Well, Big Ben got an interview for the job in Baltimore, so we are going out there in a couple of weeks. He will be interviewing all day and I will be set loose in the city to poke around. The catch: We’ll only be there one day. So does anyone have any suggestions for what I should ABSOLUTELY see or do to get the real flavor of Baltimore? Since I’m now considering moving there, I don’t want to see the city’s BEST side, necessarily; I want to see it’s REAL side. Suggestions are appreciated. 
Strictly a left-coaster here, jodi, but I believe the fair Eve once let it slip that she was raised in Baltimore. You might ask her, if she has an e-mail address available.
I have had to spend a few weeks at a time in Baltimore (work related). My suggestion would be to walk around the Inner Harbor (part of the cities best side, but still has lots to see), then walk through Little Italy (great little deli shops), then onto Fells Point.
That’s simple. let me know what day it will be, and I’ll take you around. My schedule is very flexible, as long as I have a week or so notice. Post here or e-mail me from my profile. Hope to see ya soon. ( BTW, if it’s June 17, the area dopers are having a get together then. You’d be more than welcome.)
Don’t miss the Maryland Science Center. When my family & I were there last Labor Day, we wished we had more time to spend there. (Next time, we won’t do it the same day as an Orioles afternoon game!)
If you do end up moving to Baltimore, and you’re into this sort of thing, I can tell you that the area has an active Star Trek association. They’re based in Towson and hold a couple conventions each year at the Marriott in Hunt Valley. I’ve gone to Shore Leave, their summer con (July 7-9 this year, I believe), a number of times and it’s always fun even if you’re not a total Trekkie. Lots of interesting programming, an art show, excellent vendors (jewelry, movie stuff, collectibles, and books-- not just Trek).
The fall con, Farpoint, is much smaller but still fun. If you live in the area, you won’t have to mess with getting a room and could just attend for a day.
Sorry, I can’t help—I wasn’t raised in B’more, only went to college there (so I am not a regulation “Baltimoron,” as they are called).
Besides, I left 20 years ago, and they’ve fixed it up a lot since then (“OK, Eve’s gone, we can start tidying up now!”).
I understand that there’s a train to Washington…
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Rosebud! You do cons? I haven’t been to Shore Leave (yet), but I’ve done a couple of the other ones in the area. (The yet is because I have two friends trying to drag me out there…) Email me!
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This doesn’t fall under the category of “real” Baltimore necessarily, but do consider going to the National Aquarium. It’s very cool, and if you do move there, you’ll probably never go because you can go anytime–having been born and raised in the DC area, I can tell you this for a fact.