1840s Carrollton Inn - A Baltimore Bed and Breakfast

Countdown to Opening Day

2010-03-26T09:03:00.000-07:00

Just eleven days until Baltimore's favorite spring holiday - Opening Day in Birdland! It's a proud tradition that marks the start of the season with hotdogs, peanuts, and Boog's barbecue on Eutaw Street. Fans flock from far and wide to Oriole Park at Camden Yards for a taste of summer. Can you tell food is my favorite part of any ballgame in Baltimore?

Head out early and join the pre-game party at Pickles Pub and Sliders, just across the street from the third base line. On opening day and during big series with New York and Boston, the neighboring bars take over the street and bring in food vendors along with beer stands outdoors.

Hang out in Federal Hill at the end of the day for some rocking night life and a great bar scene. Visit Cross Street Market for a wide variety of dinner options or stop in for a burger and some live music at Mothers.

Mark your calendars for this season's big series - tickets go fast, so get yours early. Click here for a complete game schedule.

Friday, April 9 (Opening Day! vs. Toronto)
April 27 - 29 (vs. NY Yankees)
April 30 - May 2 (vs. Boston Redsox)
June 4 - 6 (vs. Boston Redsox)
June 8 - 10 (vs. NY Yankees)
June 11 - 13 (vs. NY Mets)
August 31 - September 2 (vs. Boston Redsox)
September 17 - 19 (vs. NY Yankees)

Visiting from out of town to see your home team take on the O's? Reserve a room for the night at the 1840s Carrollton Inn and ask for our "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" package. When booking a stay at the Inn at regular rate during an Orioles home stand, receive a special gift bag including ballpark treats to enjoy at the game and two complimentary combo tickets to the Babe Ruth Museum and Sports Legends Museum at Camden Yards!
Package available only on scheduled Orioles home games (April 9 – October 3) with room reservations at regular rate. May not be combined with other specials. Must mention at time of reservation.

It's here! The yummiest two weeks of winter in Baltimore...

2010-01-21T14:10:00.000-08:00

We've been waiting anxiously for the big day... the start of Baltimore Restaurant Week (or I should say Baltimore Restaurant Weeks (Jan. 22 - Feb. 7) and some of us innkeepers are planning our nights out for a taste of our hometown. Here a few of the hot spots we've been eager to give a try, and the great deals during the next two weeks are the perfect motivation for us to indulge!

Ambassador Dining Room in Roland Park. Zagat-rated and boasting some of the city's best and most inventive Indian cuisine and a cozy ambiance with two fireplaces during winter and an open-air patio during summer. Maria's already made reservations for next week so we'll keep you posted with her review.

Salt Tavern in Fells Point. This place opened a few years ago to rave reviews from Baltimore Magazine and the Baltimore Sun, with lines out the door and around the block for a table. I haven't made it there yet to see for myself but I hear the duck fat fries are to-die-for. This one's on my list for Restaurant Week, shooting for reservations on Feb. 5th - I'll let you know if it lives up to my very high expectations.

Abacrombie Fine Foods and Accommodations in Mt. Vernon. We always love to support our fellow B&B's and Inns and we've heard good things about Abacrombie's fine dining restaurant, tucked away on the lower level of the building, beneath the B&B. Let's call it market research/supporting our fellow innkeepers... we may have to pop in for dinner and see for ourselves.

So we're not the authority on the best restaurants on town but we're doing our homework in the next few weeks and we'll let you know what we think. Please share your top restaurant picks with us and let us know about your Baltimore dining experiences. Or if there's a place your curious about but would rather hear the opinion of an objective source first, we're here for you... our food lovin' team of innkeepers is more than happy to share our opinions and we love an excuse to dine out!

In the meantime...
Click here for ratings and top picks for Restaurant Week at BaltimoreSun.com.

And don't forget to book your room at the 1840s Carrollton Inn! The Senator's Room is our room of the month for January at just $125 per night. Or plan a spontaneous stay with us to take advantage of our last-minute special.

New Year's Eve in Baltimore

2009-12-30T07:57:00.000-08:00

Image by jepoirrier via Flickr

There's no better place to be than Baltimore this week to ring in a new decade! Check out a few of the city's New Year's celebrations for all ages, and all just a short stroll from 1840s Carrollton Inn.

Noontime New Year - Port Discovery Children's Museum: If midnight is past bedtime for your little ones, come on out to Port Discovery on New Year's Eve for a special International celebration for kids of all ages. Kids will make their own noisemakers and party hats and decorate giant numbers for the noon countdown and milk and cookie toast. Special performance by the Hilltop Hightops. For details, visit http://www.portdiscovery.org.

Ports America New Year's Eve Spectacular - Inner Harbor: Just a few short blocks from the Carrollton Inn, stroll down to the Inner Harbor's Ampitheater at Pratt and Light Streets for live entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. Stay for the region's largest choreographed fireworks display, lighting up the skies over the glittering waters of the harbor at midnight. Click here for details.

