Going to DC tomorrow and then Baltimore! Safe????

[psuunc34]

If any of you know DC or are police officers, etc. What do you think about the safety right now? I am going with my wife and 4 yr old. We had plans for a few months. In DC, we are around Chinatown at the Renaissance Hotel.

We would then go to Baltimore Sunday-Tue. Again, do you think it is safe? Any Baltimore police officers?
Any help would be appreciated! In B-more, we are staying right at Inner Harbor @ the Renaissance. Thank you!

 

[psu00]

If any of you know DC or are police officers, etc. What do you think about the safety right now? I am going with my wife and 4 yr old. We had plans for a few months. In DC, we are around Chinatown at the Renaissance Hotel.

We would then go to Baltimore Sunday-Tue. Again, do you think it is safe? Any Baltimore police officers?
Any help would be appreciated! In B-more, we are staying right at Inner Harbor @ the Renaissance. Thank you!

Not a cop but I think you'd be fine in DC. The Chinatown area and 'official' DC around the Mall are fine IMO. Don't go several blocks behind the Supreme Court toward RFK stadium.

As for Baltimore- it's been years since I've been there. Inner Harbor should be fine. Not a fan of the rest of the city in good times, much less now. That said, there are several posters here who live in Baltimore and will be able to answer you better.

 

[Lion8286]

Day of Rage protest planned tomorrow. Avoid this area:

Washington DC: 7:00PM (OUTSIDE WHITE HOUSE, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500)

 

[psuunc34]

Not a cop but I think you'd be fine in DC. The Chinatown area and 'official' DC around the Mall are fine IMO. Don't go several blocks behind the Supreme Court toward RFK stadium.

As for Baltimore- it's been years since I've been there. Inner Harbor should be fine. Not a fan of the rest of the city in good times, much less now. That said, there are several posters here who live in Baltimore and will be able to answer you better.

Thank you!

 

[psuunc34]

Day of Rage protest planned tomorrow. Avoid this area:

Washington DC: 7:00PM (OUTSIDE WHITE HOUSE, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500)

I had read yesterday on Snoopes that it wasn't true. I am not sure what to believe. Thank you for your reply.

 

[psu00]

Thank you!

Here's the DC metro map. Easiest way to explain the city.

Official DC is the green shade where the blue/orange/yellow lines meet. Stay away from the Howard University, Brookline-CUA regions (northeast green/ red lines). Stay away from Potomac Ave, stadium/ armory region (Orange/ blue line east of Supreme Court). Have fun!

 

[psuunc34]

Here's the DC metro map. Easiest way to explain the city.

Official DC is the green shade where the blue/orange/yellow lines meet. Stay away from the Howard University, Brookline-CUA regions (northeast green/ red lines). Stay away from Potomac Ave, stadium/ armory region (Orange/ blue line east of Supreme Court). Have fun!

Thank you! So you think the zoo would be ok? Also, I just saw that the trial for the police officer in B-more is ending Monday when I am supposed to be there. That really worries me. Thoughts?

 

[Agoodnap]

Christ, I really hope you are just yanking peoples chains here...otherwise grow a set of nuts.

Here's some basic advice for all cities...stay out of the slums.

Baltimore and DC are great places to visit with the family. Just use your head...

 

[psu00]

Zoo

Thank you! So you think the zoo would be ok? Also, I just saw that the trial for the police officer in B-more is ending Monday when I am supposed to be there. That really worries me. Thoughts?

Zoo should be fine. It's a big attraction. I've never had any trouble or ever been concerned on the DC Metro for safety. It's very easy to use and logical. You'd take the red line from Chinatown region near your hotel straight out and back. Maps are in each car to show you the order of stops and how far you have to go (same map I've linked here). To see which side of the track to go to you look for the name of the last stop in the direction you are going. So, heading to the zoo you take the red line that lists "Shady Grove" on the sign on the front car. To head home you take the red line labelled "Glenmont". Easy and inexpensive.

I don't have a good feel for Baltimore or the 'temp' in the city now. I think you'd be fine especially in the Inner Harbor area. Hopefully some Baltimore folks will jump in to help better.

EDIT- On the metro map, the double circles (target looking circles) are stops where you can change lines. All the color lines the circle touches come together in that station and you can jump off the red line (for ex) to get on the green line and look for the last stop to show train direction again.

 

[psu00]

Christ, I really hope you are just yanking peoples chains here...otherwise grow a set of nuts.

Here's some basic advice for all cities...stay out of the slums.

Baltimore and DC are great places to visit with the family. Just use your head...

