Things to do in Baltimore, MD "We are back in ALABAMA!!"

[wdwmom0f3]

I can not thank you all enough for helping me with this. I am taking notes on everything. I am about to look up each link and check them out.

I am real nervous about driving up there too. Is it really as bad as what I have been told? The biggest place I have had to drive in was Atlanta, and I did fine. Is it worse than that? Should I plan on taking the bus everywhere?

 

[debbi801]

I can not thank you all enough for helping me with this. I am taking notes on everything. I am about to look up each link and check them out.

I am real nervous about driving up there too. Is it really as bad as what I have been told? The biggest place I have had to drive in was Atlanta, and I did fine. Is it worse than that? Should I plan on taking the bus everywhere?

Owings Mills will be a piece of cake. And even Baltimore city should be easy compared to Atlanta. But, there is a subway station in Owings Mills that will get you easily into Baltimore's harbor area.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

Owings Mills will be a piece of cake. And even Baltimore city should be easy compared to Atlanta. But, there is a subway station in Owings Mills that will get you easily into Baltimore's harbor area.

OK, that may be the easiest thing for me to do, especially while DH is at work. lol

I heard about the following places... what do you think about them?

Paper Moon Diner
Dizzy Issies
Thirsty Dog Pub
Phillips Crab House

Also, if we are at Little Italy or at the harbor, where would be a good place to eat? Can ya'll tell I'm hungry?

 

[pwdebbie]

Ok, Owings Mills is on the northwest side of the city. (To get from "home" where I grew up to "home" where I live now, we take 795 which goes right past Owings Mills heading out of Baltimore). There is a metro station right off of 795, dh and I keep saying we are going to park there one day and take the train into the downtown area. Leave the driving to them!

You will be in a good location for visiting Hanover (where the Utz factory is -- and my dh would second those crab chips) and Gettysburg in PA. Even Lancaster a little further east with Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish attractions. Also Harpers Ferry in WV. Catoctin is a nice park in Maryland (and I think it is closer than 90 minutes) and there is a lake for swimming -- it is very cold! Near Catoctin in Thurmont, MD, is a family restaurant called the Cozy Inn. Now, personally, I don't make it a habit to go here because it is tacky imo. But people seem to love the place. Many presidents and celebrities have been there and they have some displays to show off their history.

Glad to see some other Berger cookie fans! Seriously, hon, you'll have to buy a box.

 

[emma'smom]

Also, if we are at Little Italy or at the harbor, where would be a good place to eat? Can ya'll tell I'm hungry?

Chiapparelli's or Sabatino's

I had my wedding rehearsal dinner at Chiparelli's.....


Driving in Baltimore isn't hard at all!

 

[debbi801]

Ok, Owings Mills is on the northwest side of the city. (To get from "home" where I grew up to "home" where I live now, we take 795 which goes right past Owings Mills heading out of Baltimore). There is a metro station right off of 795, dh and I keep saying we are going to park there one day and take the train into the downtown area. Leave the driving to them!

You will be in a good location for visiting Hanover (where the Utz factory is -- and my dh would second those crab chips) and Gettysburg in PA. Even Lancaster a little further east with Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish attractions. Also Harpers Ferry in WV. Catoctin is a nice park in Maryland (and I think it is closer than 90 minutes) and there is a lake for swimming -- it is very cold! Near Catoctin in Thurmont, MD, is a family restaurant called the Cozy Inn. Now, personally, I don't make it a habit to go here because it is tacky imo. But people seem to love the place. Many presidents and celebrities have been there and they have some displays to show off their history.

Glad to see some other Berger cookie fans! Seriously, hon, you'll have to buy a box.

We avoid The Cozy (and Mountaingate Family Restaurant too) like the plague. We have a camper permanently parked in Catoctin and we go almost every weekend. From Reisterstown, it takes us about 90 minutes from drive way to camper. But, there are various routes and some may be quicker than the way we go.

I'd avoid Phillip's Crab House, honestly. There are tons of restaurants that have better prices and crabs. All of them independantly owned instead of a chain. Paper Moon is awesome. And be sure to buy a coffee mug while you're there. Another great breakfast/brunch restaurant is Miss Shirleys.

In Little Italy, Amicci's is also very good and more family friendly (less fancy). That's where we go if we're taking our 8 year old. Be sure to stop by Vaccarro's when you're done for dessert. There's also one in Hunt Valley Town Center near the movie theater.

 

[stinkerbelle's mom]

I can not thank you all enough for helping me with this. I am taking notes on everything. I am about to look up each link and check them out.

