Bird River Cottage
Guidebook - Baltimore Area
Food scene
If you are staying with us, you MUST get a crab cake, a Chesapeake Bay favorite, at By the Docks. Try the lunch menu for an inexpensive alternative--you won't need dinner!
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By The Docks Seafood Restaurant
3321 Eastern BlvdIf you are staying with us, you MUST get a crab cake, a Chesapeake Bay favorite, at By the Docks. Try the lunch menu for an inexpensive alternative--you won't need dinner!
One of the best places locally to get steamed Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs. You can dine in, but we recommend ordering a dozen large and bringing it back to the patio for picking!
Vince's Crab House
610 Compass Road EastOne of the best places locally to get steamed Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs. You can dine in, but we recommend ordering a dozen large and bringing it back to the patio for picking!
In the mood for Italian? We recommend Past Blitz where you order all types of traditional Italian dishes. Pizzas and subs also available!
Margherita Pizza Of Carroll Island
154 Carroll Island RoadIn the mood for Italian? We recommend Past Blitz where you order all types of traditional Italian dishes. Pizzas and subs also available!
Ledo's Pizza is a staple of Central Maryland. Original location has been in business for 40+ years and is located around the University of MD - College Park. We are lucky enough to have a location 10 minutes away. Square pizzas with thin crust...try the deluxe option and order the bacon on top after baking...it is to die for! Lots of other items on the menu as well. Oh, and there is a Starbucks a few doors down!
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Ledo Pizza
3072 Solomons Island RdLedo's Pizza is a staple of Central Maryland. Original location has been in business for 40+ years and is located around the University of MD - College Park. We are lucky enough to have a location 10 minutes away. Square pizzas with thin crust...try the deluxe option and order the bacon on top after baking...it is to die for! Lots of other items on the menu as well. Oh, and there is a Starbucks a few doors down!
This is one of my favorites. Probably the best pizza locally. They do not deliver, but they are close by, about a 10 minute drive. Pricing is affordable.
Mustang Pizza & Subs
12544 Eastern AvenueThis is one of my favorites. Probably the best pizza locally. They do not deliver, but they are close by, about a 10 minute drive. Pricing is affordable.
Restaurant is close by and is a nice alternative for pizza delivery. The pizza is good. They also make some delicious twice baked wings.
Middle River Pizzeria
901 Middle River RoadRestaurant is close by and is a nice alternative for pizza delivery. The pizza is good. They also make some delicious twice baked wings.
We highly recommend The Prime Rib if you are interested in a upscale dining experience. Swanky atmosphere reminiscent of a 1940s supper club. Free valet parking. Servers are in tuxedos, live pianist, and steaks that are mouthwatering. For dessert, try the hot fudge sundae that has homemade whipped cream. Don't share--worth getting your own!
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The Prime Rib
1101 N Calvert StWe highly recommend The Prime Rib if you are interested in a upscale dining experience. Swanky atmosphere reminiscent of a 1940s supper club. Free valet parking. Servers are in tuxedos, live pianist, and steaks that are mouthwatering. For dessert, try the hot fudge sundae that has homemade whipped cream. Don't share--worth getting your own!
Actually in walking distance, this neighborhood farmer's market has fresh cut to order poultry, seasonings and sauces, dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables. However, they also have an outstanding selection of prepared foods (hot and cold), fresh ice tea and lemonade and a tantalizing deli. Try the potato salad, Maryland crab soup and shrimp salad!
Richardson Farms
5900 Ebenezer RdActually in walking distance, this neighborhood farmer's market has fresh cut to order poultry, seasonings and sauces, dairy, fresh fruits and vegetables. However, they also have an outstanding selection of prepared foods (hot and cold), fresh ice tea and lemonade and a tantalizing deli. Try the potato salad, Maryland crab soup and shrimp salad!
Try this local supermarket. They have an awesome deli, will steam shrimp for you, but the bakery is out of this world and is what makes it a stand-out. They make their own donuts so stop in early in the morning to get the freshest ones you'll ever have...not to mention they are oversized!. We order a cake from them for every birthday. Remember when Dunkin donuts used to make their own donuts right in the restaurant?
