I live about two hours from Baltimore, so my family drove down last Wednesday to go to the Orioles vs. Red Sox game. My younger brother has been an avid Red Sox fan for probably around 10 years--my family likes the Mets, so all of you baseball fans out there know why my brother would make a switch like that.
Our hotel was located in Harbor East, and if you know nothing about Baltimore, it's right on the water (who doesn't love a great water view). A water taxi or 20-minute car ride can get you to the other side of the harbor to experience the sports side of the city, with easy access to M&T bank Stadium and Camden Yards. While my dad had originally planned for us to the take the water taxi (it was a 50-foot walk from our hotel), but we decided to drive over to the baseball game, which ultimately took about 25-30 minutes with traffic and parking. Parking is ample, with deserve different parking decks with a wide range of prices, so you're bound to find one that fits your budget.
If you have never been to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, whether you're a baseball fan or not, you definitely need to add it to your list of places to visit. One of the most beautiful ball parks I have ever seen, the entire three hours is quite an experience. The concourse is wide, there are outdoor eating areas, and the layout and architecture are breathtaking. The range of food options make it easy for every guest to satisfy whatever craving they may hanker.
My brother was debating getting either a lobster roll or a hot dog, so when I asked him which one he would grab if I bought both, he told me the hot dog, so that's what he got. You're in Maryland and you don't go with the crustacean? LOL!
In case you were wondering, I went with Dippin' Dots. Yes, those little dishes of the spherical ice cream pellets that you really only ever got at the water park. I go the chocolate chip cookie dough flavor, only to later realize I should have gotten the cookies and cream because it's dyed orange for the Orioles, but oh well!
For dinner that night, we went to Oceanaire Seafood Room, a chic chain you can find throughout the country. I wore a dress from J.Crew (it's currently on sale if you're interested!) that is one of the most flattering dresses I have ever worn. It's slimming and super comfortable, making it perfect for big meals like the one I had that night!
It was a three-minute walk from the hotel to the restaurant (another reason why the hotel was in a prime location). Nearby you can also find Fleming's Steakhouse!
Since vacations are meant to be enjoyed, I made sure to make satisfying, yet healthy, choices for dinner. Pretty much every restaurant I go to I order a glass of Prosecco. I'm not a soda drinker (I hate the bubbles), but for some reason when the bubbles are alcoholic it's a whole new ball game!
To start, I had shrimp cocktail and the shrimp couldn't have been more amazing. Seasoned perfectly and presented in the cocktail sauce, this starter left me feeling good and light--perfect for the rest of the night.
For supper, I had tuna with a side of grilled asparagus. Not too long ago I discovered I love asparagus, and have been eating more than I ever thought I would in my life. Everything was cooked to perfection.
Now, my biggest weakness is chocolate layer cake, and when I saw this chocolate caramel cake not he dessert menu, the thought of being on a diet completely escaped my mind, which was great because I felt as though I deserved to treat myself! Served with hot fudge on the side to use as icing, two scoops of vanilla ice cream (anyone else agree that restaurant vanilla is the best ice cream ever?!), and a layer of caramel combining the two layers of cake, this dessert was one of the most decadent treats I have ever had. I wasn't able to finish it, but I had about 80%, so that's enough to feel like I satisfied my sweet tooth!
After dinner, we headed back to the hotel and stood on the pool balcony and the view was to die for! Overlooking the harbor, you get to see the skyline of the other side of the city along with boats and a music venue making the balcony a perfect spot to catch some free tunes.
But the day eventually came to an end, but we still had an amazing breakfast ahead of us. I love continental breakfasts because they always have so many different things to choose from. I opted for lots of eggs in place of pancakes, and added some fruit and potatoes to my plate in an attempt to get a somewhat balanced breakfast. Pair that meal with a cup of black coffee and I was set for the 2-hour car ride home.
Needless to say, I absolutely love Baltimore. The gorgeous views of the water and the amazing seafood gave me everything I could've asked for in a vacation--even if it was only a one-night adventure!
