Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
We'll be frank: this is more of a dying fishing town than charming tourist attrac-
tion, although there are B&Bs and restaurants (check the website for details). But
it is also a last link to the state's past, and if you approach Smith Island as such,
you may appreciate the limited amenities on offer. These notably include paddling
through miles of some of the most pristine marshland on the eastern seaboard.
Ferries will take you back to the mainland and the present day at 3:45pm.
Downtown & Little Italy
You can easily walk from downtown to Little Italy, but follow the delineated path as
there's a rough housing project along the way.
National Great Blacks in Wax Museum
MUSEUM
( 410-563-3404;
www.greatblacksinwax.org
; 1601 E North Ave; adult/child $13/11; 9am-6pm
Tue-Sat, noon-6pm Sun, to 5pm Oct-Jan)
This excellent African American history museum
has exhibits on Frederick Douglass, Jackie Robinson, Martin Luther King Jr and Barack
Obama, as well as lesser-known figures such as explorer Matthew Henson. The museum
also covers slavery, the Jim Crow era and African leaders - all told in surreal fashion
through Madame Tussaud-style figures.
Star-Spangled Banner Flag House & 1812 Museum
MUSEUM
( 410-837-1793;
www.flaghouse.org
;
844 E Pratt St; adult/child $8/6; 10am-4pm Tue-Sat;
)
This historic home, built in 1793, is where Mary Pickersgill sewed the gigantic flag that
inspired America's national anthem. Costumed interpreters and 19th-century artifacts
transport visitors back in time to dark days during the War of 1812; there's also a hands-
on discovery gallery for kids.
Jewish Museum of Maryland
MUSEUM
( 410-732-6400;
www.jewishmuseummd.org
; 15 Lloyd St; adult/student/child $8/4/3;
10am-5pm Tue-Thu & Sun)
Maryland has traditionally been home to one of the largest, most
active Jewish communities in the country, and this is a fine place to explore their experi-
ence in America. It also houses two wonderfully preserved historical synagogues.
Babe Ruth Museum
MUSEUM
( 410-727-1539;
www.baberuthmuseum.com
;
216 Emory St; adult/child $6/3; 10am-5pm)
Celebrates the Baltimore native son who happens to be the greatest baseball player in