New Year's Eve at the Top of the World - World Trade Center: Where to go for the best view of the fireworks in town? Why the Top of the World, of course! Celebrate New Year's Eve on the Observation Level of the World Trade Center with a buffet dinner, beer, wine and champagne. Tickets: $150 per person. Click here for details.

Return of the Cosmic New Year with Dark Star Orchestra - Rams Head Live: Ring in the new year with an all ages show by the Dark Star Orchestra, Grateful Dead tribute band, featuring three sets from including a rare acoustic set, Donna Jean Godchaux as a special guest on vocals, and an extended opening set from Baltimore's own, The Bridge. Click here for details.

Don't feel like fighting the crowds this year? Would rather spend an intimate evening curled up by the fireplace with someone special? We can do that too! Just one room still available at the Carrollton Inn for tomorrow night. Arrive for an early check-in, have dinner delivered to your room, cuddle by a cozy fire, soak in a whirlpool bath and awaken to a delicious breakfast. Now that's the way to start your year off right! For reservations, click here or call 410-385-1840.

Wishing you a very happy 2010!

Busy & educational week for Maryland Bed & Breakfasts

2009-12-11T11:03:00.000-08:00

Image by Marco Veringa via Flickr

Whew! Back in the office today after a week of meetings, seminars and networking with fellow Maryland innkeepers. It's been busy but super productive and has reminded me how much I love being a part of this community and our industry.

Monday and Tuesday took me to Antrim 1844 in Taneytown, Maryland for a Select Registry regional meeting, my first as a representative of the Inn. A group of about forty innkeepers from Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia gathered at Antrim for two days of intensive meetings and lively conversation. Word to the wise - if you put 40 innkeepers in the same room, it's hard to get a word in edgewise but sure to be a good time! I had the pleasure of staying in the Lincoln Room of the Slonaker House on the property... absolutely lovely, decorated warmly and boasting a cozy gas fireplace and a spacious bath with corner whirlpool tub. Dinner was delicious. This was our second stay at Antrim and my husband and I will most certainly be back again.

If you're not familiar with Select Registry, here's the skinny. You may have picked up a guidebook at the front desk during your last stay at the Inn. Flip through or visit the Select Registry website (www.selectregistry.com) for a full list of member inns. If you plan your next B&B getaway at one of our member properties, you are sure to be delighted. We are among the finest bed and breakfasts and country inns in North America. Each member inn passes a rigorous inspection conducted anonymously by an independent inspector who stays as a guest at the inn. What I didn't realize before attending this meeting is how pro-active other member innkeepers are in respect to marketing their inns and the inndustry as a whole and how eager they are to embrace new ideas, technology and marketing trends to further their business. I've met some amazing, hardworking people who continue to inspire me.

Yesterday took me to the Elk Forge Inn in Elkton, Maryland. After a slight detour through Delaware (yes, I missed the exit and I'm not great with directions), I pulled up the drive and took a moment to admire this beautiful Inn, our gracious host for the Maryland Bed and Breakfast Association's annual meeting. The MBBA (www.marylandbb.com) is a state organization also devoted to insuring the quality of our B&Bs with periodic inspections, marketing our properties, networking and furthering the education of our innkeepers. It was good to see some friendly faces from earlier in the week! Guest speakers included the dynamic Don Farrell (www.freshrevenues.com) with a great presentation on increasing revenues, our friendly inspector Scott Bushnell of Bushnell & Bushnell Innkeeping Services, Willow Coyle from bedandbreakfast.com, and Lisa Kolb from Acorn Internet Services with a jam-packed session delving into social networking. A great big thank you to all of the presenters - I think this was one of the most informative MBBA sessions yet.

After paging through my notes, I have a ton of work ahead of me. So off to the trenches - work to be done in the land of Google, website redesign underway (new www.gramercymansion.com coming soon!), reservation systems to investigate, and special events to plan!

2009-12-04T04:48:00.000-08:00

December Room of the Month

Stay with us in the Caton Suite during the month of December for sweet savings! $100 off! A study with a daybed in this suite's entryway leads to the sloped-ceiling bedroom with queen bed and fireplace; bath has single whirlpool tub/shower combination.

Regular rate: $225
December rate: $125!

Family-Friendly Activities in Baltimore this Holiday Weekend

2009-11-20T06:48:00.000-08:00

Port Discovery Children's Museum

Gobble-Gobble Weekend

Having family visit your home this Thanksgiving? What better way to entertain the whole family in Baltimore than the children's museum's Gobble-Gobble Weekend festivities! On Friday, November 27, listen to Mother Goose on the Loose Circle Time at 11:30am, sing and dance with Uncle Pete at 1pm and 2pm, write what you are thankful for on a paper leaf and add it to the Gratitude Tree, and enjoy a karaoke sing-along at 2pm and 3 pm. And that's just Friday! The whole weekend is jam packed with fun and friendly activities for all. Visit http://www.portdiscovery.org/#home for more information on hours, directions, and event times.

