Quick question for Baltimore forumers

[Wu-Gambino]

I should've asked these earlier in the week, I need these answers ASAP. I'm going to Washington tomarrow, and I'm hoping to take a quick day trip to Baltimore (on Friday).

Anyways:

1). Is MARC the eaisest (or cheapest) train to take to get from Washington to Baltimore? I read on the MARC website that it takes around an hour to get to Baltimore. Also, I noticed that MARC has to stops in Baltimore. Is the Camden stop the downtown stop?

2). Does the Washington Monument in Baltimore have an observatory? And what LTR/Subway stop is the closest to the observatory?

3). What are some other things to see in Baltimore? I know I'm going to the Top of the World Observatory, but I probably won't go to the Aquarium.

Any replies would be appreciated.

[fanofterps]

If you have kids, Science Center and Childrens Museum are great.
If you do not have kids. tour of Ft. Mchenry, American Visionary Art Museum, and Waters Art Gallery are nice.
If you are a sports fan, Babe Ruth and Sports Legend Museum near Camden Yards are great.

Lunch in Canton at Mama's on the Half Shell or Bay Cafe is good. Also, I just ate at Red Star in Fells Point and it is very good.

[waj0527]

1). Is MARC the eaisest (or cheapest) train to take to get from Washington to Baltimore? I read on the MARC website that it takes around an hour to get to Baltimore. Also, I noticed that MARC has to stops in Baltimore. Is the Camden stop the downtown stop?
Yes, the MARC commuter trains are the easiest way to get from downtown DC to downtown Baltimore. Camden station is for downtown and Penn Station is the stop for mid-town Baltimore. It doesnt operate on weekends though, so plan to go on Friday.

2). Does the Washington Monument in Baltimore have an observatory? And what LTR/Subway stop is the closest to the observatory?
It does have one. Not sure of the hours though. Google for it. Im sure it has a website. The closest LTR stop is Mt. Vernon/Univ. of Baltimore and the closest Metro stop is Cultural Center. Either one is very walkable.

3). What are some other things to see in Baltimore? I know I'm going to the Top of the World Observatory, but I probably won't go to the Aquarium.
Ummm....depends on what you're looking for. If you have time to explore and if you wanna get a true feel of the city, I'd get away from the Inner Harbor. Too touristy. If you're strapped for time or dont want to venture beyond downtown, lots of resturants, museums, galleries, retail, and attractions near the waterfront.

Hope this helps.

[jaysonjaz]

If you go to the inner harbor, make sure you go up Federal Hill, which sits on the south side of the harbor. It gives you great views of the city and the entire water front.

I would also definately try to hit Fells Point. it is my favorite neighborhood in the city. ITs about a 10 minute walk east from the inner harbor. Just follow the water down to the Marriot and keep on walking past all the construction at Harbor East. Fells Point is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city and it has a lot of cool shops and restaurants.

[scando]

Originally Posted by Naptown

1). Is MARC the eaisest (or cheapest) train to take to get from Washington to Baltimore? I read on the MARC website that it takes around an hour to get to Baltimore. Also, I noticed that MARC has to stops in Baltimore. Is the Camden stop the downtown stop?

Yes, but weekdays only. A round trip is $12, 1 hour each way, Amtrak is about 3 times that much.

Originally Posted by Naptown

2). Does the Washington Monument in Baltimore have an observatory? And what LTR/Subway stop is the closest to the observatory?

It does have an observation level up a creepy 200 foot narrow stairway. The view is great. If you're downtown though, the nearest Light Rail or subway stops are further than the walk from downtown. Just walk up Charles St about 8 blocks or take any bus that goes up Charles St.

Originally Posted by Naptown

3). What are some other things to see in Baltimore? I know I'm going to the Top of the World Observatory, but I probably won't go to the Aquarium.
Any replies would be appreciated.

If you're at the monument, you will be right next to the Walter's Art Museum, which is quite nice. The water taxis, Fells Poiint, Fort McHenry are all things that you can do in a day trip. The water taxi takes you to all of the waterfront destinations and you can ride all day for $8.