Charm City Tales and Culture

America As You Like It • 15 January 2025

Renowned for its world-famous seafood and home to the largest public collection of Matisse works, accessible to view for free, Baltimore is a must-visit destination. From exploring Baltimore's vibrant art scene and the Maryland Science Center to discovering the Baltimore Blueway, a unique network of paddling trails that offers a scenic and exciting way to experience the city’s vibrant waterfront and attractions.

Historical Attractions

Baltimore’s history is captivating. As the birthplace of the national anthem and home to historic ships like the USS Constellation, the last remaining sail-only warship commissioned by the U.S. Navy, it’s a haven for history buffs. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine played a pivotal role during the War of 1812. Despite enduring days of bombardment, the fort successfully thwarted an enemy advance. Poet Francis Scott Key was inspired to write “The Defence of Fort McHenry,” which was later set to music and became the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Baltimore also celebrates the legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, the famed American writer who launched his literary career after winning a short story contest. His original home has been converted into a museum in downtown Baltimore. Notably, his poem “The Raven” inspired the name of the Baltimore Ravens NFL team. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is also home to several historic ships and a lighthouse, these floating museums celebrate the city’s maritime heritage. Among them is the USS Constellation, a ship that contributed to history through daring rescues and surviving hurricanes.

Museums

Baltimore boasts a world-class art scene that is well worth exploring. The city is home to several outstanding museums, including the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Walters Art Museum, the American Visionary Art Museum, and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture. For a more interactive experience, visit the National Aquarium, the Maryland Zoo, or the Maryland Science Center. The Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) has been a cultural treasure for more than a century, housing over 95,000 works of art, including the world’s largest collection of Henri Matisse works. With its diverse range of sculptures, paintings, and other mediums, the BMA showcases the vibrancy and rich culture of Baltimore.

Culinary Arts

Baltimore’s culinary scene is sure to delight and surprise. Baltimore boasts a rich variety of flavours, from international cuisines and historic public markets, such as Broadway Market and Lexington Market, the oldest continuously operating public market in the United States, to trendy food halls and mouthwatering vegan options. The city also offers an abundance of fresh seafood. With iconic Maryland crab cakes, steamed crabs, oysters, and shrimp, Baltimore’s seafood markets and restaurants proudly showcase the region’s deep maritime heritage. Complementing the cuisine are expertly crafted cocktails and locally cherished breweries, creating a dining experience that satisfies every palate.

Sports

Sports are integral to the Baltimore experience. With the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens and MLB’s Baltimore Orioles, the city thrives on team spirit. The iconic Oriole Park at Camden Yards, built in 1992, is home to the Orioles and kicks off the MLB season every March 31. The Ravens play at M&T Bank Stadium, with the NFL season beginning in August. Affectionately known as the Birds or the Os, the Orioles are named after Maryland’s state bird, known for its black and orange plumage. Baltimore’s most famous player, George Herman “Babe” Ruth, was recruited in 1914 at the age of 19. The Baltimore Ravens, formed in 1996 after Art Modell moved the Cleveland Browns to Baltimore, take their name from Edgar Allan Poe’s poem “The Raven.” The team has since won two Super Bowl championships, in 2001 and 2013.

Outdoor Activities

Baltimore is full of unexpected open spaces, featuring parks, promenades, and waterfront settings perfect for outdoor recreation, fitness activities, and relaxation. One of the best ways to experience Baltimore is on the water. Head to the harbour to grab a paddle, set sail, or take an Inner Harbor boat tour. The Baltimore Water Taxi connects neighbourhoods like the Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, Fell’s Point, and Harbor East. Sit back and enjoy the view as you head to your next destination. The Water Taxi also offers one-hour BYOB cruises, allowing you to enjoy the sights with your favourite beverage. Exploring Baltimore by foot is equally rewarding. Run along scenic waterfronts or explore the city’s more than 4,000 acres of parkland. Try Federal Hill Park or Canton Waterfront Park for breathtaking views and a unique perspective of the city.

The Sounds of Tennessee: Discover the Music That Shaped America

by America As You Like It • 26 October 2026
Imagine stepping into the Memphis recording studio where Elvis Presley first made his mark, discovering the Nashville studio where country music legends recorded their hits, or standing in Bristol, where a series of recordings helped put country music on the map. Across Tennessee, in the southeastern United States, music is woven into the places you visit, from historic recording rooms to lively streets where musicians still play late into the night. For music lovers, a journey through Tennessee offers the chance to get closer to the artists, sounds and stories behind the songs. Nashville, the state capital, reveals the evolution of country music and its connections to other genres, Memphis takes you into the blues, soul and early rock ’n’ roll scenes, while Bristol traces the roots of country music. Together, they offer a fascinating insight into the music that helped shape American culture.

