Here Are 15 Reasons to Visit Baltimore, Including Oprah's Favorite Crab Cakes
This charming city is anything but full of rats.
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In late July, President Donald Trump took to Twitter to attack the city of Baltimore, calling it a “disgusting, rat and rodent-infested mess.” His ill-informed comments were met with much criticism—particularly from the city's residents, who defended the many things Charm City has to offer.
Baltimore is a historical Maryland city, a bustling hub full of charming neighborhoods, creative citizens, a signature drink, and fresh seafood—including Oprah's favorite crab cakes. After all, it is the very place where she and Gayle became best friends as young journalists in the 1970s. So to prove the President wrong, we rounded up just a few of the many reasons you should visit the city of Baltimore ASAP.
Oprah's Favorite Crab Cakes
Oprah herself is a former Baltimore resident, having co-anchored the news on WJZ-TV in the 70's. So when we asked the O of O to share her favorite reason to visit Baltimore, she had an enthusiastic answer: Crab cakes, the city's signature seafood dish.
“Visit for the world’s best crab cakes. My favorite are from Pappas!" she told us. "Also go for great crabs at Costas Inn. Stedman love love loves them."
Mt. Vernon
A neighborhood north of downtown Baltimore, the historical landmark district is not just home to the original Washington Monument, but a cultural center full of museums, the George Peabody Library, and a plethora of eclectic restaurants and bars.
Lexington Market
Established in 1782 and dubbed the "oldest market in America," Lexington Market is home to 66 different food vendors that represent the varied culinary tastes of Baltimore. It has American classics ranging from BBQ and Cajun to yes, seafood, all under on roof.
The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
Open to the public from Thursday through Sunday, this historical site is the former home of famed 1800s writer, Edgar Allan Poe. The museum features artifacts and stories from his life and poems and short stories written in the city. (Did you know the Baltimore Ravens football team was named after his poem "The Raven"?)
The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
The museum is the first of its kind for African American historical figures, featuring more than 150 life-like statues and their stories.
Fells Point
The idyllic neighborhood of Fells Point is a waterfront with cobblestone streets and charming brick storefronts that have a variety of bars with live music, seafood restaurants, and boutiques.
Independent Shops and Boutiques
Pictured here is Letta Moore, owner of Knit, Soy & Metal, a hand-made candle business. She's also the creator of Homegrown Baltimore, a collective of woman-owned businesses that represent just a small offering of the city's growing entrepreneurial efforts.
The National Aquarium
Located at the city's Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium is a great place to spend the day with family, with dozens of exhibits and habitats that are home to over 20,000 animals. Last year, USA Today named it one of the top five aquariums in the country.
Passionate Sports Fans
Baltimore natives are incredibly dedicated to their local sports teams. So even if you're not a fan, the experience alone is worth taking time to catch an Orioles game at the impressive Camden Yards or the watching the Baltimore Ravens play amongst a sea of purple at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Arnold Palmer a.k.a "Half and Half"
According to The Baltimore Sun, the Maryland city is the unofficial birthplace of the "Arnold Palmer" drink, better known locally as a "Half and Half." The famous golfer is said to have created the mix of half-lemonade and half-iced tea.
Five Star Restaurants
While food stalls like those at the aforementioned Lexington Market are great go-tos, fine dining also has a place in this city. Pictured here is an impressive spread from the fine dining bistro Magdalena. (If you stay at the adjoining Ivy Hotel, you can also be treated to Magdalena's renowned lemon soufflé pancakes at breakfast.) Other savory hot spots include Loch Bar, Charleston, and The Capital Grille.
Festivals and Events
Johns Hopkins University and The Johns Hopkins Hospital
The university is America's first research university and one of the best in the nation, while the teaching hospital is equally as elite—and one of the largest in the world.
Druid Hill Park
The 745-acre urban park has miles of greenery, a public pool, the Maryland Zoo, golf courses, and the Howard Peters Rawlings Conservatory and Botanic Gardens. And fun fact: It's what inspired the name of 90's R&B group Dru Hill, led by lead singer Sisqo.
Berger Cookies
Our editor-at-large Gayle King has a notorious sweet tooth—so you know these cookies must be good if she says they're one of her all-time favorites. The iconic, soft cookie beloved by natives comes topped with a thick layer of chocolate fudge.
Diverse neighborhoods
The city's historical neighborhoods blend into a melting pot of diverse cultures. There's Little Italy, Pigtown, Greenmout, and Sandtown, just to name a few. And we're sure all visitors would be welcome in any of these neighborhoods...except, right now, maybe the President.
McKenzie Jean-Philippe is the editorial assistant at OprahMag.com covering pop culture, TV, movies, celebrity, and lifestyle. She loves a great Oprah viral moment and all things Netflix—but come summertime, Big Brother has her heart. On a day off you'll find her curled up with a new juicy romance novel.
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