The OFFICIAL Baltimore Bash Excursions Thread

[Hack]

This is the official Baltimore Bash excursions thread. In this thread, we will post information related to the Saturday excursions that will take place in Baltimore. This thread will provide you with cost information and other logistical considerations.

Many people have suggested other types of activities for the Bash. While it's great that everyone has things they want to do and see, the Bash committee also wanted to provide planned activities for those who prefer that type of thing.

There will be 6 officially Butch-Femme.com-sanctioned events for excursions. They are:

*A field trip to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, DC. (Due to public transportation considerations, this trip will take place on Friday, not Saturday.)

*Shopping trip to Old Fells Point and ride in water taxi


*Trip to the National Aquarium, considered the nation's best aquarium.


*Baltimore Ducks Tour


*Femme Spa Day at Neal's


*Butch Bonding at the ESPN Zone sports bar.


Smithsonian Trip on Friday

It was determined that because there is really no public transportation option that is low-cost between Baltimore and Washington DC on Saturday, we would move this excursion to Friday.

The group will meet in the hotel lobby in the morning (exact time to be determined, but either 9 or 10 a.m.), take the commuter train to Washington DC, visit the Smithsonian, have lunch and return to Baltimore in time to attend one of the pre-Slut Night dinners.

I really need a local person who is familiar with Washington DC to lead this trip. If anyone is interested in volunteering, please PM me. Basically, you would be responsible for a head count prior to departure for Washington, making sure the group gets to the museums and choosing a meet-up location and time at the Smithsonian to begin departing the city for Baltimore to get back to the hotel in time.

There is no cost to enter the Smithsonian. The only cost associated with this field trip would be your commuter train ticket and lunch.


Explore Old Fells Point/Water Taxi

Again, if we could have a local person help us with this tour of Old Fells Point, that would be great. This is primarily a shopping district with quaint shops and cafes. This group would meet up in the hotel lobby at 12 noon on Saturday, and walk to Old Fells Point. The tour would be self-guided, though the leader should choose a lunch destination for those who want lunch and a meet-up time and location for the water taxi rides back to the hotel.

Cost associated with this trip would be lunch, any shopping you do and a water taxi fare.


The National Aquarium

Web Site: www.aqua.org

Location: 501 E. Pratt, Inner Harbor (within walking distance from hotel)

Length of Tour: varies

Group will meet at 12 noon Saturday in the lobby of the hotel. Maps will be provided to help guide you to the Aquarium. Once at the Aquarium, the tour is self-guided. You can determine on an individual basis how much time you would like to spend there.

Details: Entrance price is $17.95 for adults. Food is available from an array of fast-food type places inside the building. Tickets may be purchased online (and they strongly urge you to do so).

Reservations/Tickets: reserve@aqua.org or 410-576-3833.


Ride the Baltimore Ducks

Web site: www.baltimoreducks.com

Starting point/Location: Departs from Conway and Light Streets in Inner Harbor area (within walking distance to the hotel)

Length of tour: 80 minutes

Group will meet in the hotel lobby at noon and be provided maps to the departure point for the Ducks. Departs from Conway and Light streets in the Inner Harbor area. The rate is $24 per person. Tour is on land and water. Good selection of the general sights of Baltimore. The trip is narrated by the Duck boat captain. I strongly suggest you check out the web site to get a good feel for what this excursion will be like.


Femme Spa Visits to Neal's

Web Site: www.nealswebpage.com

Location: 856 Park Avenue 410-528-8100

Length of Tour: varies

Details: The femme spa visit would be booked by each individual based on her needs. Once we have a better idea of number of attendees interested in a spa visit, we could probably negotiate packages with Neal's and possibly one or two other spas in the area. Other options I found were Zena's Spa & Salon (1014 N. Charles Street, 410-783-1971), which was listed in a GLBT directory; and Paradise Day Spa (1216 N. Charles Street, 410-727-6727). These are all located within the Mount Vernon district, within walking distance to the Bash hotel.

If groups want to go to Neal's, we can work out some arrangement with the spa. We need to give Neal's an idea of how many femmes are interested in booking with them that day for staffing considerations.


Butch Bonding at the ESPN Zone

Personally, this is where I will be Saturday afternoon.

Web Site: www.espnzone.com/baltimore

Location: Power Plant, 601 E. Pratt Street, Inner Harbor

Length of Tour: Until boredom strikes or femmes call looking for us - whatever comes first.

Group will depart the hotel at 12 noon and proceed to the ESPN Zone for lunch, games, shooting the bull about femmes and solving all the world's problems over a pint or four.

