Baltimore Info Needed...

[ChuckW]

Well, to make a long story short, me an my friends do an annual trip. We WERE headed to NH this weekend, but weather has caused us to take pause and plan a new. So on short notice we are going to head to Baltimore (tow boat down there), boat, have fun and OH Yeah, see our beloved Pats take on your beloved Ravens. Bound to be a great game either way (let's not digress into sports religion at this time). So... to my questions...

Overall, we are looking to explore Baltimore and upper Chesapeak via water on Sat and Sun (this weekend). Sunday night we'll be hitting up the Ravens Pats game.

1. Looks like the Baltimore Marine Centers at Inner Harbor is our best option (close to food and the game). Other options you'd reccommend over that?
2. I'll be looking for a boat ramp, most important item, that it will be safe for my tow vehicle over the weekend. We arrive Friday and leave Monday. Doesn't have to be close to inner harbor, we can cruise to the marina, just want safe and easy to get to coming out of the North.
3. What are some items that we must put on our agenda for Sat an Sun on the water? We like beaches and bars, perhaps some good ole MD Crab Cakes somewhere, too?
4. Anything else we should be aware of?

Thanks for the help!!!

Cheers,

 

[hack4alivin]

Here is a link to a possible boat ramp (Canton Water Park) for you: http://www.dnr.maryland.gov/boating/bc.asp

I have never used the boat ramps so I can’t be sure if this is good for you or not, but at least it is close to where you want to be. That area of Canton is not too bad, and this is a public park. Phone numbers and directions are included if you want to check it out. From Canton it is a very short ride (6 knot zone) to the other side of the harbor to the Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina.

As far as the marina is concerned, it looks like you got the right one. The “Baltimore Inner Harbor Marina” is part of the Baltimore Marine Center group. When you call them make sure it is the one right next to the Rusty Scupper restaurant. This one is by far the closest one to Raven’s Stadium, although it is still a bit of a walk. With the game being a late night one, I would like to have some company for the walk as well,safety in numbers you know.

As for weekend entertainment, well there is just much too much to talk about. From the marinas here there are plenty of great restaurants, shops, and local bars to enjoy. Walk around and have fun!

 

[doozie]

Bill is right the ramp at Canton being the closest, But I would be worried about leaving the vehicle there, you could try Anchor Bay East, he does not have a ramp but he has travel lifts and a safe parking area. Not many ramps with safe parking in the area. A couple Resturant/ Bars within a short boat ride, Hard Yacht Cafe at Anchor Bay, and Mikes in rock creek, both neat places. Bob

 

[madgrit]

You could also drop in at Stoney Creek Bridge Marina which is just outside the Key Bridge. That would be a decent ride up into the Harbor. As hack4alivin mentioned there is tons to do in Baltimore. The old brokerage now Power Plant live (powerplantlive.com) could be fun. Fells Point (John Stevens, Max's Tap House, Koopers Tavern, The Horse) and Canton (Bay Cafe, Gin Mill, Nacho Mama's, Looney's) also a great area for bars and resturants. You could cruise to Nick's Fish house which is in Baltimore. There is new resturant called Mike's which used to be Windows on the bay in Rock Creek which is one creek over from Stoney. You could also cruise down to Annapolis which is about a 40 minute ride from Stoney Creek. Pussers is a great place on the water. Pusser's Painkiller is great drink to start off with. Pusser's is locate in Ego Alley. Some folks hang out at Hart Miller Island or Dobbin Island. Not sure how many people are hanging out with the weather change and it is after Labor Day. Both usually have a decent crowd of boats during the summer. All somewhat close. Not sure if you were planning on hanging in the harbor for the entire weekend or not.

 

[hack4alivin]

You could also drop in at Stoney Creek Bridge Marina which is just outside the Key Bridge. That would be a decent ride up into the Harbor. As hack4alivin mentioned there is tons to do in Baltimore. The old brokerage now Power Plant live (powerplantlive.com) could be fun. Fells Point (John Stevens, Max's Tap House, Koopers Tavern, The Horse) and Canton (Bay Cafe, Gin Mill, Nacho Mama's, Looney's) also a great area for bars and resturants. You could cruise to Nick's Fish house which is in Baltimore. There is new resturant called Mike's which used to be Windows on the bay in Rock Creek which is one creek over from Stoney. You could also cruise down to Annapolis which is about a 40 minute ride from Stoney Creek. Pussers is a great place on the water. Pusser's Painkiller is great drink to start off with. Pusser's is locate in Ego Alley. Some folks hang out at Hart Miller Island or Dobbin Island. Not sure how many people are hanging out with the weather change and it is after Labor Day. Both usually have a decent crowd of boats during the summer. All somewhat close. Not sure if you were planning on hanging in the harbor for the entire weekend or not.

