Answer: Artscape is Baltimore’s largest free arts festival and takes place annually, usually over a weekend in mid-July. It’s a lively event with art exhibits, live music, performance art, food vendors, and interactive activities. Since it attracts large crowds, especially in the summer heat, it’s important to stay hydrated and plan ahead for a comfortable visit.

Answer: If you have the time and are already in the area, a quick stop in Baltimore could definitely be worth it, especially since it's only about 45 minutes away from the National Cryptologic Museum. Baltimore has a lot to offer, and even with just a few hours on a winter afternoon, you can enjoy some of its key sights. The city's historic charm, waterfront views, and excellent food scene make it a great spot for a brief visit.

Answer: The Parking Spot is a popular parking service near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). They offer both covered and uncovered parking options, and many travelers find their service convenient and affordable, especially with the shuttle service to and from the airport.

Answer: The Clarion Hotel & Suites BWI North is generally located in a convenient area near the Baltimore/Washington International Airport, but like many airport areas, safety can be a concern depending on the specific neighborhood. Here's a breakdown of what to consider:

Answer: Traveling with a young child in Baltimore and needing a car seat can be challenging, as not all car services provide them. However, there are a few options you can explore to avoid bringing your own car seat:

Answer: The Hippodrome Theatre is located in downtown Baltimore, which has a vibrant dining scene within walking distance. For someone avoiding beef and pork, there are several restaurants offering chicken, fish, and vegetarian options, suitable for a pre-show dinner.

Answer: At the Royal Sonesta Harbor Court in Baltimore, the difference between the "Premier Suite" and the "Premier Premium Suite" can be a bit unclear given the similar descriptions and photos. However, the distinction typically lies in the following factors:

Answer: If you're looking for some great hiking opportunities within a 2-3 hour hike from Northwest Baltimore, you have several fantastic options. All of these are reachable within your 6-hour window, allowing for time to enjoy the hike, have a little break, and still head back in time. Here's a list of some excellent spots you can check out:

Answer: Your trip to Baltimore and DC sounds like a lot of fun! You’ve planned out some great activities, and it looks like a solid itinerary overall. Below are some thoughts and suggestions to help make your visit more enjoyable.

Answer: You're in for a great time in Baltimore! The Hilton Inner Harbor is an excellent choice for its location near many great food spots, bars, and easy access to the stadium. Since you're looking to explore local fare, especially crab cakes, and enjoy some bars, here's a mix of food and drink recommendations around the Inner Harbor and Fells Point that should be perfect for your stay:

Answer: It sounds like you have a packed schedule, but Baltimore has a lot to offer, especially for someone interested in history, art, and science. Here’s a breakdown of how you can allocate your time to fit in most of your sights while balancing your conference and other activities.

Answer: Baltimore is famous for its blue crabs, and there are several iconic spots where you can enjoy fresh, seasoned crabs. The best experiences often combine quality seafood, casual atmosphere, and traditional Maryland crab seasoning.

Answer: Congratulations on receiving your photojournalism honor, and it's wonderful that you'll have a chance to explore Baltimore! With two days to enjoy the city, there’s plenty to see and do, especially around the Inner Harbor and Fell's Point areas. Here are some great suggestions for things to check out during your visit:

Answer: Maryland is famous for its crab festivals, and while there are many to choose from, some stand out for offering a fun, relaxed experience that suits visitors in their 50s and 60s. Since you’re new to the area, it makes sense to pick a festival that combines good food, a festive atmosphere, and ease of access without feeling too crowded.

Answer: Walking from Penn Station to the Light Rail stop in Baltimore is certainly doable, but it does depend on a few factors like how much luggage you have and your comfort level with walking in the city. Here's a breakdown of your options:

Answer: Visiting Baltimore for the Poe Festival is a great idea, and staying close to the action will make your experience much smoother. The Lord Baltimore Hotel is the official festival hotel, and it’s centrally located in downtown Baltimore. From there, you can easily walk to many of the festival events, as well as some of the city’s other attractions.

