crabcakes made from jumbo lump crab with a saltine crust . Finish off your meal with a Berger cookie , the fudge-topped treat that ’ s a local tradition .
Nearby , the B & O Railroad Museum is home to the first mile of commercial railroad track laid in America . Climb aboard historic locomotives and learn about American history through the lens of the railroad . The museum frequently hosts kid-friendly events and special holiday train rides .
Next , it ’ s time for more history — but instead of a museum , head over to Locust Point to see it IRL at Fort McHenry . The fort , which defended the Baltimore harbor against the British during the War of 1812 , was where Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that became the American National Anthem . Today , visitors can tour the historic site and learn all about the flag and its role during the war .
DAY 2
Ready to dive back into the fascinating local history ? Today , start with the Reginald F . Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture . It ’ s the largest African American history museum in the state , and its 10,000-piece collection explores 400 years of industry , politics , leisure , media , arts , education and more .
Once you ’ ve worked up a good appetite , walk a few blocks for a dose of Baltimore ’ s neighborhood culture ( and a delicious meal ) in Little Italy , which earned its name from an influx of Italian immigrants who settled there more than a hundred years ago . Local favorites include Sabatino ’ s , La Scala , and Dalesio ’ s . Plus , don ’ t miss Vaccaro ’ s Italian Pastry Shop for a scoop of gelato or a cannoli .
While you ’ re in the area , swing by the Star- Spangled Banner Flag House , where Mary Pickersgill stitched the very flag that inspired Francis Scott Key . Today , the 1793 home is a landmark and museum , where visitors can learn all about the Pickersgill
KEN STANEK