Nicks is having a special event http://www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/the-waterkeeper/trash-bash-2011/ on Saturday during the day, and I am not sure it will be open for the public unless you buy a ticket ($65 each) for it. I got lucky and my company was a sponsor for it, so I got two free tickets and a boat slip for the day. I will be there!
I love the Restaurant! Too bad they stopped serving Sushi though, I loved that!

 

[ChuckW]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas. We are definately looking forward to all the food options :grin:

As for ramps, they don't have to be close, just safe. So if we have to put in out in the "burbs" to the North and do a 20, 30, 60 minute boat ride, then all the better (more boating hours).

 

[techmitch]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas. We are definately looking forward to all the food options :grin:

As for ramps, they don't have to be close, just safe. So if we have to put in out in the "burbs" to the North and do a 20, 30, 60 minute boat ride, then all the better (more boating hours).

Can't say enough about this place. http://www.chesapeakeyachting.com/ Secure/gated marina (for your truck and trailer), nice ramp, pool, and showers, transient slips. It's about 45-1:15 to B.I.H with some beaches and plenty of restaurants in between. Feel free to P.M. me for more info.

 

[Loose Cannon]

Canton was already mentioned... Lighthouse Point is a great marina in that area; it is also one of the BMCs. I had a better experience at Lighthouse Point compared to Harbor View (cleaner facilities, etc) although, as already mentioned, Harbor View is closer to the stadium. You can catch a free bus around the area called the Circulator. You asked about crab cakes/food... In my opinion and, if you are with friends as opposed to family/kids, some of the bars already mentioned have great food including crab cakes. For example, John Stevens and Kooper's in Fells point are good choices... and for those really into beer, Max's on Broadway in Fells point has an unbelievable selection with an emphasis on Belgians.

 

[hack4alivin]

Thanks everyone for the great ideas. We are definately looking forward to all the food options :grin:

As for ramps, they don't have to be close, just safe. So if we have to put in out in the "burbs" to the North and do a 20, 30, 60 minute boat ride, then all the better (more boating hours).

If that is the case, then check out Mariner Point Park http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=73

It is right down the street from my house and better for you right off 95 on the way to Baltimore, very easy to get to. Plenty of trailer parking as well, and you would have Gunpowder Cove Marina right next to it if you needed it. It would take you a little over an hour to reach the Inner Harbor from there though. It’s not a bad ride, in fact Saturday morning if the weather is good I am going to the Inner Harbor myself to Nick's Fish House.

 

[ChuckW]

If that is the case, then check out Mariner Point Park http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=73

It is right down the street from my house and better for you right off 95 on the way to Baltimore, very easy to get to. Plenty of trailer parking as well, and you would have Gunpowder Cove Marina right next to it if you needed it. It would take you a little over an hour to reach the Inner Harbor from there though. It’s not a bad ride, in fact Saturday morning if the weather is good I am going to the Inner Harbor myself to Nick's Fish House.

Thanks, looks like a great spot, and we get a nice cruise in on our way into the Inner Harbor. Sounds like they lock up the place at night too. No problem leaving rig overnight?

We'll launch Fri afternoon and head straight down to the inner harbor. Perhaps we'll see you around Sat...

Thanks,

 

[xravenx]

FYI, fans wearing the opposing teams jersey are not allowed in Ravens Stadium.....J/K. PM me if you want to do some tailgating, we get there 6 hours before kick off. I could bring what ever you want, that way you wouldn't have to carry anything from the Inner Harbor.

John

 

[ChuckW]

FYI, fans wearing the opposing teams jersey are not allowed in Ravens Stadium.....J/K. PM me if you want to do some tailgating, we get there 6 hours before kick off. I could bring what ever you want, that way you wouldn't have to carry anything from the Inner Harbor.

John

John, that is an offer I can't refuse. Very kind. I'll PM you some details. Thanks!!! Go Pats!!!