I am real nervous about driving up there too. Is it really as bad as what I have been told? The biggest place I have had to drive in was Atlanta, and I did fine. Is it worse than that? Should I plan on taking the bus everywhere?

I wouldn't advise you to take the bus too much-- its too expensive and not really that safe. Should you make it to Ocean City MD take the bus all around that town. To come from Owings Mills to Balto the Metro might be the best. Balto driving can be confusing with all the "95"s until you get the hang of it. Basically I95 runs North and South in MD. 695 comes in the middle of 95 and literally makes a circle around Baltimore City, it will basically drive you around most of MD. 395 is off of 695 and will take you into the Inner Harbor. 795 is also off of 695, but on the other side and will take you to Owings Mills. Hope that makes sense.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

I wouldn't advise you to take the bus too much-- its too expensive and not really that safe. Should you make it to Ocean City MD take the bus all around that town. To come from Owings Mills to Balto the Metro might be the best. Balto driving can be confusing with all the "95"s until you get the hang of it. Basically I95 runs North and South in MD. 695 comes in the middle of 95 and literally makes a circle around Baltimore City, it will basically drive you around most of MD. 395 is off of 695 and will take you into the Inner Harbor. 795 is also off of 695, but on the other side and will take you to Owings Mills. Hope that makes sense.

WHAT THE HECK!?! I have got to print this and leave it in the car! I have never heard of so many interstate numbers so close like that. No wonder DH has had a time! Thank you so much for that information. That will help a lot.

DH is real worried about our safty too, so I will tell him what you said. I would feel better driving myself, I just dont want to get lost. I will have my GPS, but sometimes that thing is wrong.

I have also asked him to get us some of those Berger cookies and have them there when we get there.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

We avoid The Cozy (and Mountaingate Family Restaurant too) like the plague. We have a camper permanently parked in Catoctin and we go almost every weekend. From Reisterstown, it takes us about 90 minutes from drive way to camper. But, there are various routes and some may be quicker than the way we go.

I'd avoid Phillip's Crab House, honestly. There are tons of restaurants that have better prices and crabs. All of them independantly owned instead of a chain. Paper Moon is awesome. And be sure to buy a coffee mug while you're there. Another great breakfast/brunch restaurant is Miss Shirleys.

In Little Italy, Amicci's is also very good and more family friendly (less fancy). That's where we go if we're taking our 8 year old. Be sure to stop by Vaccarro's when you're done for dessert. There's also one in Hunt Valley Town Center near the movie theater.

Ok, avoid the Cozy, avoid Phillips and try Paper Moon. Someone else told me about Vaccarro's too so this is on my "must do" list. Thank you so much!

 

[stinkerbelle's mom]

Sorry for all the confusion. I forgot to add 295 & 895 on there. Just make sure you update your GPS online so it will pick up all the changes in MD.

http://www.bergercookies.com/

I want you to see how 695 is like a big circle. If this map doesn't show it that well just zoom in on Balto and it will show you.

http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?encType=1&where1=Maryland&FORM=MIRE&qpvt=map+of+md

 

[Jenn4615]

Vito's Pizza is great in Owings Mills, its off of Reisterstown Road. Be careful in Owings Mills...the area has gone way down in the last few years. We moved 3 years ago after living their for 10 years, we no longer felt safe.
If you want a nice mall day...check out Tysons Corner... doesn't take too long to get there from Owings Mills... about 45 mins..

 

[rbork]

795, 695, 95 to 395 will get you to town.

Philips is a touristy place, way better places to eat.

Sabantinos, Chipparellis, Demimos and Vicarros all in Little Italy.

Good Shopping in Towson, Hunt Valley, Columbia and Annapolis.

Jalopenos in Annapolis is good Spanish/ Mexican restaurant.

 

[Wiloughby1]

We live in Owings Mills!

The BEST place around to get real Mexican food (and other centarl/SOuth American food is Mari Lunas. They have 2 locations on Reisterstown Road (which runs straight through Owings Mills) both are towards the city in Pikesville. They have a family restaurant and a fine dining location. Both are great, but the family location has more options.

PM me if you want to know about playgrounds and other no-cost activities for fillers. There are so many.

Oh, and we're good drivers! It's the people from PA that you have to worry about! The state has a shortage of merge areas on highways! I went to college in PA...

 

[debbi801]

We live in Owings Mills!

The BEST place around to get real Mexican food (and other centarl/SOuth American food is Mari Lunas. They have 2 locations on Reisterstown Road (which runs straight through Owings Mills) both are towards the city in Pikesville. They have a family restaurant and a fine dining location. Both are great, but the family location has more options.