Santa Arrival and House Lighting

Kick off the holiday season by welcoming Santa Claus to Baltimore! On Saturday, November 21 at 4:30pm, Santa himself will arrive to the Harborplace Amphitheater and The Gallery in the inner harbor by boat! Everyone is then welcomed to sit on Santa's lap and tell him their holiday wishes followed by a house lighting and performances from The Heart of Maryland Chorus, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra Brass Ensemble and the Baltimore School for the Arts "Tap Dancing Santas."
The Gallery Garage will also be offering a $5 parking rate ALL DAY!

Baltimore Has Activities for People of All Ages this Weekend!

2009-11-16T08:38:00.000-08:00

Whether you are one or one hundred years old, Baltimore has fun activities in store for you this weekend!

Jewelry lovers will enjoy the Classical Links: Jewelry Fair at the Walters Art Museum. This fair will take place from 10a.m. to 5p.m. Friday, November 20 through Sunday, November 22. Admission is free to the jewelry fair and gallery talks, but there will be three other events that do have a cost for admission. The Jewel Box Breakfast and Fashion Show which includes a continental breakfast is scheduled to happen at 9:30a.m. on Friday, November 20 and costs $35 per person. The second event is the Opening Night Cocktail Party at 6:00p.m. on Friday, November 20 which costs $75 per person. Lastly, on Sunday, November 22, there will be an event called Heroes of the Gridiron! Ravens vs. Colts Football Broadcast at 1p.m. which will cost $20 per person. For more information on this jewelry fair, visit the event's website.

Another event happening this Saturday, November 21 that will be fun for adults and children alike is Harborplace & The Gallery Celebrating Santa's Arrival with the Santa House Lighting beginning at 4:30p.m. Santa Claus will come across the Inner Harbor on a festively decorated tug boat, elves will be passing out jingle bells to help welcome Santa, and the holiday season will begin when Santa's home (the Harborplace Ampitheater) will be lit up. This fun event will also include musical performances from The Heart of Maryland chorus, a brass quintet from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, and the "TapDancing Santas" from the Baltimore School for the Arts. For more information, visit this site.

If you or your family loves The Wizard of Oz, then you have to go to the Geppi's Entertainment Museum to see their exhibit, "Yellow Bricks and Emerald Cities." This exhibit features memorobilia from the film and the books that inspired the film, allowing you to experience this story like you never have before. If you are interested in seeing this exhibit for yourself, you have to visit GEM before it ends on December 6, 2009. For more information on this exhibit or Geppi's Entertainment Museum, click here.

If you plan on attending any of these events this weekend, then come stay with us at the 1840s Carrollton Inn! To check availability or make a reservation, visit us here.

Great Concerts and Events Coming to Baltimore!

2009-11-02T09:06:00.000-08:00

This November, Baltimore has some really exciting concerts and events coming to town.

For all of the Star Wars fans out there, Star Wars in Concert will be at 1st Mariner Arena on Wednesday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. The music of John Williams, clips from the actual movies, lasers, and special effects will make this an event you will never forget! If you are interested in purchasing tickets for this concert click here!

The legendary Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will be also playing at 1st Mariner Arena on Friday, November 20 at 7:30 p.m. The show is sold out, but if you were able to get tickets, it is guaranteed to be a great time!

This year also marks the 200th birthday of Edgar Allen Poe, the famous poet and Baltimorean. To celebrate this event, the Baltimore Museum of Art is having a special exhibit called Edgar Allen Poe: A Baltimore Icon, featuring 19th and 20th century artists' work that was inspired by Poe himself. This exhibit will be on display until January 17, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.nevermore2009.com/.

A fun event for the holidays that is great for kids of all ages is the Holiday Festival of Trains at the B&O Railroad Museum which goes from November 27, 2009 to January 3, 2010. This is Baltimore's largest holiday celebration of toy trains and model railroad layouts, featuring differnt layouts each weekend. For more information or a schedule of this event, click here.

The fun doesn't have to end when you leave any of these concerts or events, though! Come stay with us at the 1840s Carrollton Inn and we will make sure you have a great night too. To make a reservation or check availability, click here.

November Room of the Month

2009-10-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Stay with us in the Diplomat Suite any night during the month of November for special savings!

This historic suite dates from the 1790s and features the original fireplace, an ornate French king bed, separate sitting room and spacious bath with oval whirlpool tub and separate shower.

Regular Rate: $295

November Rate: $195!

What's going on in Baltimore this weekend?

2009-10-12T09:06:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a reason to come to our exciting town, here are a few ideas for you!

Right now, Baltimore is celebrating the 200th Birthday of the famous writer and Baltimorean, Edgar Allen Poe. There are a ton of different activities going on in his honor, from special tours to art exhibits, theatrical performances and more. For a list of all of the Poe events in Baltimore, visit http://nevermore2009.com/events.php. We even have the "Once Upon a Midnight Dreary..." package at the 1840s Carrollton Inn to celebrate the life and works of one of the scariest writers of all time. For more information about this package or to make a reservation, visit http://www.1840scarrolltoninn.com/.

