Not to beat a dead horse, but is Baltimore really an incredibly dangerous city?

Longacre

I have seen some public posts indicating that Baltimore is not the safest city in the world. Some have indicated that it is one of the most dangerous cities that hosts a coin show. I have also received some PMs indicating that I should be very careful when I am in Baltimore for the show.

For those who have attended the show in the past, truly how safe (or unsafe) is it? I don't expect to be walking the streets, however, I arrive about 45 minutes before the show starts. Although I am a country bumpkin from CT, I did go to law school at NYU in the Big City. Admittedly Greenwich Villiage is a little more dainty than the rest of Manhattan, but I never had any problems walking the streets, even with my big, purple NYU backpack.

Does anyone know if there is a Dunkin Donuts or Starbucks that I can hunker down in before the show opens? I am a pretty good runner, so I can probably do a full sprint for several hundred yards from the coffee shop to the convention center and lose anyone who might be tailing me. I can also make a mad dash to the cabs after the show and tell the cab driver to "shake" anyone who might be following me. So once and for all, is Batlimore really the dangerous warzone that everyone is making it out to be (I've been to games at Camden Yards, and I never felt unsafe; but I guess a coin show is different)?

michael

in march around the convention center

yes YES

just be careful and you should have no problems

positive protection is having a security room close to the show at one of the hotels first time for this

me thinks

ask the anr people they sent a flyer out explaioning its in their current baklty auction cat

which is oone of the best cats coin wise for stuff i likes!!!!

i have seen

i will post about this moreso tonight

pf70collector

It is generally safe around the convention center area during the daytime on Friday. It is a business district. Not sure though at night. Best to take a cab if you arrive at Penn Station because its not the safest neighborhood.

Jcarney

I guess it can be, but I've been there many times, walked all the streets downtown alone, been in many bars in Baltimore all without a problem. I'm not a big guy, but I can handle myself and grew up in a working class neighborhood in Philly. It's street smarts (or lack thereof) and attitude that will determine if one is a victim or not.

I really love Baltimore and have had many good times in that city.

kranky

I've been there a few times and walked 5 blocks from the hotel to the show and back every day without a second thought. But I don't give off a vibe of having anything valuable. The Harborplace is adjacent to the convention center and there will be stores open there. And the Hyatt is also adjacent (and connects) to the convention center, so you could hang in their lobby or restaurant. I really didn't feel unsafe walking around the convention center and over to the hotel.

I like walking and when we had a forum member dinner a couple years ago in Baltimore, I decided to walk to the restaurant as it was on the same street as the convention center, just a mile and a half or so away. Well, I got about 3/4 of the way there and I was real glad it was still daylight. Someone from the board gave me a lift back to the hotel (I think it was keets).

Yale68

I've been there before, and never had the least bit or worry or concern. I'm going again this year (train from Mystic, CT), but, after reading your post, maybe I should be concerned.

RYK

When I lived in DC I enjoyed visitng Baltimore to attend baseball games, party at Fells Point, tour the aquarium, have brunch at the Belvedere Hotel, etc. It's a wonderful city, and I would have been happy to have matched there. I have never visted the convention center.

secondrepublic

I went to college there, and would recommend not walking around at night unless you're in an area with lots of other people (like the inner harbor). It's just not worth the risk.

Check out Fells Point when you're there, a very nice place to walk around and have dinner.

Michigan

I remember going to the ANA convention in Detroit back in 1984 and being very nervous and paranoid
about it. Nothing bad happened and I had a good time. I would suppose that Baltimore is like any
large US city in that you should use common sense and be aware of your surroundings at all times etc.

Pistareen

There is a world of difference between Penn Station and the Convention Center area.

The Convention Center and Inner Harbor are by a long shot the safest part of Baltimore. The city depends upon the tourist traffic to the ballparks, the National Aquarium, etc so it tends to be well lit and safe. Of course, the tourist traffic also drives panhandlers to Pratt Street, but while they may look poor and desperate (they are), crime should not be a great concern from them. I spend more time in Baltimore than most folks since I live 25 miles away, and I've rarely felt threatened in downtown. Some other neighborhoods should be off limits any time, but the convention center is ok as long as you keep your wits about you.