[Photo: Me / Fountain at the traffic circle in Harbor East]
Our hotel was located in Harbor East, and if you know nothing about Baltimore, it's right on the water (who doesn't love a great water view). A water taxi or 20-minute car ride can get you to the other side of the harbor to experience the sports side of the city, with easy access to M&T bank Stadium and Camden Yards. While my dad had originally planned for us to the take the water taxi (it was a 50-foot walk from our hotel), but we decided to drive over to the baseball game, which ultimately took about 25-30 minutes with traffic and parking. Parking is ample, with deserve different parking decks with a wide range of prices, so you're bound to find one that fits your budget.
If you have never been to Oriole Park at Camden Yards, whether you're a baseball fan or not, you definitely need to add it to your list of places to visit. One of the most beautiful ball parks I have ever seen, the entire three hours is quite an experience. The concourse is wide, there are outdoor eating areas, and the layout and architecture are breathtaking. The range of food options make it easy for every guest to satisfy whatever craving they may hanker.
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My brother was debating getting either a lobster roll or a hot dog, so when I asked him which one he would grab if I bought both, he told me the hot dog, so that's what he got. You're in Maryland and you don't go with the crustacean? LOL!
In case you were wondering, I went with Dippin' Dots. Yes, those little dishes of the spherical ice cream pellets that you really only ever got at the water park. I go the chocolate chip cookie dough flavor, only to later realize I should have gotten the cookies and cream because it's dyed orange for the Orioles, but oh well!
For dinner that night, we went to Oceanaire Seafood Room, a chic chain you can find throughout the country. I wore a dress from J.Crew (it's currently on sale if you're interested!) that is one of the most flattering dresses I have ever worn. It's slimming and super comfortable, making it perfect for big meals like the one I had that night!
It was a three-minute walk from the hotel to the restaurant (another reason why the hotel was in a prime location). Nearby you can also find Fleming's Steakhouse!
Since vacations are meant to be enjoyed, I made sure to make satisfying, yet healthy, choices for dinner. Pretty much every restaurant I go to I order a glass of Prosecco. I'm not a soda drinker (I hate the bubbles), but for some reason when the bubbles are alcoholic it's a whole new ball game!
To start, I had shrimp cocktail and the shrimp couldn't have been more amazing. Seasoned perfectly and presented in the cocktail sauce, this starter left me feeling good and light--perfect for the rest of the night.
For supper, I had tuna with a side of grilled asparagus. Not too long ago I discovered I love asparagus, and have been eating more than I ever thought I would in my life. Everything was cooked to perfection.
Now, my biggest weakness is chocolate layer cake, and when I saw this chocolate caramel cake not he dessert menu, the thought of being on a diet completely escaped my mind, which was great because I felt as though I deserved to treat myself! Served with hot fudge on the side to use as icing, two scoops of vanilla ice cream (anyone else agree that restaurant vanilla is the best ice cream ever?!), and a layer of caramel combining the two layers of cake, this dessert was one of the most decadent treats I have ever had. I wasn't able to finish it, but I had about 80%, so that's enough to feel like I satisfied my sweet tooth!
After dinner, we headed back to the hotel and stood on the pool balcony and the view was to die for! Overlooking the harbor, you get to see the skyline of the other side of the city along with boats and a music venue making the balcony a perfect spot to catch some free tunes.
But the day eventually came to an end, but we still had an amazing breakfast ahead of us. I love continental breakfasts because they always have so many different things to choose from. I opted for lots of eggs in place of pancakes, and added some fruit and potatoes to my plate in an attempt to get a somewhat balanced breakfast. Pair that meal with a cup of black coffee and I was set for the 2-hour car ride home.
Needless to say, I absolutely love Baltimore. The gorgeous views of the water and the amazing seafood gave me everything I could've asked for in a vacation--even if it was only a one-night adventure!