Geresbeck's Food Market
2109 Eastern BlvdTry this local supermarket. They have an awesome deli, will steam shrimp for you, but the bakery is out of this world and is what makes it a stand-out. They make their own donuts so stop in early in the morning to get the freshest ones you'll ever have...not to mention they are oversized!. We order a cake from them for every birthday. Remember when Dunkin donuts used to make their own donuts right in the restaurant?
The best place for an icy treat on a summer day. They close for the Fall and Winter.
Rita's Italian Ice & Frozen Custard
162 Carroll Island RdThe best place for an icy treat on a summer day. They close for the Fall and Winter.
Seasonal snowball stands are a local favorite. We prefer this one. Diet flavors are available.
Icy Delights Carroll Island
2929 Eastern BlvdSeasonal snowball stands are a local favorite. We prefer this one. Diet flavors are available.
Sightseeing
Want to get even more back to nature? Marshy Point Nature Center is about 12 minutes away and is tucked back in a secluded area where there is water access, trails, a nature center, animals & reptiles, etc. Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. There are activities all weekends during the summer months, including a frog roundup I've been to on Friday nights. This is great fun for the kids and adults alike. You can also do canoeing here.
Marshy Point Nature Center
7130 Marshy Point RdWant to get even more back to nature? Marshy Point Nature Center is about 12 minutes away and is tucked back in a secluded area where there is water access, trails, a nature center, animals & reptiles, etc. Staff is super friendly and knowledgeable. There are activities all weekends during the summer months, including a frog roundup I've been to on Friday nights. This is great fun for the kids and adults alike. You can also do canoeing here.
BWI is close by, about a 20 minute ride. You can also take the train at Martin State Airport (8 minutes away) to the BWI Airport Station. Take the Penn line.
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Aeroporto Internazionale Thurgood Marshall di Baltimora/Washington
7050 Friendship RoadBWI is close by, about a 20 minute ride. You can also take the train at Martin State Airport (8 minutes away) to the BWI Airport Station. Take the Penn line.
Love casinos? We have two within driving distance. The first is Horseshoe Casino right off of I-95 in the city. The other is Maryland Live!, about a 30 minute drive south in Anne Arundel County. I have been to both several times and prefer Maryland Live! P.S., they also have a Prime Rib there! Yummmm....make a night of it!
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Horseshoe Casino
1525 Russell StreetLove casinos? We have two within driving distance. The first is Horseshoe Casino right off of I-95 in the city. The other is Maryland Live!, about a 30 minute drive south in Anne Arundel County. I have been to both several times and prefer Maryland Live! P.S., they also have a Prime Rib there! Yummmm....make a night of it!
Rocky Point State Park is about a 20 minute drive and will take you to outer points of the Bay. Extremely scenic! There is a sandy beach with lifeguard that the kids and you can swim at, or just picnic and sunbathe. Lots of areas to fish too. There is also a golf course there. Tons of picnic tables and grills. Make a day of it.
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Spiaggia e parco di Rocky Point
2200 Rocky Point RdRocky Point State Park is about a 20 minute drive and will take you to outer points of the Bay. Extremely scenic! There is a sandy beach with lifeguard that the kids and you can swim at, or just picnic and sunbathe. Lots of areas to fish too. There is also a golf course there. Tons of picnic tables and grills. Make a day of it.
Like shopping, specialty restaurants and movies? Try the Avenue at White Marsh. Nice walking area and they have outdoor concerts on weekend evenings during summer months, plus an ice rink during the winter months.
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The Avenue at White Marsh
8125 Honeygo BlvdLike shopping, specialty restaurants and movies? Try the Avenue at White Marsh. Nice walking area and they have outdoor concerts on weekend evenings during summer months, plus an ice rink during the winter months.
