2011-2013 Bed & Breakfast Guide

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• FEATURED INNS:
• March: Guest House Log Cottages (Greenback-Whidbey Island, WA)
• April: The Jabberwock Inn (Monterey, CA)
• May: Casa Escondida (Chimayo, NM)
• July: Scarborough Fair (Baltimore, MD)
• September: Chehalem Ridge B&B (Newberg, OR)
• September: Washington House Inn (Cedarburg, WI)
• December: Belle Neige Suites: Whistler (Whistler, BC, Canada)

Located in the historic neighborhood of Federal Hill, filled with locally owned boutiques, galleries, shops, restaurants and taverns, which is only two and a half blocks away from the Inner Harbor and walking distance to nearly every popular tourist attraction.

Baltimore, also known as "Charm City", is possibly most famous for its fresh seafood (which is some of the country's finest), its scenic views, waterfront attractions and history. Baltimore's Inner Harbor is the hub of the city, with its numerous museums, fantastic shopping, tourist attractions and award-winning dining.

What to Do

Activities: Shopping, spas, sight-seeing, Pier 6 Concert Pavilion, concerts at The 8x10 Music Venue and Rams Head Live, M&T Bank Stadium, 1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore Symphony, The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, theatrical performances at Centerstage, Spotlighters and Everyman Theater

Museums: American Visionary Art Museum, Fort McHenry, Walters Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, Maryland Science Center, National Aquarium in Baltimore, Geppi’s Entertainment Museum, Edgar Allan Poe House

Sight-seeing: Top of the World Observation Level, Federal Hill Park, Fell's Point, Federal Hill neighborhood, Washington Monument, Fort McHenry, Inner Harbor, Edgar Allan Poe’s grave, Little Italy, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Phoenix Shot Tower, Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Great drives or views: Federal Hill Park, Inner Harbor, Top of the World Observation Level, Sherwood Gardens

Best places to eat: Regi’s American Bistro for homestyle American cuisine, Ryleigh’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant for the best seafood in town, The Abbey Burger Bistro, Mother’s Federal Hill Grille restaurant and tavern, SoBo Café, Woodberry Kitchen, Chingale for authentic Italian food, Pazo for tapas-style Mediterranean food, Blue Agave for Mexican food, B&O Brasserie

Great shopping areas: Federal Hill Main Street, Inner Harbor, Fell's Point, Harbor East, Hampden

Must-sees: Fort McHenry, the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, Federal Hill Park, American Visionary Art Museum

Best day trips:

1. Take the Nature Walk through the Ladew Topiary Gardens and see the 22 acres of beautifully kept gardens that make Ladew famous.
2. Maryland has an abundance of fantastic wineries; take the Chesapeake Wine Trail to visit twelve of the best Maryland has to offer.
3. Baltimore is host to several art museums, ranging from contemporary to classic. We recommend the American Visionary Art Museum, Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art.
4. You can spend a day (or more!) shopping and exploring the Inner Harbor, the heart of Baltimore.
5. Are you a foodie? There's no better experience of Baltimore food culture than one of the Charm City Food Tours!

How would you describe your bed and breakfast?
While our inn is located in close proximity to downtown and many tourist attractions, we are a quiet and relaxing retreat. We are only a short distance away from Federal Hill Park, which boasts a panoramic view of the harbor and neighborhood boutiques, galleries and bistros that provide many options for dining and shopping. If you have visited the Inner Harbor before, we offer packages and experiences that surpass the common trip to Baltimore. Experience the comfortable luxury of our B&B in addition to the experiences Charm City has to offer.

What types of vacationers is your bed and breakfast perfect for?
Small families who want to learn and explore, history buffs, girlfriends in the mood for spas and shopping, couples looking for a romantic getaway, business travelers who want to escape the drone of hotel conferences, friends who like connecting over good food, museum and art lovers, explorers, music lovers, theater lovers, foodies who want to sample hundreds of top-notch restaurants and taverns

Are there any special events held in your area?
Being in a metropolitan area, there is almost always a major event happening. Cultural and neighborhood festivals are happening nearly every weekend in the spring and summer. This year is the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812 and the writing of the "Star Spangled Banner", two major historical events that are being celebrated at the Inner Harbor and at Fort McHenry (more information here). In addition, Artscape--which is the largest free celebration of the arts on the east coast--has over ten city blocks dedicated to its festival, which will be happening on the third weekend of July.

The Preakness Stakes - May
Harborplace Summer Live! Concert Series - May to September
HonFest - June
Artscape - July
Baltimore Restaurant Week - July to August
Best of Baltimore 2012 - August
Charm City Music Festival - September
Baltimore Beer Week - October
A Monumental Occasion - December

What is the best time of year to visit?
Anytime. The winter months tend to be slower, allowing more time for solitude while using the free Charm City Circulator Bus to get around the city. Spring and summer means lots of outdoor festivals and concerts and sporting events, while the fall is a cooler time, making it a fantastic time of year to explore by foot all Charm City has to offer.

Will guests be able to meet the innkeeper?
Most of the time the Innkeeper is on hand!

What is your favorite thing about your inn?
That we are close enough to everything you would want yet we're located in a nice neighborhood that allows you to forget the rest of the world even exists. Our food both here inside the bed and breakfast and in the many locally owned restaurants are pretty fantastic. I also love how we seem to attract very interesting and friendly guests.

What is the one thing guests return year after year for?
Guest return for two main reasons: our food and our hospitality!

Do you have any advice for someone staying in a bed and breakfast for the first time?
Remember that you are in a B&B, not a hotel. This means you can count on more personalized attention, usually better food and great conversation. If you want more privacy, just let your host know and you won't be bothered. Also, be respectful of the innkeepers' time and work. They plan their entire day around your anticipated schedules and needs and it is always nice to remember to be respectful of that! Innkeepers love when you understand this and it makes their lives much easier. A joyful innkeeper means a great time becomes even more fantastic!

Innkeeper’s favorite Stash Tea?
Oh my...as I type this we have 16 different flavors of teas in our tea box out for guest to choose from. I personally love the Chamomile Nights to help me slumber when I am worried about getting all the errands and tasks done the next day.