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If you love baseball, you probably find baseball stadiums interesting if not downright fascinating. Especially those with lots of history. So why not take time to plan a little tour? Three of baseball’s most iconic stadiums are Fenway, Wrigley and Orioles Park at Camden Yards.
A little history
The first game played at Fenway Park took place on April 20, 1912. For a time, the game took everyone’s mind off the Titanic, which had sunk a few days earlier after striking an iceberg in the North Atlantic. The ballpark’s most noted feature is the “Green Monster,” the 37-foot, 2-inch wall stretching across left field.
The Chicago Cubs moved into Wrigley Field in 1916. The “friendly confines” include ivy-covered brick walls in the outfield. Wrigley was the last Major League ballpark to install lights. Finally, as of 1988, fans could enjoy night games!
Oriole Park at Camden Yards was the first of the popular “retro-classic” ballparks. Part of its charm is the B&O Railroad warehouse dating from the early 20th century, which became part of the architectural design when the stadium was built. The Orioles began playing in their new home during the 1992 season.
Ballpark food: fan favorites
You can enjoy a dessert-like treat at Fenway Park that begins with warm fried dough. This serves as the foundation for ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate sauce plus your choice of toppings.
At Orioles Park, there’s an Old Bay stand where you can pick up popular crab cakes or crab cake sandwiches. After all, you’re in Maryland where they know how to do crab!
Fans at Wrigley Field in Chicago go for a sandwich made of pulled pork on a bao bun with cucumber, jalapeño relish, carrots and pickled daikon (a type of radish).
Accommodations
Boston: Looking for something a bit different? Check out the Verb Hotel, a stone’s throw from Fenway Park. Breakfast is included in the (reasonable) price and there’s an outdoor pool. If you’re interested in more conventional accommodations, look into the Hotel Commonwealth. Here you’ll find a fitness center, fine dining onsite and rooms with views of nearby Fenway.
Baltimore: You can’t go wrong with Rachael’s Dowry Bed and Breakfast, a charming B&B close to Orioles Park at Camden Yards. If a B&B isn’t your style, you might consider the Baltimore Hampton Inn-Downtown-Convention Center, which is within walking distance of the ballpark. Free hot breakfast, pool and fitness center.
Chicago: You can enjoy the view of Wrigley Field without leaving your room if you stay at the Hotel Zachary Chicago. And from here, it’s only a five-minute walk to the stadium. This is an upscale hotel, so if you’d like less expensive accommodations, consider the Ambassador Chicago, a Hyatt hotel that is a 6-minute drive to Wrigley.
Getting there
Obviously, you could fly into each of these baseball stadium cities. But a ballpark-hopping tour lends itself to driving. Perhaps in your RV. I know a couple who did ballpark-hopping from coast to coast in their vintage Corvette and had a great time! Examples of mileage between the cities herein mentioned are as follows: Between Boston and Baltimore, 398 road miles. Between Baltimore and Chicago, 701 road miles.
Enjoy a tour of famous ballparks as you travel into history!