 

[Dock Dancer]

Thanks, looks like a great spot, and we get a nice cruise in on our way into the Inner Harbor. Sounds like they lock up the place at night too. No problem leaving rig overnight?

Thanks,

I am pretty sure they do not lock the gate at night. Make sure you hit Canton, Fells Point or Harbor East for some night time fun. Enjoy your stay in Baltimore!

 

[xravenx]

Chuck,

Great to meet you and your buddies yesterday, hope you guys had a good time at Ravens Stadium.........place was rockin' last night. Thanks for bringing the New England clam chowda..........you can tailgate with us anytime.

 

[blaster]

Chuck,

Great to meet you and your buddies yesterday, hope you guys had a good time at Ravens Stadium.........place was rockin' last night. Thanks for bringing the New England clam chowda..........you can tailgate with us anytime.

What a game huh, now that they have a guy who can make a clutch kick. I think the ravens are my new NFL team since the Skins can't defend the pass.

 

[ChuckW]

Chuck,

Great to meet you and your buddies yesterday, hope you guys had a good time at Ravens Stadium.........place was rockin' last night. Thanks for bringing the New England clam chowda..........you can tailgate with us anytime.

Thanks John. We had a blast, right up until the end. Great job by your team to hang tough until the end, just wish the refs weren't an issue on all games this season, like they were in this one.

Let me know when you're coming to Bean-Town to see the Pats Ravens up here! Tailgates on me

 

[ChuckW]

What a game huh, now that they have a guy who can make a clutch kick. I think the ravens are my new NFL team since the Skins can't defend the pass.

Great game, but obviously you didn't see that so called clutch kick. It missed and the refs missed it too... That's OK. We'll see how clutch he is when playoffs come around.

 

[ChuckW]

Hey everyone...thanks so much for all the great info. We had a blast. Baltimore was a fun city, more so than I expected.

• Friday night we ate in federal hill. Great soft shells and crab cakes, then we went to Power Plant Live...quite the scene...
• Saturday had a great breakfast at Miss Shirley's. That funky monkey bread is to die for...
• Then we cruised on down to Annapolis, where we had those Pusser's Painkillers (yum)...Sorry we missed you in the IH Hack...would have loved to cross paths. We stopped by your slip in Joppa, Friday and Monday, but figure you were stuck working....
• We passed Winning Drive on its way into Baltimore, it was docked where we were for the weekend.
• Saturday night we had a great meal at John Stevens, those crab nachos were amazing. Then found some great music at a little hole you probably know, Bertha's.
• Sunday we explored the harbor and settled into Nick's Fish House for some lunch. A dozen jumbo crabs and several pitchers later we were primed for the night's events to come, or were we...
• Ran into some fellow CSR members at the game. Thanks John, great time!!! Weekend was perfect (except for the outcome of the game).
• Hack, left my boat on the trailer in your marina's yard. Will be picking it up in about a month when I head south to take it to FL for winter. Thanks for the recommendation
• John, sorry to hear about your engine...keep us posted!

Thanks again everyone! We'll be back.

 

[hack4alivin]

Wow, sounds like you got a lot in, good for you. Baltimore is a great city, and the boating around us here is just fantastic. I will cruise to the Inner Harbor a half dozen times a season for one thing or another. Annapolis is a great little town as well. We spend Saturday at Nick’s Fish House, but we had to leave earlier on Saturday morning than I had planned. The south winds had the tide very high, and we just barely cleared the RR Bridge, in fact I scrapped the top of the radar on the way out, no damage though. Coming home that evening we just made it back to the slip before the sky opened up and dumped us with rain. Sunday we went out and started a raft up that got big, so we were out all day Sunday as well.

What a great game though, even though you all were routing for the “other team”. It was cool that you got to tailgate with John before the game. He is a great guy. How about that Purple Van! John has got me convinced on joining the Baltimore Yacht Club this year with him as well as some other friends over there. He told me he would buy the dinners!

Glad everything worked out for you, especially the game outcome! LOL.

I did see your boat at our Marina on my morning drive through today. I’ll keep an eye on things for you, but the Marina is very secure.

Bill

 

[hack4alivin]

Hey everyone...thanks so much for all the great info. We had a blast. Baltimore was a fun city, more so than I expected.

• Hack, left my boat on the trailer in your marina's yard. Will be picking it up in about a month when I head south to take it to FL for winter. Thanks for the recommendation.

Hey John, we got a month to paint Chuck’s boat purple!