The Literary Side of Charm City: Baltimore’s Bookish Attractions
Baltimore is a city with a rich literary history. It is the birthplace of Edgar Allan Poe and the home of many other famous writers, including F. Scott Fitzgerald, H.L. Mencken, and Gertrude Stein. Baltimore is also home to some bookish attractions that will delight any book lover.
Here are a few of the best bookish attractions in Baltimore:
Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum
The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum is a must-visit for any fan of Poe’s work. The museum is located in the house where Poe lived from 1833 to 1835, and it features a variety of exhibits on Poe’s life and work. Visitors can also tour the home and see Poe’s writing desk and other personal belongings.
F. Scott Fitzgerald House
The F. Scott Fitzgerald House is another must-visit for any fan of American literature. The house is located in the neighborhood where Fitzgerald grew up, and it features a variety of exhibits on Fitzgerald’s life and work. Visitors can also tour the house and see Fitzgerald’s writing desk and other personal belongings.
H.L. Mencken House and Museum
The H.L. Mencken House and Museum is a great place to learn about the life and work of H.L. Mencken, one of Baltimore’s most famous writers. The museum features a variety of exhibits on Mencken’s life and work, as well as a library with over 50,000 books. Visitors can also tour the house and see Mencken’s writing desk and other belongings.
Gertrude Stein House
The Gertrude Stein House is a great place to learn about the life and work of Gertrude Stein, one of the most influential figures in American modernism. The house features a variety of exhibits on Stein’s life and work, as well as a library with over 10,000 books. Visitors can also tour the home and see Stein’s writing desk and other personal belongings.
The Enoch Pratt Free Library
Regarding free public library systems in the United States, the Enoch Pratt Free Library is among the very first. The library has a central library in downtown Baltimore and 22 branch libraries throughout the city. The main library has a variety of special collections, including the Maryland Room, which houses a collection of books and other materials on the history and culture of Maryland.
The Baltimore Book Festival
The Baltimore Book Festival is a free annual book festival held in the Inner Harbor. The festival features a variety of authors, publishers, and booksellers. There are also various events and activities for book lovers of all ages.
These are just a few of the many great bookish attractions in Baltimore. With so many different options, you’re sure to find something to your taste.
Here are a few tips for enjoying Baltimore’s bookish attractions:
- Plan your trip. Many of Baltimore’s bookish attractions are downtown, so it’s a good idea to plan your trip and map out your route.
- Purchase a CityPASS. A CityPASS can save you money on admission to many of Baltimore’s top attractions, including the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, the F. Scott Fitzgerald House, and the Enoch Pratt Free Library.
- Take your time. There’s much to see and do at Baltimore’s bookish attractions, so take your time and enjoy yourself.
- Remember to bring a book. Baltimore is a great city to read a book, so be sure to get one with you on your trip.
Baltimore is an excellent city for book lovers. With its rich literary history and its many bookish attractions, Baltimore has something to offer everyone. So, check out the city’s academic side next time in Baltimore.