Baltimore Inner Harbor.

[Pop Centurion]

We've been there quit a few times for a day trip but never really took in everything there was to offer.
I will be taking my wife on a weekend trip for her birthday and was wondering if anyone could offer up some recommendations.

As of now these are my current plans:

Fri:
Lunch at Leinenkugel's Beer Garden
Aquarium
Dinner at Blue Agave
Howl at the Moon (dueling piano bar)

Sat:
Lunch at La Tasca Tapas Bar
Comedy Factory

I've been browsing all the restaurants on the Baltimore website but it's hard to decide on another place without some reviews. I don't really trust those website reviews since many places have their own staff post great reviews.

We're also visiting many of the area attractions but wouldn't mind hearing some favorites as well.

So any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.

[CynBeth]

What time of year are you going? Where are you staying? If it is nice weather and you are into sports I would recommend taking in an O's game if they are in town. The Sports Legends Museum right at the ballpark is nice. Also I hear good things about the lunch and dinner cruises. You can go to the top of the World Trade Center or a half hour paddleboat ride. Sometimes we enjoy just walking around the Harbor or the 2 Harborplace buildings. Around the harbor are a few boats such as a sub and The Constellation you can tour. If you like history you might enjoy taking the water taxi to Fort McHenry. If you like animals a short drive away maybe 10 min from downtown is the Maryland Zoo. It is small but we enjoy it.

[Pop Centurion]

Thanks for the suggestions. Sorry I forgot to mention the time of year. We're going Feb 1st - 3rd.

Top of the WTC is definitely on our to do list. Also heading to the Basilica. We're not religious but the architecture is beautiful so it's more of a photography destination for me.

I thought about a dinner cruise but there's one not far from us in Philly that we can do anytime.

We're staying at the Hampton Inn so we're less than a half mile from the harbor.

[Katzateer]

Our favorites at the Inner Harbour are the aquarium and Cheesecake Factory. Hope you have a good time!

And Ft. McHenry

[Pop Centurion]

Considering the ridiculous amount of money I just spent at our local Cheesecake factory last week, I'll steer clear. Hahahaha!

[Katzateer]

Not sure what route you are driving and if you will be close, but past Abeerdeen ( where my husband works) is a large dam (conowingo) where bald eagles are being sighted. Lots of people has been going to the dam to see them.
Don't think that is too far from the interstate ( my husband drives the hour to work over the dam everyday- I don't get to Maryland more than once or twice a year)

Also, if looking for something to do on way home, Longwood Gardens in PA is worth the visit if you have the time.

[Pop Centurion]

That sounds awesome. I'll definitely try to make it to the dam either on the way there or back home. I've wanting to visit Longwood Gardens. It's out of the way but maybe if we leave early enough, we can stop. Thanks.

[Katzateer]

If you go to Longwood, check out Hanks to eat (a couple miles from Longwood entrance) or Longwood has a great cafe. The orchid show starts this week.

Hanks has a web page. I think it is a Kennett Square, PA address but might be a Delaware ( is across from Brandywine Museum - beautiful country area.)

[CynBeth]

It will be crazy when you are there. It is hard to describe how it's been the last few weeks with us in the playoffs and now going on to the Super Bowl. A lot of the buildings have been lit up and there have been images projected on some buildings at night. The local news has shown some of it and I can only imagine how it looks in person. I live about a half hour from downtown Baltimore.

[Pop Centurion]

That's something I didn't take into consideration when we decided to go to Bmore. Should be interesting. The lighting of the buildings sounds like it will make some great photo's. I can see now that I will drive my wife crazy when I decide to venture out with my camera

Thanks to both of you for all the comments so far.

[Pop Centurion]

I was just checking out some photos from the conowingo dam on flickr. Some amazing shots of the bald eagles. I'm definitely making time to go. My wife will love to see them too.

[JesGettingStarted]

Also right around there is the Science Center and American Visionary Arts Museum. For a quick meal, Joe Squared has really good pizza and I really like Houlihan's, Sticky Rice and Nacho Mamas. And just for the novelty of it you have Cafe Hon. I feel like I could keep going on and on.

[Pop Centurion]

I feel like I could keep going on and on.

Please do. I'm overwhelmed with all the choices and hearing everyone's favorites will make the decision easier.

[JesGettingStarted]

Oh a really good one I missed is Miss Shirley's! They have the best breakfasts! And even have a food truck around the city. Dangerously Delicious bakery is amazing. I am kind of going outside of the Harbor really but there are so many great neighborhoods all around.

[Pop Centurion]

Miss Shirley's was already on my radar so we'll probably go. Sticky Rice looks like a fun spot worth checking out. I remember seeing Joe Squared on food network before & looking at the menu I think that may replace La Tasca or at least for a late night bite after the clubs.

Again, thank you all for the help.

[DisneyDog]

I recommend Bertha's Mussels. It's in Fell's Point, just across the harbor. Really great place, been there forever and quite well known. There's a lot of little bars and restaurants in Fells Point.

I recently went to Longwood Gardens and had lunch at Hank's. Great little place!

[NJGIRL]

When we go to Baltimore we enjoy touring the military ships in the harbor. We stay at the Renaissance Harbor Inn. It's a very nice hotel attached to a small mall, that lets you out at the harbor without having to walk outside.

[BrerGnat]

I don't know about the Baltimore location, but we had a HORRENDOUS experience at La Tasca locally (in Arlington, VA). I would skip that and go with something unique to the Baltimore area (if you like crabs and such).

[Pop Centurion]

I recommend Bertha's Mussels. It's in Fell's Point, just across the harbor. Really great place, been there forever and quite well known. There's a lot of little bars and restaurants in Fells Point.

I recently went to Longwood Gardens and had lunch at Hank's. Great little place!

I really wanted to go to Bertha's since I love mussels but my wife doesn't like seafood and didn't see anything else on the menu.

[Pop Centurion]

I don't know about the Baltimore location, but we had a HORRENDOUS experience at La Tasca locally (in Arlington, VA). I would skip that and go with something unique to the Baltimore area (if you like crabs and such).

Thanks Nat. I already was considering skipping it but I'll take your advice and definitely do so. Thanks.

@NJGIRL, I'll keep the military ships in mind. I'm hoping it's not too cold to the point we won't want to be doing much walking.