SIX18 TRAVEL

Once pegged as a blue-collar town with a high crime rate and a gritty underbelly, dramatized by pop culture portrayals in series like "The Wire" and "Serial," Baltimore today has a new sheen, transforming itself into a vibrant, culture-rich East Coast mainstay. And though it clings to its working-class roots, Baltimore – or "Balmer" as some residents say – also boasts contemporary museums, a sophisticated dining scene and a reimagined Inner Harbor that's luring art-loving types, outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike. This revitalized Charm City offers Yankee-Southern fusion architecture and a rich and eclectic culture, jam-packed with trendy art galleries, lively theaters and world-class collections at the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art.

You can opt for a traditional Baltimore experience, filled with forays to historical sites like Fort McHenry National Monument, leisurely strolls along the Inner Harbor and Federal Hill Park and, of course, freshly caught blue crabs steamed and seasoned with a heavy dose of Old Bay. Or, if you've traveled to Charm City before, experience Baltimore's literary side with a trip to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum before blending in with other baseball aficionados as you cheer on the Orioles at Camden Yards. And there's no way better to get a sense of Baltimore's quirky culture than at HonFest in June, when swarms of ladies sport leopard prints and sixties-era beehive hairstyles to support Baltimore's hard-working women. As the sun goes down, take back a pint of locally crafted beer at one of the up-and-coming gastropubs and nightlife venues scattering Fell's Point or Federal Hill. With its laid-back vibes, plentiful historical and cultural attractions and picturesque setting along the Chesapeake Bay, there's a good chance Baltimore will charm you.