For a fast and beautiful vacation getaway that’s a simple drive from Washington D.C., Baltimore and Philadelphia – Berlin, Maryland is a candy little historic city with loads of Christmas allure that you simply’ll merely fall in love with. Situated simply 9 miles west of the summer time mecca that’s Ocean Metropolis, and voted the winner of Price range Journey’s “America’s Coolest Small City” in 2014, Berlin has confirmed itself a journey vacation spot price visiting that’s simply off the crushed path.
However what’s the draw? With 47 buildings on the Nationwide Historic Register Berlin’s Major Avenue hasn’t modified a lot during the last 100 years as most of its historic structure and Victorian allure stays preserved. A stroll down Berlin’s Major Avenue provides you a sense that you simply’ve simply stepped again in time. And that’s precisely why we find it irresistible. A go to to Berlin is fantastic any time of 12 months, however in the course of the Christmas season, Berlin’s streets come alive with magical lights and decorations that may get you within the vacation spirit. You should definitely verify the city calendar for the record of ongoing vacation occasions.
💡 Enjoyable Journey Reality: The charms of Berlin haven’t escaped Hollywood and you could have seen it featured on the large display screen. Berlin was chosen because the filming location of the 90’s hit romantic comedy “Runaway Bride” starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere and was additionally become the city referred to as “Treegap,” full with filth roads, horses and interval costumes for the film Tuck Eternal launched in 2001.
WHAT TO DO IN BERLIN, MD
Extremely preserved, Berlin is full of charming retailers, boutiques, artwork galleries, and eating places. Major Avenue Enchanted Tea Room serves lunch, tea, and pastries on wonderful china, whereas the extremely acclaimed Baked Dessert Cafe is dwelling to Berlin’s official dessert: the Peach Dumpling. For many who love books, take a look at The Greyhound, a brand new little indie bookstore proper on Major Avenue. It carries internationally acknowledged books whereas staying true to its Maryland and Japanese Shore roots selling the skills of native authors.
If antiques are your factor, Berlin’s Major Avenue is taken into account the vintage capital of the Japanese Shore. You possibly can simply spend hours looking out the right treasures to take dwelling or give as presents. Historical past buffs ought to take a look at The Taylor Home Museum for a glimpse into all issues historic in Berlin.
For a enjoyable vacation expertise, go to Berlin on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am to 3pm via December 23 the place free Christmas carriage rides via city depart from the nook of Pitts and Major Avenue.
Journey Tip: Film buffs can cease into the Berlin Customer Middle or The Atlantic Resort check-in space for a self-guided strolling tour brochure of film filming areas positioned all through the city.
WHERE TO STAY IN BERLIN, MD
The Atlantic Resort
2 N. Major St., Berlin, Md.
(410) 641-3589.
atlantichotel.com
Charges: $120-$280
Ideally positioned within the coronary heart of Berlin proper on Major Avenue lies the hanging Atlantic Resort. In-built 1895, the resort retains a lot of the identical character it did when it first opened over 120 years in the past. The resort itself has 18 charming and Victorian-style rooms superbly embellished with interval décor layouts starting from cozy to surprisingly spacious. Rooms have full to king-sized beds and plenty of with classic clawfoot tubs. For contemporary facilities, every visitor room comes with a flat-screen TV in addition to complimentary on-site Wi-Fi.
One of many suites is full with a full kitchen and washer dryer. If you happen to choose lodging which can be a bit of extra personal, The Gardner’s Cottage could also be extra your pace.
The second ground of the resort the place we stayed has a beautiful little parlor excellent for studying and having fun with a freshly brewed cup of Keurig espresso or tea provided to visitors on a serving desk within the hallway. Every of the resort guestroom flooring are elevator accessible.
💡 Tip: Love Runaway Bride or possibly you’re a romantic comedy fan? E book room #20 the place Richard Gere stayed whereas filming Runaway Bride. It’s now appropriately referred to as “The Richard Gere Room.”
However top-of-the-line spots on the resort to take a seat and loosen up is on its sprawling coated veranda that doesn’t solely should be loved the hotter months. Seize a cup of sizzling chocolate, settle into considered one of The Atlantic’s rocking chairs and drape one the complimentary electrical blankets round your self to maintain heat when you admire the Christmas Tree out entrance and watch the world go by. The cool winter air won’t ever really feel so bleak once more. Once you get hungry there’s no have to go far. Head contained in the resort to its personal restaurant and bar referred to as Th Atlantic Resort Bistro Bar that serves Maryland model specialties.