This weekend is also a fun weekend in Charm City because we will be holding the 2nd Annual Harbor Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 17 from 11:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. at Harbor East and on Sunday, October 18 from 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 p.m at West Shore Park. Saturday's festivities will include musical entertainment from The Crawdaddies, Mambo Combo, and the Junkyard Saints, along with shopping, dining, and even pumpkin carving demonstrations from master pumpkin carver Sean Fitzpatrick. The Sunday Harbor Harvest will have free activities like a hay maze, pumpkin patch, pumpkin and cookie decorating, face painting, a petting zoo and more.

One last fun activity going on in Baltimore this week until Sunday, October 18 is Baltimore Beer Week. To go along with this celebration, many pubs and restaurants around Baltimore will be hosting different activities and events featuring beer, food, entertainment and more. For a full list of the hundreds of events scheduled for Baltimore Beer Week, visit http://www.baltimorebeerweek.com/index.shtml.

One-tank trips & football fans welcome!

2009-10-06T12:26:00.000-07:00

One-tank trips

Looking to getaway for just a night or a weekend? Baltimore’s probably closer than you think!

New York, NY: 191 miles, 3 ½ hours

Philadelphia, PA: 103 miles, 2 hours

Pittsburgh, PA: 248 miles, 4 hours 10 min. (don't miss the Steelers in Baltimore - see below!)

Richmond, VA: 146 miles, 3 hours

York, PA: 53 miles, 1 hour

Harrisburg, PA: 80 miles, 1 ½ hours

Newark, DE: 61 miles, 1 hour

Washington, DC: 40 miles, 1 hour

Annapolis, MD: 30 miles, 40 minutes

Visiting Football Teams – 2009

Fly Southwest, go Greyhound, catch a train with Amtrak, or grab your keys and roadtrip it! Baltimore is easy to find and easy to love. While our city turns purple each and every weekend of football season, we welcome visiting fans with open arms. And we’ll show you how the pro-tailgaters do it in Baltimore! Check out the official website of the Baltimore Ravens for gameday events, tickets and more.

Image by Kevin H. via Flickr

October 11^th: Cincinatti Bengals

Nov. 1^st: Denver Broncos

Nov. 22^nd: Indianapolis Colts

Nov. 29^th: Pittsburgh Steelers

Dec. 13^th: Detroit Lions

Dec. 20^th: Chicago Bears

Fells Point Fun Festival this weekend!

2009-10-01T11:27:00.000-07:00

Image by sidewalk flying via Flickr

It's called a "fun" for a reason! If you're looking for something fun and free to do this weekend, plan to head downtown for the 43rd Annual Fells Point Fun Festival this Saturday & Sunday (10/2 - 10/3) from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. This outdoor festival in the historic district of Fells Point offers something for everyone. Five stages with a huge variety of live entertainment, arts & crafts row, flea market, fine arts on display, the International bazaar, and four food courts with over 40 vendors, carnival rides, a family & children's area, and much more! Admission is free.

From the Inn: South on Albemarle St., left on Eastern Ave., right at Broadway. 3 minutes by car, 15 minutes by foot.

Wine & Cheese Reception and Open House to Benefit Carroll Museums

2009-09-11T08:40:00.000-07:00

Come join us at the Gramercy Mansion for a Wine & Cheese Reception and Open House to benefit the Carroll Museums on Thursday, October 1 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Attendees will be able to enjoy Gramercy's antique decor and take walks around the beautiful gardens. There will also be a Silent Auction with many unique items and also a 50/50 raffle for guests to partake in. All proceeds from this event benefit the educational programs and restoration efforts of the Carroll Museums. Tickets are $20/person in advance and $25/person at the door.

Sponsorships are available. Contact Paula Hankins for details. You may purchase advance tickets here or by contacting Paula Hankins by email or at 410.605.2964.

Kick off August with a fun weekend in Baltimore!

2009-07-29T09:36:00.000-07:00

If you are staying with us at the 1840s Carrollton Inn this weekend, bring lawn chairs or borrow them from us and prepare for a fun, free night on Friday, July 31 watching “Over the Hedge” at the Little Italy Open Air Film Festival. Since Little Italy is only a block away from the Inn, you can catch dinner and then see the movie which starts at 9 p.m. Another great free outdoor movie event is the Flicks from the Hill outdoor movie series at the American Visionary Art Museum on Thursday nights. Admission to the museum is free on Thursday’s starting at 5 p.m. and then you can also enjoy a free movie starting at 9 p.m. The movie scheduled to play this Thursday, July 30 is “Dr. No.”

