MD 21230, www.avam.org THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART A free city museum with both contemporary and historical works. For a regional museum it’s very good with some big name works and a nice sculpture garden. 10 Art Museum Dr, Baltimore, MD 21218, www.artbma.org CULTURETHE CHARLES THEATER One of the few art-house cinemas left in Baltimore, with by far the most interesting program of indie and foreign movies. It has five screens in a very cool historic building. 1711 North Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201, www.thecharles.com BALTIMORE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA The BSO has experienced a resurgence since it was taken over by the talented female conductor, Marin Alsop. Concerts are really cheap, and they do some interesting experimental stuff as well as your standard classical fare. 1212 Cathedral St, Baltimore, MD 21201, www.bsomusic.org THE THEATRE PROJECT An experimental performing arts center that’s been going since the 70s, bringing Baltimore world class shows and performance artists from around the globe. 45 West Preston St, Baltimore, MD 21201, www.theatreproject.org THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM A historic art museum located in Mount Vernon showing paintings, sculpture, artifacts, and objects. 600 North Charles St, Baltimore, MD 21201, www.thewalters.orgNUDASHANK GALLERY A new, independent, artist-run space, showcasing emerging talent. It’s on the third floor of a building which also houses several other galleries, including Gallery Four, which is another I really like. Worth dropping by. H&H Arts Building, 405 West Franklin St, Baltimore, MD 21201, www.nudashank.blogspot.com
43 Baltimore, MDHONFEST Honfest (‘hon’ being a term of endearment in Baltimorese – short for honey), is a celebration of Baltimore’s kitsch, allegedly in honor of the working women of Baltimore. It takes place in the streets of Hampden in early June, and its highlight is the ‘Baltimore’s Best Hon’ competition, in which the award goes to the best hon outfit (usually incorporating a beehive hairdo and leopard print spandex). An institution. www.honfest.netEVENTSARTSCAPE The largest free arts festival in America happens around the MICA campus area on Mt Royal Avenue towards the end of July. It features work by artists, outdoor sculptors, fashion designers and craftspeople, performing arts events, experimental music, and family friendly activities. Check the website for the program. www.artscape.orgKINETIC SCULPTURE RACE An event in early May organized by the Visionary Art Museum (see Culture). Truck sized sculptures of animals and creatures race each other around the city for eight hours. Crazy. www.kineticbaltimore.comTHE DOMINO SUGAR FACTORY The historic neon sign of the Domino Sugar Factory is a landmark of the city, so be sure to take a picture. You can get the best view from Fells Point.FORT MCHENRY PARK A national park built around a 19th Century fort – and the birthplace of the national anthem. It’s got a nice view over the water. Located just off 95, near the harbor.NATIONAL AQUARIUM I have a soft spot for aquariums. What can I say? I love dolphin shows! This is a big aquarium located at the end of a pier in the harbor. It’s well laid out, but gets busy, so book in advance or arrive when it opens! 501 East Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, www.aqua.orgGO
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS BY ESTHER UHLIf you believe the author Oliver W Holmes, Boston is “the center of the solar system”. Personally, I think that’s a minor exaggeration, but there is no doubt that, starting with the Boston Tea Party and the ride of Paul Revere, Boston has always played a central role in America’s history. Today, thanks to the world-class reputations of Harvard and MIT, Boston is an important centre of education, medicine, and economy. This has helped it rise above the status of Grand Dame of America, to something much more interesting, which attracts creative, ambitious folk with open minds and innovative approaches to life. People here tend to have a certain resolve and a joie de vivre that one doesn’t always see elsewhere in the US, and this gives the city a lively energy. Boston is a medium-sized city built on a harbor, with the Charles River separating it from neighboring Cambridge, Watertown, and Charlestown. Over the years it has been populated by immigrants who have left their imprint on the culture, foods, and philosophies of the city. As you walk through the streets you’ll be struck by the visible layers of history and the juxtaposition of the old and the new. Ancient red-brick sidewalks twist past handsome federalist mansions en route to soaring glass towers housing state-of-the-art technology. It’s an attractive effect.The city is divided into dozens of little neighborhoods that reach from North End through peaceful Bay Village and up-market Back Bay to South End with its independent galleries and shops. Each area has its own distinct character making Boston a great city to walk around and explore. The MBTA underground system is easy to use as well, and cycling is always an alternative option. While you’re at it, check out the green spaces of Boston Common or take a long walk along the Charles River. One of my favorite activities in the summer is to take a trip to the beach in South Boston (Southie), and watch the sun setting over the city from Castle Island. 45 Boston, MA
46 Boston, MASTAYNINE ZERO Plush hotel with elegant furnishings, a soothing colour scheme and immaculately designed lighting. It’s big and quite expensive but very relaxing, I’m sure. 90 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02108, www.ninezero.com ONYX HOTEL This Downtown boutique hotel is run by the same guys as Nine Zero. It’s got a fantastic location, is nicely designed, and not too pricey for what it is. 155 Portland St, Boston, MA 02114, www.onyxhotel.comNEWBURY GUEST HOUSE A 32-room guest house in a Victorian red brick building in trendy Back Bay, right on bustling Newbury Street (filled with shops and cafes). The rooms are clean and contemporary and it’s a reasonable option price-wise. 261 Newbury St, Boston, MA 02116, www.newburyguesthouse.com HI-BOSTON A fairly large hostel run by Hostelling-International in the Back Bay area. It’s been recently renovated and is slightly lacking in personality, but clean and fine for the money. You can get private and semi-private rooms, and it’s probably the best budget option. 12 Hemenway St, Boston, MA 02115, www.bostonhostel.orgTHE LIBERTY A grand 19th Century jail that was converted into a really lovely hotel – a pretty impressive architectural feat. Worth a visit even if you don’t stay there. 215 Charles St, Boston, MA 02114, www.libertyhotel.com
PHO PASTEUR A family-owned Asian restaurant in the heart of Chinatown. It serves big portions at good prices, and they make the best soups I have ever eaten. 682 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, www.phopasteurboston.netTABERNA DE HARO Boston’s most authentic Spanish tapas bar. It’s got a friendly, informal atmosphere with a nice street-side patio area in the summer. They serve simple, traditional food, their regional specialities are great, and they have an impressive range of Spanish wines. 999 Beacon St, Brookline, MA 02446, www.tabernaboston.comTHE
