We stayed at the Inner Harbor Marina right in the heart of downtown Baltimore, also known as Charm City. Although known for being the most dangerous city in America right now due to the number of shootings, we felt safe there as the marina had a security gate, a police station right on the premise and you see police patrolling the area which gives you a sense of confidence.
Ron and I had been to Baltimore for business in the past, but we really hadn’t thought about scheduling this stop until our friends, who met us in Key West, said they wanted to meet us again. I threw out Baltimore as I knew it was a fairly inexpensive flight from MN and I knew there was a lot to see, do and eat there. We never really thought they would follow through and show up but they did. We felt so honored that three couples would take the time and spend the money, to meet us once again on our “Loop” adventure.
We had a wonderful time exploring the Inner Harbor and did find the area charming and historic. We walked everywhere and never really felt threatened or insecure. We checked out the Historic Ships in the Harbor, went to the National Aquarium on a rainy day, took a water taxi to historic Fells Point and Fort McHenry, where the National Anthem was written. We had some great food in Little Italy and went to the first Food Hall, Lexington Market and of course, to the restaurant closest to the Marina, The Rusty Scupper, the food was fantastic and the service was great.
After eating out, I suggested we try having pizza dinner on the boat on Saturday night before everyone left the next day. I ordered Pizzeria Uno, a Chicago Favorite of ours, through Door Dash. I no sooner hung up the phone when we heard several gunshots from across the harbor, sirens were roaring and we could see a lot of commotion from across the channel. We learned from the police scanner app, that there was a shooting in the Inner Harbor area. While waiting for our order to be delivered, one of the guys joked and and said they hoped that wouldn’t interfere with our delivery. Time passed and our delivery was late, so I called the restaurant who said that our order was ready but that there had been two 17 year olds shot, one didn’t make it and the entire area was taped off and closed as a crime scene.
Well, it’s hard to keep four hungry guys from pizza. Ron insisted I ask if we could then pick up the order and they said they were closed but if we could get past the police and the crime scene tape, and knock on their door, we could have our pizzas. So Ron and the guys dropped the dinghy and headed for the city dock, the officer at the first dock they stopped at said they could not enter the scene but to go down to the next city dock and try there. Luckily, that officer had empathy for our hungry guys and let them into the area to get the Pizzas.
Although all of us were a little unnerved and saddened by this incident being ” so close to home” we did enjoy the pizza. Door Dash gave us full credit, so the pizzas were free, when I told them our driver was unable to deliver due to a shooting in the area.
Fort McHenry National Monument. Francis Scott Key was a 35-year-old attorney who witnessed the Battle of Baltimore’s “rockets red glare” and “bombs bursting in air” while detained on board a ship anchored in the harbor alongside the British fleet. He wrote some of the lines on the back of an envelope during the attack and then finished it later in his hotel room. It became our national anthem officially in 1931.
FDA took two of the ingredients off the market. This clock tower with the numerals spelling out Bromo Seltzer, was once topped by a 51 foot, 20 ton rotating medicine bottle of Bromo Seltzer but removed in the 1920’s as it became clear the base wouldn’t support its weight. It was the tallest building in Baltimore til 1923. You can climb the 15 stories to the top of and see the inner workings of the clock only on Saturdays.
Camden Yards was just blocks away from Inner Harbor Marina, however, Orioles were playing away games while we were there.
National Aquarium on a rainy day proved well worth the cost of admission. An amazing way to get upfront and personal with sea life from all waters.
The Inner Harbor Historic ships available for touring included the USS Constellation, the USS Torsk, a WW II submarine where over 80 sailors lived aboard, too crowded of quarters for me, and the USCG Cutter 37, designed for law enforcement missions, search and rescue, and maritime patrol.
Notice no Looper Docktales here, we were the only Looper boat brave enough to come to Baltimore. Despite the shooting, we had own “blast” in Baltimore enjoying the locals, the sites, the food and having good friends to enjoy it all with made this stop even better. Feeling blessed to have our boating friends.
Reimanns 'round the loop in 2022 
We loved Baltimore! One of our sons attended college there. We had his graduation dinner at Sabitino’s too.
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Beth and I loved visiting with you guys in Baltimore together with our other SCYC friends. The Flying Colors is always a place where you find good friendship and lots of laughter. I was surprised how beautiful Baltimore Inner Harbor was and how much great things to see and do it had to offer. Best wishes for the rest of your trip back to Afton, MN.
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