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Baltimore, Maryland -- Charm City

We recently returned from a quick visit to Baltimore, where “Charm City” continues to charm visitors with an ever-evolving downtown landscape that is now one of America’s top city destinations.

We were on assignment for Southern Living, pursuing a feature about Frederick Douglass IV. Through a variety of efforts (including re-enactments and a new museum), Mr. Douglass is keeping the legacy of his great-great-grandfather alive in Baltimore’s historic Fells Point and elsewhere.

We actually stayed in Fells Point--at the Colonial-style Admiral Fell Inn. Part of a varied trio of boutique downtown Baltimore properties owned and operated by Harbor Magic Hotels (the other two are Pier 5 and Brookshire Suites), Admiral Fell Inn is ideally situated to explore Fells Point and much more.

Of course, Baltimore is well-known on the food front, so dining was a highlight. Little Italy is nearby and Aldo’s Ristorante Italiano is the place to go for one of the Mid-Atlantic’s top Italian dining experiences. An upscale setting, impeccable service, creative southern Italian cuisine, and an excellent wine list make Aldo’s a Little Italy (and Baltimore) culinary masterpiece we won’t soon forget! Highlights included: a caprese tower of vine-ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and more; slow-cooked wild boar; and a selection of artisan cheeses from their new cheese cellar.

Of course, blue crabs put Baltimore on the culinary map and there are lots of excellent options to get crabby downtown. Bo Brooks is a Baltimore tradition and their bustling waterfront location on Lighthouse Point didn’t disappoint, with large steamed crabs, succulent crab cakes, an interesting fried crab concoction, and more.

Before heading to an Orioles game, we made the pilgrimage to Faidley Seafood in Lexington Market. Established in 1886 and run by descendants of John W. Faidley Sr. (you’ll likely see Bill and Nancy Devine there), this remains our favorite spot in Baltimore for a tasty crab cake, salty oysters, and other fresh seafood in a casual and friendly environment that gets Baltimore in your blood (and stomach).

Oriole Park at Camden Yards remains one of our favorite major league stadiums. Though many new stadiums have been built that attempt to replicate the success of Oriole Park, none have really surpassed this still-shining example of a modern, yet charming, baseball-only stadium. From friendly staff members and lots of modern amenities to great food (including crab cakes, of course), Oriole Park is yet another downtown Baltimore success story!

We have specific story angles and photography for all of these wonderful establishments.