Weekend Travel

The Five-Point Weekend Escape Plan

Explore Experimental Music in Baltimore

It's not just home to The Wire. Charm City's dives and underground venues host a burgeoning scene of art-rock acts and electrifying dance parties.

By Rachel B. Doyle
Published May 15, 2008

1. Where to Stay

The Inn at Government House.

(Photo: Mark L. Dennis)

The Hampden area, thanks to affordable vintage shops, boho eateries, and low-key nightclubs, is the stomping grounds for Baltimore’s music creatives. To be near the action, book at the Doubletree Inn at the Colonnade (from $143), just a quick walk to the main drag on West 36th Street. Flat-screen TVs and extra-plush bedding by luxury linen company Sweat Dreams bump the rooms above chain-hotel basic.

Find an unexpected bargain at the Inn at Government House (from $125; 1125 North Calvert Street; 410-539-0566), a repurposed nineteenth-century mansion located a quick walk from local hangout Patterson Park and nightlife hot spots Sonar and Ottobar. The eighteen rooms haven't changed much since the Federal era, but mini-fridges and cable offer modern convenience.

Take in the Baltimore inner harbor from your room at Henderson’s Wharf Inn (from $179), a tobacco factory turned 38-room inn stocked with upscale amenities like 200-channel satellite TV. Get a room facing the inner courtyard for a reprieve from the restaurant-and bar-strewn streets of Fells Point and take a complimentary breakfast on the quiet, bricked patio.