Two Mount Vernon Landmarks

Over the past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of two friends. This is a special event in any circumstance, but it was made even more enjoyable by being in my neighborhood. That's right - both the ceremony and the reception were in Mount Vernon, and therefore I was able to dispense with vehicular transportation and enjoy walking.

The ceremony took place at the Baltimore Basilica. www.baltimorebasilica.org This stunning Henry Benjamin Latrobe building was closed a few years ago for extensive renovations, and if you haven't been back in to take a peek, do so! The Basilica re-opened in 2006, just in time to celebrate its 200th anniversary. It is very much a "working church" with weddings (obviously!), baptisms, and regular worship services. However, the Basilica also has a lecture and concert series, daily tours of the building, a museum and a gift shop. It is a cornerstone of Baltimore's architectural, spiritual, and historical life.

After a beautiful wedding, the guests perambulated up Charles St. to the Belvedere. www.belvederebaltimore.com Opened in 1903 as the Hotel Belvedere, this building was the premier hotel in Baltimore for half a century. While it was converted to condominiums in the 80's, the marble floors, soaring ceilings, and gorgeous chandeliers remain. The reception was held in one of the ballrooms, which was beautifully restored/maintained. (In addition to the ballrooms, which are usually engaged in private events, there is a club on the 13th floor with spectacular views of the city, and a bar/restaurant on the main floor which used to be a speak-easy.)

I was lucky enough to be in these Baltimore landmarks because of a joyous celebration, but you can be just as lucky without my friends' wedding! Both the Basilica and the Belvedere encourage visitors, whether you're from another part of town, you're from another country, or you're a neighbor who simply hasn't yet experienced some of the gems in their own corner of the world.