Today begins by immersing yourself in Baltimore’ s Inner Harbor. Start with a scenic walk along the waterfront from your hotel to the National Aquarium. On your route, you’ ll pass through Point Park, Baltimore’ s newest waterfront green space, made special by the layers of history and culture it celebrates. The park includes a nod to the land’ s former industrial usage and acknowledges the indigenous groups— the Piscataway and the Susquehannock— that originally inhabited the land Baltimore sits on. The space even features artworks by Indigenous American artists.
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Once you’ re at the aquarium, take in all the animal life: Pet a horseshoe crab at an interactive touchpool, appreciate the rainbow of anemones on display and let yourself be mesmerized by hundreds of jellies. When you’ re ready to rest your legs, head to the Marine Mammal Pavilion to watch aquarium trainers feed and play with the dolphins— they may even show off their tricks for you!
The Margaret Cleveland at Walther Gardens is next on the agenda. Visiting this home and garden center is like stepping foot into a winter wonderland; there are 12 indoor and outdoor shoppable spaces across an acre of land. Make your way through each of the
COURTESY OF NATIONAL AQUARIUM
NATIONAL AQUARIUM, INNER HARBOR
expertly curated areas but spend a little extra time in the Christmas Shoppe. It’ s your go-to spot to grab gifts for the creatives on your list and admire tasteful holiday decor. Don’ t forget to stop and smell the Christmas trees before you leave, too!
Finally, end your day with dinner at Ale Mary’ s. Each year, this dive bar pulls out all the stops. Think tinsel, twinkle lights, garlands and more ornaments than you can count. This is a homey spot to warm up and get in the holiday spirit, whether that’ s by enjoying the decor or a boozy eggnog.
ITINERARIES
LEE MORTON
24 BALTIMORE. ORG THE MARGARET CLEVELAND AT WALTHER GARDENS, HAMILTON-LAURAVILLE