(NAPSA)—As more and more Americans are discovering, fun, quality time spent with family, friends or as a private getaway can be just the mood-elevating experience needed these days. Fortu- nately, Baltimore, Md., makes that easy without breaking the bank— offering many kinds of free entertainment, history and culture. Art The city offers complimentary admission to two world-class museums: the Baltimore Museum of Art, with the world’s largest Matisse collection; and the Walters Art Museum, with 55 centuries of art, complete with Egyptian mummies and medieval armor. Festivals Free festivals introduce ethnic cuisine, film and arts in distinc- tive neighborhoods. Artscape features performances from highly acclaimed recording artists. HonFest showcases beauty pageants with beehive hairdos, pearls, cat glasses and girdles—a la “Hairspray.” The Book Festival brings popular national authors and the city also celebrates Edgar Allan Poe, who lived, wrote and was buried there. The renowned Inner Harbor offers street performers and free concerts in the outdoor Amphitheater during the warmer months. A Harbor Pass grants discounts to all the nearby attractions—including the Maryland Science Center and the National Aquarium. Aboard a water taxi, you can relax and sightsee all day for one price or get on andoff at stops along the waterfront from Canton to Fell’s Point to Fort McHenry. History The city played a major role in events that helped shape America. Free 90-minute heritage walks offer guided history tours and the world’s first monument to George ie jeunes ee 4 The National Aquarium is an inexpensive spot for family fun—and that’s nofish tale. Washington in historic Mount Vernon offers great views to those who climb the 228 steps to the top. Food World-class restaurants excite and “foodies” revel during Restaurant Weeks, featuring discounted multicourse lunch and dinner menus. Discounted specials can be found in the form of free appetizers, half-price bottles of wine or even half-price entres. Many restaurants tout authentic Baltimore flavor with the incorporation of Old Bay seasoning to their recipes. At the popular Farmer’s Market, you can get your own ingredients. Sports Home to the Preakness—the second jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown—as well as major league baseball, football and soccer teams, there’s something for sports fans, too. With transportation deals, a free downtown shuttle service and hotels for just about every taste and budget, you really can get awayfor less. Learn More For more details, visit www. baltimore.org.
