Baltimore

[Gilligan]

Just gotta wade through the zombie junkies.... No big deal!

Maybe..but back almost 35 years ago when it was first completed, the entire Inner Harbor complex, along with the convention center and other projects in that immediate area, were shining jewels..the epitome of urban reconstruction. I was directly involved in them at the time...

Now...it's becoming a cesspool by comparison. Why?..I have no clue..none...I'm simply making an observation as one who actually helped build it all in the first place.

Although I *could* blame the demise of the inner harbor on the demise of "The Block"...muah ha ha haa. Didn't we have some fun times on Gay and Light back in those days. Hit every club and joint until we were dead broke walkin' and then find enough $ to stop at Pollock Johnny's on our way to our rides and back outa town.

 

[Hank]

Maybe..but back almost 35 years ago when it was first completed, the entire Inner Harbor complex, along with the convention center and other projects in that immediate area, were shining jewels..the epitome of urban reconstruction. I was directly involved in them at the time...

Now...it's becoming a cesspool by comparison. Why?..I have no clue..none...I'm simply making an observation as one who actually helped build it all in the first place.

Although I *could* blame the demise of the inner harbor on the demise of "The Block"...muah ha ha haa. Didn't we have some fun times on Gay and Light back in those days. Hit every club and joint until we were dead broke walkin' and then find enough $ to stop at Pollock Johnny's on our way to our rides and back outa town.

I was talking about Little Italy. The Harbor is fine.

 

[Gilligan]

I was talking about Little Italy. The Harbor is fine.

Oh.

Well the Inner Harbor sure wasn't "fine" the last several times I was there. Nothing even close to how it was 20-25 years ago.

 

[Hank]

Oh.

Well the Inner Harbor sure wasn't "fine" the last several times I was there. Nothing even close to how it was 20-25 years ago.

I think it's nice there. One of the very few spots in the city I can say that about...

 

[vraiblonde]

Oh.

Well the Inner Harbor sure wasn't "fine" the last several times I was there. Nothing even close to how it was 20-25 years ago.

Perhaps not, but it was fine last May when Im_Me and I were there. It's when you venture out of the tourist areas that things start getting real.

 

[GWguy]

Inner Harbor is ok to walk thru early in the morning, but by noon the panhandlers are out and it really detracts. It's not dangerous at all, and there are police everywhere, but the atmosphere is not what it was.

 

[Gilligan]

Perhaps not, but it was fine last May when Im_Me and I were there. It's when you venture out of the tourist areas that things start getting real.

That's good to hear!. Last I was there was roughly 6 or 7 years ago (No. 2 son and I participated in one of the overnight "life on the ship" experiences on the Constellation..which was very cool) and the mall/shopping area was run down, dirty and just plain sad looking.

Now back in the late 70s, the areas a few block away were the best tourist areas. muah ha ha haa... Most bachelor parties eventually ended up there...for some reason. I'll never forget some of the things I saw a dancer do with a chair....but I digress...

 

[stgislander]

Maybe..but back almost 35 years ago when it was first completed, the entire Inner Harbor complex, along with the convention center and other projects in that immediate area, were shining jewels..the epitome of urban reconstruction. I was directly involved in them at the time...

Now...it's becoming a cesspool by comparison. Why?..I have no clue..none...I'm simply making an observation as one who actually helped build it all in the first place.

Although I *could* blame the demise of the inner harbor on the demise of "The Block"...muah ha ha haa. Didn't we have some fun times on Gay and Light back in those days. Hit every club and joint until we were dead broke walkin' and then find enough $ to stop at Pollock Johnny's on our way to our rides and back outa town.

Wasn't there a White Castle on The Block as well? I seem to remember one when I was stationed at the Customs House.

 

[vraiblonde]

Inner Harbor is ok to walk thru early in the morning, but by noon the panhandlers are out and it really detracts. It's not dangerous at all, and there are police everywhere, but the atmosphere is not what it was.

Baltimore is crawling with panhandlers. The only place I've seen more is Austin. What's hilarious is that they can't even be bothered to move their ass from their bench; they'll call you over so you can give them money or cigarettes. Laziest panhandlers EVER! At least in NYC they'll tell you a joke or play music or do something worth a buck or two.

 

[Hank]

Baltimore is crawling with panhandlers. The only place I've seen more is Austin. What's hilarious is that they can't even be bothered to move their ass from their bench; they'll call you over so you can give them money or cigarettes. Laziest panhandlers EVER! At least in NYC they'll tell you a joke or play music or do something worth a buck or two.

The beggars on MLK Blvd. are straight out of The Walking Dead.