Details: A sports-themed dining and entertainment experience featuring the Studio Grill (built-in lunch spot), Screening Room and Sports Arena. This is a butch's dream bar, with tons of sports games to play (air hockey, hoops, arcade games, etc.). There does not appear to be a cover charge (I will confirm and post info here), but it will cost to play the games, buy drinks, lunch, etc.


What I really need are volunteer trip leaders who can just keep the group together, not get them lost and make sure they get back to the hotel in one piece. Please PM me if you can help out in that regard. More details will follow in the days and weeks to come. See you all in Baltimore.


Hack

[FemmeBabyGrrl]

Thanks so much Hack for doing all this. I'm as excited about the excursions as I am about everything else!!!!

Me & Shero were considering the Smithsonian, but won't be in until late Friday

So now it looks like Fells Pt or the aquarium.

HURRY UP AND GET HERE ALREADY SEPTEMBER!!!!!

[luvin61]

Friday is better for me for the Smithsonian,,I was thinking about going friday anyways,,alone,,

[Kyssme]

T

Explore Old Fells Point/Water Taxi

Again, if we could have a local person help us with this tour of Old Fells Point, that would be great. This is primarily a shopping district with quaint shops and cafes. This group would meet up in the hotel lobby at 12 noon on Saturday, and walk to Old Fells Point. The tour would be self-guided, though the leader should choose a lunch destination for those who want lunch and a meet-up time and location for the water taxi rides back to the hotel.

Cost associated with this trip would be lunch, any shopping you do and a water taxi fare.

i think this will be the one for us ... although we still might strike out on our own.

[R. Daryl Xager]

thinking about the ESPN Zone on Saturday.... surprisingly, I've never been in the restaurant itself, just the gift shoppe to browse one day.... looking forward to meeting the guys....

RDX (bash in back yard.... WOO HOO!!!!)

[Butchnnorcal]

Thanx for getting all this info out to us Hack .... see ya in the Zone!

[FemmeBabyGrrl]

6 Weeks!!!
6 Weeks!!!
6 Weeks!!!
6 Weeks!!!
6 Weeks!!!
6 Weeks!!!
6 Weeks!!!

[chosetodance]

yay hack!

personally, i am very grateful to see that the smithsonian has been moved to friday! hey, a girl just can't miss a trip to the spa

[Hack]

Doing a little research this morning on this particular excursion. Here is the scoop:

If we take the MARC (commuter train between downtown Baltimore and Washington DC's Union Station), the last train out of the city in the morning is the 8:15 a.m. We would have to hike it (or taxi it) a bit from the hotel to Camden Station (by Camden Yards, the baseball stadium). In fact, I am told by the Baltimore Visitors and Convention Bureau that it is a 6 block walk, and a relatively easy one.

The train gets us to Washington's Union Station at 9:27 a.m. From there, we would take the Metro (subway in DC) from Union Station to the Metro Center Station, then change trains for the Smithsonian (Federal Triangle Metro Station). The entire Metro thing is about 15-20 minutes. We'd arrive shortly after 10 a.m. at the Smithsonian.

The earliest we could catch the commuter train (MARC) back to Baltimore is 4:13. We are back at Camden Station in Baltimore at 5:22 p.m. No trains run during the mid-day.

It appears that the MARC ticket for the day is $7. The fare on the Metro is $1.35 one-way.

It's been my experience that the Metro in DC is very easy to use, so if you were to finish at the Smithsonian and want to visit Capitol Hill or another DC landmark, it is easy to figure out and accomplish.

I just wanted to put this information out there so you can plan ahead for your Slut Night dinner plans.

Hack

[Hack]

As some of you may know, the Water Taxi is one of the easiest ways to get around the Inner Harbor area in Baltimore. If you would like to see the taxi and get the schedule, go to www.thewatertaxi.com.

I'm negotiating with this company to get a discounted group ticket rate for our group. This would allow unlimited rides per day on the water taxi. This will come in handy for any of the Saturday excursions, or any free time you have and want to use it to explore the many attractions along the Inner Harbor.

There are a ton of things to see in Baltimore if you are not interested in any of these excursions. As I said in my original post, the organizing committee simply wanted to offer organized group outings as a way for folks to socialize safely and easily on this trip.

Hack

[Thinker]

The train gets us to Washington's Union Station at 9:27 a.m. From there, we would take the Metro (subway in DC) from Union Station to the Metro Center Station, then change trains for the Smithsonian (Federal Triangle Metro Station). The entire Metro thing is about 15-20 minutes. We'd arrive shortly after 10 a.m. at the Smithsonian.


Hack

I hope you don't mind the intrusion. I just wanted to offer another alternative.

Once you get off at Union Station, you'll be just a couple of blocks away from the Capitol Building. From the Capitol, you're just a 5-10 minute walk from the Smithsonian (along the National Mall).

