I Want to Go There
U . S . East
BALTIMORE
BOSTON
VISIT BALTIMORE
Fort McHenry
Baltimore ’ s plethora of sites pertaining to the founding of the United States makes the city a compelling destination for history buffs . For travelers seeking something a bit more modern , there ’ s plenty to do , see and taste , too .
At Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine , visitors will learn about the War of 1812 and the British navy ’ s 25-hour bombardment of the city . This battle inspired Francis Scott Key to pen the verses of “ The Star-Spangled Banner ,” which would become the U . S . national anthem . The fort is a National Park Service-managed site , and groups can join a park ranger in unrolling a 30-by-42-foot replica of the flag that would have flown over the fort in 1812 .
The National Aquarium is another top attraction on the water . One of the aquarium ’ s most popular exhibits is the Black Tip Reef , which replicates the ecosystem of an Indo-Pacific coral reef , complete with sharks and a three-finned green sea turtle named Calypso . The Living Seashore exhibit offers two touch pools and other hands-on activities that illustrate marine life on the Mid-Atlantic shore . On guided behindthe-scenes tours , groups can access areas not normally open to the public and see the work the museum staff does to care for the animals .
For more information , contact Eric Masterton of Visit Baltimore at emasterton @ baltimore . org or visit baltimore . org .
Yummy Walks
Boston ’ s North End is one of the oldest residential neighborhoods in America , and tour groups can explore its historical streets , cozy parks , famous white-steepled church and rows of red brick homes . The neighborhood is steeped in the lore of the Freedom Trail , while authentic Italian shops and restaurants add to its distinctive nature .
“ While it is pleasant just to wander through , sip espresso , shop , people watch and eat pizza , groups will want to have a game plan ,” says Stacy Thornton , senior manager , tourism sales , at the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau . “ My game plan would include a neighborhood food tour .”
Yummy Walks , Boston Food Tours and Boston Pizza Tours offer guided walks that acquaint guests with the city ’ s history and its flavors . “ I learned so much about the neighborhood history , immigration to Boston , cooking and how to source quality ingredients ,” says Thornton .
While in the North End , groups can take an after-hours tour of the Old North Church and Historic Site . During the visit , guides show groups the bell-ringing chamber , crypt and other unique parts of the famous building , and living history interpreters inhabit the Edes & Gill Print Shop and Captain Jackson ’ s Colonial Chocolate Shop .
To learn more , contact Stacy Thornton of the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau at sthornton @ bostonusa . com or go to bostonusa . com .
YUMMY WALKS
TOP ATTRACTIONS The Inner Harbor , the B & O Railroad Museum , the Maryland Science Center
TOP FESTIVALS Baltimore Book Festival ( Sept . 22 – 24 ), Baltimore Craft Beer Festival ( Oct . 7 ), Light City Baltimore ( April 12 – 21 , 2018 )
TOP ATTRACTIONS The John F . Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum , the New England Aquarium , Fenway Park , Faneuil Hall Marketplace
TOP FESTIVALS St . Patrick ’ s Day Parade ( March 18 , 2018 ), Boston Harborfest ( July 2018 ), Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular ( July 4 , 2018 )
10 NTA Trip Planner for Group Leaders