June 12th, 2012
The tall ships and the Navy grey hulls started to arrive today in Baltimore, Maryland. It is a Star Spangled Sailabration to launch Maryland’s 3 year commemoration of the War of 1812.
The State of Maryland, the City of Baltimore, and Fort McHenry will host a series of programs and events.
The “Angels Over Baltimore” Air Show will take place over the harbor and Fort McHenry on Saturday, and Sunday, June 16th and 17th. It will feature the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels aerobatic demonstration team.
There will be also an open house static display of various Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard aircraft at Martin State Airport in Baltimore County.
Because of the events, please remember that your visit to Fort McHenry may be greatly impacted; huge crowds, limited parking and closed areas of the park.
Please plan accordingly.
For more information, please visit http://www.nps.gov/fomc/parknews/star-spangled-sailabration.htm.
Talk to you later…
February 23rd, 2012
Going to Baltimore for the day is no brainer. The Delaware Beaches are so close to major cities, like Baltimore, Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia. A day trip is an easy one.
I lived in Baltimore years ago. I have always liked it. It is a small city comparing it to the nearby ones. Like all of them it has the good, the bad and the ugly. I tend to concentrate on the good. Baltimore is a city of many firsts. Many U.S. cities would love to have what Baltimore has to offer.
A City of Firsts, yes indeed, with innovations throughout its history. Advances and inventions in industry, transportation, science, and education. Hospitals that are world renowned; a port, the Orioles, the Ravens, ethnic neighborhoods, fantastic restaurants. A Farmers’ Market in its 35th year, right in the middle of the city. Visit the website http://www.Baltimore.org/about-baltimore/baltimore-firsts.
Can’t wait to see the celebrations kicking off the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. Fort McHenry is the birthplace of our National Anthem; The Star Spangled Banner. http://www.baltimore.to/fort-mchenry.html.
People don’t tend to move from Baltimore. And, if they do, they always come back. They do drive a lot of Volvos too. I have never seen so many.
We invited my sister in law, Susie, to have lunch. Our choice was Petit Louis Bistro. This is a classic French bistro located 4800 Roland Ave., Baltimore. Tel. 410-366-9393. Website? http://www.petitlouis.com.
There is more to where this bistro is located. The neighborhood is called Roland Park. It was the first planned suburban community in North America, developed beween 1890 and 1920.
Also, the actual building is very interesting. You see, this single Tudor style, small, shopping strip where Petit Louis is located, is the world’s first shopping center; opened in 1907.
As you enter, you will find a full bar and two dining rooms. They are both very comfortable.
Petit Louis opens for lunch and dinner. They also have a brunch on Sundays.
Our server was friendly, and immediately presented us with sourdough bread and homemade butter.
For lunch we had the choice of a Prix Fixe menu for $22. 3 courses included iced tea and coffee. We liked the choices so Susie and I decided on this type of menu.
We both chose the Petite Salad de Mesclun. Local Mesclun greens, Reggiano and a red wine vinaigrette. Nicely seasoned, and simple.
Susie chose the Croque Monsieur. This was a sandwich of sliced Madrange ham, Gruyere cheese and frites. Even though this is a standard on their menu, Susie thought it was the best one yet.
I had the Louis Casse-Croutes which was a steak sandwich, medium temperature, with caramelized onions, frites and a delicious horseradish aioli. It really was so good.
My husband decided to go a la carte with all hors d’oeuvres for his lunch.
The first was a Terrine a la Mode Landaise. It was a Foi Grass Terrine, without the grilled baguette, due to his gluten allergy. Loved it.
Ris de Yeau which was a Sauteed Sweetbread with button mushrooms in a Madeira reduction. Sweetbreads are not served in many restaurants; Baltimore seems to have them available. He thought they were perfectly cooked.
He also had the Gravlax, which was the House Cured Salmon Gravlax, with capers and creme fraiche. Paper thin and beautiful.
Susie and I had the choice of desserts.
I loved the Mousse au Chocolat. I always forget how good this dessert is.
Susie had the Fruits de Saison; a citrus custard on top.
Coffee and an offering of cheese, which was greately enjoyed, ended a very nice lunch with family…
Talk to you later…
July 26th, 2011
No, no and no. I am not moving. I love living at the Delaware Beaches. Just curious to see how this historic and industrial area is up and coming. That’s all. Oh, they also had an open house. No appointments were necessary.
Susie and I took off from the Basilica. We zipped through the ever in construction streets of Baltimore with no problem.
It has been now years since this industrial area has caught the eyes of developers. One of the first firms in the area is Under Amour, which makes its home in Tide Point, where a former soap factory once stood.
Historic Locust Point was once the center of Baltimore’s Polish, American, Irish-American and Italian-American communities.
The building Susie and I were interested in seeing was called Silo Point, located at 1200 Stewart St., Baltimore, MD 21230. Silo Point is in its second stage and they told us that the building is 65% sold.
Silo Point in itself is very industrial looking; inside and out. During the construction, they kept some of the silos/grain elevators, which is great because this is what stood here.
Silos are used in agriculture to store grain; mostly bulk. The Port of Baltimore is a major port in the mid-Atlantic states. It is also the furthest inland port in the U.S., and it is over 300 years old.
I have had a few days to digest my visit to this condominium. I found it very interesting. Urban living with an edge. There were a lot of people looking through the building and as interesting and dramatic the views were; I am not sure if that type of arrangement would suit my lifestyle.
After meeting in the lobby, we were directed to a roof top. This area can be rented for parties, dinners, etc. if you are a resident of Silo Point. If you don’t want your apt. dirty, then this would be the place to rent. Fully equippped; balconies and those dramatic views.
On one side you can look at the city of Baltimore, which is not far away, on the other is Fort McHenry.
Fort McHenry is a must see historical site if you are visiting Baltimore. Another first for the city of Baltimore; it was the first fort built by the U.S. government.
Fort McHenry is known for the War of 1812. It defended the Harbor from attack by the British Navy in the Chesapeake Bay. It was also during this bombardment that Francis Scott Key got his inspiration to write the Star Spangled Banner. The poem, which would become the U.S. National Anthem. But, you knew that, right? Just a reminder on how important the city of Baltimore has been through history.
On the southern part of Locust Point I saw a cruise ship about to leave port. I don’t know about you, but I just never hear anyone taking a cruise from Baltimore. Apparently is a busy terminal. The cruise terminal is 65,000 square feet in a converted warehouse.
The major cruise lines using this port are Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Celebrity. Please check http://www.baltimorecruiseguide.com/cruises.html.
It was time to see some of the inside of these condos. They were very modern with different size ranges and prices. Monthly condo fees apply. No pool but gym and other facilities are an attraction.
So, here is a picture of how it looked.
And here are pictures of the different models. Large glass windows give you ample views. The train tracks are there and the train passes by a few times per day.
One of the restaurants that has opened at Silo Point is Miguel’s. I had to laugh. My brother’s name is Miguel. I did not eat at the restaurant, but went inside to get him a t-shirt. Interesting and colorful. I did hear that it is actually, pretty good and in a most unique location. Their website is www.miguelsbaltimore.com.
Next stop?…the Black Olive in Fells Point….see you…
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