Offbeat places to watch the fireworks?
I'm writing a nightlife column about some spots to watch the fireworks -- outside of the sure-to-be-swamped Harborplace. Right now, I've got Tide Point Waterfront Park, Bond Street Wharf, Bay Cafe, Bo Brooks and Shucker's. Got any other ones for me?
I've been The Baltimore Sun's nightlife and local entertainment reporter for a couple years, and it's surprising how much the scene has grown in that time. Most of Baltimore's bars and clubs are unpretentious places with fairly cheap drinks and plenty of character. I like dancing and think this city needs more clubs, but nothing beats having a cold, locally brewed beer with friends in a comfortably full corner bar.
Comments
Little Havana?
Posted by: AC-M | July 1, 2009 10:01 AM
One year, I got to watch them from the only non-police boat allowed in the fireworks boundary zone in the harbor: the tugboat that pushed the barges into position for anchorage, since it had to hang around in case of trouble. Once you've been there, any other location pales by comparison, even atop Federal Hill.
I will note that, at JUST the right places atop Federal Hill itself, you can see in the distance the other fireworks displays in far-off Catonsville, Essex, Dundalk, and at times Towson as they're going off, a few minutes before or after the downtown ones.
Posted by: Alexander D. Mitchell IV | July 1, 2009 10:11 AM
Not sure of the name, but that waterfront park in Canton also has a great view
Posted by: Dave the wave | July 1, 2009 10:12 AM
I know that it does involve a trip to the dreaded, crime infested (HA!) Inner Harbor, but USS Constellation has a great deal on a 4th of July "picnic" on board. It's a great spot to watch the fireworks - above the crowds.
Posted by: pgp | July 1, 2009 10:45 AM
Woody's rum shack and upstairs at Slante was good times
Posted by: Beth | July 1, 2009 10:48 AM
Down from Bond Street Wharf, the benches outside Living Classrooms/North Star Bistro
Posted by: Neighbor | July 1, 2009 10:58 AM
Watertable Restaurant
Constellation
the roof of the Can Company
the new Legg Mason building
Posted by: Cheese | July 1, 2009 11:05 AM
Definitely the dock over at Henderson's Wharf. Bring a bottle of wine and some chairs. There's tons of room to spread out and the fireworks are ridiculously close.
Posted by: Mykel | July 1, 2009 11:15 AM
When i was little my parents would take me to Clinton Street. That was when they lit them off at Ft. McHenry - not sure if they do that anymore.
Posted by: VA | July 1, 2009 12:18 PM
I'm sure the park in Canton by the Korean War Memorial would be good too.
Posted by: ed | July 1, 2009 1:06 PM
From my boat docked at living classrooms. Best party in town and away from the crowds.
Posted by: chris g | July 1, 2009 2:49 PM
The Boat Marina in Cherry Hill
at the foot of the Hanover Street bridge South has provided excellent viewing and entertainment to me and my friends for the last few years!
Posted by: Alex | July 1, 2009 3:53 PM
Alex,
Yes, I'd watch fireworks in Cherry Hill if I found dodging bullets a form of entertainment.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 1, 2009 4:07 PM
parking garage at work. .......maybe.
Posted by: Allan | July 1, 2009 4:54 PM
The reservoir at Hanlon Park on the side where the brick building is, at the top of the hill overlooking the tennis courts. Very underrated spot.
Posted by: Mack | July 2, 2009 8:04 AM
TV?
Posted by: J.M. Giordano | July 2, 2009 10:24 AM
@ Anonymous,
Alex gave you a very good spot, but you chose to downplay it by saying you would be ducking bullets. Cherry Hill has had its share of problems, that is true, but even WHITE people go to the marina area. Keep going to the inner harbor or wherever else you can get knocked in the head. Just stay out of the safe marina park in CHERRY HILL!!!
Posted by: Mack | July 3, 2009 1:13 PM
Just came back from Henderson's Inn on 1000 Fell St. Great location - not too crowded, avoided the traffic and the firework visibility was great.
Posted by: Sanjay | July 4, 2009 11:21 PM