In the time since its founding as a tobacco port nearly 300 years ago, Baltimore has built quite a stockpile of stories - involving real history and tall tales, inventions and pipe dreams, leaders and eccentrics. The area has even served as the set for over 100 feature films! Baltimore - it is not so much a place as an experience. And after close to three hundred years of history, this city can deliver more fun-filled family days (and romantic evenings) to make any vacation an absolute winner.

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This 18th-century brick fort defended Baltimore harbor during the War of 1812. The valiant defense of the fort by 1,000 dedicated Americans inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star-Spangled Banner. Following the Battle of Baltimore during the War of 1812, the fort never again came under attack. However, it remained an active military post off and on for the next 100 years. More about the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Visionary art as defined for the purposes of the American Visionary Art Museum refers to art produced by self-taught individuals, usually without formal training, whose works arise from an innate personal vision that revels foremost in the creative act itself. Critically acclaimed as an "architectural jewel," the 35,000-square-foot main building of the Baltimore Museum of American Visionary Art combines an elliptical, three-story, historic industrial building with extensive new architecture to contain six galleries, filled with art exploring one central exhibition theme at a time. The central stairway, balustrade and garden gates were beautifully hand cast by metal artist, David Hess, and have been described as "alone worth the price of admission". More about the American Visionary Art Museum

In the Mount Vernon Cultural District, you will find 11 cultural institutions, all within 3 blocks of the Washington Monument. Begin your tour by visiting the Washington Monument and Museum at Mount Vernon Place for a quick overview of Mount Vernon and its history. Your reward for climbing the 228 steps to the top of the monument is a magnificent view of Baltimore and the harbor. Take a few minutes to stroll through the parks of Mount Vernon Place to enjoy the European ambiance. More about the Mount Vernon Cultural District

Take a Baltimore adventure aboard an amphibious duck! See the city from both land and sea as the expedition takes you through historic sites and neighborhoods, then plunges into the Inner Harbor for a water tour! Enjoy 80 minutes of entertainment and information as you tour Charm City. See the Washington Monument, Edgar Allen Poe’s Grave, Camden Yards and the Carroll Mansion. Learn a little and laugh a lot along the way. More about the Ducks of Baltimore

If you love antiques and shopping, then Baltimore is your kind of town. Start your day in Federal Hill with a visit to the Antique Center. There you will find selections of exquisite paintings, clocks, collectibles, fine porcelain and more from 30 antiques dealers. Make sure you are wearing comfortable shoes, because there is more shopping on the agenda in Baltimore! Harborplace and The Gallery in the Inner Harbor features 150 different shops, 12 sit-down restaurants, 40 eateries, and live outdoor entertainment on the waterfront. Just outside the city, there are wonderful shopping malls and outlets. More about Shopping in Style From Antiques to Boutiques

Baltimore is a thriving city with an incredible history and the friendliest people around. So come along and join in on the Baltimore Sightseeing Tours of the Monumental City. In just 90 minutes, the knowledgeable tour guides will show you a glimpse of the town. Sit back and journey along in a climate-controlled vehicle to the various sights and charm of a city of neighborhoods. Relive the quaint history of Fells Point, a national historic district, hear about the homes, businesses and lives of sailors, sea captains and immigrants in this 18th Century Maritime community. Discover the best places to find the unique treasures of Baltimore. More about the Baltimore Sightseeing Trolley

Named after the first thoroughbred horse brought to America, the name Bulle Rock truly signifies the strength of these 235 acres of golf heaven. Superbly designed by Pete Dye, Bulle Rock has long been considered the region’s best player’s course and the top ranking public course in Maryland. Zagat readers have also ranked Bulle Rock among the nation’s Top 50 golf courses. More about Bulle Rock

The Irish Shrine and Railroad Workers Museum at Lemmon Street is a historic site that celebrates the history of the immense Irish presence in Southwest Baltimore City in the late 1840's. The museum officially opened on June 17th, 2002. This site consists of a group of 5 alley houses where the Irish immigrants who worked for the adjoining B&O Railroad lived. Two of the houses, 918 and 920 Lemmon St., are the Irish Shrine and Railroad Workers Museum. More about the Irish Shrine at Lemmon Street

Award-winning chef and owner Aldo Vitale's eponymous restaurant Aldo's in Baltimore has garnered both national and international attention for its sophisticated, uncomplicated style of Southern-influenced, regional Italian cuisine, featuring seasonal ingredients. Aldo's is Baltimore's Premier Italian Restaurant. More about Aldo's