Those who would like to take in the Capitol (stand on the steps; take advantage of fantastic photo op's; etc...) and also mosey along the Mall might consider just getting off at Union Station.

When you factor in changing trains (*especially* at Metro Center), you're adding a whole lot of time to your commute. Metro Center is busy, busy, busy; and changing trains always adds time.

If you really want to *absorb* Capitol Hill, the Capitol, and the National Mall then I recommend the walk from Union Station. At a nice, leisurely stroll, it'll be very enjoyable.

I hope this helps some. It really wasn't my intention to hijack the thread, Hack. ...just wanted to offer up another option.

Thinker

[Hack]

I hope you don't mind the intrusion. I just wanted to offer another alternative.

Once you get off at Union Station, you'll be just a couple of blocks away from the Capitol Building. From the Capitol, you're just a 5-10 minute walk from the Smithsonian (along the National Mall).

Those who would like to take in the Capitol (stand on the steps; take advantage of fantastic photo op's; etc...) and also mosey along the Mall might consider just getting off at Union Station.

When you factor in changing trains (*especially* at Metro Center), you're adding a whole lot of time to your commute. Metro Center is busy, busy, busy; and changing trains always adds time.

If you really want to *absorb* Capitol Hill, the Capitol, and the National Mall then I recommend the walk from Union Station. At a nice, leisurely stroll, it'll be very enjoyable.

I hope this helps some. It really wasn't my intention to hijack the thread, Hack. ...just wanted to offer up another option.

Thinker

Hijack away! You're local and I am not, so I appreciate any wisdom you can share on issues such as these.

[luvin61]

**sooo confused,,Im gonna get me a map and a compass **

[Thinker]

**sooo confused,,Im gonna get me a map and a compass **

Awwww......don't be confused, brother. It's really not as bad as it sounds.

If ya don't mind walkin', then just get off at Union Station. As soon as you walk out of there, you'll see the Capitol. Walk straight to it and then hang a right; you'll be on the Mall!!!

There's lots of shade along the way and soooo much to see. Plus, you'll pass lots of hot dog and ice cream vendors!!! My favorites!

Thinker

[luvin61]

Awwww......don't be confused, brother. It's really not as bad as it sounds.

If ya don't mind walkin', then just get off at Union Station. As soon as you walk out of there, you'll see the Capitol. Walk straight to it and then hang a right; you'll be on the Mall!!!

There's lots of shade along the way and soooo much to see. Plus, you'll pass lots of hot dog and ice cream vendors!!! My favorites!

Thinker

lol,,well,i can eat the ice cream but not the hotdogs, I miss hot dogs ith everything on it

[FemmeDyke]

Plus, you'll pass lots of hot dog and ice cream vendors!!! My favorites!

Thinker

*mouth watering*

Best hot dogs... ever!!


I've talked Smooth into doing Fells Point and the water Taxi.. I think I've been once and if I recall correctly it's the most charming little shopping are ever, with tons of fun and funky boutiques. (ooh, spelling)

Yay! I'm soo excited.

[Kyssme]

*mouth watering*

Best hot dogs... ever!!


I've talked Smooth into doing Fells Point and the water Taxi.. I think I've been once and if I recall correctly it's the most charming little shopping are ever, with tons of fun and funky boutiques. (ooh, spelling)

Yay! I'm soo excited.

yay!!! i think we decided that what we're going to do, too!!

[csgoddess]

*subscribing* because I am still deciding...lol


-CS

[tmbyfem]

please put Ulysses & me down for the Smithsonian trip Friday

oooohh... what to do on Saturday??? Spa day or shopping at Fell's Point? Decisions decisions...

[mskreme]

Hi everyone: Does anyone know what the registration fee covers? I assume that it covers the party and ball spaces? I ask because verything else seems to be out of pocket expenses.

[Thinker]

Hi everyone: Does anyone know what the registration fee covers? I assume that it covers the party and ball spaces? I ask because verything else seems to be out of pocket expenses.

You're right. It'll get you into the Meet-n-Greet, Slut Night (including the cabaret show), the Ball, the brunch space (you buy your food), and the karaoke space.

Your beverages at the events and any other outings you go on are out of pocket.

The registration fee covers the rental on the venues and it allows for a reduced room rate.

Thinker

[Thinker]

For those of you who are keeping track, we've got...

...36 days to go!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[wolfsong069]

Awwww......don't be confused, brother. It's really not as bad as it sounds.

If ya don't mind walkin', then just get off at Union Station. As soon as you walk out of there, you'll see the Capitol. Walk straight to it and then hang a right; you'll be on the Mall!!!

There's lots of shade along the way and soooo much to see. Plus, you'll pass lots of hot dog and ice cream vendors!!! My favorites!