Answer: If you're looking for a nice hotel near BWI with easy access to food options for a late dinner and breakfast the next morning, there are several good options within walking distance to restaurants and cafes. Here are a few recommendations:

Answer: Traveling from the Baltimore Metro area to Dulles International Airport with three people and six suitcases requires a service that can accommodate both passengers and luggage comfortably. There are several reliable options to consider:

Answer: Attending the Inauguration in DC while staying in Baltimore is doable, but it requires careful planning because transportation options may be limited or altered due to security measures on Inauguration Day.

Answer: Walking from the Courtyard Inner Harbor to Camden Yards in Baltimore is generally considered safe, especially in the areas closest to the Inner Harbor and during daytime or immediately after events. The route is well-traveled, well-lit, and commonly used by fans attending Orioles games. Many visitors walk this path without issues, particularly on game days when there are crowds and increased security presence.

Answer: If you are arriving at the BWI Amtrak train station and need to pick up a rental car from Enterprise at BWI Airport, you do have options for getting there without needing to take an Uber.

Answer: The duty-free shops at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) typically operate to accommodate the flight schedules of departing international passengers. Hours can vary depending on the terminal and day of the week, including Sundays.

Answer: If you are traveling from BWI Airport in Baltimore and are considering options for getting northward, it’s important to note that some travelers have reported safety concerns and unpleasant experiences on the MTA Light Rail. Rough language, disruptive behavior, and general discomfort have been mentioned, particularly for solo travelers or those with families. Therefore, it is often recommended to consider alternative transportation options.

Answer: Baltimore Penn Station does offer luggage storage options, but they are somewhat limited compared to larger transit hubs. Historically, Amtrak stations like Penn Station provide access to luggage services through the Amtrak baggage office, but traditional self-service lockers are not common at this location.

Answer: Baltimore is quite visitor-friendly for those without a car, especially if your focus is on popular tourist areas like the Inner Harbor, Fells Point, and Federal Hill. While having a car can be convenient for reaching outlying attractions, there are several practical ways to get around using public and private transportation.

Answer: For a short overnight stay in Baltimore with easy access to Harbor East Marina and an evening visit to Fells Point, both the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront and the Courtyard Baltimore Downtown Inner Harbor are solid options, but they have some differences worth considering based on location, convenience, and atmosphere.

Answer: The Amtrak station near BWI Airport is the BWI Rail Station, conveniently located adjacent to the airport and connected to the terminals via the BWI Airport Shuttle or pedestrian walkway. For travelers needing to stay the night before an early train departure, there are several hotel options nearby with shuttle services.

Answer: For a December trip with teens to the Baltimore/DC area, both cities offer unique experiences, but your choice may depend on convenience, interests, and logistics related to the Ravens game.

Answer: Your itinerary looks fantastic, and you’ve planned a great balance of urban exploring, museum visits, and interesting neighborhoods! I’m sure you’ll enjoy your time in Baltimore. I’ll address your specific questions and provide a few additional suggestions to make your trip even better.

Answer: It sounds like you’ve already done some good research for getting from Penn Station to Oriole Park, and I’d be happy to help clarify your questions. Let’s break down your concerns one by one:

Answer: Sounds like you had an action-packed and delicious mini trip to Baltimore and Delaware! It's great to hear that you’re working on visiting all 50 states. Here's a recap of your trip with some highlights and suggestions for future visits:

Answer: For a comfortable and convenient trip from Fairfax, VA to Baltimore, especially after traveling with luggage, a private car service is an excellent choice. It ensures door-to-door service, minimizes stress with luggage handling, and allows flexibility in departure times compared to taxis or rideshares.

Answer: Baltimore Penn Station itself does not have luggage lockers, so you will need to use third-party luggage storage services or nearby facilities. There are several convenient options within walking distance or a short ride from both Penn Station and the Inner Harbor area.

Answer: The walk from the Lord Baltimore Hotel to the Hippodrome Theatre in downtown Baltimore is quite short, approximately 0.2 miles (around 4–5 minutes) along West Baltimore Street. Generally, this area is part of the downtown theater and business district and is considered reasonably safe during daytime and early evening hours when foot traffic is present.

