Whether you’re #NeverTrump or #DropOutHillary, or you’re Feelin’ the Bern, you’ve got to admit, this election season, Baltimoreans need opportunities to escape from the news cycle like never before. Even watching the Orioles beat the Yankees isn’t quite enough, on its own, to cleanse our minds.
Fortunately, downtown Baltimore offers plenty of ways to escape – even if only for an afternoon.
Head to the National Aquarium in Baltimore to experience life under the sea – a location so remote, even the most tenacious political characters won’t be able to find you.
The National Aquarium’s exhibits are both entertaining and educational. Check out Blacktip Reef, where sea life of the Indian and Pacific oceans lives – you’ll see several types of sharks, including zebra sharks Zeke and Zoe, and a 500-pound green sea turtle.
If that’s not enough shark for you, head over to Shark Alley, a ring-shaped exhibit that’s home to sharks of many sizes and species.
Or seek out friendlier faces at Dolphin Discovery, where you can watch dolphins play and talk with marine mammal experts about their daily lives.
Other National Aquarium exhibits include the interactive Living Seashore, a glimpse at nearly 1,800 Australian animals at Australia: Wild Extremes, and, of course, the ever-popular Upland Tropical Rain Forest, where National Aquarium visitors can stroll through the humid space, getting up close and personal with rare plants and animals who call the rainforest their home.
If you’re looking for a different kind of diversion – the musical kind – don’t miss some of the great upcoming shows at Pier Six Pavilion. On June 3rd and 4th, The Avett Brothers bring their folksy-rock-country sound to Baltimore. It’s a perfect marriage of venue and band; the outdoor space is just intimate enough for the band’s personal sound.
After either, hit Power Plant LIVE! for drinks or dinner, or wander over to Shake Shack for a quick burger and shake (or beer).
No matter where your escapist plans take you downtown, your first stop should be Harbor Park Garage – an inexpensive spot to park and a convenient home base for journeys downtown. Located at 55 Market Place, the garage is a short walk to both the National Aquarium and Pier Six Pavilion – and there are attendants on hand to point you in the right direction if you have any questions.
If it’s music, underwater adventures, or simply strolling around downtown that will help carry you away from the election chatter this season, Baltimore has you covered – and Harbor Park is a good first stop.