This is little bit of a drive, but well worth it. Lots of scenic trails and rock formations. Visit the waterfall and the King & Queen's seat for the most incredible panoramic views. It is a bit of a hike, but you won't be disappointed. There is also picnicking and you can swim under the waterfall.
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Parco Statale Rocks
3318 Rocks Chrome Hill RdThis is little bit of a drive, but well worth it. Lots of scenic trails and rock formations. Visit the waterfall and the King & Queen's seat for the most incredible panoramic views. It is a bit of a hike, but you won't be disappointed. There is also picnicking and you can swim under the waterfall.
Want to step back in time? Try the Jerusalem Mill area where staff perform colonial reenactments, there is a live blacksmith demo and other outdoor activities.
Mulino e Villaggio di Gerusalemme
2813 Jerusalem RdWant to step back in time? Try the Jerusalem Mill area where staff perform colonial reenactments, there is a live blacksmith demo and other outdoor activities.
If you are visiting Jerusalem Mill, make sure you travel through the covered bridge. It is one of the most haunted sites in Maryland and one of the few remaining covered bridges. We have traveled through that bridge many times and will say we have experienced some strange occurrences, so beware, and have fun!
Jericho Covered Bridge
12228 Jericho RdIf you are visiting Jerusalem Mill, make sure you travel through the covered bridge. It is one of the most haunted sites in Maryland and one of the few remaining covered bridges. We have traveled through that bridge many times and will say we have experienced some strange occurrences, so beware, and have fun!
Try to plan a trip to Camden Yards. It is one of the most historic and beautiful baseball fields around. You can schedule a tour which is well worth it and try to catch a game if you can! Go Os!
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Camden Yards
333 W Camden StTry to plan a trip to Camden Yards. It is one of the most historic and beautiful baseball fields around. You can schedule a tour which is well worth it and try to catch a game if you can! Go Os!
Home to the Baltimroe Ravens, M&T Stadium Bank Stadium is conveniently located right off I-95.
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Stadio M&T Bank
1101 Russell StHome to the Baltimroe Ravens, M&T Stadium Bank Stadium is conveniently located right off I-95.
Another great casino in the area and our preference although, a little further away.
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Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland
7002 Arundel Mills CirAnother great casino in the area and our preference although, a little further away.
Don't leave Baltimore without visiting Fells Point. Lots of good dining places and pubs as well as nightlife set near the Inner Harbor.
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Fell's Point
Don't leave Baltimore without visiting Fells Point. Lots of good dining places and pubs as well as nightlife set near the Inner Harbor.
Home to the creation of Francis Scott Key's Star Spangled Banner, make sure to schedule a tour of this historic sight. It is a highly interesting and moving experience. Wear comfortable shoes!
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Fort McHenry
2400 E Fort AveHome to the creation of Francis Scott Key's Star Spangled Banner, make sure to schedule a tour of this historic sight. It is a highly interesting and moving experience. Wear comfortable shoes!
About 10 minutes away, you must, must, must visit Bengies Drive-In. One of the few true "Drive-Ins" left and has the distinction of having the largest screen in the US. The concession stand is literally like stepping back in time to the 1950s. They show a triple feature so make sure you bring some comforts from home. You cannot bring in outside food...they are very firm about that!
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Bengie's Drive-In Theatre
3417 Eastern BlvdAbout 10 minutes away, you must, must, must visit Bengies Drive-In. One of the few true "Drive-Ins" left and has the distinction of having the largest screen in the US. The concession stand is literally like stepping back in time to the 1950s. They show a triple feature so make sure you bring some comforts from home. You cannot bring in outside food...they are very firm about that!
Very nice playground, ball fields, trails, pavilions and community center. Also, trails have overlooks of the water and marshes. Nice open spaces to run and explore. You can also have a nice run on the paved trails,. About a 12 minute drive.
Eastern Regional Park
11723 Eastern AveVery nice playground, ball fields, trails, pavilions and community center. Also, trails have overlooks of the water and marshes. Nice open spaces to run and explore. You can also have a nice run on the paved trails,. About a 12 minute drive.
