fleet Street.
Fell Family Grave Marker: This
grave marker lists the male members of the Fell
family. The Fells arrived from England in the
18th century with the aim of developing land.
That they did, and this marker serves as a testament
of how their efforts and visions changed the course
of Baltimore's history. 1607 Shakespeare Street.
London Coffee House: This coffee
house is said to be the only surviving 18th century
coffee house on the east coast. 854 S. Bond Street.
Robert Long House: This house
is commonly known as the oldest existing residence
in Baltimore. Built in 1765, it is now the headquarters
of the Society for the Preservation of Fells Point
and Federal Hill. Complete with Revolutionary-era
furnishings. 812 South Ann Street.
St. Stanislaus Kostka Roman Catholic
Church and Hall: This built-in-1889 example
of Gothic architecture was originally built to
serve Baltimore's then-growing Polish community.
Aliceanna at Ann Street.
Swann's Wharf: Built in the
1920s, this is one of the oldest warehouses on
the waterfront. The building recently underwent
a major conversion as the new headquarters of
the Belt's Corporation, which celebrates more
than 150 years of continuous maritime related
operation in Fells Point. Thomas Swann, after
whom the warehouse was named, was a mayor of Baltimore,
governor of Maryland, and the president of the
B&O railroad who pushed the line to its final
destination in Ohio. 1001 Fell Street.
The Sweatshop: This 18th century
tavern retains its colonial silhouette with hip
roof, former windows, and wooden cornice. In the
early 1900s it became a sweatshop where four Russian
families lived and sewed clothing for many hours
each day. Many immigrant families earned their
living in similar Fells Point and Old Town sweatshops.
1738 Thames Street.
The Vagabond Players: The Vagabond
is home to America's oldest "little theater
in continuous operation." The theater was
rebuilt in 1994, leaving the Victorian-style facade
intact. 806 South Broadway.
Neighborhoods
Canton
This predominantly Polish neighborhood has seen
a host of changes over the past decade or so,
but still remains connected to its working-class
roots. Located a few blocks east of Fells Point,
Canton is home to three Polish churches (St. Casimir,
St. Stanislaus, and Holy Rosary, which still has
a Polish Mass) and numerous stores, bars, and
restaurants that cater to the community.
After sailing from China to Baltimore more than
200 years ago, Captain John O'Donnell founded
Canton; naming it in homage to the Chinese port
that had brought him so much wealth. Recently
Canton has seen the restoration of the Can Company
building, which houses Bibelot bookstore, Donna's
Coffee Bar, the Chesapeake Wine Company, Austin
Grill, Atlantic Restaurant, and other vendors.
Federal Hill
The dome of clay that rises just to the south
of the Inner Harbor, bordered by Key Highway and
Hanover and Cross Streets, served as an observatory
from 1795 to 1895. Most locals and visitors don't
know as much about the history as they do about
the view from the park at the top of Federal Hill.
A trip to Federal Hill isn't complete, however,
without a stop at Cross Street Market, home to
one of the most unique sushi bars in the region.
Another must is a stop at one of the many pubs
and restaurants that line Charles and Light streets.
Hampden
Nestled between Falls Road and Wyman Park, Hampden
is classic Baltimore. Unlock the mysteries of
the neighborhood and its residents by stopping
at Cafe Hon, a restaurant that pays homage to
all things Baltimore. Settle in for some meatloaf--billed
as "better than mom's"--and a sublime
ice cream sundae.
Little Italy
It may not be big--only 12 blocks total--what
this neighborhood lacks in size, however, it more
than makes up for in enthusiasm. This neighborhood
dominated by Italian living has endeared both
tourists and locals with its sizable number of
trattorias. It's worth the pilgrimage to the harbor's
southeast corner to plow into a bowl of fettuccine
or a plate of lasagna.
Mount Vernon
Hoofing it is the best way to explore this majestic
neighborhood, the cultural center of Baltimore
and once the most fashionable place to live. This
is now home to an incomparable selection of shops
and Baltimore's famed Restaurant Row, a several-block
stretch that includes restaurants of nearly every
nationality. Among the highlights of a tour are
the Walters Art Gallery, the grand Enoch Pratt
Free Library, and the Washington Monument.
Mount Washington
Easily accessible from downtown by light rail,
Mount Washington makes for a great way to spend
a lazy afternoon. Sulgrave Avenue in particular,
has a number of unique shops and cafes housed
in turn-of-the-century houses in a shady bucolic
setting.
Attractions
Harborplace,
Baltimore
Situated beside the sparkling harbor waters at
the center of Baltimore's Inner Harbor, Harborplace
is a modern urban market housing the most popular
retail names in the United States.