If you follow usual big city rules of safety (don't walk home alone and drunk at 3 AM, don't flash wads of cash, don't wear your badge in the street or have loud cell phone conversations about money in your pocket) you'll be fine.

xbob

I agree that it's no different from any large city. Also, most of the slummier apartments and row homes near the inner harbor have been either torn down or renovated to a higher standard. The convention center is in the inner harbor but not really the inner city where crime tends to be. Use caution if you are carrying your coins around because there's always a chance of savvy crooks that look for the coin show attendees to prey upon. (Like at any coin show).

Or just linger by Tootawl and Dollars so they can rough up any suspicious looking characters for you. Wait a second...THEY are suspicious looking characters!

Barndog

<< <i>I agree that it's no different from any large city >>




I wouldn't knock Baltimore as any worse than other large metropolitan areas in the United States. Visit the wrong part of any city and you could be in for a world of hurt. Be a smart traveler/tourist and you will think Baltimore is the safest and most care-free city in the nation.

Fairlaneman

Paranoid ? Do you run from your shadow ? Geez any place can be dangerous if the right goon shows up.

Ken

SFDukie

<< <i>I went to college there, and would recommend not walking around at night unless you're in an area with lots of other people (like the inner harbor). It's just not worth the risk.

Check out Fells Point when you're there, a very nice place to walk around and have dinner. >>



Ah B'mo . Its a great city. As is the case with LA, SF, Honolulu, St Louis, DC, Manhattan, Beantown-at night one should be aware of one's surroundings, and the neighborhood. Yes, Baltimore has too much violent crime, and one shouldn't be naive. But don't let it ruin your fun either.

1987, I'm a grad student, and drive from NC with a buddy in his '67 Barracuda to a meeting in Baltimore. We get lost, are clearly in a bad section, and Dave rolls down the window and asks the drug dealer (literally-he's talkign about how we can blank all night with his "sense") for directions to our inner harbor hotel. I thought Dave was being incredibly naive. We're both just fine And I won a pitcher of beer at Fells point bar by being the first to know what historic event had taken place 54 years earlier, on 12/5/33.

secondrepublic you didn't tell Longacre about Bertha's Mussels
Don

secondrepublic

<< <i> secondrepublic you didn't tell Longacre about Bertha's Mussels
Don >>



My bad - don't forget to Eat Bertha's Mussels

I loved Baltimore, and there are a lot of great aspects to it. The city is really beautiful up north near Johns Hopkins, in Roland Park and those areas. But you've also gotta keep your head.

If you're looking for a fun bar, check out PJ's on 3333 N. Charles Street, across from Johns Hopkins. They've got some of the best wings around. The Hopkins girls usually aren't much to look at, but it's a fun place to have a drink and hang out (it's crowded on Thursday nights and weekends). Charles Street runs north directly from the Inner Harbor about 3.5 miles, then you drive back down St. Paul Street (the parallel street over).

ellewood

People, people, people. REEEEELLLLLLAAAAAAAXXXXXXXX. It's Baltimore for gods sake. I live in Annapolis and have been to Baltimore more times than I can count during the day and night. Of course there is crime in Baltimore...but there is crime in every major city in the US. I will be attending the show myself and will not be worried in the least bit on my way to the parking garage. Course, I will most likely have my coins tucked away in my boxers somehow when I'm leaving...but that's another story.

T

ksteelheader

Baltimore officials will tell you that you will be pretty safe during daylight hours. After dark, it's a different story!

Tootawl

<< <i>Or just linger by Tootawl and Dollars so they can rough up any suspicious looking characters for you. Wait a second...THEY are suspicious looking characters!

>>



HEY!!! I resemble that remark!

WTCG

The area around the convention center and the Inner Harbor of Baltimore is safe pretty much around the clock. The areas surrounding those areas may be deserted and questionable during darkness hours.

airplanenut

Baltimore, like any city, has its bad places, and some are near the convention. That said, immediately around the convention is the heart of the city--the Inner Harbor, which is well policed and very safe. I didn't have any problems going to shows there before, and now that Baltimore is my home (albeit I'm not there much), I an wholly unafraid of the city... just stay out of the bad areas and you'll be fine. With your schedule, you won't have any problems.

