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