This is sure to be an exciting weekend at Camden Yards since the Birds take on the Boston Red Sox Friday, July 31 at 7:05 p.m., Saturday, August 1 at 7:05 p.m., and Sunday, August 2 at 1:35 p.m. Whether you want to come out to root on the O’s or even if you are a Red Sox fan, you will have a great time watching this series between the two teams. To get tickets, go to http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/ticketing/index.jsp?c_id=bal.

Also, our new Authentic Baltimore Retreat Package will keep you busy during your entire stay at the Inn! Stay with us any two nights and receive two complimentary adult Heritage Passes including free admission to 20 different Baltimore landmarks and museums. Some of these attractions include the World Trade Center/ Top of the World where you can stand on the top floor of the highest pentagonal building in the world and see a 360 degree view of Baltimore. Also, you can see the Carroll Mansion, which was home to the signer of the Declaration of Independence, Charles Carrollton, the Baltimore Civil War Museum, which is the oldest surviving big city train station in the country where the first deaths of the Civil War happened in 1861, and the Baltimore Maritime Museum where you can come aboard three 20th century ships. Stay a third night and we’ll throw in a complimentary tour of the Shot Tower including a trek to the top for amazing views of the city, available exclusively to guests of the Inn! To learn more about the Heritage Pass/ Heritage walk visit http://www.heritagewalk.org/. Must mention Authentic Baltimore Retreat package at time of reservation. May not be combined with other specials.

If you don’t have reservations yet to stay at the Carrollton Inn this weekend, book now and get 50% off your room for last minute reservations!!

What's going on downtown this weekend?

2009-07-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

If you are staying with us tonight, you are in Baltimore at the right time! The World Football Challenge is making a stop at M&T Bank Stadium on Friday, July 24, where two of the best soccer teams in the world, Chelsea FC and AC Milan will face off at 8 pm. The game is sold out, but if you have tickets, you are definitely going to have a great time!

Don’t have tickets for the game? There are still plenty of fun things to do, even right around the corner from the Inn. You can grab a lawn chair and head over to the intersection of High and Stiles Streets to watch “On the Waterfront” for free at the Baltimore Little Italy Film Festival. This film festival goes on every Friday night until the end of August and the films start at 9 p.m.

Another great activity downtown for movie buffs or just anyone who loves “The Wizard of Oz” is a visit to Geppi’s Entertainment Museum who have their exhibit “70 Years of Yellow Bricks and Emerald Cities” everyday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. where you can see lots of great things from this classic film.

If you don’t have reservations yet to stay at the 1840s Carrollton Inn this weekend, book now and get 50% off your room for last minute reservations!!

5 Reasons to stay at the Inn this weekend!

2009-07-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

Image by M Dot via Flickr

Just read the 10 reasons to go to Artscape this weekend... here are 5 reasons to stay at the 1840s Carrollton Inn while you're here!

1. 50% off! We have a few rooms still available. The Liberty Room and the Congressional Room are both available on Saturday night and with our last minute discount, less than $100.
2. Minutes from Artscape. Just jump on the metro at the Shot Tower station, jump off at Mt. Royal and you're a short stroll from the weekend's free festivities.
3. Unbeatable breakfast. What better way to start your day than with our gourmet house omelet featuring fresh organic herbs, your choice of fluffy blueberry or banana pancakes, decadent french toast covered with maple syrup and garnished with fresh orange slices... my stomach's grumbling just thinking about it! All included with your overnight stay.
4. Friday night at the movies. Book your room for tonight and take a stroll to Little Italy to enjoy dinner and the weekly free open-air flick. Tonight's movie is a perfect prelude to a romantic night at the Inn... Sleepless in Seattle.
5. Free stuff! So you can hang out at Artscape for free, enjoy an open-air movie for free, and wake up to a gourmet breakfast for free. What more can you ask for!

Call 877-385-1840 for reservations or click here. We'll see you soon!

Artscape 2009, July 17-19

2009-07-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

Still looking for weekend plans? Don't miss Artscape, the largest free art festival in America, happening right here in Baltimore! From noon until 10pm on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18, and from noon until 8pm on Sunday, July 19 a few city blocks at Mount Royal Avenue and Cathedral Street/Charles Street welcomes locals and visitors, young and young at heart, for a showcase of over 150 artists, fashion designers and craftsman. A huge variety of artwork will be on display including sculptures, photographs and art cars. Catch a film, theater, dance or musical performance.
Live entertainment is scheduled around the clock featuring famous artists like Dionne Warwick, Cake, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Robin Thicke, Acrobats of China and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. For more information about Artscape or if you would like to help keep this amazing event free to the public by making a donation, visit http://www.artscape.org/.

Spend the weekend with us... rooms still available both Friday and Saturday at the Carrollton Inn. Book now and save 50% on the available room of your choice! Click here for availabiity and reservations!

July 4th Celebration In and Around Baltimore

2009-07-02T08:59:00.000-07:00

Celebrate Independence Day, Baltimore style! Check out the many things to do this weekend and throughout the summer around town.

