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| Admiring Baltimore's skyline ranks among favorite pastimes. |
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| Babalu Grill serves Cuban-influenced dishes. |
Feisty lead character Tracy Turnblad belts out a rousing tribute to her hometown in the Broadway musical Hairspray. "I love you, Baltimore," she sings with abandon. "Every day's like an open door. Every night is a fantasy. Every sound's like a symphony."
I find myself humming these words every time I visit this delightful port city. It's quirky and eclectic, yet it's still a great place to bring a family. History and character wait around every corner. What's more, the city's sights and sounds get a firm hold on your soul--from the Domino Sugar sign shimmering in the Inner Harbor to the singing of the National Anthem at Camden Yards.
"Baltimore is very laid-back, very forgiving," says Molly Foyle, a recent transplant from Washington, D.C. "It's like this city gets excited about eccentricity."
One of the most delightful quirks is the Baltimore accent, a tongue-twisting vernacular with blue-collar roots. "You haven't lived until you've heard a Baltimore 'O'!" says National Public Radio host Lisa Simeone.
For years, Baltimore languished in the shadows of flashier neighbors such as D.C., Philadelphia, and New York. But no more. Newcomers pouring into the city are now discovering what Baltimoreans have known all along--this is a great place to live, work, and play.
"Baltimore is a very friendly town, rich in history and unique, historic neighborhoods," says Mayor Martin O'Malley, one of the city's biggest cheerleaders. "It's a large city with small-town charm. The people who call Baltimore home take pride in their city, and we are proud to share our heritage with visitors."
Explore the Inner Harbor
Because Baltimore is a large, diverse city, it can be a bit intimidating for first-time visitors. That's why the Inner Harbor makes such a great place to start. Many of the city's most visited attractions hug the waterfront, making them easily accessible.
