If you’re headed to Baltimore for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Annual Conference (Aug. 27th - Sep. 1st), be sure to set aside some time to explore some of the city’s local historical, cultural, and culinary charms. We’ve compiled just a few of the top attractions and experiences the exciting seaport town has to offer, many just a short walk or metro ride from this year’s conference site at the Baltimore Convention Center. So, if you find yourself with time to spare in between conference activities, go catch an Orioles game, grab a local brew at the oldest continuously running tavern in the country – and of course, don’t forget the crab cakes.
We hope you have a fantastic time at AZA 2022. See you there!
Explore the Art of Baltimore
Source: Baltimore Museum of Art
Creative connoisseurs of all stripes will delight in Baltimore’s vibrant art scene: wander the world’s largest Matisse collection at the Baltimore Museum of Art, check out self-taught and outsider art at the American Visionary Art Museum, then head to The Walters Art Museum for an eclectic collection of 36,000 historical art objects, including indigenous artifacts, coats of armor, Roman sarcophagi and Fabergé eggs. To see work by local artists, check out the Baltimore Art Gallery and Highland Town Gallery.
GOAT GROOMING AT THE MARYLAND ZOO
Source: Maryland Zoo
Explore the prehistoric rainforest, sign up for an okapi training, help groom some goats in the farmyard, and take a train ride through the Jones Falls Watershed at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore – or check out their live animal feeds for a virtual visit with lions, giraffes, and a colony of African penguins!
TAKE A STROLL THROUGH SHERWOOD GARDENS
Source: Sherwood Gardens
Make the most of the last days of summer by exploring Baltimore’s beautiful Sherwood Gardens, famous for its spring tulips and over six acres of native plants, trees, and flowers. Continue your outing with a walk through surrounding historic Guilford, a local treasure trove of curving streets and early-20th century Colonial Revival homes. Both Sherwood & the Guilford neighborhood were planned by Frederick Law Olmsted – the world-renowned conservationist and “father of landscape architecture” who also designed Central Park in New York City.
spend an afternoon with edgar allan poe
Source: Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum
For those with a taste for the macabre, head over to the Edgar Allan Poe House & Museum. Learn about the author’s connection to Baltimore, take a tour of his home, and read some of the poems & stories he wrote while living there. You can even take yourself on an interactive tour of other spooky sites and “Poe Places” around the city by downloading their mobile Poe App, made in partnership with Cuseum.
DIVE IN AT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM
Source: National Aquarium
Catch a 4-D Shark Show, get up close and personal with some puffins, or go behind the scenes for a dolphin training session at Baltimore’s National Aquarium! Visit their Animal Care & Rescue Center to see their conservation and rehabilitation efforts in action.
Bonus Points:
⭐ Take a book, leave a book at Book Thing, Baltimore’s free library.
⭐ Visit the Moorish Tower at Druid Hill Park.
⭐ Take a sunset dinner cruise in the harbor.
Headed to Baltimore and want to grab a coffee with a member of the Cuseum team? Connect with us!