Field Trip: Baltimore Aquarium

While my parents were here we took a trip to one of the kids favorite places; the Baltimore Aquarium.

Don't they look like they are having a blast?!

One of our favorite exhibits was under construction so that was a little disappointing.  This is the national aquarium, so there were still quite a few things to see. There is a pretty impressive shark exhibit, a beautiful jelly room, and even a dolphin show.

My dad wanted to have crab cakes, which Baltimore is famous for, while we were there.  A quick Google search told me there was a FANTASTIC, well reviewed, place within walking distance (1 mile). This was one of the worst decisions I've ever made!  We walked into a very scary part of Baltimore.  Who knew that just behind the beautiful tall buildings was a crime infested place?  I should have just turned around, but because we were just a couple blocks away from this incredible place I pressed on.  We were obviously not welcome in this part of town.  We finally made it into the building to get our crab cakes.  It turned out to be a huge promenade with many walk-up restaurant bars. We had to really search to just find this little place.  Once we got there, we were forced to stand and eat because there were no seating options.  If we hadn't had 4 kids with us, I probably wouldn't have been such a complainer.  The mama tiger in me was in full effect though.  Anyway, the worlds best crab cakes turned out to be pretty gross and had shells in every bite. On the way out, we had lots of profane words thrown in our direction.  It really ruined the entire trip and I'm not looking forward to heading back to Baltimore any time soon.  Wow, do I sound horrible or what?  I've been in some pretty scary situations but this is in the top 3. I'd encourage anyone to head to the aquarium, just not to venture 10 blocks in the opposite direction! 

Have you ever had a trip go terribly wrong?