Thinker

I couldn't agree with Thinker more. Washington is a yearly stop for my family and I for the Marine Corps Marathon. If you have the opportunity to walk....do it....but make sure you wear comfortable clothing and shoes because it's alot of walking to do once you start along the Mall. (I can't stress this enough)

A great place to visit but maybe not number one on the touring list is Women's Military Memorial.

http://www.womensmemorial.org/

If you get the chance to see and support this great memorial, please do so. It's recorded history goes all the way back to Deborah Sampson, who disguised herself as a man to fight in the Revolutionary War.

The memorial itself is a beautiful, moving tribute to American women across the generations who have served their country. It's worth the trip and not too far off the beaten path as it is located on the grounds of the Arlington National Cemetary.

If you are, or know, a female veteran of any armed services branch....visit the website and enroll online, or download this registration form (PDF) and take it in with you.

http://www.womensmemorial.org/PDFs/RegForm.pdf

If you have a favorite picture of yourself in uniform (does not have to be Class As or Dress Blues) bring along a copy....they will put it in your profile.


The suggested enrollment fee is a mere $25......a mere pittance for immortality.

[CalypsoTheNymph]

Well, it looks like I am the only one who is up for the
Balitmore Ducks Tour ....

[FemmeBabyGrrl]

Yay!!! FemmeDyke & Kyssme will be doing Fells Pt. I believe that is what we'll be doing too!!!!!

[Kyssme]

Yay!!! FemmeDyke & Kyssme will be doing Fells Pt. I believe that is what we'll be doing too!!!!!

YAY!!!!

[BoyDyke]

i think we are doing Explore Old Fells Point/Water Taxi too.. i have to check with VG24. i cant wait to get away!!!

[darlingfemme]

Yay!!! FemmeDyke & Kyssme will be doing Fells Pt. I believe that is what we'll be doing too!!!!!

maybe me too? depends on when things are.... sounds fun.... I want a hotdog and the ones there come highly recommended by femmedyke!

[Redhead]

i dont know what the hell im gonna do saturday. i wish i motorcycle trip was among the choices....alas.....im just glad im gonna be there!!

[Hack]

When you registered for the Bash, you were asked to indicate an interest in an excursion. Those of you who did will be receiving an email from me tonight as we start organizing the groups and getting details hammered out.

Details will be posted here, as well. So, if you didn't originally indicate an interest in an excursion, you won't be left out.

[Hack]

If you are interested in the Femma Spa Excursion and did not indicate your interest during registration, I need you to PM me your email address, please. Girlina and I need to get as accurate of a head count as we can get so that when we talk to Neal's about staffing levels and possible discounts and packages, we can give them the most accurate number we have.

Thanks!

Hack

[Hack]

Well, it looks like I am the only one who is up for the
Balitmore Ducks Tour ....

Nah, I have a few people who are interested in that.

[CalypsoTheNymph]

Nah, I have a few people who are interested in that.

A few of us are interested in going to the Brave's game but
I am not sure about the details ... or if we are gonna do it

But

I am definitely interested in the Ducks Tour if we don't ....
Glad to know that I am not the only one ... LOL

Thanks Hack!

[Femme So Soft]

My boi and I are also interested in the Baseball game...I guess it's Wednesday night 7pm....is anyone else interested??

Do we need to buy tickets in advance?? Anyone local know the details??

Thanks!!!

[Janii]

A few of us are interested in going to the Brave's game but
I am not sure about the details ... or if we are gonna do it

But

I am definitely interested in the Ducks Tour if we don't ....
Glad to know that I am not the only one ... LOL

Thanks Hack!

We also wanted to go on the duck tour. Went to that website I just love that song. Cant wait to quack my quacker. Can't believe I just said that. Need to go to bed now....Janii

[CalypsoTheNymph]

We also wanted to go on the duck tour. Went to that website I just love that song. Cant wait to quack my quacker. Can't believe I just said that. Need to go to bed now....Janii

I know .. I would love to quack my quacker too ... LOL ...

I am happy to know that there are others who are interested ......

Quack! Quack! Quack!

[Janii]

Quackers unite.........Janii lol

[Kyssme]

just wondering ... what time are all these fun things going to begin?

[FemmeBabyGrrl]

People do know that the duck tour is a ride on a thing that is like a car that can go in and out of the water?
I'm just saying that cause at first I thought it was checking out ducks until BoyDyke told me different. Yes I know, a blonde moment, but maybe others were thinking the same as me.

Where is Thinker with the countdown?

[GemmeFemme]

*subscribing*

It's the Aquarium for me! Thanks to this thread, I have more information to plan the rest of the vacation better. Thanks, Hack.