A Tour of Mount Vernon
Considered Baltimore's cultural center, Mount Vernon is a great place to take in art, architecture and history. Here’s how to make a day of your Mount Vernon explorations.
One of Baltimore’s oldest neighborhoods, at the heart of Mount Vernon is the original Washington Monument. It’s easily accessible from downtown, and retains its original charm even as the modern age has evolved around it. Sprinkled among museums, theaters, libraries and performance venues are a number of eclectic boutiques and tried and true eateries.
Things To Do in Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is a hip and elegant neighborhood filled with grand old mansions that once belonged to Baltimore’s 19th-century industrialists. This historic district is filled with museums, shops, restaurants and boutique hotels.
There is so much to see and do in the Mount Vernon neighborhood any day of the year, but we recommend stops at the Washington Monument (climb to the top for amazing views of the city), the Walters Art Museum, the Enoch Pratt Free Library, and the Maryland Center for History & Culture (where the original copy of the “Star-Spangled Banner” is kept). Visit the stunning George Peabody Library to peruse six floors of more than 300,000 books. Take high tea at the Ivy Hotel (the only Relais & Châteaux hotel in Maryland). Then, stay later for a performance at Baltimore Center Stage, or hear the world-renowned Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. You can also visit the Basilica of the Assumption, the oldest cathedral in the United States.
Mount Vernon Restaurants
It’s not hard to find great food in Baltimore, and Mount Vernon is no exception. Here are just a few great places to eat in Mount Vernon if you’re looking for a break from your exploration.
Events in Mount Vernon
There are several annual events and festivals in Mount Vernon. Get a true feel for the neighborhood at these can’t-miss events.
Mount Vernon Place Flower Mart
This free outdoor festival occurs annually in early May and has been held in the Mount Vernon neighborhood since 1911. Numerous family-friendly activities take place (including vendor-browsing), and flowers are available for purchase. Flower Mart is also considered home to Baltimore’s legendary lemon stick.
Washington Monument Lighting
On the first Thursday of each December (an annual tradition since 1971), Baltimore’s 178-foot-tall Washington Monument becomes illuminated. The Mount Vernon neighborhood comes together to organize a family-friendly holiday market, complete with featured performers and musicians.
Summer in the Squares
This series of free weekly summertime events is organized by the Mount Vernon Conservancy. Depending on the day of the week, you’ll experience outdoor performances, movies, art workshops, yoga classes and neighborhood walking tours.
Mount Vernon Lodging
Check out these hotels near Mount Vernon and keep an eye out for special deals.