In a resort that has survived over 120 years, it’s no shock that The Atlantic has its justifiable share of ghost tales and reviews of paranormal phenomenon most notably the story of little ghost lady has been seen and heard on the second-floor hallway over time both bouncing a ball or using her tricycle. Nobody appears to know who she is. Whether or not true or not, we discovered the resort remarkably comfy and had no different worldly experiences ourselves. There’s at all times subsequent time.
WHERE TO EAT IN BERLIN, MD
Atlantic Resort Bistro Bar
2 N. Major St., Berlin, MD
(410) 641-3589.
AtlanticHotel.com
Even if you happen to’re not staying in a single day, the Atlantic Resort Bistro Bar is a superb option to expertise the resort and its pleasant hospitality. And the way can I neglect the meals? Open for lunch and dinner, the Atlantic Resort Bistro Bar is a full-service restaurant and bar serving American classics with a nod to native Maryland fare. Don’t miss their completely ready Caesar Salad topped with crispy and contemporary fried oysters. For dessert, you’ll be able to’t depart with out making an attempt a slice of their domestically well-known Lemon Lust that’s certainly luscious. A candy, tart and creamy lemon filling is piled excessive over a pecan shortbread crust and topped with whipped cream and garnished with lime and lemon zest. It’s pure heaven.
💡 Tip: Seize a seat within the enclosed glass room of the Atlantic Resort Bistro Bar for an excellent view of Major Avenue.
Blacksmith Bar & Restaurant
104 Pitts St, Berlin, MD 21811
(410) 973-2102
blacksmithberlin.com
Our first official meal in Berlin was at Blacksmith, a country stylish gastro-pub model restaurant serving Farm-to-Desk American model meals alongside a pleasant choice of native Japanese Shore beers and an excellent cocktail menu. Their empanada with slow-cooked beef and their crab desserts have been each excellent. And the show-stopper? The Fried Banana Cheesecake. Recent bananas and a cheesecake filling are wrapped in a wonton-like pastry after which deep fried. As if that isn’t decadent sufficient it’s drizzled with caramel sauce, toasted coconut flakes and a splash of whipped cream earlier than serving. Value each single calorie. Cease in for his or her tremendous comfortable hour.
Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain & Grill
10 N Major St, Berlin, MD 21811
(410) 641-2131
raynesreef.com
Situated on the adjoining nook to The Atlantic Resort, Rayne’s Reef Soda Fountain & Grill is the quintessential old style soda store. Come right here for the burgers, keep for the burgers and are available again once more for the burgers. Juicy on the within and completely charred on the skin, the burgers right here steal the present. If you happen to want a candy, attempt considered one of their old style ice-cream sundaes, malts or sodas. Even if you happen to’re not within the temper for a burger you’ll discover it arduous to withstand the scrumptious aromas coming off the grill as you stroll by. We couldn’t. Rayne’s can be open for breakfast each day from 8 am to five pm.
The Globe
12 Broad St, Berlin, MD 21811
(410) 641-0784
globeberlin.com
Proper subsequent door to the Atlantic Resort is The Globe, a restaurant serving American specialties in a renovated 100-year-old constructing that first started as Berlin’s personal Previous Globe Theater. Serving lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch, The Globe is a well-liked informal eating spot on the town that isn’t only for consuming. It additionally hosts its personal E book Membership, Homicide Thriller Dinners and musical acts all year long. On the evening we visited, there was a screening of A Charlie Brown Christmas enjoying on the Globe’s massive film display screen to ring in some Christmas cheer. Don’t miss their out-of-this-world-best-I’ve-ever-had Cream of Crab Soup served in a mug and topped with a mound of lump crab. It’s significantly divine. The nice and cozy Snickers bread pudding was a sinfully decadent deal with that warmed our bones earlier than stepping out into the chilly. If you happen to go to, make sure you take a look at the second-floor artwork gallery that has native artists on show.
WHERE TO PARK IN BERLIN, MD
The City of Berlin, Maryland affords free parking to all its guests on Major Avenue and in 6 public parking heaps positioned round city. Click on right here for a map. Company staying on the Atlantic Resort are in a position to park behind the resort constructing for no cost as effectively.
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