It is Baltimore's premier visitor attraction,
welcoming millions each year to the eclectic and
exciting mix of more than 200 shops, restaurants
and food outlets with an abundance of daily entertainment
events.
Maryland Science
Center - Enjoy fascinating, hands-on
science related exhibits. Planetarium shows and
classroom programs are available Monday-Friday,
by reservation only. Maryland school groups admitted
free until April 1st; other schools eligible for
group rates. School groups are not admitted without
advance reservations. Open Monday through Friday,
10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.
- 6 p.m. Admission fee. Phone: 410-685-2370
The B&O Railroad Museum -
is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation
of American railroading through the history and
stories of the B&O Railroad, the C&O Railway,
the Western Maryland Railway, and the railroads
of the mid-Atlantic region. Through programming
and exhibitions, the B&O Railroad Museum seeks
to explore many new facets of American railroading
and offer a wide range of experiences to its visitors.
Phone: 410-752-2464
Babe
Ruth Museum - A national historic site,
the Babe Ruth Museum's exhibits feature Babe Ruth,
the Baltimore Orioles, and regional baseball.
Just a long fly ball from Camden Yards, perfect
for parties and events. Phone: 410-727-1539
The Baltimore Museum of Industry
- will help you discover the history of one of
the nation's greatest industrial cities...Visit
our waterfront location at the Inner Harbor. Step
into our recreated workshops and experience interactive
Exhibits and Artifacts. Phone: 410-727-4808
The National Museum of Dentistry
- is located on the campus of the University of
Maryland Baltimore (UMB). The campus is the site
of six professional schools including the world's
first dental college. The museum building, erected
in 1904 and noted for its architectural beauty,
was the home of the dental school for 25 years.
Fully renovated and opened as a museum in June
1996, the building now houses collections of artifacts
and entertaining, educational exhibitions representing
a riveting historical mix of gear, gadgets and
lore associated with dentistry and teeth. Phone:
410-706-0600
Port Discovery,
The Kid Powered Museum - Inner Harbor's
exciting Kid-Powered Museum designed in collaboration
with Walt Disney Imagineering. Enjoy three fun
filled floors with a wide variety of hands-on
exhibits and activities. Ideal for group tours
and private events. Phone: 410-727-8120
Baltimore Public Works Museum
- Explore the fascinating history and how to of
providing clean water, treatment of waste water,
trash removal, roadway systems and more. Outdoors,
step into the Streetscape exhibit for a unique
and fun educational experience. Phone: 410-396-5565
The Baltimore Streetcar Museum Inc.
- Enjoy rides, tours, exhibits, and a video at
the museum featuring a permanent collection of
Baltimore streetcars from 1859-1944. Phone: 410-547-0264
Star Spangled Banner Flag House &
Museum - Visit the 1793 home of Mary
Pickersgill, where she made the 30' x 42' Star-Spangled
Banner which flew over Ft. McHenry and inspired
Francis Scott Key to write the words to our national
anthem. Phone: 410-837-1793
Baltimore Zoo
– A visit to Baltimore is certainly incomplete
without a visit to the Baltimore Zoo. Located
in the heart of Druid Hill Park, the zoo takes
you on an amazing journey, where you can meet
more than 2,200 animals. Baltimore Zoo has something
or the other for everyone, and every time you
visit the zoo, you are bound to have at least
one encounter that amazes you. The children’s
zoo, which is within the main zoo, is a treat
to watch. It’s a place where kids can hop
from lily pad to lily pad, perch in an oriole’s
nest,
play on a giant tree slide, groom friendly goats-the
list is endless. Druid Hill Park, Exit 7 off 1-83,
Baltimore, MD 21211, Phone:- 410-366-LION
Ticket Rates:- $12.00 for adults, $10.00
for seniors, $8 for children between two to twelve
years of age.
Baltimore
City Hall: Built in 1875, City Hall houses
government offices and galleries. The Courtyard
Gallery features the work of local artists and
exhibits pertaining to Baltimore history, and
the Circle Gallery showcases artwork by Baltimore's
students. Tours of City Hall can be arranged by
calling the Women's Civic League, 410-837-5424.
Mon.-Fri. 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free admission.
Full wheelchair accessibility. 100 N. Holliday
St.; 410-396-3100.
Cross
Street Market: Opened in 1846, Cross
Street is part of the only public market system
left in the country. Go for the wide array of
foods-anything from Philly Cheesesteaks and wings
to ice cream and pastry. A local favorite is to
buy fresh fish at Nick's Seafood, which will prepare
your purchase for you on the spot. Also available
are flowers, cheese, tobacco, and fruit. Open
Mon.-Sat. 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Cross Street; 410-727-0074.
