Take a bite out of Baltimore

Charm City has a captivating culinary scene with a wide range of appealing offerings worth checking out. When visiting Baltimore, Maryland, seafood is a major staple on most menus and this has produced a constant battle for the best crab cake.

Anchored by talented chefs and tethered to tradition, the waterfront neighborhood of Fells Point transports travelers to a simpler time of life. Traverse over cobblestone streets to reach destinations such as the Blue Moon Cafe, known for Captain Crunch French toast, and the martini bar Neatfreak!

Hop over to Bunny's Buckets & Bubbles, 801 S Ann Street, to find what Chef Jesse Sandlin has cooking in her kitchen. Bravo's Top Chef contestant from the sixth season of the competition series has prepared a weekend brunch that has customers multiplying like rabbits. Order the heavenly Deviled Eggs sampler of three different kinds of hard-boiled eggs stuffed with pimento cheese, crab and traditional ingredients. Feel fancy with a crispy Hash Brown decadently topped with caviar and creme froiche or a cinnamon roll for a sweet treat.

For a unique entrée, try the Southern Style Shakshuka served with black-eyed peas mixed with smoked pork belly.

Wash it down with specialty drinks populated by signature bubbles like prosecco in the Bunny's Spritz or sparkling rosé in the Ramona Flowers.

Avoid being three sheets to the wind and stroll over to the Inner Harbor to breathe in the fresh air. Wander around this boutique shopping district and take time to witness the marvelous brick row houses in the area. Colorful doors adorn many of the homes along the way and can make a cultural statement about the people living inside.

For a wide variety of restaurant merchants, head to Cross Street Market at 1065 South Charles Street. Built in 1846, this venue houses everything from burgers to beverages in a collaborative atmosphere of vendors. Ceremony Coffee Roasters perk up at one end of the newly remodeled market and Watershed serves up seafood on the opposite end.

West African establishment Jollof Bowl spices up rice with its signature pepper sauce and special combinations.

Sure, there are options for chain restaurants in Baltimore, but local businesses hold the key to unlocking memorable dishes. The Charmery handcrafts ice cream that is only found in Charm City and has three locations in Hampden, Towson and Columbia.

While in the Hampden area, wake up with a cup of java from Common Ground or Catalog Coffee. Spend time on West 36th Street to explore vintage stores and small galleries to experience everything “The Avenue” has to offer.

Nothing beats Baltimore's Papermoon Diner as far as nostalgia and every corner contains a toy museum collection. That includes the exterior as well as the interior, so when approaching the Remington neighborhood hot spot, one will see mannequins creatively posed to greet diners. Come inside to see thousands of PEZ dispensers paired with bright colors on the wall and immerse yourself in an environment straight from the '90s.

Go bananas over the Chunky Monkey Milkshake and the Big Dipper dish is out of this world, thanks to French toast, eggs and home fries orbiting on the plate.

From 227 West 29th Street, walk over to the Baltimore Museum of Art on Museum Drive. After delving into the collections indoors, walk outside to the massive sculpture garden, then stop by Gertrude's Chesapeake Kitchen to enjoy local produce curated by gay couple John Shields and John Gilligan. This homage to the owner's grandmother was founded in 1998 and their Boardwalk Crab Cake can't be beat.

Batten down the hatches and allow your stomach to be your guide in Maryland. Baltimore brings a bountiful banquet to the table set in the heart of Chesapeake Bay.