Tourism Tuesday: Hampden and Golden West Cafe

If you have yet to investigate Hampden, trust me: you’re missing out. Situated conveniently close to Loyola, the funky enclave has a variety of fantastic thrift shops, tasty restaurants and eccentric shopping.

One lovely Hampden staple is Golden West Cafe. Home to a scrumptious menu and extensive bar, Golden has musical performances and comedy shenanigans throughout the week. Hampden is a happening place to spend the day, so check it out and stop into Golden West for some sustenance after the exploration.

Museum Monday: Sports Legends Museum

Some may find it horribly boring to watch, but it’s America’s favorite!

Baseball is classic, and Baltimore’s Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum and Sports Legends Museum takes tourists through the history of baseball and the prominence of sports in Baltimore. Iconic athlete Ruth is rooted in a Baltimore past and his childhood through accomplished life is on display in the museum.

Both in close proximity to charming Camden Yards, the museums display the rich cultural history of Baltimore sports teams and their famed athletes. Exhibits feature info on the Orioles, Colts, Ravens, Blast, Preakness and more. Feel the team pride and learn about your favorite athletes of past. Open from Tuesday through Sunday, they’re sporty and historical, perfect for any spring day!

Wacky Wednesday: Illusions Magic Bar

Want to avoid an awkward first date? Voted “Best First Date Bar” by City Paper, Illusions Magic Bar in Fed Hill is sure to bring the magic. The bar/lounge is owned and operated by 16-year veteran and extensively talented magician, Spencer Horsman.

Horsman’s comedy themed magic performances occur four times throughout the night. Crafty magic and hysterical comedy will make for a quirky night on the town. So try something new this weekend and enjoy some tricks, jokes and mind-blowing antics. Feel the magic Wednesday through Saturday from 5pm to 1am.

Tourism Tuesday: Historic Ship Tour

Shape up and ship out to the Inner Harbor for some serious Baltimore exploration. Not for the standard jaunt around the mall or Cheesecake Factory, but some Historic Ship action.

Four historic ships, a museum, and lighthouse add up to a fantastic Historic Ship tour. Visitors can tour the ships, explore the decks and check out one of the oldest Chesapeake lighthouses still standing.

Museum Monday: Jewish Museum of Maryland

Offering another perspective in the diverse city of Baltimore is the Jewish Museum of Maryland. Now through July the museum is displaying local artist Loring Cornish’s installation, “In Each Other’s Shoes.” The exhibit focuses on pertinent issues faced by the African-American and Jewish populations, current and past.

The museum features three galleries with different exhibits and offers a wealth of information on the rich historical and cultural experience of Jews in America. The museum provides visitors with an informative and enlightening look into Jewish culture and history.

Tourism Tuesday: Canton

As Loyola students, you may be familiar with the Fells Point and Federal Hill sections of Baltimore. Both are fantastic spots chock full of fun and antiquitous housing. Typically overlooked by the Loyola bandwagon however, is Canton.

Canton is another top notch Baltimore area to explore. Quaint or bombastic depending on what time you visit, Canton is full of distinct shops, restaurants and bars. It’s not far from Fells and slightly more set back from the water.

Museum Monday: Baltimore Civil War Museum

Are you aware that the first drops of Civil War blood were shed in Baltimore? In 1861, the war arrived in Baltimore and the Baltimore Civil War Museum was actually involved.

Originally built as a railroad terminal called President’s Street Station, the Baltimore Civil War Museum was hit during the 1861 riots. After loosing relevance in the early 1900’s the building it spent time as a warehouse and eventually fell idle.