Photo courtesy of Paciugo Gelato & Caffe

Marble Slab Creamery and Great American Cookies will bring their chef-inspired ice cream, cookies, and brownies to a 1,125-square-foot location on Level 2 of Pratt Street Pavilion. Marble Slab Creamery, a leading purveyor of chef created super-premium hand-mixed ice cream, and the innovator of the frozen slab technique, was founded in 1983. Every batch of Marble Slab Creamery ice cream is made in store, using dairy from local farmers, and then customized upon order. It isn’t just dessert – it’s the world’s freshest ice cream.

Great American Cookies boasts a complete line of cookies and brownies that are always freshly baked on premises using only the finest ingredients. Founded on the strength of a generations-old family chocolate chip cookie recipe, the company eventually set the standard for gourmet cookie sales in shopping centers nationwide. From signature Cookie Cakes to sinfully rich brownies, Great American Cookies takes the time to do it right.

Paciugo Gelato & Caffè, hails its northern Italian roots by preparing gelato and sorbet each day by hand in small batches in store to ensure optimum taste and freshness. This creates a frozen dessert that has smoother texture and up to 70 percent less fat than ice cream. Meaning “messy concoction” in Italian, Paciugo has spread to dozens of locations all over North America – sharing gelato love with families all around. Each gelateria serves an assortment of 32 to 40 gelato flavors and offers coffee, specialty drinks and bottled beverages.

Performing at the 1st Mariner Arena for a two week engagement from March 21st until April 1st, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s Fully Charged is promoted as being a “new high-wattage, electrifying, contemporary circus production that ignites excitement in all.”

5 more photos available

Photo courtesy of Feld Media

Performing at the 1st Mariner Arena for a two week engagement from March 21st until April 1st, Fully Charged is promoted as being a “new high-wattage, electrifying, contemporary circus production that ignites excitement in all.” After 105 years of production, the circus has to keep evolving and changing up its acts to stay relevant and keep the title “The Greatest Show on Earth.”

The circus animal walk took place before the show’s opening. Starting at the B&O Museum, they walked East on Pratt Street and continued on to Hopkins Place to give the city a little taste of what would be in store for the show. With only 18 shows, locals have a small window of opportunity to catch the circus’ 9 elephants, 18 Bengal tigers, and 24 horses before the company packs up and boards the train for its next stop.

Tickets range from $14-$80 and are available at 1stmarinerarena.com or by calling 410-347-2020.

Harbor Dining. Photo courtesy of Baltimore.org

“This summer will see the opening of some outstanding, first-to-market merchants and restaurants; creating many more reasons for our visitors to come back again and again. It is our continued goal to create positive, lasting experiences for our guests by providing the right destination for every occasion,” said Senior General Manager Christopher Schardt, Harborplace & The Gallery. “These redevelopments are taking place to meet consumer demand; satisfying the needs of both the local resident and tourist.”

“Millions of people from all over the world visit our beloved Inner Harbor annually,” said Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. “Harborplace is evolving the Inner Harbor in so many new and exciting ways. We appreciate GGP’s efforts in bringing these sensational attractions to downtown Baltimore.”

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, a unique and fun family attraction featuring more than 500 mind-boggling displays of rare, unusual and extraordinary oddities, will open their newest location in the Light Street Pavilion. The new, two-story Ripley’s Believe It or Not! will occupy approximately 12,500 square feet of space and feature its own waterside entrance.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., the first restaurant group based on a motion picture, will occupy 13,000 square feet in Harborplace’s Light Street Pavilion. Opening summer 2012, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. will debut their first-ever Maryland destination at the Inner Harbor.

McCormick and Company, Inc., internationally known for providing its customers only the highest quality, best tasting spices and flavors, will open its first-ever retail destination this summer - McCormick World of Flavors. Located in Harborplace’s Light Street Pavilion, this 3,800-plus square-foot space will showcase the extensive McCormick product range with sections focusing on cooking, baking and grilling.

Johnny Rockets is thrilled to return to Inner Harbor this spring in its new location with delicious new menu items, exciting new dance routines, and a customer-centric owner and crew members whose primary focus will be creating smiles for guests every day. Opening in Harborplace’s Light Street Pavilion, Johnny Rockets will offer their well-known mouthwatering Hamburgers, frosty Shakes and Malts, plus much more.

J.Paul’s newly-renovated location on Level 1 of the Light Street Pavilion will feature dramatic interior spaces, a raw bar, and the superior food and service that patrons have come to expect of the iconic regional restaurant. Opening summer 2012, J. Paul’s continues its commitment to offering fresh, quality ingredients and creative presentations all while highlighting the area’s local seafood.

