Baltimore, Maryland

The Host City

Baltimore, Maryland, is the host-city for the Society of Toxicology’s 48^th Annual Meeting. Scientific Sessions will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center during the week of March 15–19, 2009.

A city of surprises and unique experiences makes Baltimore the charm of the Mid-Atlantic. The crown jewel of Baltimore is the Inner Harbor, a scenic and popular waterfront area with dozens of retail stores, restaurants and attractions. But there’s more to Baltimore than is seen at first glance. Charming historic neighborhoods surround the Inner Harbor, each offering its own character, history, and cuisine. Little Italy is a pasta lover’s paradise. Fell’s Point is the oldest section of Baltimore and still has the feel of an old English neighborhood with cobblestone streets, unique shops, and plentiful pubs and restaurants. And, there’s Harbor East, a bustling waterfront stop with its own attractions, retail shops, and restaurants.

Baltimore is a dynamic city that continues to evolve while holding on to its maritime heritage. Since 1600, Baltimore waterways have been a passage for ships carrying commercial cargo and new citizens. It lies farther west than any other major Atlantic port, a point that endeared its harbors to shippers. More than 30 million tons of cargo pass through the Port of Baltimore every year.

Baltimore is now a major travel destination and welcomes 12 million business and leisure visitors each year. Even better, most sites and neighborhoods are within walking distance of each other, making Baltimore an ideal place for business as well as pleasure—the perfect city to host SOT’s 2009 Annual Meeting! For more information about Baltimore, go to: www.baltimore.org.

Baltimore Area Activities

Shamrock 5K Fun-Run Information and St. Patrick’s Day Parade
North of Franklin Street on Charles Street | www.irishparade.net
Baltimore's St. Patrick Parade is truly the jewel in Maryland's emerald crown. For more than 50 years, thousands of spectators from the region have crowded the streets and sidewalks of downtown Baltimore and the famous Inner Harbor to watch thousands more march and celebrate Irish culture, music, song, and dance.

Kooza Cirque Du Soleil
Grand Chapiteau at Lot O (near M&T Bank Staduim) | www.cirquedusoleil.com
Enter KOOZA, an electric and exotic kingdom ruled by a clown king—and experience the wonder of human performance in all its ferocious energy, splendor and fragility, opens March 12. You can now benefit from preferred pricing to see KOOZA in Baltimore. Get 20% off price leve 1, 2 and 3 tickets for select weekday performances! (Offer valid for weekday shows only)

National Aquarium in Baltimore
501 E. Pratt Street, Pier 3 | (410) 576-3800 | www.aqua.org
The world-famous Baltimore Aquarium attracts over 1.6 million visitors per year and is the city’s leading tourist attraction. See over 16,000 creatures in their natural habitat, including sharks, dolphins, stingrays, sloths, and monkeys. View a life-size model of a humpback whale, visit a coral reef, or catch the live-action Dolphin Show. Be sure to also check out the Aquarium’s new 4D Immersion Theater.

Maryland Science Center
601 Light Street | (410) 545-5927 | www.mdsci.org
One of the oldest scientific institutions in the United States, the Maryland Science Center offers three full floors of hands-on exhibits, including a voyage through the human body and learning how microbes work for us. You’ll also find a five-story IMAX Theater, Planetarium, Kids’ Room, and a rooftop observatory.

Top of the World Observation Level
401 E. Pratt Street, 27th Floor, World Trade Center | (410) 837-VIEW | www.viewbaltimore.org
A spectacular and unforgettable 360-degree panoramic view of Baltimore awaits you from the top of the world’s tallest pentagonal building. New exhibits about local landmarks, famous people and "firsts," and historic events will engage and inspire you to explore more of Charm City!

American Visionary Art Museum
800 Key Highway | (410) 244-1900 | www.avam.org
This national museum and education center for outstanding original works of art created by intuitive, self-taught artists features seven art galleries, outdoor wildflower sculpture gardens, museum store and gourmet restaurant.

The Baltimore Museum of Art
10 Art Museum Drive (at N. Charles and 31st Streets) | (443) 573-1700 | www.artbma.org
All year long, Maryland’s largest art museum showcases a dazzling collection, ranging from ancient mosaics to contemporary art, plus ever-changing exhibitions, sculpture gardens, an eclectic museum shop and a scenic restaurant. General admission is free.

Geppi's Entertainment Museum
301 W. Camden Street | (410) 625-7060 | www.geppismuseum.com
Geppi's Entertainment Museum takes you on a memorable journey through the history of American pop culture. Visitors experience a timeline of nostalgic toys, comics and other collectibles highlighting familiar characters and icons, such as Superman, Batman, Howdy Doody, Betty Boop, Elvis, and many more.

Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture
830 E. Pratt Street | (443) 263-1800 | www.africanamericanculture.org
A major Inner Harbor tourist destination with striking architecture, this museum highlights the history and accomplishments of Maryland’s African American community, featuring exhibitions, a 200-seat theater, classrooms, and an oral history studio.

Baltimore Maritime Museum
802 S. Caroline Street | (410) 396-3453 | www.baltomaritimemuseum.org
Tour USS Torsk, last victorious WWII submarine; USCGC Taney, last Pearl Harbor survivor afloat; Lightship Chesapeake, which marked the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay for 33 years; and the 7-foot Knoll Lighthouse, which guided mariners safely into Baltimore Harbor.

Port Discovery, the Children's Museum in Baltimore
35 Market Place | (410) 727-8120 | www.portdiscovery.org
Port Discovery, the Children's Museum in Baltimore, offers three floors of educational and interactive exhibits, programs, and activities for children ages 2–10 years old. SOT is partnering with Port Discovery for a special event March 15.

Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine
2400 E. Fort Avenue | (410) 962-4290 | www.nps.gov/fomc
This 18th-century brick fort defended Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812 and is the birthplace of the American national anthem. The first official flags with 49 stars, and with 50 stars, were flown over Fort McHenry and remain there today. Park rangers offer visitor programs and special events that highlight the park’s history.

Star-Spangled Banner Flag House
844 E. Pratt Street | (410) 837-1793 | www.flaghouse.org
Visit the 1793 home of Mary Pickersgill, where she made the 30x42 Star-Spangled Banner that flew over Fort McHenry and inspired Francis Scott Key to write the words that would later become our national anthem.

Maryland Historical Society
201 W. Monument Street | (410) 685-3750 | www.mdhs.org
Founded in 1844, the Maryland Historical Society is the state’s oldest cultural institution and explores the heritage of the state through its museum, library, publications, and educational programs. It is also home of the original manuscript of Francis Scott Key’s "Star Spangled Banner." The museum boasts of the East Coast’s finest decorative art collection.

Baltimore Museum of Industry
1415 Key Highway, Inner Harbor South | (410) 727-4808 | www.thebmi.org
The museum that works! Visit re-created workshops, explore industry from days past, and see the 1906 Steam Tug Baltimore—a national historic landmark. Enjoy hands-on activities for kids, tours for the whole family, outdoor pavilion and free parking.

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum
901 W. Pratt Street | (410) 752-2490 | www.borail.org
This fascinating, fun place for kids, families, and history lovers features the oldest, most historic and most comprehensive American railroading collections in the world. Participate in family activities and hands-on exhibits and explore thousands of artifacts, locomotives and rolling stock, and historic buildings. Recognized as the birthplace for American railroading, the museum site represents the creation of the first common carrier railroad in the Western Hemisphere. Discount Coupon

National Museum of Dentistry
31 S. Greene Street | (410) 706-0600 | www.dentalmuseum.org
See amazing teeth feats, marvel at George Washington’s choppers (they’re not made of wood after all!), sing along to vintage toothpaste commercials, and discover fascinating hands-on exhibitions about the power of a healthy smile.

Centerstage
700 N. Calvert Street | (410) 332-0033 | www.centerstage.org
Considered one of the top 10 regional theaters in the country and honored as the State Theater of Maryland, this professional theater presents a variety of home-produced plays, from Shakespeare to August Wilson, Sondheim to Shaw, in two state-of-the-art theaters.

Sports

Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards
301 W. Camden Street | (410) 727-1539 | www.baberuthmuseum.com
This 22,000-square-foot museum includes exhibits devoted to Johnny Unitas, the Baltimore Orioles and Colts, and Baltimore's Negro Leagues, as well as the Maryland Terrapins and college athletics. Part of the same foundation and located just a few blocks away at 216 Emory Street is the Babe Ruth Birthplace Museum. See rare artifacts, photos, videos and more at this national historic site, presenting the life of Babe Ruth, a Baltimore native and America’s first sports celebrity.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards
333 West Camden Street | (888) 848-BIRD | www.orioles.mlb.com
Take a tour of this beautiful, baseball-only facility, home to the Baltimore Orioles. Visit the dugout, Press Level, Scoreboard/JumboTron Control Room, the exclusive Suite Level, and a historical perspective of the Camden Yards Area.