2009 African American Heritage Festival

Friday, July 3 - Sunday, July 5, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore; Fri., 5-10 p.m.; Sat., noon-10 p.m.; Sun., noon-8 p.m. 410-235-2227 ext. 211. Children 12 and under free. General admission $5.

Star-Spangled Trails
Free Daily Guided Tours of Mount Vernon Cultural Walk! The Mount Vernon Cultural Walk is offered Monday through Friday at 1:00 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Free Daily Guided Tours of Heritage Walk! Heritage Walk Guided Tours offered Monday through Friday at 10 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., free of charge.

Pennsylvania Avenue Heritage Trail Free Guided Walking tour every Sunday at 12 noon

Downtown Baltimore Fireworks & Festivities

Baltimore's Fourth of July Celebration

Saturday, July 4, Inner Harbor, Baltimore

Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. 1-877-BALTIMORE or promotionandarts.com for details. Guests can celebrate Independence Day with a musical performance by Electric Brigade, a United States Naval Academy Band. Zambelli Fireworks Internationale produces the holiday fireworks display.

The Glorious Fourth! An Old Fashioned Fourth of July Weekend

Saturday, July 4, Fort McHenry, Baltimore

Noon-4:30 p.m., $7/adults, 410-962-4290

July 4th was the most important holiday in early America. Many regarded the War of 1812 as “America’s Second War of Independence.” Join the garrison of Fort McHenry and patriotic citizens of Baltimore for the following activities: fife and drum music; cannon firing, a musket salute for 18 states; period dancing; and games. Highlight of the event will be the public reading of the Declaration of Independence at 3 p.m.

July 4th Pier Party

Enjoy the evening by the water with live entertainment and the best seats in town for the annual spectacular fireworks show. Bring a picnic basket or purchase snacks at the party.

7pm-10pm; back of the pier opens at 6:45pm. Reservations are required for this sell-out event. National Aquarium, Baltimore, 410-727-3474.

Suburban Baltimore Fireworks and Festivities
Star-Spangled Spectacular

Friday, July 3 & July 4 at Oregon Ridge Park, Cockeysville 8 p.m. Advance tickets from $9-$18, Day of from $10-$20, 410-783-8000 or BSOmusic.org

Bring a picnic basket and enjoy the annual Star Spangled Spectacular, an all-American holiday celebration featuring Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, Sousa’s Stars and Stripes Forever, the National Anthem and more. The event concludes with a fireworks display. Permits for onsite parking can be purchased for $10 in advance from the BSO Ticket Office.

Towson Area Fourth of July Parade
Parade with National Guard fly-over, bands, military units, community participation, floats. 10:30am, Courthouse area, Towson, 410-832-2190.

Towson Area Fireworks

View the spectacular display from your favorite spot. Loch Raven Academy, 8101 LaSalle Road. Rain date July 5.

Our Nation's Capital Fireworks and Festivities

Washington, D.C. Independence Day Parade
Saturday, July 4, 11:45 a.m.
Features marching bands, military and specialty units, floats, and VIP's.
Parade Route: Constitution Avenue and 7th to 17th Sts.

Fourth of July Fireworks on National Mall
Saturday, July 4, National Mall, Washington, D.C., 9:15 p.m. (Rain date July 5)
The fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument.

Summer savings for stay-cationers and vacationers

2009-06-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

School's finally out and both kids and the young at heart are itching for a vacation! Whether you're looking to plan a week-long escape or a one or two night getaway, local B&Bs offer a great, cost-saving alternative and a truly unique experience each and every time.

How does staying at a B&B save you $$$? I'm glad you asked!

Free breakfast! Okay, so many hotels are jumping on board with this one. But lets face it - their complimentary continental service with boxed cereal and store bought pastries just doesn't compare to our home baked treats, french toast, pancakes and omelets made to order. Kids can order from their own special menu, vegan options available - we offer something for everyone. Fill up with a delicious hearty breakfast, and you may just save some cash at lunch time!
Free WI-FI. Admit it... we know you have a laptop, blackberry or iphone in tow, even during your much-needed time off. Gotta check e-mail and how would you get directions, make reservations and check out the local attractions and restaurant reviews without the web? You are free to access our wireless network throughout the inn and in your guest room during your stay - no $10 per day fees, no hoops to jump through. Just log on and do your thing.
Specials and last-minute deals. B&Bs are independently owned and operated for the most part. We can look at our availability calendar and make spur of the moment decisions to discount room rates for a slow weekend or offer a great deal for a mid-week stay. If you ask us for a deal and we're not super busy, chances are you'll get one. Check the specials page on our websites - they're constantly changing and so many guests don't take advantage of the great offers available just a click away from the homepage.

Now that you have the innside scoop, don't waste another minute. Celebrate summer with us at the 1840s Carrollton Inn. Click here to check out our specials page (new super mid-week special just added!), check availability and book online or give us a call at 410-385-1840.