Harborplace. Photo courtesy of Harborplace & The Gallery

The expanded and renovated Food Court, easily accessible from Light Street and the promenade, is scheduled to open summer 2012. Included in the Food Court dining mix are:

Subway, the world’s largest submarine sandwich chain, brings its famous mixture of fresh ingredients, outstanding customer service and healthy meal options to a 784 square foot location at Harborplace & The Gallery’s new food court.

Chicken Now caters to families and people of all ages and will feature sandwiches, healthy wraps, fresh made salads, signature tenders, crispy wings and a variety of savory sides.

China Max is a great alternative to the usual fast-food fare. Offering traditional Chinese cuisine in a 601 square foot space, China Max is great for the whole family. Serving flavorful specialties and creative classics, China Max will be a favorite for the lunch and dinner crowd on-the-go.

BSO and music director Marin Alsop invite music fans to experience the energy of the film score and the art of the cinema this season at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The orchestra’s performances will feature Charlie Chaplin’s Modern Times and the epic masterpiece Alexander Nevsky, with original music score. The orchestra will also perform the music of West Side Story, where symphony lovers can hear the deep connection between music and film in the timeless tale of rivalry and forbidden love. Local legend John Waters joins the BSO to narrate Hair Spray in concert, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of the original film. The BSO will also perform “Bond and Beyond” a tribute to more than 50 years of 007.

Meyerhoff Symphony Hall

In addition, the BSO will take a patriotic tour of America by celebrating its landscape and its people as sources of inspiration as seen through the lens of photographer Ansel Adams, set to music by composers Dave and Chris Brubeck. The orchestra will also celebrate America by performing symphonies from American composers Copland, Bernstein, and Christopher Rouse. Superstar pianists, violinists, and sopranos will be performing at the BSO for the 2012-2013 season, adding to what looks to be a promising and epic-inspired one for the company.

Cruising Passengers

Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and American Cruise Line are the three brands that have established their presence in the Baltimore market thus far. Cruises leaving from the city sail to the Bahamas, Bermuda, New England, Canada, the Chesapeake Bay, the Inland Waterway and the Eastern Caribbean.

Because of Baltimore’s location on the Eastern seaboard, most of the trips to the Caribbean are 5+ day journeys – the majority of which last 7 days. The further the destination, the longer the cruise, with several days at sea instead of in port.

Relaxing while at sea

American Cruise Line is a less-known company – their cruises sail along the Intracoastal Waterway from Baltimore. They are akin to river cruising, journeying into shallow waters where the bigger ships aren’t able to go. Cruisers can travel from Baltimore to local ports in Maryland including: Annapolis, Solomons Island, Oxford, Cambridge, and St. Michaels. American also makes stops into Virginia ports (Norfolk, Yorktown, Tangier Island) as well as North Carolina (Oriental, Morehead City, Wilmington) and South Carolina (Myrtle Beach, Charleston).

One of the best features of cruising from the Port of Baltimore is that it’s just minutes away from the Inner Harbor, where travelers can stay overnight at any one of the city’s top hotels, including the likes of The Four Seasons Baltimore and the Intercontinental. Parking at the South Locust Point Marine Terminal costs only $15.00 per day for passenger cars, shaving hundreds of dollars off of local travelers’ total costs.

Frederick County, MD

Frederick, MD

Frederick is an easy 30 minute drive from downtown Baltimore via route 70. Frederick County is filled with scenic byways, covered bridges, history and recreation. Historically, the county played a pivotal role during the Civil War. It’s location along the Mason Dixon line made it a stop-off for troops from both sides.

Visitors can follow soldiers’ footsteps along two Maryland Civil War trails via driving tours. Battlefields, museums, shrines, and monuments, located in the various towns of Frederick County, also help bring the Civil War to life.

If you’d rather bypass American war history and head for revelry instead, Frederick County offers its fair share of wineries and vineyards to satisfy your needs. On your way to vineyards like Elk Run, Black Ankle, and Berrywine Plantations, you’ll drive through the rolling hills of Maryland and have an opportunity to see where some of Maryland’s most popular wines are created.

Hershey, PA

Head straight North and slightly East of Baltimore to arrive at Hershey, PA. The drive is a quick 90 minutes past open fields, farms, and Amish country. Although the drive can easily be a day trip, Hershey offers such a variety of activities that you may decide to stay overnight. Named after chocolate giant, Milton Hershey, the town revolves around everything cocoa and sweet. However, there’s more to the town than chocolate.

Hotel Hershey

One might say that a woman’s two best friends are chocolate and the spa. Well, Hershey offers both, all wrapped in one. The Hotel Hershey houses one of the most relaxing and indulgent spa retreats in the Mid-Atlantic. From chocolate baths to chocolate massages to hot chocolate, you’ll find nothing but pure bliss at the Chocolate Spa.

