Baltimore Bucket List — Printable version

Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun

Nope, it's not enough to just attend the annual Hampden event. Any ol' hon can do that. You need to attend Honfest in leopard-print leggings, platform heels, a pink feather boa, a coiffed beehive that doesn't quit and cat's eye glasses speckled in rhinestones. Then, strut your way downy Avenue and check another one off the list, Hon.

Algerina Perna, Baltimore Sun

It's one of those things Baltimoreans always claim to know a little something about -- this destructive spirit at Bertha's, that mysterious noise at The Horse You Came in On, etc. -- but nobody ever seems to take the tour. It's not just for tourists, we promise. Check it off your list already. Web site: fellspointghost.com

Matthew Paul D'Agostino, Baltimore Sun

In Baltimore, you're either in a band, know someone in a band or used to be a band groupie. So, fronting your own four-piece doesn't deserve a spot on a bucket list. However, being in an Elvis cover band, is another thing altogether. And, being in an Elvis cover band that performs at Night of 100 Elvises will score you major swagger. Each year, more than 100 regional Elvis tribute acts and cover bands perform at this kitschy, local tradition, so you have a pretty good chance of making this happen in your lifetime.

Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore Sun

This is one movie-watching town and, for whatever reason, Baltimoreans love to watch movies outside. The Little Italy Open Air Film Festival with its free Friday screenings that annually include "Moonstruck" and "Cinema Paradiso" is the event that started it all. But imposters have cropped up everywhere from Johns Hopkins Homewood campus to Fells Points' Broadway Pier. Brave the elements, grab a lawn chair and catch a movie outside. To really do it right, snag a spot in Little Italy, then line up at Vaccaro's for some gelato to accompany your movie.

Baltimore Sun

The Charles Theatre is the place in Baltimore to catch the latest foreign and independent releases. That's easy enough to do, but you'd be a real star at that upcoming cocktail party if you catch three indies in one afternoon. Between screenings, grab some sangria at Tapas Teatro or a crepe at Sofi's and you'll have had an iconic Baltimore day.

Candus Thomson, Baltimore Sun

You live on the Chesapeake Bay for goodness sake! You need to know how to sail! The Downtown Sailing Center offers introduction to sailing classes, plus certification courses. Website: downtownsailing.org

Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun

Members of Baltimore's all-female, amateur flat-track roller derby league pride themselves on their hard-earned bruises and battle scars. Strap on a pair of skates and earn your own rink wounds. There are seasonal tryouts, as well as monthly open practices for men and women 18 years old and over. (For guys wanting to get in on the action, there's also a men's team: Harm City Homicide Roller Derby.) Website: charmcityrollergirls.com

Chiaki Kawajiri, Baltimore Sun

More eerie than scary, the catacombs are Baltimore's answer to phony haunted houses. Visiting the site of Edgar Allan Poe's gravestone on Halloween is one of those required activities that allows you to claim "Baltimorean" as a title.

David Stuck, Baltimore Sun

This task is going to be harder to pull off than most on the bucket list. First, you'll need to get some mad cheerleading skills (guys and gals are welcome). Second, you'll have to wait for tryouts to be held (usually every spring). Then, you're going to have to make your way to tryouts, ready to do battle against hundreds of peppy, worthy competitors.

Baltimore Sun

You could just stop by the Clipper Mill studios and purchase a unique piece of blown glass. Or, you could attend a workshop and make your own blown glass object in approximately 15 minutes with the help of an instructor. Classes and private instruction are also available. Website: corradetti.com

Doug Kapustin, Baltimore Sun

Baltimoreans consider Inner Harbor attractions and city tours as mere trifles that extract money from The Visitors. So, actually taking part in one of these Visitor-friendly activities will make you a rare bird among the common Baltimore resident. Taking a tour through Fells Point and the Harbor wearing a helmet while balancing on a Segway makes you a brave, rare bird who doesn't care what your neighbors -- or The Visitors -- think of you. Website: segsinthecity.com

Neilson Barnard, Getty Images

Most Charm City cinephiles and booze hounds can boast a John Waters encounter story. Start hanging out at The Charles Theatre, Club Charles, Rocket to Venus or any of the director's favorite haunts and strike up a conversation if you spot him. While you might not become fast friends, you'll probably have a brief exchange, and, depending on the circumstances, you might even score an autograph or a picture. Just be cool about it; you're still in Baltimore.

Jed Kirschbaum, Baltimore Sun

If you're not a PSL-holder in this town, it can be very difficult to come by Ravens tickets, but early-season tickets can usually be had for a small fortune. However, getting into M&T Bank Stadium to watch a game from a suite is the very definition of prestige. And, you really haven't seen a Ravens game until you've seen one from the comfort of the outside seating area with its own monitor, server and honest-to-goodness delicious grub. Plus -- and this would just be pushing your good fortune -- if you get cold, you can even go inside to watch the game.

Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun

Any Joe Schmo can go watch AVAM's hilarious race that takes place on land and sea, but it takes a true talent to create a contraption that can compete with Fifi the giant pink poodle and dozens of other off-the-wall kinetic sculptures.