He's just concerned with his family. Plus, if you don't know the city that well, it's tough to know where the slums are.

 

[Tom McAndrew]

Also, I just saw that the trial for the police officer in B-more is ending Monday when I am supposed to be there. That really worries me. Thoughts?

You're over thinking this. The Inner Harbor is quite safe. Your child, your wife, and you will have a great time. The Renaissance is at a great location for checking out the Inner Harbor.

I would not concern yourself with the trial end date. The reactions to the previous trials has been rather muted. The riots that arose last year were not close to the Inner Harbor.

 

[LafayetteBear]

Here's some basic advice for all cities...stay out of the slums.

Well, that takes all the fun out of it...

 

[LukeIamYourFather]

Some people seem to be downplaying the OP concern but with all going on today and a family, it is absolutely legitimate. You want to be aware of your surroundings and like the military does, consider specific threats in your planning.

The trial ending is a legitimate concern. That city reacted violently in the past to racial tensions and even though inner harbor wasn't part of that, you cannot completely predict how or exactly where those with violent reactions will respond. We just saw incidents in Minnesota and Louisiana spark violence in Dallas. Why can't a previously volatile Baltimore respond to racial tensions in a specific part of Baltimore that it did not last time? Maybe more cops there helps but the cops are now targets.

The bottom line is that there are ideologies that we are not dealing with very well who are inflicting massive damages and deaths to innocent populations. We don't have leaders in many places that are willing to stand up and do the necessary and hard right to protect the population. People should always consider their surroundings and always consider potential events and specific information which might increase risk. That's not to say to not live our lives. But do it smartly and determine your own risk tolerance because Homeland Security isn't publicizing any of the potential threats that they monitor.

 

[BBrown]

If any of you know DC or are police officers, etc. What do you think about the safety right now? I am going with my wife and 4 yr old. We had plans for a few months. In DC, we are around Chinatown at the Renaissance Hotel.

We would then go to Baltimore Sunday-Tue. Again, do you think it is safe? Any Baltimore police officers?
Any help would be appreciated! In B-more, we are staying right at Inner Harbor @ the Renaissance. Thank you!

As for Baltimore. For the most part yes you will be safe, especially if your in the Harbor area.
Are you coming this weekend?
I ask because Artscape is starting today and downtown, Specifically Mt. Royal, Cathedral St, St. Paul and parts of Calvert St. and the Mt. Vernon areas will be packed.
Most of the "trouble" areas are north ave. North and west and east Balto.
I think the verdict for the next cop up in the Freddy Gray case will be on Mon. (just a heads up) so far after the other verdicts of not guilty there wasn't any violence just
some peaceful protests but that was before the shit storm in Dallas.
If you have any other question I'll try an answer them.

 

[BBrown]

Thank you! So you think the zoo would be ok? Also, I just saw that the trial for the police officer in B-more is ending Monday when I am supposed to be there. That really worries me. Thoughts?

Honestly I don't think there will be an issue but nothing is definite.
Also unless your around City Hall you probably wont even be effected that much.
I'm sure you'll see people protesting but you'd see that on a typical day.
Just stay in the areas you know and are comfortable with.
In other words don't go sight seeing in Sandtown or on Greemount Ave.

 

[BBrown]

You're over thinking this. The Inner Harbor is quite safe. Your child, your wife, and you will have a great time. The Renaissance is at a great location for checking out the Inner Harbor.

I would not concern yourself with the trial end date. The reactions to the previous trials has been rather muted. The riots that arose last year were not close to the Inner Harbor.

For the most part that is true. The Mini riot did start that Sat. night after an Oriole game. It was at that time the idiot Mayor, Stephanie Rawlings Blake (I never trust people with 3 names.)
should have gotten a clue.
The worst of the rioting was around Mondawmin mall and the Sandtown area. But there were incidents in my neighborhood (Mt. Vernon) and the Harbor.
As for the trial I'm not sure what to expect. I think the things in Dallas have ratcheted up tensions all over. The previous "Not Guilty" verdicts on elicited some minor protests.
But unless he plans on sightseeing around City Hall I think he would be ok.

 

[psuunc34]

As for Baltimore. For the most part yes you will be safe, especially if your in the Harbor area.
Are you coming this weekend?
I ask because Artscape is starting today and downtown, Specifically Mt. Royal, Cathedral St, St. Paul and parts of Calvert St. and the Mt. Vernon areas will be packed.
Most of the "trouble" areas are north ave. North and west and east Balto.
I think the verdict for the next cop up in the Freddy Gray case will be on Mon. (just a heads up) so far after the other verdicts of not guilty there wasn't any violence just
some peaceful protests but that was before the shit storm in Dallas.
If you have any other question I'll try an answer them.