Jeremy

Coinosaurus

I've made at least a dozen visits the last 2-3 years. It is no big deal, just use common sense.

mozin

I attended the Baltimore convention only two times in the past ten years. Once I drove, and once I flew from Portland, Oregon. Both times I chose to stay within a very short distance to the convention center.

During the daytime that area felt very safe. After dark, I was told by many locals not to stray even one block from the hotel in the direction away from the convention center. The few people in those areas after dark were there to make trouble. The convention center waterway after dark was impressive, and seemed completely safe. People were there in about the same number as daylight hours.

I would have no problem visiting Baltimore convention center area again.

michael

eat at the burger king across the street from the convention center
stay at the days inn directly across the street from the convention center a 15 second quick walk to the center

Barry

Longacre - You usually ask very good questions. This isn't one of them

Sunnywood

While we're on the subject, does anyone know which is the best hotel close to the convention center??

Thanks,
Sunnywood

Tootawl

<< <i>eat at the burger king across the street from the convention center
stay at the days inn directly across the street from the convention center a 15 second quick walk to the center >>


Thats not going to happen this time. The Days Inn has been sold out for a few months. Thank you Mary Kay!

Jcarney

<< <i>eat at the burger king across the street from the convention center >>



Dude, this is Baltimore. McCormick and Schmick's, J. Paul's, Bertha's, Legal, Mo's, Philip's...and you eat at BURGER KING!!!???

kranky

<< <i>While we're on the subject, does anyone know which is the best hotel close to the convention center??

Thanks,
Sunnywood >>



The Sheraton has a direct walkway to the Convention Center. The Hyatt Regency is across the street but is probably nicer.

Dollars

Ok, so now that I have been called a .............


Oh well I have been called worse. I will be there Friday. Most likely Sat too.

Just a note....

If you hang with me you might get to meet the Police. They love to harass the hippy biker dude.

I have never had any problems in Baltimore but I am not your average joe either.

Barry

<< <i>

<< <i>eat at the burger king across the street from the convention center >>



Dude, this is Baltimore. McCormick and Schmick's, J. Paul's, Bertha's, Legal, Mo's, Philip's...and you eat at BURGER KING!!!??? >>


Reminds of a school field trip one of my kids had last year - they went to the Museum of Natural History in Manhattan and were taken to McDonalds for lunch

Don't forget the Wharf Rat!

Dollars

Yeah the Rat is a great place to eat.

Great beer too.

Jcarney

<< <i>Don't forget the Wharf Rat! >>



I like the crabcakes at the Wharf Rat better than Philip's. I think Philip's is a bit overrated. For the best crabcakes though, go to the Taproom in Chesapeake City. No atmosphere, but great food.

Michigan

eat at the burger king across the street from the convention center >>



Dude, this is Baltimore. McCormick and Schmick's, J. Paul's, Bertha's, Legal, Mo's, Philip's...and you eat at BURGER KING!!!??? >>


It all depends on how you want to approach the subject of eating. Would you rather spend more money
at a fancy restaurant or eat at a junk food place and have more money to spend on coins?

I'll take the junk food. Burger King knows what they are doing locating across from a convention
center that hosts a lot of trade shows.

PhillyJoe

If you need coffee and a place to relax, there were kiosks inside the convention center, but outside of the show halls, that serve coffee, juice, etc.

The Wharf Rat is a great place to go for lunch and literally across the street from the show.

Joe

commeman

About three or four years ago in Baltimore a major dealer left the convention center after the show. He was attacked by several guys about two blocks away. The attack was not coin driven but gang related. It was an initiation and the whole thing was being video taped by a gang member in a car parked nearby. The dealers son got one guy and beat him to pulp and then I think the cops came to the rescue. But the dealer was hurt . My point in all this is no matter what city you are in be aware of your surroundings, walk in groups and take those convention badges off.