Lexington
Market: This is the oldest city market
in the United States, opened in 1782. It's loud,
it's bustling, and it's home to Faidley's Seafood,
as well as another 130 merchants who hawk their
wares. Here shoppers find mounds of fresh produce,
cases of assorted baked goods, and an array of
local meats. Open Mon.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Lexington
and Eutaw streets; 410-685-6169.
National
Aquarium in Baltimore: The National Aquarium
in Baltimore seeks to stimulate interest in, develop
knowledge about and inspire stewardship of aquatic
environments. The aquarium provides cultural,
recreational and educational experiences that
meet the needs of diverse communities. The aquarium
is home to approximately 10,500 specimens and
more than 560 species. 501 E. Pratt St.; 410-576-3800.
Top of the World Observation Level and
Museum: It is 423 feet high, Baltimore's
World Trade Center is the tallest pentagonal building
in the world. Its 27th floor offers a 360-degree
view of the city and its surroundings. The site
also features a museum of Maryland history. Open
Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Sun. noon-5:30 p.m.
Adults $3; seniors and children $2. Full wheelchair
accessibility. 401 E. Pratt St.; 410-837-VIEW.
Evergreen House:The former residence
of Ambassador John Work Garrett and his wife,
Alice Warder Garrett, Evergreen House is a 48-room
historic house museum located on 26 acres on North
Charles Street in Baltimore. The special features
of the museum include the Rare Book Library, which
houses over 8000 volumes, the only extrant theatrical
sets by Leon Bakst, the eminent Russian designer,
Alice Warder Garrett’s large collection of
early 20th century paintings, exquisite examples
of Tiffany lamps, vases and chandeliers, etc.The
John Hopkins University 4545 North Charles Street,
Baltimore, MD 21210 Phone:- 410-516-0341
.
Arts
Baltimore Museum of Art:
Best known for its Cone Collection, with the art
of Matisse, Picasso, Renoir, and others, and the
new wing for modern art has 16 galleries devoted
to post-1945 works. 10 Art Museum Drive; 410-396-7100.
Walters Art Museum
The Walters Art Museum is internationally renowned
for its collection, which was amassed by two men,
William and Henry Walters. The collection presents
an overview of world art from pre dynastic Egypt
to 20th century. The museum’s treasure includes
Greek sculpture and Roman sarcophagi, medieval
ivories, old Master paintings, Art Deco jewelry,
and 19th century masterpieces. At the end of 2001,
the Walters celebrated the grand reopening of
its largest building, which underwent a dramatic
three year renovation. The renovation has allowed
many objects to be on view for the first time,
and presented the collection in a dramatic light.
600 N. Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201 Phone:-
410-547-9000
Sports
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Camden Yards is for baseball addicts, who just
can’t do without the sport. A little trivia
on the Mecca for sports fanatics, who love their
cuppa sports early in the morning.
· Camden Yards complex includes
the Baltimore & Ohio Warehouse, the longest
building on the East Coast (1,016 feet long by
51 feet wide).
· Warehouse contains Orioles’
offices as well as a cafeteria, sports bar, gift
shop, and the exclusive Camden Club.
· Banks of lights are mounted
on the roof of warehouse.
· Each aisle seat in the park
features an 1890s Orioles logo.
· Unique double-decked bullpens
in left-center field.
· Playing field is 16 feet below
street level.
· Located only two blocks from
Babe Ruth’s birthplace.
· Ruth’s father operated
Ruth’s Cafe at 406 Conway Street, the site
of which is now located in center field.
· Faced with brick to present
a traditional appearance.
· Bronze baseballs imprinted
in the cement of the Eutaw Street walkway commemorate
home runs hit in the ballpark.
· The "H" in "The
Sun" sign on top of the scoreboard will flash
to show a scoring decision of a hit and the "E"
will flash to show an error.
· Fans yell "O" (for
Orioles) in unison when "The Star-Spangled
Banner" reaches "O Say does that star-spangled
banner yet wave..."
· Hideo Nomo threw the only
no-hitter ever pitched here on April 4, 2001.
· Home plate was moved back
seven feet for the 2001 season, but returned to
its original spot the next season because, as
team officials said, the new layout "adversely
affected the viewing angle of the batter's eye."
A significant drop in home runs had been observed
in 2001.
Tour hours: Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.,
2 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m.; Sun.
12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. on the half
hour. Admission is $5; seniors and children 12
and under $4. Full wheelchair accessibility. 333
W. Camden St.; 410-547-6234.
Address: Oriole Park at Camden
Yards, 333 West Camden Street Baltimore MD 21201
Baltimore Ravens Football Club
The Baltimore Ravens Football Team is one of the
newest teams in the National Football League.
At PSI Stadium, home of the Ravens, the team is
expected to put in their best effort for every
game.
Address: 11001 Owings Mills
Boulevard, Owings Mills, MD, 21117 Baltimore MD
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