Host City
Our conference hotel, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, is located in the vibrant, recently developed Harbor East area of Baltimore, where amenities such as casual and upscale restaurants, grocery and convenience stores, and retail are just steps away. Nearby are Little Italy, the Inner Harbor, and the popular destination neighborhood of Fell’s Point.
City Overview
Baltimore, also known as Charm City, has much to offer visitors. Maryland was founded by a Royal Charter in the 1600’s by the Calvert family, whose influence can be seen in the Maryland flag that is derived from the family coat of arms. The region is extremely rich in history and Colonial, Revolutionary, Federal, War of 1812, and Civil War era sites. Located on the waterfront of the Patapsco River flowing into the Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore is experiencing a cultural rebirth with numerous museums, a focus on African American and Ethnic roots, and its uniquely quirky urban hospitality.
Downtown Attractions
Nestled around the Inner Harbor, visitors will find the USS Constellation, Historic Ships of Baltimore and the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse and the National Aquarium. A short distance away is the charming waterfront Fell’s Point neighborhood with its cobblestone streets and vibrant nightlife. Around the Mount Vernon Square area is Baltimore’s Washington Monument, the renovated 1930’s Enoch Pratt Central Library, The Walters Art Museum, and the Maryland Center for History and Culture.
South of the hotel, the American Visionary Art Museum specializes in quirky, modern innovative art exhibitions. Fort McHenry, run by the National Park Service, preserves the history of the Battle of Baltimore 1814 and Francis Scott Key’s writing of The Star Spangled Banner.
Tours are planned to allow attendees to visit sites further afield. Art enthusiasts can combine the Federal-era Homewood House and the Baltimore Museum of Art, with a lunch option at the world-famous Gertrude’s Chesapeake Kitchen. One can follow in the footsteps of Edgar Allan Poe or trace Baltimore’s rich African-American history. Goucher College, about 30 minutes north, contains not only the archives of JASNA but Alberta Burke’s Jane Austen Collection. If gardens are more to your taste, check out Ladew Topiary Gardens or the extraordinary Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library.
Dining
Beyond the hotel restaurant, apropoes, the neighborhood boasts a wide variety of dining options. From seafood to American classics, to Asian Fusion, to Lebanese cuisine, to gourmet foods shops, there is something for everyone. Little Italy is just a couple of blocks north, where you can indulge in pizza, pasta, and specialty dishes.
Less than 10 minutes’ walk from the hotel:
- Azumi, 725 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- The Bygone, 400 International Drive 29th floor, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Dalesio's Of Little Italy, 829 Eastern Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202
- James Joyce Irish Pub & Restaurant, 616 President St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Kneads Bakeshop & Café, 506 S Central Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room, 801 Aliceanna St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Phillips Seafood, 601 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Ruth's Chris Steak House, 711 Eastern Avenue, Pier 5 Hotel, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Sabatino's, 901 Fawn St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Starbucks, 615 S President St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop, Little Italy, 222 Albemarle St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Whole Foods Market, 711 S Central Ave, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Attman's Delicatessen, 1019 E Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21202
- Captain James Seafood Palace, 2127 Boston St, Baltimore, MD 21231
- Chaps Pit Beef Baltimore, 720 Mapleton Ave, Baltimore, MD 21205
- Jimmy's Famous Seafood, 6526 Holabird Ave, Baltimore, MD 21224
- Lexington Market, 112 N Eutaw St, Baltimore, MD 21201
- Sip & Bite, 2200 Boston St, Baltimore, MD 21231
Beyond History
If shopping is your passion, attendees will find J. Crew, lululemon, Under Armour, and Anthropolgie alongside trendy boutiques steps from the hotel. For those that have their sea legs, take a jaunt on a Baltimore Water Taxi. Sports fans can enjoy some football and baseball including the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum. Maryland brewing and distilling is strong with offerings like Sagamore Spirit, Guinness Open Gate Brewery, and Charm City Meadworks.