Friday Favorites: Baltimore Edition

I got back from my business trip at 10:30 last night and I am struggling a bit to readjust to the time change, so, this will be a brief post (I slept in a bit and I have to get to work. This week is neverending!).

Despite the business nature of the trip, I found it quite enjoyable. In fact, I would love to go back on a purely recreational trip, with my camera; there were sooo many awesome architectural details that I would have loved to photograph and really didn't have the ability to capture adequately with the camera on my cell phone.

If I am to ever go back, I would like to stay in the inner harbor area, which is where the conference was held. The location is central to a lot of the attractions that Baltimore has to offer, including the aquarium and ballpark. The area has been extensively revitalized, and, one of my favorite things was the way that the city used the old power plant building, installing shops and restaurants, including Phillips Seafood, where I had one of the best meals of the trip (and, no, it wasn't seafood; we all know how I feel about eating from the sea. Bleah!).

The Barnes and Noble was perhaps the coolest book store I have ever ventured into, and, I've been to a lot of bookstores.

The interior was amazing, with two floors of literary goodness to explore, and, the use of the old brick and industrial surfaces was unique and inviting.

I wanted to splurge on collector editions of some of my favorites, but, with my suitcase already on the heavier side, I reigned myself in. Sad face. Like, seriously.

I did pick up a couple of thinner reads, including this manual for perfecting my skill set around the hexing of my enemies.

I'm really looking forward to casually leaving it on my desk at work.

The walk between our hotel and the power plant building was only a few blocks long, and, it took us along the harbor, where we got to check out the locals and the local wildlife, including this guy, who seemed to be saying "What the hell are you looking at?".

I like his attitude.

I also like the fact that I got all of my 10,000 steps (and some) in each day, despite being in sessions from 8:30-4:30. The stairs up Federal Hill were an awesome challenge, and, the view from the top of the hill could not be beat.

I also spent some time each day on the treadmill in the fitness center of the hotel, which, overlooked the harbor, presenting a gorgeous view of the city at night, and which I neglected to photograph because I was, you know, on a treadmill. Still a favorite, though.

So, yes, I would definitely return to Baltimore.

But, for now, I must return to my office; four days away equals five meelion emails and phone calls to return, I'm sure.

TGIF, indeed.