For family fun, you can enjoy several attractions including a day at Hershey Park. The amusement park, live entertainment, dining and shopping will keep the whole family entertained. To learn about the story of Hershey, make your own chocolate “masterpiece”, or attend a chocolate tasting, visit Hershey’s Chocolate World for hours of sweet fun. Inside Chocolate World, you can take the chocolate tour ride, and indulge in a free sample of chocolate, purchase contemporary and nostalgic paraphernalia, or simply salivate over dozens of chocolate offerings.

Farmington, PA

Drive through the Mountains

Outdoor enthusiasts will not be disappointed on the three-hour drive from Baltimore into the mountains of Western, Maryland. Lakes, state parks, mountains, and caverns dot the drive. Adventure can start as close as Frederick County and extend as far as Farmington, PA. Farmington is along the National Road which crosses the infamous Allegheny Mountains.

Home to Fort Necessity National Battlefield, Laurel Caverns, and Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington offers a variety of outdoor activities for travelers. On its own, Nemacolin offers visitors a host of unique things to do whether it be golfing, skiing, fishing, shooting, zip lining, off-road driving, mountain biking or dog-sledding – the outdoor enthusiast will not be bored.

All in all, Baltimore makes a great starting point for some great driving trips proving that just because you fly into the city, doesn’t mean you have to stay in it.

Thurgood Marshall Exhibit

Bronze sculpture of Thurgood Marshall

The tribunal exhibit to Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall is located between Terminal B and Terminal C just below the Observation Gallery. The airport, which was named after the late judge five years ago, houses pictures chronicling the life of Thurgood Marshall. The timeline shows images of his childhood through his civil rights career, appointments, and later, his death. The display is a great opportunity for travelers to learn about the nation’s first black Supreme Court judge and take a glimpse into African American history.

BWI Observation Gallery

Observation Deck

The Observation gallery, located on the upper level behind the ticketing counters between Concourses B and C offers some neat aviation exhibits. There you can view the inside of an old cockpit, diagrams of flight plans and space, all whilst stretching your legs in the gallery’s open space. It also serves as an ideal place to take young kids looking to release some energy during a long layover. Make-shift train structures and a wide view of the tarmac provide a temporary distraction.

Meditation Room

How many airports can brag that they house a space for peace, quiet, and relaxation amongst the backdrop of deafening airplanes? Seems counter-intuitive, yet BWI has found a way to do it. The airport’s Meditation Room is located on the upper level between Concourses D and E. It is open daily to all from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm. The room’s diffused lighting and lack of overhead announcements provide a serene atmosphere for the traveler looking to slow down and relax.

Baltimore Orioles Game

SPECIAL EVENTS
Baltimore Orioles 2012 Season
April-October 2012

Privateer Day Festival
Fell’s Point/Broadway Market Square
April 21, 2012

 Maryland Film Festival
Maryland Institute College of Art/The Charles Theater
May 3-6, 2012

Kinetic Sculpture Race
American Visionary Art Museum
May 5, 2012

Annual Running of the Preakness Stakes
Pimlico Racetrack
May 19, 2012

HonFest
Hampden
June 9-10, 2012

Star-Spangled Sailabration
June 13-19, 2012

Baltimore Pride
Mount Vernon and Druid Hill Park
June 16-17, 2012

Reginald F. Lewis Museum

ARTS & CULTURE

Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog
Port Discovery Children’s Museum
January 14-May 6, 2012

Touch and the Enjoyment of Sculpture: Exploring the Appeal of Renaissance Statuettes
The Walters Art Museum
January 21-April 15, 2012

A Skull in Connemara
CENTERSTAGE

January 25-March 4, 2012

Dandy Lion: Articulating a Re(de)fined Black Masculine Identity
Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
January 29-May 13, 2012

Celebrate Black History Month at the B&O
B&O Railroad Museum
February 1-29, 2012

Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World!
Maryland Science Center
February 4-April 29, 2012

The Addams Family
The France–Merrick Performing Arts Center: The Hippodrome Theatre
March 6-18, 2012

Into the Woods
CENTERSTAGE
March 7-April 15, 2012

Images courtesy of Baltimore.org.

Pub Food

If you’re looking to stay near the Inner Harbor, you can eat, drink, and be merry at places like Tir Na Nog or Dudas Tavern. If you’d rather be away from the downtown crowd, pubs like Dougherty’s and Mick O’Shea’s in Mount Vernon, can provide an easy enough escape.

These bars have plenty of history to them that any loyal patron would be willing to share. Businesses like The Horse and Ryan’s Daughter are decorated with centuries-old furnishings and other antiques imported from Ireland. Bars like Slainte keep the fare pretty traditional while others like Tir Na Nog add new American flare to its dishes.

If you’re in town to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Canton is where you want to be for  Claddagh Pub’s annual street party. Any other time of the year, many of Baltimore’s Irish pubs will offer you music, sports, or entertainment along with your corned beef and Guinness. With such lively atmospheres, you might ask yourself who needs a club if you have a well-rounded Irish bar?