We will be in B-more Sun-Tue.

 

[KnightSlayer]

If any of you know DC or are police officers, etc. What do you think about the safety right now? I am going with my wife and 4 yr old. We had plans for a few months. In DC, we are around Chinatown at the Renaissance Hotel.

We would then go to Baltimore Sunday-Tue. Again, do you think it is safe? Any Baltimore police officers?
Any help would be appreciated! In B-more, we are staying right at Inner Harbor @ the Renaissance. Thank you!

You should stay home and hide in your basement.

 

[garw]

This weekend Baltimore will host the Annual Artscape extravaganza. As in years past approximately 250,000 people will come to Baltimore for the festivities. Artscape is held in the Station North neighborhood which is home to University of Baltimore, the train station (Penn Station) and a vibrant culinary, art and music culture. The Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is the oldest art institute in the US and located in the heart of the neighborhood. Meyerhof Symphony Hall and the Armory are other notable entities in the neighborhood. It is a gathering of local and international folks. You will be safe here. I have lived inner city B'more since 2001. BBrown pointed out the verdict for officer Rice is due at 10AM Monday at the Courthouse. While it is news in Baltimore, it should not pose any issues for public safety. Major corporations have their headquarters downtown Baltimore. If its good enough for their businesses its good enough for you.

 

[garw]

BBrown it's time to get together for that beer. I will PM you.

 

[BBrown]

We will be in B-more Sun-Tue.

For the most part Artscape will be winding down. I would recommend going to see it.
Its not too far from where you are staying and there is a free bus called the Circulator that will get you there.

 

[bison13]

I believe the metro is doing repair work in DC. Check on the availability of certain stops.

 

[Nitt1300]

you're more likely to be killed by a drunk or texting driver than by a terrorist or a "bad guy", and that's true wherever you are

 

[psuunc34]

You should stay home and hide in your basement.

You are pretty tough behind your keyboard.

 

[rem524]

I believe the metro is doing repair work in DC. Check on the availability of certain stops.

There is a list of schedule changes due to repair work on the DC Metro web site.
http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/metro_service_status/advisories.cfm?AID=5686

Have a great time!

 

[Black Elmo 2]

Not sure if dragging a four year old around a city in the hot summer sun is a good plan. What do you plan to do to keep the kiddie entertained? S/he certainly isn't going to care about history, monuments, museums, etc. I see that as your biggest problem, not safety.

 

[NC2017]

If any of you know DC or are police officers, etc. What do you think about the safety right now? I am going with my wife and 4 yr old. We had plans for a few months. In DC, we are around Chinatown at the Renaissance Hotel.

We would then go to Baltimore Sunday-Tue. Again, do you think it is safe? Any Baltimore police officers?
Any help would be appreciated! In B-more, we are staying right at Inner Harbor @ the Renaissance. Thank you!

Don't fret, our politicians plan on lighting up tall buildings with colorful lights and I understand a terrorist summit is scheduled.

 

[BBrown]

?....wow. You know there are people who actually live and work in the areas that you are asking for a security screen on?

Your original request came off as fearful, a tinge racist and IMO insulting to those of us who live, work and raise families in these cities.

Don't be afraid, just get out there live it and have a good time, man. Nobody's going to hurt you and you're not going to be caught in a riot. If your up near the Zoo have dinner at "Lebanese Taverna" you will love it. When you're in Baltimore, stay away from the Harbor. It's not Baltimore. It's is a beat up, used up, plastic tourist enclave. It is anything but the real Baltimore. Go to Hamden, Canton, Roland Park, Bolton Hill or any other neighborhood. THAT is Baltimore.

Geez I didn't get anything like that from his initial post.
And I'm sorry there is nothing wrong with asking about someplace you've never been before, especially when he knows posters that live in the area. Not to mention whats been going on for the last year or so. Not sure if you have ever been caught up in a full fledged riot but I have, coming home from work last April, its not a pleasant thing.
Never been to the Labanese Taverna in DC but the one in Harbor East is excellent.
Well he kind of will be a tourist so yea the Harbor is a perfect place for him especially with kids. The Aquarium is great (a little pricey) and the Science center is great for both
kids and adults.
Hamden, Roland Park, Bolton Hill, Mt. Vernon, are all great neighborhoods but I don't think they are any more "Baltimore" than anyplace else. In fact Hamden has become
so hipster trendy it has nothing to do with "old" Baltimore and I doubt his 4yr old will find the Frat boy bar scene in Canton interesting.

