stjohnbound

Some relatives have two days to explore the area before they fly back to Europe from Baltimore. I've never been in that area so I have no idea what to suggest they see or do. They like both the ocean and the mountains and of course, just seeing the sights. Any suggestions for your favorite sights in the area would be greatly appreciated. They leave in less than a week.

rb_travelerxATyahoo

Do I understand that they are traveling from Norfolk to Baltimore, and subsequently flying out of BWI?

In that event, I would suggest that they take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel driving Rt US13 until Rt US50, follow that west until I-97 and take that north. It takes longer, but I'm sure they'll marvel at the briges & tunnels; and tell them to stop just before the entrance to the first tunnel.

This way takes longer (usually) than using I-64 I-95 but I think they'll enjoy seeing such large manmade structures. There's some sort of park on the right immediately after leaving the bridge on the Delmarva peninsula.

Normally I'd recommend a route with a stop at Williamsburg, but maybe they will be doing that before or have no special interest in it.

The area of Baltimore they'll want to visit is the Inner Harber/Convention Center area. Some choices are Camdem Yards, National Aquarium, Science Museum, Fort McKinley, B&O Railroad Museum, Burial place of Edgar Alan Poe.

I have some material still in my suitcase from my last trip ... I'll see what I can dig up for you. I think Baltimore has been discussed on that OTHER message board hosted by that OTHER travel publication company that ALSO starts with an "F" (no sense mentioning Fodor's competition) Good luck.

stjohnbound

Thanks rb! Yes, to clarify, they are actually driving from Florida to Norfolk to drop off a car that is being shipped overseas. Then they have two days to kill before flying out of Baltimore. I appreciate all your suggestions!!

rb_travelerxATyahoo

Try this for a discussion currently in progress about Baltimore

http://tinyurl.com/bq8gk

Are they interested in DC? (Easy to get between BWI & DC) or Williamsburg? I think both those cities have more to offer a visitor than Baltimore. If they were to visit Williamsburg they can actually Amtrak right from within town to the BWI Airport rail station.

Another option for "killing some time" is a visit to Tangier Island in the Chesapeake. It's reachable by boats from Crisfeld MD (on the Delmarva peninsula) or Reedville VA (I think the area is called "Great Neck") You might enjoy any of the areas cited as well. Good luck.

stjohnbound

Thanks for all the info. They've already been to DC so I think they'll skip it this time. While reading the info you suggested, I ran across Annapolis and did a little more research. I think they would love to spend the two days there. They would be there Wednesday and Thursday and then leave on Friday. I see that some hotels are already booked and I'm assuming this is because of the Naval Academy homecoming game on Saturday. Any idea whether it will be packed there on the days they'll be there? Thanks again for all your help!

rb_travelerxATyahoo

I just finally went to Annapolis on a Sunday for just a few hours and it's really quite the charming city. I doubt it would be very busy prior to game weekend, but then I've not been in the city enough to really know. The Maryland government center" seems so much smaller than ours in Albany that the city, even on Sunday, doesn't look like it's really "hopping" most of the time. Is "bucholic" the word I'm looking for?

There are a number of other old small towns to either side of the Chesapeake Bridge (US301/US50) ... I assume your relatives are renting a car; they'll need it, especially weekends.

Goatman

I suggest they cross the Bay Bridge/Tunnel and drive up the Delmarva pennisula (Rt 13) till they reach Rt 50 (eastbound). They can spend the night in at a lovely waterfront town called Oxford (near Easton) at the Robert Morris Inn. They might want to get crabs at the Pier Street Restaurant in town. The next day they can take the Tred-Avon ferry and explore historic St. Michaels. From there it's about a 1.5 hour drive to Baltimore where they'll find plenty to do and see if they stay in the Inner Harbor area. This is one of my favorite destination drives in the state.

Goatman

I should have said Rt 50 Westbound. So sorry

stjohnbound

Thanks everyone - these replies are really great!