The Preakness Stakes takes places this Saturday at Baltimore’s Pimlico Racetrack. If you’re one of the 6,000 people inside the Corporate Village and Turfside Terrace, you’ll be part of the world’s largest farm-to-table event yet: Besides the traditional crab cakes and Chesapeake Gold Oysters, this year the Maryland Jockey Club asked chef Mike Isabella to create a menu with other state products like sheep’s milk and lemon thyme.
And overall, Baltimore has upped its game — from food to fun. So whether your money is on Orb or Oxbow, a trip here is a safe bet.
Here are highlights from two neighborhoods completely accessible without a car.
INNER HARBOR
Elite Fitness Tour (meet at Baltimore Visitor Center, 401 Light St., elitefitnesstours.com)
What better way to start the day then a combined total body-conditioning class and monuments tour? Launched in April, the Elite Fitness Tour, $30, is a one-hour workout, guided by licensed trainers, that takes you from Inner Harbor to various Baltimore landmarks and back. (You don’t have to be a gym rat to finish, but it does offer a challenge.) Jog in place in front of the First Unitarian Church (the first in the United States, in fact) and the Walters Art Museum; use resistance bands on the lawn by the Washington Monument.
Miss Shirley’s Café (750 E. Pratt St., missshirleys.com)
Whether you made it out of bed to exercise or not, go for a hearty breakfast at this B’more mini chain. We suggest the Old Bay Waffles, $11.99, four minis made with a batter that includes cheddar, bacon and roasted corn, and dusted with the classic spice. Green tomato jam really makes the dish. If you did work out, or are sharing, upgrade to the Born on the Bay-O Eggs Benedict (market price), which is the waffles plus poached eggs and cornmeal-encrusted fried soft-shell crab.
National Aquarium (501 E Pratt St., aqua.org)
The incredible National Aquarium features exhibits showcasing everything from colorful, mesmerizing jellyfish to playful dolphins. And here’s another reason to prioritize this showcase of aquatic treasures: Blacktip Reef, a 250,000-gallon exhibit with 20 Blacktip sharks and much more opens July 10. “It’s like the New York City of the ocean,” says general curator Jack Cover, because a reef represents so many species coming together to live; 1,200 animals, from green sea turtles to wobbegongs (carpet sharks), will be visible from multiple floors. $29.95
Phillips Crab Deck (601 E. Pratt St., phillipsseafood.com)
Phillips has been the Harbor’s go-to crab spot for 30 years. Sit on the deck, really a dock, and get the Crab Fest bucket, $49, with six crabs, half a pound of shrimp, corn, potatoes and sliced watermelon. Wash it down with local classic Natty Boh, $6, and add a Chesapeake Hot Shot oyster shooter, $5.
American Visionary Art Museum (800 Key Hwy., avam.org)
Board a Water Taxi ($12 all day, baltimorewatertaxi.com) or follow the promenade to the Rusty Scupper restaurant. Behind it you’ll find the American Visionary Art Museum. This gem houses the works of self-taught artists, many of whom do not consider themselves artists at all. But you will. A fifth-grade project inspired Wayne Kusy to build a 16-foot model of the ill-fated Lusitania with 193,000 toothpicks and five gallons of glue. And then there’s Emily Duffy’s Bra Ball, made from 18,000 bras. $15.95.
Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum (216 Emory St., baberuthmuseum.org)
The room where George Herman Ruth was born in 1895 is on display, as is a heap of Babe memorabilia. Don’t miss the new mini-movie documenting the link between sports and “The Star-Spangled Banner” (written by another Baltimore native, Francis Scott Key). We don’t want to spoil it for you, but let’s just say: WWI, 1918 World Series, Ruth on the mound in his last season with the Red Sox, musical compilation. Whoever you root for, you’ll be moved. $6.
National Museum of Dentistry (31 S. Greene St., dentalmuseum.org)
By appointment only, this fabulous museum has some of Andy Warhol’s Saint Appollonia prints (she’s the patron saint of dentistry), and one of George Washington’s ivory lower dentures. You will be inspired to brush. $7.
Four Seasons Hotel Spa (200 International Dr., fourseasons.com/baltimore)
Eighty-five percent of the 256 rooms (from $389) have water views from floor-to-ceiling windows at this stunning hotel, which opened in 2011. But the greatest draw here might be the gorgeous spa, where the signature Quench Treatment, $385 — scrub, wrap, scalp and body massages — will get you to a state previously achieved only via chemicals. Spa guests can enjoy the gorgeous infinity pool and deck (opening this weekend), and free valet parking, too. The hotel also offers two of the city’s best restaurants — Pabu (izakaya) and Wit & Wisdom (American).
Hilton Baltimore (401 W. Pratt St., hilton.com)
A few blocks from Inner Harbor is the massive, 757-room Hilton. Babe Ruth’s daughter Julia was the first guest when the hotel opened in August 2008. You can see Camden Yards — as in watch games— from many rooms and the fitness center. Good luck walking away from the window. The Yankees are in Baltimore May 20-22, June 28-30, Sept. 9-12. Ballpark view rooms from $209.
HAMPDEN
If you’re looking to leave the Harbor for an afternoon or evening, take the Light Rail to the Woodberry stop, $1.60, about a 10-minute ride from the Convention Center stop. That gets you to the quirky, wonderful neighborhood of Hampden.
Shop The Avenue (36th Street, from Falls Road to Kenswick Road)
Hampden’s main drag is West 36th Street, referred to as “the Avenue” by locals, five long blocks of antiques and boutiques and eats. Check out hampdenmerchants.com for info on offerings and events, like First Friday (specials abound). Start at Atomic Books (3620 Falls Rd., atomicbooks.com), where you can send John Waters fan mail and browse a wide range of self-published mags and funky publications, nicely blended with more traditional reads. This summer, the store is taking over the adjoining space to open a craft-beer and wine bar. Until then, try 13.5% Wine Bar (1117 W. 36th St., 135winebar.com), where the 40 wines by the glass start at $5 — and are $2 off during the 4-6 p.m. weekday happy hour. Explore the many home and gift shops, like funky chic Trohv (921 W. 36th St., trohvshop.com) and Hontown (1001 W. 36th St., cafehon.com), where flamingos and beehives reign.
Artifact Coffee (1500 Union Ave., artifactcoffee.com )
From espresso, $2.50, to tea latte, $5, your caffeine craving will be indulged at this cozy coffee/breakfast/sandwich place. Menus change frequently, but pastrami (housemade) on rye with sauerkraut (ditto), fried onions and local swiss, $12, is a constant.