Attractions
The American Visionary Art Museum sculpture plaza and wildflower gardens are free to the public any time. Located between the main museum and sculpture barn, the sculpture plaza features a 55-foot-tall multicolored, wind-powered structure, aptly titled the "Whirligig." If kinetic sculptures interest you, visit Baltimore during the first weekend of May to see the Baltimore Kinetic Sculpture Race (sponsored by AVAM). Watch as "amphibious, human powered works of art" race their way through 15 miles of Baltimore. Admission to be a spectator is free.
The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is America's first cathedral. The National Historic Landmark, constructed between 1806-1821, underwent a major restoration in 2004. Stop by during a service, lecture, or concert. A must-see is the museum, which keeps a number of 17th-century artifacts, as well as letters from former presidents to archbishops. The museum also offers guided tours of the entire church, from the museum to the crypt to the Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel (donation suggested).
Baltimore's famous Oriole Park at Camden Yards has been home to the Orioles baseball team since 1992. The stadium was the first one modeled after early 20th-century parks and features an arched brick facade, an asymmetrical field, and natural grass turf. It is located just a couple blocks away from the birthplace of baseball's most famous player, George Herman "Babe" Ruth. Today center field sits on top of what was once Ruth's Café, owned by Ruth's father. You must pay to see a game, but you can still get into Orioles spirit and walk Russell and Camden Streets before a game and take a picture with a statue of Babe Ruth, located just outside the Camden Yards gates, for free.
Edgar Allan Poe (1809-1849) is perhaps Baltimore's most infamous resident. Those who don't wish to pay the small admission fee to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum (where several stories and poems are believe to be penned) can still get their Poe fix at his gravesite and memorial. Today the grave, originally unmarked and overgrown with weeds, stands 80 inches tall and dates Poe's birthday erroneously as January 20, 1809 (his birthday was the 19th). Keep your eyes peeled for the Poe Toaster, an anonymous stranger who places three roses and a bottle of cognac on the grave each year on the anniversary of Poe's death. Poe fans can also visit a statue of Poe for free at the University of Baltimore School of Law.
Monument City is home to several memorials, too. Just a couple blocks from the Inner Harbor at the intersections of Lombard and Gay Streets is the Holocaust Memorial. In Harbor East, the Katyn Memorial honors Polish citizens who were executed in the Katyn Massacre during WWII. Both memorials are free for visitors.
Baltimore's Washington Monument is located in the cobblestone Mount Vernon neighborhood. The 1815 statue was the first architectural monument dedicated to George Washington. After touring the museum at the base of the monument, climb the 228 steps to the top for grand views of the city.