More Than Just Wine: The Ultimate Guide to Grapevine’s Best Festivals & Events

by America As You Like It • 15 October 2026
Discover Grapevine where historic streets, local wine tasting and the unmistakable spirit of the American West come together. Located in Texas between Dallas and Fort Worth , Grapevine offers the perfect base for discovering local culture, enjoying outdoor adventures and exploring the wider region. Wander along Historic Main Street, step into welcoming winery tasting rooms and browse independent boutiques tucked inside characterful historic buildings. Then take your adventure onto Lake Grapevine, where you can paddle along the shoreline, before heading to Fort Worth to watch the famous Stockyards cattle drive and experience Texas’s Western heritage. Plan your holiday around a lively wine festival, a summer day on the water or Grapevine’s spectacular Christmas celebrations. However you choose to explore, you will find plenty of ways to experience the character of this Texan town.

Wild Maine: A Season for Every Adventure.

by America As You Like It • 12 October 2026
Maine is the largest of the New England states, where rugged Atlantic coastline, forest-covered mountains and historic towns create a holiday full of contrasts. Sail past rocky islands, enjoy a lobster roll beside a working harbour and head inland to discover clear lakes and winding country roads. Add maritime traditions, independent galleries and wildlife encounters, and you will find plenty of reasons to explore beyond the coast. Whether you are planning a summer escape by the sea, an autumn road trip or a winter break surrounded by snow-covered scenery, knowing where to go and when makes all the difference.

Jacksonville: The Flip Side of Florida

by America As You Like It • 1 October 2026
Jacksonville offers a different perspective on Florida. While many travellers head south in search of theme parks and packed resorts, Florida's largest city combines 22 miles of Atlantic coastline with historic neighbourhoods, a thriving food scene and one of the largest urban park systems in the United States. Here, mornings begin with sunrise over the ocean, afternoons are spent exploring rivers, marshes and coastal parks, and evenings revolve around waterfront restaurants, rooftop bars and local sporting events.

Where Adventure Meets Sunshine: Exploring Central Florida

by America As You Like It • 10 July 2026
You have heard of Florida, but let us introduce you to Central Florida, where the Real Florida Magic comes to life. Home to seventeen welcoming communities, including Lakeland and Winter Haven, this region offers a wonderful mix of exciting attractions, rich culture and unforgettable adventures, all within easy reach of Orlando. Whether you are looking for family fun, outdoor adventures or a relaxing escape, you can enjoy everything from thrilling airboat rides and world class theme parks to historic attractions, beautiful gardens and peaceful natural surroundings, making Central Florida the perfect destination for your next holiday.

Nevada: From Neon to Nature

by America As You Like It • 11 June 2026
There are some places that surprise you, and Nevada is one of them.

Make it Memorable―Dutchess County

by America As You Like It • 10 June 2026
Located in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Dutchess County blends scenic beauty, rich history, and a vibrant cultural scene. Spanning 800 square miles of rolling countryside and historic landmarks, it invites discovery at every turn—from the riverside charm of Poughkeepsie, known as the Hudson’s Queen City, to its picturesque towns and villages. Home to the Culinary Institute of America and President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dutchess County is where heritage, flavour, and landscape come together in unforgettable ways.

Exploring Crystal River, Florida

by America As You Like It • 14 May 2026
Crystal River invites you into a gentler side of Florida, where spring fed waters wind through quiet forests and wildlife drifts just beneath the surface. Days here move at an unhurried pace, shaped by warm Gulf breezes, peaceful lakes, and encounters with nature that feel both intimate and unforgettable. Whether you are gliding across clear water by kayak, cycling beneath towering trees, dining on freshly caught seafood, or wandering through centuries of history, the region offers a sense of calm and connection that stays with you long after you leave.

My Journey through the Pacific Northwest

by America As You Like It • 8 May 2026
Exploring Oregon and Washington State is an opportunity of a lifetime. From the Hoh Rainforest to the newly renovated Seattle waterfront, there are spectacular opportunities to experience these remarkable states across a variety of climates. I was fortunate enough to travel from Portland to Seattle, including stops along the way in Astoria, the Evergreen Coast, and the Olympic Peninsula.

Race to Bourbon City: Discover Louisville

by America As You Like It • 27 March 2026
Louisville is Kentucky’s largest city and a destination rich in culture, history, and sporting heritage. Nestled along the Ohio River on the border with Indiana, the city is perhaps best known for hosting the world-famous Kentucky Derby. Explore attractions such as the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Muhammad Ali Center, making Louisville an engaging destination for travellers with diverse interests.
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