For those of you coming from the northeast with friends, we recommend renting a car and driving down via NJ Turnpike and then I-95S to I-39S, which will take you into downtown Baltimore.

By plane Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) is the closest airport to downtown Baltimore, followed by Reagan Airport (DCA) in DC. Flying into Dulles (IAD) in Virginia is also a possibility, though not one we recommend. If you do fly into IAD, then be sure to rent a car. IAD is about 1.5 hours from Baltimore by car, depending on traffic.

By train If you are coming from anywhere in the northeast corridor, then we recommend taking Amtrak to Baltimore Penn Station (BAL). From New York Penn station (NYP), the ride is about 2 hours and 40 minutes. You can find cabs out in front of the station. The station is about a fifteen-minute drive away from the hotels.

Discount: Get 40% off on the best available rail fare for one companion traveling in coach with a paid regular adult rail fare ricket on Amtrak travel to/from Baltimore. Valid for sale through December 13, 2009, and for travel through December 16, 2009. Reservations must be made AT LEAST 3 days in advance. Request discount code: V828.

Amtrak's disclaimer: Blackout dates apply: April 10 and 13; September 4 and 7; November 24-25 and 28-30. Limited seating; may not be available on all trains at all times. Up to two childen ages 2-15 may accompany each paid adult at half of the full regular adult rail fare. Other restrictions may apply.