Shopping

Whether you’re looking for classic clothing, fine collectibles, antiques, or even silly souvenirs, the Baltimore area gives you an astounding array of choices in shopping. Discover fine boutiques, galleries and specialty stores in some of Baltimore’s older neighborhoods like Fell’s Point and Mount Vernon.

Another popular shopping spot is the Harborplace & The Gallery at Harborplace. Located within two waterfront pavilions and a beautiful four-story glass atrium in the Inner Harbor, the Harborplace & The Gallery features a mix of 120 national retailers and unique shops, 12 restaurants, and 30 diverse eateries. For more information, call (410) 332-4191 or visit www.harborplace.com.

A shopping must for collectors is Baltimore’s Antique Row, where numerous quality dealers feature furniture, bronze, silver, glass, pottery, porcelain, books, paintings, prints and more. Located at 831 N. Howard Street. Call (410) 462-1192 or visit www.imperialhalfbushel.com/BaltimoresAntiqueRow.htm for more information and a listing of shops.

Pick up some tasty treats while you shop at Baltimore’s public markets. Experience a true Baltimore tradition (since 1782!) at the famous Lexington Market, located at 400 W. Lexington St. The world’s largest continuously running market for more than six generations, it features fresh produce, seafood, meat, candy, delicatessen and bakery vendors, and international cuisine, as well as various foods and general merchandise. The Market also plays live music every Friday and Saturday during lunch from noon until 2:00 PM. Open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM–6:00 PM. Visit www.lexingtonmarket.com or call (410) 685-6169 for more information. Other popular markets include Broadway Market in Fell’s Point and Cross Street Market in Federal Hill.

Food and Entertainment

Baltimore has restaurants to satisfy nearly every craving. Dining options include elegant gourmet cuisine, ethnic foods from around the world and plenty of fresh seafood from Maryland's Chesapeake Bay. Known for its famous Chesapeake Bay crabs, dining at one of the city's many seafood restaurants or crab houses is a must for all who visit. Visit www.chowbaby.com or www.yelp.com for restaurant reviews and search features.

For Italian lovers, be sure to visit the authentic Italian neighborhood of Little Italy, home to over two dozen cozy, family-owned Italian eateries located between the Inner Harbor and historic Fells Point. Whether your tastes tend toward traditional, casual spaghetti and meatballs or innovative, upscale Italian cuisine, choices abound. For more information and a list of restaurants, visit www.littleitalymd.com.

If you’re looking for a livelier scene to go along with your dining experience, Power Plant Live! boasts an eclectic collection of restaurants, bars, and clubs, including Baltimore's premiere music venue, Ramshead Live. Located adjacent to the Inner Harbor. Visit www.powerplantlive.com or call (410) 727-LIVE for a list of restaurants/clubs and a calendar of events.

Little Italy and the Inner Harbor are not the only neighborhoods with great food. Areas like Federal Hill, Canton, Fells Point and Harbor East have experienced a surge of restaurant development. Each area is rich with culture and flair and brings a unique culinary scene to Baltimore.

Baltimore Fun Facts!

• The Baltimore’s World Trade Center is the world’s largest five-sided building.
• The first printing of the Star Spangled Banner took place in Baltimore in 1814. The original manuscript, written by Francis Scott Key, is on display at the Maryland Historical Society.
• Baltimore was home to the first ice cream factory in America in 1851.
• The first umbrella used in the United States was in Baltimore in 1772. Almost sixty years later, the city built the first American umbrella factory.
• Baltimore College of Dental Surgery was the first dental college in the world, which started in 1839.
• Built in 1827, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad was the first public carrier railway in the U.S.
• In 1844, Samuel Morse operated the first telegraph line in the United States, which went between Washington, DC and Baltimore.
• Baltimore is home to the first formal monument to George Washington in the United States. Completed July 4, 1829, it still stands at Mount Vernon.
• Baltimore is the hometown and current residence of Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, who earned 8 Gold Medals at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and currently holds 7 world records.

Looking for more?
Come early or stay after the SOT Annual Meeting and explore the surrounding nearby cities of the East Coast. Baltimore is easily accessible to many major cities, such as Washington, D.C., New York City, and Philadelphia. Only about 30 miles south of Baltimore is Maryland’s quaint seaport town of Annapolis.

Believe it or not, we haven’t even covered half of the many things to see and do in Baltimore. For a complete listing and other information about the city, call 877-BALTIMORE or visit www.baltimore.org, created by the Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association. They even have an interactive map that allows you to search and map out attractions, restaurants, historic sights and much more. The Baltimore Convention and Visitor Association will also be running two information desks at the Convention Center during the Annual Meeting from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.