City/town information
Middle River is about 15 minutes northeast of Baltimore City located in Baltimore County, and near many waterways. It is conveniently located between Baltimore and points north such as Lancaster, PA, Philly, and NYC, and also points south, like Washington DC. It is a growing area, much like it was in the mid 1940s when it was a center point for the manufacturing of military aircraft, including bombers. You can still see the factory where these planes were made over near the Martin State Airport Train Station. If you love airplanes, and even if you don't, we highly recommend visiting the Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum, which is about 10 minutes away. You will also be lucky enough to often view the A-10 Warthog tank busters practicing air maneuvers. It is quite a sight!
In May, there is usually an "open house" where you can tour inside various historic aircraft...make it a photo opt!
Middle River
Middle River is about 15 minutes northeast of Baltimore City located in Baltimore County, and near many waterways. It is conveniently located between Baltimore and points north such as Lancaster, PA, Philly, and NYC, and also points south, like Washington DC. It is a growing area, much like it was in the mid 1940s when it was a center point for the manufacturing of military aircraft, including bombers. You can still see the factory where these planes were made over near the Martin State Airport Train Station. If you love airplanes, and even if you don't, we highly recommend visiting the Glenn L. Martin Aviation Museum, which is about 10 minutes away. You will also be lucky enough to often view the A-10 Warthog tank busters practicing air maneuvers. It is quite a sight!
In May, there is usually an "open house" where you can tour inside various historic aircraft...make it a photo opt!
Consigli per viaggiatori
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Conveniently located to I-95. Train station / Bus close by.
There is also a commuter rail station nearby, Martin State Airport Station. This will take you into Baltimore and also Washington, DC. Purchase your tickets at the kiosk at the station prior to boarding. On board purchasing is cash based and has a $3 surcharge. Take the train to Baltimore Penn Station (a 15 minute train ride) and you can hop on Amtrak to go further north to Philly and NYC. You can also take the Mega Bus at White Marsh Mall to travel up and down the Eastern Seaboard. A trip to NYC is about 4-1/2 hours and can be as cheap as $20. Book online!
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Local flea markets are popular!
Visit Diamond Point Flea Market and Pulaski Highway Flea market. Both are open on the weekends, but Diamond Point is more active on Saturdays while Pulaksi Highway is more active on Sundays. We can provide more details if you are interested.
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Joppatowne Amish Farmer's Market
Located on Pulaski Highway/Route 40, visit this farmer's market for lots of great cuisines prepared by the Amish community. They are open from Thursday-Saturday. Stop in for lunch where you will get a very healthy large meal at an affordable price. Lots of other foods that you can shop, take home and savor later! Make sure to order a batch of fresh Amish pretzels--they may not make it home!
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People are friendly and helpful to travelers!
People are friendly and helpful to travelers. Neighborhoods are family oriented. We're happy to help with any questions and suggest some local parks for the kids to run free and climb on playground equipment!
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Travel on trains and subways can be chilly.
Travel on trains can be chilly, even in the warmer weather. Also, weather can shift as we are close to the water, so best to always pack a jacket or rainbreaker.
Frasi utili
You will often be called "Hon" here, a local greeting!
It's a Baltimore thing!
Usanze e culture
Berger Cookies
Make sure to try these local favorites, and buy a pack to take home with you, if it makes it! You can most often find them near the register at any Royal Farms Convenience Store.
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Johns Hopkins Nearby
Johns Hopkins is about a 20 minute easy drive into the city. Visit the hospital and return to a peaceful setting.
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Enjoy the seasons, but be prepared!
We enjoy the wonderful change of all four seasons. In recent years, the winters have been on the milder side with little snow and ice. Chilly temps though are possible so best to bring a warm coat.
In the spring, everything is in bloom and because we are in a very wooded area, there can be pollen that ventures into the moderate range. However, with spring rains, the air is often refreshed.
One of the most beautiful times of year is Autumn. Leaves display a wonderful array of colors. Layer up for comfortability.
Summer brings wonderful weather with some periods of higher humidity.