Summer films under the stars in Little Italy

2009-06-08T10:28:00.000-07:00

Looking for a fun Friday night on the town this summer? Check out the Little Italy Open-Air Film Festival, just one block from the 1840s Carrollton Inn at the corner of High and Stiles Streets! This free event is fun for all ages, with musical entertainment beginning at 7PM followed by a feature film at 9PM every Friday night in July and August. There is nothing more relaxing than a beautiful summer night under the stars in Little Italy, enjoying a movie with family and friends. A limited number of folding chairs are provided on a first come, first serve basis... or bring your own lawn chairs. Dine in or carry out at one of our favorite local Italian restaurants, or grab a gelati and some tasty Italian dessert treats at Vacarro's to enjoy during the show. For the schedule of movies, visit www.littleitalymaryland.com.

Baltimore's up-and-coming Harbor East, footsteps away

2009-03-19T06:04:00.000-07:00

Image by Sidereal via Flickr

All it takes is a quick glance through the CTA* headlines today (*Certified Tourism Ambassador - read more about this program in previous blogs!), to be reminded of the charm of the up-and-coming Harbor East neighborhood, just blocks from the Carrollton Inn. A short stroll south on Albemarle Street and you're there.

A few weeks ago, on a fluke of a warm day in mid-February, I took that stroll myself to visit a colleague at the Courtyard by Marriott on Aliceanna Street and was pleasantly surprised. The convenience of Whole Foods and a 24-hour CVS blends seamlessly with neighboring boutiques, wine shops, pubs and restaurants. The cobblestone streets were tidy and well-kept on this particular afternoon, and I couldn't help but wonder why it took me so long make the three block trek to our waterfront neighbor. Now I understand what the buzz is all about.

If you're visiting Baltimore or a Baltimore native and haven't explored one of our newest harbor front communities, following are some suggested stops in Harbor East:

Roy's (720B Aliceanna Street, www.roysrestaurant.com) - Hawaiian fusion restaurant offering unique and tasty creations featuring fresh local ingredients, European sauces and Asian spices for an experience unlike any other.
Bin 604 (604 South Exeter Street, www.bin604.com) - For the wine enthusiast and casual wine drinker alike! Visit for a wine tasting event, explore the selection of exclusive imports and boutique wines or peruse the Bargain Bin featuring excellent wine values for $12 and less - everyone's wallet can appreciate that!
Spa Sante (1429 Aliceanna Street, Ste. 100, www.spabaltimore.com) - An "urban escape." This full-service spa offers everything from energy therapy and body treatments to bridal services and a couple's escape package.

Any other Harbor East recommendations? Let us know! We'd love to check it out.

More green fun!

2009-03-10T07:49:00.001-07:00

Still not convinced St. Patty's Day is worth a weekend devoted to Irish fun? A few more Irish pubs worthy of a visit this month:

Slainte - Fells Point traditional Irish pub: Celebrating 10 days of St. Pat's! Specials and live music starting this Thursday, March 12th through St. Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17th!

Mick O'Shea's - Irish pub and restaurant on Charles Street: Doors open at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 15th, parade day! Live music after the parade and no cover.

Lucy's Irish Pub and Restaurant - on Eutaw Street across from the Hippodrome: Live music on Sunday, March 15th and St. Patty's Day, March 17th.

Planning to bar hop? Catch the shuttle bus for the first annual St. Paddy's Day Pub Crawl starting at 3 p.m. on March 17th, making stops every 15 minutes to Lucy's, Mick O'Shea's, Tir Na Nog, Slainte and James Joyce.

Lucky Charm in Charm City

2009-03-06T14:31:00.000-08:00

Looking for some good, old-fashioned Irish fun this St. Paddy's Day weekend? Celebrate with us at the Inn. Not only are the March special rates unbelievable ($50 off luxury rooms, $100 off suites!!), our very own leprechauns are scheming to create the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow for visitors brought to town for Baltimore's St. Patrick's Day festivities... not that we need to scheme, a stay at the Inn is worth it's weight in gold any time of year! Stay with us Friday, March 13th - Sunday, March 15th and enjoy special holiday touches throughout the Inn as well as an Irish breakfast (menu details in the works!). Click here to make your reservations today!

Some don't miss St. Patrick's Day traditions in our neighborhood include:
The 53rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade - Sunday, March 15th at 2 p.m. - Following the Shamrock 5K Fun Run, the parade route begins in Mt. Vernon at the Washington Monument, heads south on Charles Street, east on Pratt Street and ends at President Street, just blocks from the Inn. The parade attracts tens of thousands of participants and spectators to the city each year and not only celebrates the famous Irish holiday, but also Baltimore's cultural diversity.
James Joyce Irish Pub and Restaurant - Stop in and grab a pint at this nearby traditional Irish pub, sure to be rockin' Saint Patty's Day weekend. Live music is scheduled for Thursday,Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday that weekend.

1840s Carrollton Inn now a member of Select Registry!