PM me if you want to know about playgrounds and other no-cost activities for fillers. There are so many.

Oh, and we're good drivers! It's the people from PA that you have to worry about! The state has a shortage of merge areas on highways! I went to college in PA...

I totally forgot about Mari Lunas. Their food is awesome!

 

[happymommy]

When you asked about Mexican food I was also going to say La Palapa - we live about 30 minutes or less from Ellicott City, and the whole little historic Main Street is so cute. They have another restaurant (El Azteca) right near my house, but Ellicott City is convenient to Owings Mills (which is a nicer suburb of Baltimore, you'll like it I think).

When we moved here years ago, I also was afraid of driving, especially on the interstates. I quickly realized it was no big deal, plus most days, I am just a few miles from home anyway. If you've driven in Atlanta, you've seen really bad driving! I've been there a couple of times, and man was I scared!

If you are adventurous, Ellicott City has the third largest Korean population in the US (I'm caucasian and my husband is Korean). I can suggest a couple of great places to get Korean Barbecue (Honey Pig on route 40 just west of Ellicott City, Shin Chon at the Lotte shopping center at Route 40 and Route 29 in Ellicott City). Plus there are two good Korean Chinese places, which serve excellent noodles - one is Tien (I think?) and it's right next to Shin Chon. The other I forget the name, but it's on Route 40 and I could find out if you want. Anyway, if you've never tried Korean Barbecue, it's delicious and you can go not spicy at all - the short ribs are good!

 

[wdwmom0f3]

When you asked about Mexican food I was also going to say La Palapa - we live about 30 minutes or less from Ellicott City, and the whole little historic Main Street is so cute. They have another restaurant (El Azteca) right near my house, but Ellicott City is convenient to Owings Mills (which is a nicer suburb of Baltimore, you'll like it I think).

When we moved here years ago, I also was afraid of driving, especially on the interstates. I quickly realized it was no big deal, plus most days, I am just a few miles from home anyway. If you've driven in Atlanta, you've seen really bad driving! I've been there a couple of times, and man was I scared!

If you are adventurous, Ellicott City has the third largest Korean population in the US (I'm caucasian and my husband is Korean). I can suggest a couple of great places to get Korean Barbecue (Honey Pig on route 40 just west of Ellicott City, Shin Chon at the Lotte shopping center at Route 40 and Route 29 in Ellicott City). Plus there are two good Korean Chinese places, which serve excellent noodles - one is Tien (I think?) and it's right next to Shin Chon. The other I forget the name, but it's on Route 40 and I could find out if you want. Anyway, if you've never tried Korean Barbecue, it's delicious and you can go not spicy at all - the short ribs are good!

Thank you so much! Do you know if La Palapas is a chain? I think that I have heard of that before, but I am not sure.

We are packing to head that was soon!! I am getting excited.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

WE ARE HERE!! and it is beautiful up here, but that was some drive coming from Alabama. Whew! I am glad to make it to Baltimore. Last night we had pizza from a little place called NY Pizza Company & Italian Bistro. They were so nice in there. She gave my children some free cheese sticks & garlic rolls to try and they loved them. We will be going back again.

Today we checked out a small mall in Westminster and went to the Target there to pickup a few things that we needed. Then we came back & went swimming. Dinner in tonight. We have got to sit down and come up with a plan for this week. I know I want to take the kids to see Toy Story sometime, and I want to go do a few other things here too.

We found the UTZ chips, and they are GREAT! Much better than Lays. I am on the hunt for those cookies now. We went to Food Lion and they don't carry them.

I am so excited to be here!!

 

[Jenn4615]

Glad you arrived safely! You were near me today in Westminster! Don't worry all the malls in MD are not crappy Like westminter town center! Lol.
Enjoy your time here.
I know most of the shell gas stations have burger cookies. I try not to buy them. Very addictive. But I see them when I run in for sodas!! Giant sometimes has them aswell.

 

[debbi801]

Welcome! Not sure exactly where you are, but the Giant in New Town and the Cherryvale Giant (in Reisterstown) both carry Berger Cookies on a display near the bakery.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

Thank you! We passed one of those yesterday so I will run down there tomorrow and pick some up. I think I can find it. I am so turned around. I know where the chick fil a is so I will be fine.

I am at a loss as to what to do first. The kids and I want to do something fun so we will have to do a little research tomorrow. I have a list a mile long, it's just a matter of finding out where these places are. The roads are real confusing to me right now.