WillieBoyd2

There is a good documentary about Baltimore called "Pink Flamingos" made by Baltimore's renown filmmaker John Waters.
It is available on VHS and DVD.

carl

Just where is that Baltimore place?
I disagree with statements like any big city. Why here in Chicago people walk the streets day and night, go anywhere, anytime, leave cars anywhere with the doors unlocked, leave their house doors unlocked. Coin shows never require guards. Lounge out in the Parks all times of the day and night. Stories about places like this Baltimore place scares us purely honest citizens.

paigowjohnny

Baltimore is a blast !!! It has it's bad areas, like any big city. As mentioned several times above...common sense and knowing where you're going are paramount.

If you can swing it, I recommend a day trip down to Annapolis...tour the Naval Academy

CTcollector

I keep thinking back to the HBO series "The Wire". Wish I never saw it. I am kind of creeped out about Baltimore since then.

FullStrike

I've heard that hardcore "Coin-Addicts" lurk in the shadows waiting for frightened looking persons with drooping pockets. They drag you into the bushes around the civic center and have their way with ALL your Coins.

Jdurg

<< <i>There is a good documentary about Baltimore called "Pink Flamingos" made by Baltimore's renown filmmaker John Waters.
It is available on VHS and DVD. >>



You are an evil, evil, evil, evil person. That is also one movie I'd rather not watch in high definition. heh.

Anyway, as many people have already said, Baltimore is no more dangerous than any other big city. I've been to New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, etc. etc. and didn't find any of them particularly "dangerous". The only city I've ever been in where I didn't feel safe at any time of day, or even when a cop was right in front of me, was New Orleans. I went there this past December and it was one of the most un-nerving experiences of my life. I still had a blast, but constantly felt as if something bad was going to happen.

grip

If I had to eat at burger king to save money for coins ,I assure you I would stay home.
Al

dbldie55

<< <i>I've been there a few times and walked 5 blocks from the hotel to the show and back every day without a second thought. But I don't give off a vibe of having anything valuable. The Harborplace is adjacent to the convention center and there will be stores open there. And the Hyatt is also adjacent (and connects) to the convention center, so you could hang in their lobby or restaurant. I really didn't feel unsafe walking around the convention center and over to the hotel.

I like walking and when we had a forum member dinner a couple years ago in Baltimore, I decided to walk to the restaurant as it was on the same street as the convention center, just a mile and a half or so away. Well, I got about 3/4 of the way there and I was real glad it was still daylight. Someone from the board gave me a lift back to the hotel (I think it was keets). >>



It was keets as I rode back with him as well.

supertooth

Longacre----I answered this question before. But my answer is still the same. I grew up in AA county outside of the city. But went to high school in Towson and Dental school in downtown Balto. I never really felt safe in the city. Hated being there. Still hate to go to the coin shows. Can't wait to leave. We had crime---back in the early 70's right outside the dental school--- which was right across the street from University Hospital. Broad daylight. The crime and drugs and stuff has only gotten worse over the years. So, as I have said before. Go to the shows but watch your back. Be ready at all times. Be as safe as you can be. And never stay out after dark. If you take your wife and kids---never leave them alone. Am I paranoid---bet you I sure am. I do not even trust the cops. Every year in Balto. city about 300 folks are killed. I moved immediately after I graduated. I never go back---except for some coin shows. Bob [supertooth]

98pandaman

The area in which you would be traveling for a coin show would be safe as any where. Now if you were looking to score some drugs, go to North Ave & take your chances. So don't go looking for trouble & you probably won't find it. Besides hard to tell how dangerous Balto is...the police don't really keep very good track. (Inside Baltimore joke)

WTCG

<< <i>While we're on the subject, does anyone know which is the best hotel close to the convention center??

Thanks,
Sunnywood >>



The best hotel in the area are either the Renaissance, kitty corner from the Eastern corner of the convention center, and the Marriott Waterfront, about 3/4 mile East near the ESPN Zone. The Sheraton, which is connected to the convention center, is nice as well.

Why Burger King when there's a Legal SeaFoods less than 200 feet away from the convention center? The Days Inn is across the street, but it's a bit of a dive.