Baltimore

Baltimore
As part of the promotional campaign in the 1970s, visitors to Baltimore were presented with an alluring bracelet to which they could add charm received at the town"s attractions, thus sticking it to a nickname "Charm City". But with in the last few years, this name has come off as anything but noticeably sarcastic.

Downtown Baltimore has transformed from a dejected, drive-through-with-the-doors-locked area into a boisterous, gritty region.

Though the Inner harbor"s waterfront contains numerous mesmerizing tourist attractions, but you"d probably miss something which you shouldn"t, if you don"t venture into the neighborhoods, like little Italy and Greektown in the east and hip Hampden in the north. Explore the city of Baltimore in just few days and treat yourself with enchanting attractions and charm that city has for you!

Baltimore is an independent largest city in the state of Maryland in the United States. It is a significant U.S. seaport than any other major seaport on the east coast and is situated closer to major Midwestern markets. According to the US Census held in 2006, Baltimore city had a population of 640,961. Since the city lies within the humid subtropical climate zone thus, it has a climate of comparatively hot, humid summers and cool, moist winters.

The regional local accent has long been celebrated as "Baelmorese" or "Baltimorese" which reflects the rich mix of ethnic groups from Germany, Ireland, and southern and eastern Europe who migrated to the region during the industrial era.

As Baltimore"s demographics have changed since WWII, its cultural flavors have evolved as well. The city has been home to a black professional community and successful middle class for centuries. Baltimore"s culture has been distinctively noted in the films of Barry Levinson-who spent a part of his life in the town"s Jewish neighborhoods. His movies Diner, Tin Men, Avalon, and Liberty Heights are influenced by changing degrees by his life in the region.

In times gone by, Baltimore was a working-class port town; and has sometimes been called as a "city of neighborhoods". The city was surrounded by over 300 districts which were traditionally identified by distinct ethnic groups. Today, the majority of attractions is closely located around the Inner Harbor and is occupying east and north throughout Baltimore"s old-fashioned neighborhoods.

Further inland, Mt. Vernon is the conventional center of artistic and cultural life of the town. Water taxis are the best ways to access the Downtown attractions. Harbor place is the epicenter of tourist activity which is packed with gleaming shopfronts and restored attractions. Behind the Power Plant is the little Italy neighborhood, full of exquisite restaurants, a bocce ball court and a giant brick wall that is also served as an outdoor movie screen in summer.

Make the best of your visit to Baltimore and treat yourself with The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is the world known orchestra, primarily established as a publicly-funded municipal organization. Marin Alsop, a protege of Leonard Bernstein is the current Music Director featuring his exclusive performances. In addition, there are also some theatre companies and stages in the city for the entertainment of the people.

Baltimore is home to a wide array of community and professional theater groups. Center Stage is the premier theater company and a well-respected group in the town. The Baltimore Opera is a major regional opera company, whereas, The Baltimore Consort has been enjoying a status of the leading music ensemble for over twenty-five years.

The France-Merrick Performing Arts Center is another gem in the city as it"s affording Baltimore the opportunity to become a big regional player in the area of performing arts presentations and touring Broadway.

The city showcases its state-of-the-art architecture in a variety of styles. The Baltimore Basilica, Rembrandt Peale, the Phoenix Shot Tower and many others are architecturally important buildings in the city.

The Baltimore Basilica is a neoclassical design by Benjamin Latrobe, Rembrandt Peale is a substantial structure designed particularly as a museum and the Phoenix Shot Tower was the tallest building and a model for a whole generation of downtown buildings till Civil war.

Baltimore is an urban city with urban problems. The city is fine to discover with the usual measures. Areas west of Horward Street hold little attraction for outsiders and are best avoided particularly at nights. If you"re visiting little Italy, stay to the well-lit streets only and if visiting John Hopkin"s University, better go during daylight hours or in groups.