Seeing is believing: downtown Baltimore is packed with surprising, rewarding finds. It boasts a dynamic theater district, a burgeoning gallery scene and is the epicenter of the city's beloved sports teams. Plus, for hungry travelers it offers everything from historic markets to swank restaurants. As the birthplace of Babe Ruth and the final resting place of Edgar Allen Poe, the heart of Charm City definitely deserves a visit.
The Enoch Pratt Free Library dates back to 1882, making it one of the oldest free public library systems in the country. It currently has 21 branches, but the one here on Cathedral Street, the Central Library, is its crown jewel. Built in 1933, its carved marble facade spans the length of the city block, and, on the inside, art deco touches reign supreme. But beyond its historic space, the library is a living resource, offering the community an expansive book collection, authors talks, free internet and more. Definitely worth a look around.
