Downtown Frederick, Maryland - Restaurants and Bars - Isabella's, Brewer's Alley, and Acacia

Review of three of some popular restaurants in Downtown Frederick: Isabella's Taverna & Tapas Bar, Brewer's Alley Restaurant & Brewery and Acacia Fusion Bistro. All three are located in the heart of downtown, North Market Street, and very close to each other. I heard that they are own by the same person. However, regardless of the ownership issue, the main thing they have in common is that although all three are worth visiting, they are not the best of what restaurant industry can offer. Aug. 16, 2009

In Downlown Frederick, Maryland - Streets, Shops and Landmarks (Part 2)

This is the second part of the article and photo journal dedicated to Frederick, Maryland. In its first installment, I tried to convey the general atmosphere in the Downtown Frederick. Now, I will be focusing more on some specific places and landmarks you may find interesting. Examples include Carroll Creek Linear Park which offers a wonderful opportunity for a stroll and Emporium Antiques - antiques and vintage collectibles in Frederick. I have pictures of various restaurants and bars located on Market Street - the heart of Downtown Frederick. Browse the photo gallery - maybe you will like one of them enough to come and try it. Aug. 11, 2009

In Downlown Frederick, Maryland - Streets, Shops and Landmarks (Part 1)

Many outsiders would tell you that there is nothing special about Frederick - a city in west-central Maryland, United States (also the county seat of Frederick County). Yet, if you have a day, I would recommend without hesitation to spend it in Frederick - a place where history and modern life intertwined into a lovely and vibrant community to enjoy and understand. There are no glamorous monuments or world fame museums in Frederick. Yet, if you want a opportunity to get familiar with a small American city and enjoy the simplicity of life in an outlying community, go to Frederick, and you will not regret it. The savor and the charm of a traditional place like Frederick may very well be what you need to escape from your usual get-up-and-go life.

Aug. 8, 2009

Downtown Frederick, Maryland - Restaurants and Bars - The Tasting Room, Firestone's Restaurant & Bar and Black Hog BBQ

We continue our review of restaurants in Downtown Frederick, Maryland. This time, we'll talk about The Tasting Room, Firestone's Restaurant & Bar and Black Hog BBQ. As often the case, there is a reason why for this part of the article, I selected those three. On one hand, The Tasting Room, Firestone's Restaurant & Bar are located very close to each other (in fact, they are in neighboring buildings on N. Market Street). So, it would be interesting to see how they stack up against each other. Black Hog BBQ is a bit different from both; in fact, it's different from anything you can find in Frederick. Still there is one thing Black Hog and Tasting Room share - and that will be their owner. July 8, 2009

Downlown Frederick, Maryland - Restaurants and Bars - Bushwaller's American/ Irish Pub, Patrick's Irish Pub and Frederick Cellars Winery and Tasting Room

Well, this time I will be talking about places where you are supposed to drink primarily: there is a couple of popular pubs in Downtown Frederick: Bushwaller's American/ Irish Pub and Patrick's Irish Pub. The third place in this installment is actually a winery and not a restaurant. But they have a tasting room, and the place has some good reputation in Frederick. So, I though it could be a good idea to group all three together based on "drinking" nature common to all of them. July 8, 2009

National Aquarium in Baltimore - Glass and Pier 3 Pavilions

Although National Aquarium in Baltimore is not the largest one in the world or even in the United States, it's big and interesting enough to attract huge crowds of visitors not only from places close to Baltimore but also from all the United States and many other countries. Today (2009), the Aquarium is a home to about 16,500 specimens and more than 660 species of animals. National Aquarium in Baltimore is a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with your family and at the same time expand the knowledge about life on Earth. It's entertaining and educational - come and you will not regret. May 18, 2009

National Aquarium in Baltimore - Dolphin Show

The second part of the article with overview of National Aquarium in Baltimore. This page is dedicated to the Aquarium Dolphin Show scheduled daily. The length of the show is about 25 minutes, and I would say it's a must to see especially if you have never seen dolphins from a short distance. May 18, 2009

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 1, Inner Harbor and USS Constellation

Many years ago, the Baltimore Inner Harbor and area surrounding it were not pretty. However, some two decades ago, Baltimore waterfront underwent a renaissance with the creation of Harborplace, which evokes more than a century of history and urban lore. Today, Baltimore Inner Harbor is a vibrant location attracting annually hundreds of thousands of people with its nice and clean environment, more than a hundred dining and shopping establishments, several modern hotels, National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, and several ships accessible to public: USS Constellation - the last all sail warship built by the US Navy, USS Torsk - submarine SS-423, US Coastal Guart Taney and Lightship Chesapeake. This three-part article with photo galleries is dedicated to these four ships and the opportunity they provide to learn more about related chapters in the US history and what life could be on ships like this.

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 1, Inner Harbor and USS Constellation
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 2, Submarine USS Torsk SS-423
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 3, Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

May 10, 2009

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 2, Submarine USS Torsk SS-423

The second part of the article dedicated to four ships opened to public in Baltimore Inner Harbor. Read about Submarine USS Torsk SS-423 and enjoy pictures of the submarine from outside and inside.

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 1, Inner Harbor and USS Constellation
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 2, Submarine USS Torsk SS-423
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 3, Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

May 10, 2009

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 3, Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney

The third part of the article dedicated to four ships opened to public in Baltimore Inner Harbor. Read about Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney and watch a photo gallery about both ships.

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 1, Inner Harbor and USS Constellation
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 2, Submarine USS Torsk SS-423
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 3, Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

May 10, 2009

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

The last installment of the article dedicated to Baltimore Inner Harbor and its four ships opened to public. This page describes other places in the harbore: where to eat and what to see.

One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 1, Inner Harbor and USS Constellation
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 2, Submarine USS Torsk SS-423
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 3, Lightship Chesapeake and USCGC Taney
One Day in Baltimore Harbor - Part 4, Walking Inner Harbor

May 10, 2009

Maryland Heights Stone Fort Trail

Unlike the Maryland Heights Overlook trail described in previous article where the goal is to reach cliffs offering wonderful views on Harpers Ferry, the Maryland Heights Stone Fort trail goes through several places that represent a historical interest. During this hike you will visit ruins of old Civil War forts and campsites. But you will also be able to enjoy spectacular views from Maryland Heights summit. Both trails differ in time needed to hike them as well as physical challenges they present. Stone Fort is much longer - about 3.5 miles and includes one uphill part that many people who hike casually will find excruciating Jan. 5, 2008

Hiking Maryland Heights Overlook

If you are planning to visit Maryland Heights during a weekend, your best bet is to come to Harpers Ferry National Historic Park. Leave your car at the park visitor center and use their shuttle to come to the Harpers Ferry (what is called Lower Town). From the bus stop you will have to walk about half a mile to the beginning of the trail. Obvious minuses of this option is that you will spend more time on getting to the trail and will pay park entrance fees (which are not high - only six dollars). On a positive side, in addition to hiking Maryland Heights, you will have a chance to look at the Harpers Ferry Lower Town - a very picturesque and interesting place by itself. Dec. 5, 2007