 

[Pardlion]

If any of you know DC or are police officers, etc. What do you think about the safety right now? I am going with my wife and 4 yr old. We had plans for a few months. In DC, we are around Chinatown at the Renaissance Hotel.

We would then go to Baltimore Sunday-Tue. Again, do you think it is safe? Any Baltimore police officers?
Any help would be appreciated! In B-more, we are staying right at Inner Harbor @ the Renaissance. Thank you!

I heard it's best to avoid the back of Patty Wagons in Baltimore.

 

[BBrown]

I heard it's best to avoid the back of Patty Wagons in Baltimore.

My advice if a cop approaches you. Don't run.

 

[LionJim]

?....wow. You know there are people who actually live and work in the areas that you are asking for a security screen on?

Your original request came off as fearful, a tinge racist and IMO insulting to those of us who live, work and raise families in these cities.

Don't be afraid, just get out there live it and have a good time, man. Nobody's going to hurt you and you're not going to be caught in a riot. If your up near the Zoo have dinner at "Lebanese Taverna" you will love it. When you're in Baltimore, stay away from the Harbor. It's not Baltimore. It's is a beat up, used up, plastic tourist enclave. It is anything but the real Baltimore. Go to Hamden, Canton, Roland Park, Bolton Hill or any other neighborhood. THAT is Baltimore.

You and I seem to think a lot alike on these issues, but it's a good possibility that all the OP knows about Baltimore is what he's seen on the news recently, plus maybe Homicide: Life on the Streets, and The Wire on the tube. If that's the actual case he asked a reasonable question, especially if he's got kids. To some extent we all live in our own little bubbles, some of which are smaller than others.

But yeah, he and his family will be safe. I'm not an expert on Baltimore but Washington's National Zoo and the Mall are incredible experiences for kids and their parents. It will be hotter than hell, though. He could take his family to Great Falls, just up River Road. (I prefer the Maryland side.)

I've worked for 34 years across the street where Union Market in DC is now and it's incredible the changes that have happened the last five or six years. It's good to see.

 

[mrtailgate]

Maybe go to Pittsburgh instead, nice museums, opera, and the home of infinite championships. They even put French fries on crappy cold cuts and call it fine dining.

 

[garw]

More to my thoughts. I have lived inner city Baltimore since my kids were younger than the OP's. As you will be downtown make sure you take your kid to the Baltimore Sciece Center. Next to it is a merry go round. Hop on a Water Taxi and cruise across the Harbor to the Aquarium. Stroll down to Fells Point and take in a meal and see the sights. More to do with kids than you'll have time for. Relax have fun.

 

[Nitt1300]

Unless you really like the heat, this isn't the best time of year to be in DC.

 

[LionJim]

More to my thoughts. I have lived inner city Baltimore since my kids were younger than the OP's. As you will be downtown make sure you take your kid to the Baltimore Sciece Center. Next to it is a merry go round. Hop on a Water Taxi and cruise across the Harbor to the Aquarium. Stroll down to Fells Point and take in a meal and see the sights. More to do with kids than you'll have time for. Relax have fun.

Yes, excellent advice here. The Aquarium is superb and will wear the kids out. Little Italy is three or so blocks to the east, go to Amicci's, it's not too fancy and the kids will love the food.

 

[KnightSlayer]

You are pretty tough behind your keyboard.

Nothing to do with being tough. I just refuse to live my life in fear. I went on vacation a month after 911. Half the resort was empty because so many people cancelled their trips. Never considered cancelling my vacation to Orlando after the shooting. I have family in DC and New York. I go there all the time and won't stop because of some asshole terrorists.

 

[gene2468]

Stay out of the no go zones.

 

[bison13]

Yes, excellent advice here. The Aquarium is superb and will wear the kids out. Little Italy is three or so blocks to the east, go to Amicci's, it's not too fancy and the kids will love the food.

Yes. outstanding..

 

[njlion73]

Thank you! So you think the zoo would be ok? Also, I just saw that the trial for the police officer in B-more is ending Monday when I am supposed to be there. That really worries me. Thoughts?

My daughter is a zoo keeper at the National Zoo in DC and has no problems.

 

[BBrown]

Yes. outstanding..

Amicci's is very good.
My personal favorite is Chipparelli's its awesome...

http://www.chiapparellis.com/

Now that I think about it @psuunc34 I highly recommend a side eating trip to Little Italy. Its walking distance and safe and a nice walk.
and here's the kicker your kid will probably love Vaccaro's and not just the youngun I'm willing to bet everyone will love it.

https://vaccarospastry.com/