Nicole Rivelli, Associated Press

This was easier to do here when "Homicide" and "The Wire" filmed on location, but with "VEEP" and "Game Change" filming in town (and casting for extras), your chance for a small-screen debut might be back.

Barbara Haddock Taylor, Baltimore Sun

Stop by Little Italy's D'Alesandro Park after a big Italian feast and you'll probably be able to find a pick-up game of bocce to join. The regulars are extremely inviting and guest players are always welcome. Though, you may want to study up on bocce rules before you join in to avoid making too much of a fool of yourself.

Rob Carr, Getty Images

It's become a time-honored tradition for suit-wearing power lunchers to schedule really long meetings or for students to skip out on lectures in order to attend Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Don't you think it's finally time you played hooky on an early April weekday and joined the fans?

Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun

If you're going to get a tattoo and you're going to get one in Baltimore, you need to get it at the Baltimore Tattoo Museum, which boasts lots of historic flash, and tat art from way back. For bonus life points, get something Baltimore-centric like Mr. Boh, Edgar Allan Poe or a Raven.

Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun

No. It doesn't have to be your wedding. But the black and white, multi-storied Peabody Library is one of the most aesthetic places to get married in Baltimore. Attending a wedding there will definitely earn you something to boast about.

Gene Sweeney Jr., Baltimore Sun

Thanks to Maryland Institute College of Art and several other arts organizations, Baltimore has a pretty respectable arts scene. There are also two major annual awards that support the city's artists -- The Baker Artist Awards and the Janet & Walter Sondheim Artscape Prize. In addition to financial awards, winners have their work displayed at the Baltimore Museum of Art. So, tap into your creative side and go win one. It worked for filmmaker and critic darling Matthew Porterfield (pictured with Ramona Diaz). Web sites: bakerartistawards.org and artscape.org

Jerry Jackson, Baltimore Sun

Sherwood Gardens is a bucolic green space right in the city and it becomes a peaceful, family-friendly meet-and-greet spot every spring when thousands of tulip bulbs bloom. Yet, busy Baltimoreans claim year-after-year to not find the time to stop by and admire the scenery. Find the time.

Karl Merton Ferron, Baltimore Sun

The 13th Floor at the Belvedere has one of the best views in the city. Sitting at one of the window-side tables during a thunderstorm or a blizzard offers a dramatic view worth experiencing once in a lifetime. Experiencing it while sipping a martini adds a timeless, old Baltimore feel to your night out.

Glenn Fawcett, Baltimore Sun

You'll have to save your lunch money for this one, but after catching your own lunch on the Bay, you'll be glad you did. Capt. Don's Fishing Charters specializes in small groups and sails from Fells Point. Three- or six-hour crabbing trips are available for $260 to $425. Remember, you can't put a price tag on happiness. Website: fishbaltimore.com

Baltimore Sun photo by Barbara Haddock Taylor

Jimmy's in Fells Point is a go-to breakfast spot -- one of those greasy spoons where both successful business types and down-on-their-luck free-spirits rub elbows to enjoy good food cheap. But, part of the experience is to wait in the line that extends out of Jimmy's front door and onto Broadway Market Square. Read the morning paper while you wait and you'll look like a seasoned, life-long Baltimorean.

Algerina Perna, Baltimore Sun

In Baltimore, everyone has a story. Pick a topic, someone in Baltimore has something to say about it. This is especially evident at Stoop Storytelling Series where seven people volunteer in advance to tell seven-minute stories on a particular theme. If that's too much pressure for you, three audience members are also selected at intermission to tell their own three-minute tales and these are often the best of the night. So, either contact Stoop and sign up for an upcoming theme or take your chances by putting your name in the hat. It's a semi-monthly series, so no excuses for not making this happen.

Gary Friedman, McClatchy-Tribune

This might be the most relaxing task ever to find its way onto a bucket list. You'll also be helping out massage students who need to practice their techniques somewhere. The Baltimore School of Massage clinic is not for the shy or body-conscious, but it will get you a 50-minute, full-body massage for a mere $25 bucks. Just don't expect all the trappings and pampering a full-service spa can offer. Website: bsom.com

Kenneth K. Lam, Baltimore Sun

Can you imagine living your entire life in Baltimore without ever taking a stroll up and down Hampden's Miracle on 34th Street? Or, even worse, growing up in Hampden and never bothering to walk a few blocks to check out the fantastically kitschy holiday lights display? It happens. Don't be that person. Get it on the calendar now and remember, it doesn't count to just do a drive-by. You need to get out of the car and walk to fully appreciate the odd Baltimoreness of it all.

Amy Davis, Baltimore Sun

Monday nights from 6 to 9 p.m. at Vaccaro's in Little Italy are all-you-can-eat nights and you haven't lived until you've partaken in this Italian pastry smorgasbord. There's a method to the madness: Start small with a latte and a scoop of gelato. Then work your way up to a cookie sampler. Next, get the cannoli chips and dip. And, finally, finish big with a signature Colosseo (a waffle topped with gelato, strawberries, wet nuts and whipped cream). All that for less than $20 per person.