Part 1 USA East Coast Multi-Centre New York, Baltimore, Annapolis.
I travelled to the USA by invitation from The Brand USA and United Airlines as part of an Educational Trip. The amazing itinerary included New York, Baltimore, Annapolis, Washington, and Virginia. We flew with United Airlines in Economy Plus direct from Dublin to Newark. Economy Plus offers additional leg room seats at the front of the economy cabin. Service onboard was fantastic with hot meal, snacks, and complimentary beverages during meal services plus inflight entertainment. Ensure to download their mobile app as you can access complimentary WIFI on board plus track your luggage.
We checked into the Margaritaville Time Square, brightly decorated, spotless clean and amazingly comfortable rooms. Rooms are small which is indicative of central hotels in New York. The hotel offers a large outdoor roof top pool with lounge area, bar, snack shop, and restaurant. First stop was Time Square, from here we strolled to Grand Central Station where we grabbed a light lunch at the food court which was quite nice and iconic.
Following this we visited SUMMIT One Vanderbilt which is New York City’s newest immersive cultural experience, blending elements of art, technology, and entertainment for a visit unlike any other. I regard this observation desk experience as a “must do” in New York and can be visited during the day or night for alternative experiences. No two visits are the same as the natural lighting on any given day will change the experience.
A quick 10-minute taxi took us to Pier 61 for our 2-hour City Cruise experience along the Hudson River. A wonderful dinner cruise to incorporate the city skyline while sailing up to Brooklyn Bridge before returning via the Statue of Liberty taking in the city skyline by night. A fabulous experience.
The following morning, we set off from New York by road for a 4-hour drive to Baltimore, however the train is also an option. Baltimore is a city overlooked in favour of larger cities on the east coast of USA, however I was quite impressed with what it has to offer.
During our visit we incorporated the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the birthplace of the National Anthem and the Star-Spangled Banner known as the National Flag. The American Visionary Art Museum was an interesting place to visit, I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Without a doubt, our Historical Tour with Chris Riehl was so informative providing us with a wealth of information. We learned so much about the history of Baltimore. This included what I did not know about, The Irish Railroad Workers Museum and historic District. The birthplace of Babe Ruth for any American Baseball fans, the connection with Edgar Allan Poe an American writer, poet, author, and editor. Did you know the very first University of Dentistry was founded in Baltimore?
Our art boutique hotel, The Revival was beautiful and located in the historic Mount Vernon area. Tastefully decorated with local art, custom furnishing, and luxe linens to incorporate the culture and charm of the city.
This evening, we were treated to a fabulous meal at Choptank, a classic fish and crab house.
Our next destination was the 18th century town of Annapolis. What an amazing experience this was. Located on the Chesapeake Bay, perfectly preserved colonial architecture and home to the 1700s Maryland State House. Also, the location of the US Naval Academy. Following lunch at the Boatyard Bar & Grill, we enjoyed an Historic District Tour with Watermark Tours including the State House. Dinner this evening was at the Level Small Plates and a wonderful overnight at the Graduate Hotel (the best beds I have ever encountered). A highlight was our tour of the US Naval Academy the following morning again with Watermark Tours.
Annapolis began as a shipping port in the early 1600’s and typically watermen were Irish, so you will note a large Irish name influence here.
Next stop Washington DC and Virginia is continued in part 2.
