Baltimore is the perfect US holiday for foodies, families & beer fans
AN American weekend break in Baltimore is perfect for couples, foodies, craft-beer fans and families alike.
Dubbed Charm City, it is famed for TV show The Wire, starring Idris Elba, and hit musical Hairspray, made into a 2007 comedy film starring John Travolta in drag. Here, the East Coast city in Maryland is the subject of our City Stay, Q&A.
Why should I go?
Sprinkling Old Bay seasoning on your crabcake and drinking the local craft beer, within hours of setting foot in Baltimore you feel like a local.
Tourism is still novel to the city — overshadowed by New York to the north and Washington DC to the south — so expect a warm welcome.
Fire up your tastebuds to sample a metropolitan foodie scene with seafood aplenty and hip streetfood.
Baltimore’s bustling neighbourhoods also feature fabulous indie stores, selling vintage clothes and quirky art, as well as retro diners, dive bars and craft-cocktail spots.
Are these streets made for walking?
Yes, if you can cope with the heat in summer. Temperatures average 32C during the long and humid summer, but Uber taxis are cheap and air- conditioned.
If exploring the harbour, catch a water taxi to travel in style.
Anything for the bucket list?
The American Visionary Arts Museum is the most unusual place you can visit, with a glittering mirror mosaics covering the exterior.
This innovative space features “intuitive” art — which translates to giant pink poodles overlooking a totem pole featuring John Lennon, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.
The space transforms into an outdoor movie theatre in summer and you can sit on the hill under starry skies to watch classic flicks such as King Kong.
History buffs should head to the Washington Monument — a landmark column that inspired its more famous sister down the road in DC. Climb the 227 steps to the top for breathtaking views of the neighbourhood.
Where should I eat?
Perched on an overwater dock in the harbour, Phillips Seafood serves trays piled high with steaming crabs and huge bowls of fried chicken.
Other all-American sides include bowls of creamy slaw and buttery corn-on-the-cob — all washed down with vodka crush cocktails, a favourite with locals.
If you are hunting for vintage records in the Fells Point district — great for shopping — head to the busy Broadway Market for a bite to eat. You can get everything from fried chicken and waffles, to pad thai and fish tacos.
Most impressive, though, is Argentinian hotspot Bar Vasquez, where the intoxicating aroma of grilled meat, live Latin music and 15ft palm trees transport you straight to Buenos Aires.
Eating meat is pretty much compulsory here and the high-quality beef comes in every style from T-bone to wagyu.
The steaks are served up with your choice of salsa — and the spicy chimichurri is out of this world.
I fancy a drink?
Beer lovers are spoilt for choice in this town, which takes the hop stuff mighty seriously.
Head to Union Collective, a home-grown brewery set in a converted warehouse, to taste the local handcrafted brew and get a tour of the production line.
If beer is not your thing, try the Sagamore Spirit Distillery where the region’s signature rye whiskey is made — and have a go at making your own cocktails.
Downtown, you are spoilt for choice with all the neighbourhood bars but go off the beaten track and you will find The Elk Room, a 1920s-style speak-easy hidden behind an Italian eatery.
Sip cocktails and tuck into charcuterie — but don’t take a selfie, as Prohibition-era secrecy is imperative and mobile phones are not allowed.
MOST READ IN TRAVEL
Where should I stay?
Revival is a boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the historic Mount Vernon district, with grandstand views of the Washington Monument.
The hotel is filled with art and boasts modernist interiors with nods to the 1970s.
Take the lift to the top floor where the rooftop bar and restaurant, called Topside, offer 360-degree views of the city, as well as fresh seafood paired with a rotating selection of craft beers.
GO: Baltimore
GETTING THERE: British Airways flies from London to Baltimore from £625 return.
See or call 0344 493 0122.
STAYING THERE: The Hotel Revival starts at £57pppn based on two sharing.
See.
MORE INFO: For more about Baltimore see.
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]