NORTH BALTIMORE. Located near Johns Hopkins University, this museum is home to a number of impressive works by respected artists such as Matisse, Picasso, Monet, ézanne, Gauguin and van Gogh. In addition to the extensive permanent collection of 18th and 19th century American art, a large area of 16 galleries is brimming with one of the country's best collections of 20th-century Post-Impressionistic pieces.

DOWNTOWN. Following the collapse of its roundhouse roof in a snowstorm, the B&O Museum may have remained closed forever. But through perseverance and hard work, not only did the museum reopen, but it got better. The beautiful roundhouse is thoroughly renovated and showcases an amazing variety of interactive exhibits, plus a number of historic engines and some fascinating railroad equipment. A must see for railroad buffs, the museum was not only the first of its kind admitted to the Smithsonian Affiliates program, it was the first in Maryland to do so as well. Souvenirs, videos, books and clothing are available at the gift shop, and there is a café as well.

DOWNTOWN. Everyone knows about how Francis Scott Key wrote our National Anthem while watching the American flag fly during the War of 1812, but few people know the name of the woman who sewed that flag. Her name is Mary Pickersgill, and she made that historic banner by hand. Her Federal-style home is decorated in period furnishings, and an interesting museum next door tells the story of the War of 1812.

BALTIMORE HARBOR. This patriotic attraction is best known for its role in the writing of our national anthem ­ Francis Scott Key watched the flag wave above this fort during the 1814 Battle of Baltimore and was moved to write his moving tribute to the Stars and Stripes. After that fateful day, when the American forces stood firm, the fort continued as a military base but it never again faced attack. A guided tour and a short film tell the fascinating stories behind the fort.

MT VERNON. This wax museum is the first of its kind to pay homage to African-American history in the US. The museum showcases wax likenesses of many fictional heroes as well as historical figures of African-American heritage. Special events are often held in conjunction with Black History Month in February.