Ten Things to Do in Baltimore for Preakness Week

The National Aquarium is one of many things to do in the Baltimore area. (Photo by WikiMedia Commons)
There is so much to see and do around Baltimore, especially during Preakness week. If you've ever been in the city in the days leading up to the second jewel of the Triple Crown, you know that there's a palpable excitement flowing through the city.
Whether you're right near Pimlico Race Course or spending time downtown near the Inner Harbor, there are several spots you have to visit. Below is my list of the top ten places to visit and things to do in Baltimore during Preakness week.
1. Horseshoe Baltimore Casino (Distance from Pimlico: 9.7 miles, 19 minutes)
The newest downtown hot spot is a 120,000-square-foot casino, filled with slots, table games and some really good food. The one thing that will hit you as soon as you walk in is the incredible barbecue smell coming from Guy Fieri's restaurant, just one of half a dozen delicious dining options at the Horseshoe. The latest feature is an off-track betting area where you can sip on a few drinks while playing the races.
2. Sunrise at Old Hilltop (at Pimlico)

Old Hilltop, Pimlico's nickname, has been the site of a lot of historic moments in racing history. Many people have sat in the stands or stood near the rail but on Preakness week, fans of all ages get to see another side of the track. The track offers free sunrise tours that will take you from the stable area (where you might get to see a Preakness contender up close) all the way back to the grandstand apron for morning workouts. The Sunrise tours run from 6-9 a.m. Tuesday through Friday. Oh, and the best part, the tours are totally free.
3. Walters Art Museum (Distance from Pimlico: 6.5 miles, 12 minutes)
This museum ranks highly on many lists, and for good reason. As noted on its website, the Walters Art Museum is one of only a few museums in the world to present a panorama of art from the third millennium B.C. to the early 20th century. One current exhibition displays the work of sculptor William Henry Rinehart. On Thursday nights, the museum offers free night hours (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.) where guests can wander the galleries and see special exhibits.
4. America's Best Racing Pre-Preakness Party, sponsored by Sagamore Racing (Distance from Pimlico: 2.3 miles, 7 minutes)

Photo courtesy of Penelope P. Miller for America's Best Racing
In only its second year, this free public event at the Mt. Washington Tavern (hosted by myself and my fellow ABR Brand Ambassador Victoria Garofalo) has already gained a reputation for being one of the best parties in town on Preakness week. Last year, special guests included several members of the team behind Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner California Chrome and many other racing industry personalities. Anyone who attends can strike up a conversation with the jockeys or trainers on hand. This year's event promises to be bigger and better than last, thanks to the help of our good friends at Sagamore who are sponsoring the party.
5. Orioles Game at Camden Yards (Distance from Pimlico: 5.5 miles, 15 minutes)
I've always had a good time at Camden Yards, no matter who the Os or playing or what the score. The stadium is absolutely beautiful. This year, we're also in luck since the Orioles are actually in town all of Preakness week, playing the Blue Jays from Monday - Wednesday and then the Angels from Friday - Sunday. If you end up going, make sure you grab an "O" shaped butter pretzel and wash it down with Baltimore's signature brew, National Bohemian - or, as the locals call it, "Natty Boh."
6. National Aquarium (Distance from Pimlico: 7.3 miles, 14 minutes)
The aquarium is an absolute must-visit, especially if you're traveling to Baltimore with kids. The building, a stunning angular glass structure, is one of several visual icons of the Inner Harbor. You'll find everything here from fish to birds, frogs, turtles and snakes to see. There's also a 4-D Immersion Theater. The aquarium attracts about 1.5-million visitors a year and the Travel Channel named it one of the best aquariums in the United States.
7. Wine in the Woods (Distance from Pimlico: 17.6 miles, 28 minutes)

This two-day outdoor wine festival starts on Preakness Saturday and runs through Sunday, so you may want to extend your trip to Monday and spend your Sunday sampling wine. The festival also features some really good food and live music. 
8. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine (Distance from Pimlico: 17.6 miles, 28 minutes)
Site of the Battle of Baltimore, the fort is best known for being the location where – during a 25 hour bombardment by the British navy – Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner." Today, Fort McHenry offers experiential tours where you can learn a lot about Baltimore history as well U.S. history. 
9. Lexington Market (Distance from Pimlico: 5.0 miles, 13 minutes)
The market dates back to 1782, which makes this Baltimore landmark one of the oldest markets in the country. You'll find local dining staples, highlighted by award-winning Maryland-style crab cakes at Faidley's. For dessert, stop in at Berger's Bakery for a world famous Berger Cookie. There's also live music during Preakness week. Acts include a Caribbean Steel Drum performer and several Jazz musicians. The highlight will be Thursday's Crab Derby, an actual crab race in which local celebrities try to jockey their assigned crustaceans across the finish line first. If you don't believe me, just YouTube "Crab Derby."
10. InfieldFest (at Pimlico)
Both Friday and Saturday will be loaded with great racing as well as some terrific musical performances on the Pimlico infield. Friday's lineup includes the Gin Blossoms, Fuel and Vertical Horizon. Saturday's headliners are Armin van Buuren (one of the world's most popular electronic music DJ's), Childish Gambino, Easton Corbin and more.