Answer: The Lord Baltimore Hotel sits in the heart of downtown Baltimore, close to many restaurants and about a 10–12 minute walk from the Inner Harbor. The immediate area is a business district, so weekdays feel fairly busy while evenings and weekends can be quieter. In winter, foot traffic is lighter, but restaurants and transit are still very accessible.

Answer: The walk from Penn Station to the Baltimore Museum of Fine Arts (BMFA) is about 20-25 minutes, depending on your pace. The route through Charles Village is straightforward, and the streets you’ll be walking along, such as Maryland, Howard, and Charles, are well-traveled. Here's what you can expect:

Answer: Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is often criticized for slow baggage collection, and there are several reasons why passengers experience delays compared to other airports in the eastern U.S.

Answer: The Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum is located in Baltimore’s historic Mount Vernon neighborhood, which is walkable and generally safe. If you are planning to drive, there are a few options for parking nearby.

Answer: For a memorable "date night" near the Hilton Inner Harbor in Baltimore, there are several great seafood restaurants and other dining options that offer upscale experiences with delicious food. Here’s a list of recommended spots for both seafood lovers and those looking for a high-quality meal:

Answer: It sounds like you're in for a fun trip to Baltimore, and visiting the B&O Railroad Museum is a great choice! It's a fascinating spot, especially for train enthusiasts, with its impressive collection of trains and historical exhibits. Let me address your logistical question about luggage storage during your visit to the museum.

Answer: I'm sorry to hear about your husband's surgery, but I'm glad you're planning ahead for your stay in Baltimore. UMMC (University of Maryland Medical Center) is located in a central area, and there are several hotels nearby with convenient amenities, including parking. Here are some options for hotels within walking distance of the hospital, as well as some tips on parking:

Answer: Both the Staybridge Suites Inner Harbor (IHG) and the Marriott Courtyard Downtown offer solid accommodations in Baltimore, but for a short 2-night visit with limited time to explore, location relative to the sights you plan to visit may be the key factor.

Answer: When visiting Baltimore and using public transportation, there are a few options to consider for paying fares, depending on how often you plan to use the system. Here’s a detailed guide to help you choose the best option:

Answer: It sounds like you have a packed but exciting trip ahead! I’ll address your questions one by one to make sure you're comfortable with all your travel arrangements.

Answer: Spending a day at Baltimore’s Inner Harbor can be a very enjoyable experience, especially for a couple in their 40s looking for a mix of sightseeing, dining, and entertainment. Since you’re arriving mid-morning and staying at the Residence Inn, you have a convenient base to explore the main attractions on foot or via short rideshares.

Answer: BWI Airport’s on-site rental facilities are the most common choice for travelers because they are directly connected via shuttle to the terminal, making pick-up and drop-off relatively convenient for most visitors. However, as you experienced, the system can be frustrating, particularly with crowds, shuttle waits, luggage handling, and occasional vehicle availability issues. For a short weekend trip, these hassles might be less of a concern, but there are alternative options if convenience and avoiding the airport rental process are priorities.

Answer: Baltimore is a vibrant city with a rich mix of history, culture, and modern attractions, making it an exciting place to explore over a weekend. Staying near West Baltimore Street and Charles Street puts you in a convenient location to access many popular neighborhoods and landmarks.

Answer: BWI Airport (Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport) has a Duty Free shop located in the international terminal, primarily for passengers traveling on international flights. These shops offer a variety of items including alcohol, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, and luxury goods.

Answer: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is generally considered one of the safer areas in downtown, particularly around the tourist-heavy zones, restaurants, and hotels. Walking 0.2 miles from the Light Rail station to your hotel on a Friday evening is usually fine, but like any city, standard precautions are important.

Answer: If you're staying near the Inner Harbor and looking for non-touristy, authentic dining options, there are several excellent neighborhoods and spots to explore. Fells Point is indeed a great option with its cobblestone streets and a mix of restaurants offering fresh, local flavors. Additionally, there are some other areas around Baltimore that have great food without the tourist trap vibe.