Baltimore

Baltimore, one of the Best Places to Visit in Maryland, has a new shine as it reinvents itself as a dynamic, cultural-rich East Coast stalwart. Once characterized as a blue-collar town with a high crime rate and seedy underbelly, exaggerated by pop culture portrayals in shows like "The Wire" and "Serial," Baltimore now has a new sheen. While maintaining its working-class roots, Baltimore, or "Balmer" as some locals refer to it, also has modern museums, a chic eating scene, and a rebuilt Inner Harbor that attracts people who enjoy the arts, the outdoors, and history. This Charm City has been revitalized, and it now has Yankee-Southern fusion architecture, a thriving theatrical scene, hip art galleries, and world-class art collections at the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art.

You can choose to have a more traditional Baltimore experience, which includes visits to historical sites like the Fort McHenry National Monument, leisurely walks through Federal Hill Park and the Inner Harbor, and, of course, freshly caught blue crabs that are steamed and generously seasoned with Old Bay. Or, if you've been to Charm City before, visit the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum to get a taste of the city's literary side before joining the crowds of baseball fans at Camden Yards to support the Orioles.

And there is no better time to experience Baltimore's eccentric culture than at HonFest in June, when throngs of women show their support for the city's hard-working women by donning animal prints and hairstyles from the 1960s. Take back a pint of locally brewed beer as the sun sets at one of the trendy gastropubs and nightlife spots dotting Fell's Point or Federal Hill. There's a strong chance Baltimore will wow you with its laid-back attitude, plenty of historical and cultural attractions, and scenic setting along the Chesapeake Bay.

Rankings:

• #3 in Best Places to Visit in Maryland

Location: Maryland