Baltimore is located on the mid-Atlantic Coast at the mouth of the Patapsco River which empties into the Chesapeake Bay. Its convenient location has been beneficial for the economic growth of the city. Initially water related industries developed around Baltimore harbor and with the laying of to rail tracks, accessibility to other cities increased as well.
Its downtown business district has been transformed into a hub of sparkling new hotels, shopping centers, and office buildings. But Baltimore has retained its traditional working class image. Many of its urban restoration programs focus on the preservation or renovation of historical buildings and neighborhoods amidst new construction. For example, its wildly popular Oriole Park at Camden Yards offers state-of-the-art amenities in a turn-of-the-century style baseball stadium. Nicknamed the "charmed city," Baltimore is now a top tourist destination.
The city is protected from harsh weather conditions year-round by the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Appalachian Mountains in the west. Freezing temperatures are rare after mid-April or before the end of October, allowing the area approximately 194 frost-free days. Precipitation, averaging 41 inches annually, tends to be equally distributed throughout the year, but summer and early fall receive maximum amount of precipitation.
Area: 80.8 square miles (2000)
Elevation: 148 feet above sea level
Latitude: 39.31 N,
Longitude: 76.62 W
Average Temperatures: January, 31.8° F; July, 77° F; annual average, 55.1° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 41.94 inches (22.7 inches of snow)
Population: 635,815 (as on July 2005)
Festivals
- Baltimore Book Festival - Sept. 29-Oct. 1, 2006
- Baltimore Pow Wow - Aug. 25-27, 2006
- Crab & Beer Festival - Sept. 16, 2006
- Czech & Slovak Festival - Oct. 15, 2006
- Fall Apple Festival - Oct. 12, 2006
- Jones Falls Valley Celebration - Sept. 17, 2006
- Steam Days at the B&O - Sept. 2-3, 2006
- Ukrainian Festival - Sept. 9-10, 2006
Attractions
- Maryland Zoo
- National Aquarium
