Restaurants are plentiful in Harbor East, but one can make an excuse not to leave the Four Seasons. Book a room with a view of the Inner Harbor or a balcony. The hotel gym and spa rival luxury amenities usually found in exotic destinations. Located in the upscale Harbor East, it’s not merely a hotel: It’s a retreat, an oasis, a true getaway. The Four Seasons Baltimore is leading the way for Baltimore’s sophisticated hotel renaissance. Art is a romantic appetizer for the mind and soul. Insider’s tip: Before dinner, hit the incredible collections of Baltimore Museum of Art with 90,000 works of art, including the largest holding of works by Matisse in the world. Gertrude’s breaks the stereotype of a museum restaurant. You’ll find a hip group on Saturday nights with the sweet sounds of live music. Gertrude’s menu bends to the seafood lover but you will also see your favorite old-school dishes (we love that!). Shields - known as the “culinary ambassador of the Chesapeake Bay” - has written three books on the cuisine of the region. Life and business partners John Shields and John Gilligan created a perfect recipe for their relationship and for operating a fine dining experience. Gertrude’s, gay-owned and operated, is located in the grandest of settings: the newly renovated Baltimore Museum of Art, now celebrating 100 years. City Café is a short walk to Baltimore’s gay bars, Grand Central and the Hippo. This is the go-to place for daily happy hours, weekend brunch or dinner. And fish is on the menu!Īt City Café, under the direction of executive chef Michael Benson, it’s a tough choice between tempura Brussels sprouts or fried green tomatoes and crab. Chefs here take a decidedly adventurous turn. Menus in Baltimore are a refreshing break from the same old standard fare. It lives up to its name as the “national” aquarium.īeyond the Inner Harbor, Baltimore is transforming into a foodie city (albeit still defined by the legendary crab cake).
The National Aquarium is still a must-visit, with a new exhibition opening in May, “Living Seashore.” If you have not been in years, you are due a visit. Both gay men and lesbians will discover an outing to Baltimore can be a refreshing alternative to the high-energy trip to the expensive “City That Never Sleeps.” That is not to say Baltimore is sleepy rather, it’s more of a discovery city. Baltimore is an affordable and increasingly sophisticated city.Ī trip here is ideal for a spring fling: perfect for a couple’s romantic getaway or for friends looking for a change of scenery. A getaway doesn’t have to be far it can be as quick as 60 minutes away, such as to … fabulous Baltimore!Īn overstatement? Maybe a few years back, but not now.