To the Top of Baltimore's World Trade Center

I've been to Baltimore's Inner Harbor several times, but this time was extra special.

I met two dear childhood friends there for an overnight, a visit that was long past due.

We did tons of catching up and reminiscing, and enjoyed every minute!

Aside from the terrific girlfriend time,
a highlight of the trip was something I'd not done on past visits:

viewing the city from "The Top of the World," the 

observation level of Baltimore's World Trade Center.

Located on Pratt Street at the Inner Harbor,

it's the world's tallest pentagonal building.

How's that for some trivia?

Outside the entrance is a memorial for the Maryland victims 
of the September 11, 2001 attacks. 
Three steel beams from New York's World Trade Center,
twisted and melted into one another, reminded us of 
the devastation of that very sad day in U.S. history.

We noticed that a timeline of that day's events 
was engraved into one side of the marble platform.
It was ingeniously designed in such a way that, like a sundial,
on the 11th of September each year, the shadow of the building
touches each inscription at the time that event occurred.

The memorial continued at The Top of the World with 
a solemn tribute, including photos of the 68 Maryland victims.
The names of all of the 9/11 victims
(Twin Towers, Pentagon and Shanksville, PA)
were etched into the glass windows.

An elevator whisked us up to the 27th floor where enormous windows 
on every side provided dramatic 360 degree views!

Panoramic views of the city and beyond! Magnificent!

Along with other Baltimore landmarks, we spotted the Shot Tower.

A National Historic Landmark, it was part of a gun shot factory from 1828 to 1892.

Molten lead was dropped from the top of the tower, through a sieve,

and into cold water at the bottom, where it became round and smooth.

Fascinating, isn't it?

A birds-eye view of the historic Pratt St. Power Plant,

inhabited by Phillips Seafood, Barnes & Noble, and the Hard Rock Cafe.

Here's the National Aquarium and the historic WWII-era submarine, the USS Torsk.

Looking out across the Inner Harbor to the Chesapeake Bay.

A nice view of Federal Hill Park.

Looking down at the heart of the Inner Harbor.

Back down at sea level, here's the 1854 sloop, the USS Constellation.

Posing with the fleet of Chesapeake Bay "Chessie Monster" paddle boats.

And a shot of the World Trade Center from the other side of the harbor.

Notice that gorgeous sky. Yep, it really was that blue.

Such a beautiful, clear day to take in the Inner Harbor!

Find out more at the Top of the World website.

Another of my posts that may interest you:
O Say Can You See? My Visit to Fort McHenry

Great friends, great times!
Baltimore 2016