 

[lovinmaryland]

I'm a huge fan of Brewer's Art. Their beer is excellent and so is their food.... http://www.thebrewersart.com/#!/page_home

Have you ever taken the kids to The Science Center in Inner Harbor? Might be crazy in there on the weekend though, like the aquarium.

Do you think they would be kid friendly? Someone else mentioned them also but from their website I'm getting the non kid friendly vibe

We're going to go to Union Craft & they said kids are welcome...but if they get bored I'm thinking of hitting up Woodberry Kitchen.

Have you been to Thames Oyster House? We were thinking of lunch or dinner there one night.

 

[vraiblonde]

Do you think they would be kid friendly? Someone else mentioned them also but from their website I'm getting the non kid friendly vibe

We're going to go to Union Craft & they said kids are welcome...but if they get bored I'm thinking of hitting up Woodberry Kitchen.

Have you been to Thames Oyster House? We were thinking of lunch or dinner there one night.

There are so many awesome places to eat, choosing one or two is like...throw a dart. There are also a number of tucked away eateries that TripAdvisor doesn't think to tell you about that are wonderful. It's really hard to go wrong because B'more is like most large cities in that if the place sucks they don't stay around long because the competition is so fierce.

I'll put in a plug for Jimmy's in Fells Point. Just a diner but it's THE PLACE for breakfast.

 

[Hank]

Do you think they would be kid friendly? Someone else mentioned them also but from their website I'm getting the non kid friendly vibe

We're going to go to Union Craft & they said kids are welcome...but if they get bored I'm thinking of hitting up Woodberry Kitchen.

Have you been to Thames Oyster House? We were thinking of lunch or dinner there one night.

If you are going to be in Fell's Point, go to Bertha's, instead of Thames... Thames is excellent, but Bertha's is the chit! http://www.berthas.com/

 

[Hank]

Do you think they would be kid friendly? Someone else mentioned them also but from their website I'm getting the non kid friendly vibe

We're going to go to Union Craft & they said kids are welcome...but if they get bored I'm thinking of hitting up Woodberry Kitchen.

Have you been to Thames Oyster House? We were thinking of lunch or dinner there one night.

Oh, and yeah, Brewer's is probably not for kids. The hipsters might freak out.

 

[vraiblonde]

If you are going to be in Fell's Point, go to Bertha's, instead of Thames... Thames is excellent, but Bertha's is the chit! http://www.berthas.com/

Plus that, Bertha's is iconic Baltimore. It's a thing.

But I haven't gone to the city with kids in a million years, so my picks are usually based on the bar and the view (Bertha's has a great bar, not so great view). Their stellar chicken nuggets don't sway me. With kids she's probably better off at Thames.

 

[Hank]

Plus that, Bertha's is iconic Baltimore. It's a thing.

But I haven't gone to the city with kids in a million years, so my picks are usually based on the bar and the view (Bertha's has a great bar, not so great view). Their stellar chicken nuggets don't sway me. With kids she's probably better off at Thames.

I respectfully disagree... Complete opposite. Bertha's is more "kid friendly". Thames is more adult based. Look at the online menus. Thames doesn't even offer a Kids Menu. Plus like you said, Bertha's is iconic. Gotta go there.

 

[b23hqb]

The B&O Railroad museum is a great place to visit.

Yeah, that.

Interesting story on "a day in the life of sailors" on the Taney.

 

[lovinmaryland]

There are so many awesome places to eat, choosing one or two is like...throw a dart. There are also a number of tucked away eateries that TripAdvisor doesn't think to tell you about that are wonderful. It's really hard to go wrong because B'more is like most large cities in that if the place sucks they don't stay around long because the competition is so fierce.

I'll put in a plug for Jimmy's in Fells Point. Just a diner but it's THE PLACE for breakfast.

Ok I'll add them for breakfast then!

If you are going to be in Fell's Point, go to Bertha's, instead of Thames... Thames is excellent, but Bertha's is the chit! http://www.berthas.com/

What have you gotten at Thames? I'm like really dying for some belly clams or a good lobstah roll!

Oh, and yeah, Brewer's is probably not for kids. The hipsters might freak out.

Ok I think we'll just stick w/ UC then.

 

[b23hqb]

I'll be taking a mini vaca next month to Baltimore. Wondered if any one had any good restaurants or fun things to do while we're there.

Whatever you do, DO NOT meet Hank at the lake.......

 

[Hank]

What have you gotten at Thames?

Beer



....and oysters

They had a rockfish stuffed w/ crab that is really good, but I don't see it on the menu. Anything you get there will be good. It's a nice place.