2009-02-20T09:04:00.000-08:00

February 20, 2009

For Immediate Release

Contact: Keith Kehlbeck

Executive Director

800.344.5244

keith@selectregistry.com

www.selectregistry.com

1840s CARROLLTON INN

JOINS PRESTIGIOUS INNKEEPING ASSOCIATION

The 1840’s Carrollton Inn, located in Baltimore, MD, was recently honored by admittance into Select Registry, Distinguished Inns of North America, the premier innkeeping association in the United States and Canada. Out of the thousands of inns in North America, only an elite few will be invited to join Select Registry this year. The 1840’s Carrollton Inn joins more than 400 other exceptional properties that are already members of the Association.

Founded in 1972 as the Independent Innkeepers’ Association by Norman Simpson, “the Father of Country Inn travel in America,” Select Registry is an offshoot of Simpson’s popular and pioneering book, Country Inns and Back Roads. The name and logo of the organization were changed several years ago to reflect the group’s approach to marketing its selective and distinguished member properties. Originally established in the Berkshire area of New England, the nonprofit organization is now headquartered in historic Marshall, Michigan. Member inns must meet the rigorous standards of a Quality Assurance program, and represent the most prestigious establishments of their type.

A marketing association, Select Registry partners with other brands and organizations—such as BMW, Karen Brown’s Guides, DiRoNA, UK Tour Operator Select Vacations, PhoCusWright, Ontario’s Finest Inns and the American Heart Association to name a few—to promote its members to target audiences. Its celebrated guidebook—now in its 20^th Edition—is distributed each year to nearly 400,000 guests throughout North America. The organization also maintains a critically-acclaimed website, supervises gift certificate and loyalty programs, and organizes promotions for its members, including last year’s inaugural “Inn-credible Breakfast Cook-off,” a breakfast recipe culinary competition that produced nearly 30 million media impressions.

The 1840’s Carrollton Inn exemplifies the high quality and service championed by this Association,” says Select Registry Executive Director Keith Kehlbeck. “Select Registry assures the traveler that each of its inns is regularly inspected—anonymously and with an overnight inspection that measures the quality of hospitality, as well as the physical plant. Our members share a high standard of excellence, and each of our country inns, luxury B&Bs, and unique small hotels has its own distinctive character.”

The owners of the 1840s Carrollton Inn are Anne Pomykala and Ronald Pomykala. Comprised of a series of historic Federal-style rowhomes in historic Jonestown, Baltimore, the inn’s thirteen rooms each capture a theme from the life of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, also celebrated in the neighboring Carroll Mansion. Luxury rooms and suites feature whirlpool tubs and fireplaces. Guests enjoy a full breakfast served from a menu in the outdoor garden courtyard or in one of the historic first floor parlors.

To find out more about the 1840s Carrollton Inn, call 1-410-385-1840 or visit it on the web at www.1840scarrolltoninn.com. To search for other Select Registry inns, meet innkeepers, purchase gift certificates and much more, visit the Select Registry web site at www.selectregistry.com.

Standing Out in a Crowded Industry

According to recent surveys, country inns, small hotels and B&Bs are more popular than ever. One online bed and breakfast web site identifies over 27,000 such properties in the U.S. and Canada. Reports have surfaced—including a recent New York Times article—that the industry has developed problems with quality control, pricing, and misrepresentation. “The field is becoming saturated,” states Kehlbeck, “which makes being selected for this prestigious organization so important to our members. It sets the Inn apart in the public’s mind. Our standards are very high for member inns, making for outstanding travel experiences for the general public.”

Welcome!

2008-12-02T10:29:00.000-08:00

Welcome to our blog! We hope you'll visit often to learn about upcoming events in our neighborhood as well as specials and packages available at the Inn.

With the holiday season upon us, Baltimore shines with festivities fun for the whole family.

Thursday, Dec. 4th, 5:30-7 p.m., Mt. Vernon Place: Don't miss out on this week's lighting of the Washington Monument, a true Baltimore tradition. Join the Mayor and First Family of Baltimore for live entertainment, refreshments, and a colorful fireworks finale. For more information, visit www.promotionandthearts.com or call 1-877-BALTIMORE.

Saturday, Dec. 6th & Sunday, Dec. 7th, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Carroll Mansion: This weekend, shop for unique artisan gifts at the Holiday Mart hosted by our neighbor, the historic Carroll Mansion with handcrafted items by members of the Woman's Industrial Exchange. Enjoy the Mansion's beautiful holiday decorations, treats and beverages available for purchase, 50/50 and gift basket raffles while supporting two local non-profit organizations! For details, visit http://thecarrollmuseums.blogspot.com or call 410-605-2964.

We have last-minute availability at the Inn this weekend, due to a late cancellation. Call 877-385-3840 now to reserve any available room at an amazing 40% discount! Special rate available for overnight accommodations now through next Thursday, Dec. 11th. Here's your chance to escape the holiday madness for a relaxing retreat at almost half the regular price! Click here for rooms, rates and descriptions.