With summer rolling in and temperatures shooting up to the 80s, what's better than taking a dip in the water? It's really hard to believe that Baltimore, located right near the Chesapeake Bay, offers no decent beaches for the population.
Yet, while there might be no real beaches around to cool down your senses, a day at the pool might offer the same opportunity to look at girls in bikinis and guys with studly bodies. Apparently, Baltimore, the hometown of Michael Phelps, winner of six gold medals at the Olympic Games of Summer 2004, has no lack of great pools. This week, we'll take you to five of the best places in Mobtown to take a dip.
Ralph S. O'Connor Recreation Center Swimming Pool
Homewood campus
There's nowhere more convenient than the swimming pool at the Recreation Center. While some of you living at Homewood might complain about walking, face it guys - it's only 15 minutes from your room. The pool is a 25-meter, standard-sized pool, with regulated temperatures throughout the year.
On weekdays, you can choose to have a dip in the morning before class starts, when the pool opens from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m., or during lunch break from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Alternatively, the pool opens at night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. If you're sick of lying on the fake beach and long for some real aquatic fun on the weekends, the pool is always open from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
If you're looking for something more, the pool holds kayaking sessions almost every Friday. The instructors there will teach you all the basics before you get drowned on a real kayaking trip. (Note: We do share our pool with varsity members. Once in a while girls, you might be able to catch a glimpse of our studly swimming team.)
Patterson Park Pool
148 S. Linwood Avenue
(410) 396-9332
If you're sick of indoor swimming while the sun is shining outside, the Patterson Park Pool might be the place for you. Located a few blocks from Fell's Point in Patterson Park, the pool opens in June after city schools close for the summer and stays open until the last Sunday of August.
The pool is open every day with a minimal admission fee. There are also various programs organized for swimmers including group lessons, organized group swims and early morning lap swimming for adults. Sadly, gone are the days when the Patterson Park Pool actually had its own sandy beach.
The pool continues to be a popular location, particularly because of its proximity to other facilities in the park such as tennis courts and a skating rink.
Druid Hill Park Pool
800 Wyman Park Drive
(410) 396-6477
Managed by the Department of Recreation and Parks of the City of Baltimore, the Druid Hill Park Pool is another location where you can enjoy the sunshine will swimming. With the Baltimore Zoo in close distance, you can imagine (I say imagine) swimming with chimpanzees, elephants, leopards and warthogs.
The Druid Hill Park houses one park pool, one wading pool and a large lake. You can always jump into Druid Lake (when no one's looking) when you decide to indulge your wilder side. The admission cost for the pools is $1.50 per person. Alternately, if you're going to train up your muscles this summer, you might want to purchase a $25 season pass.
Again, there are all sorts of courses offered by the Aquatics Program Center, including aqua aerobics, swimming lessons, swim conditioning and diving.
Elkridge Club Swimming Pool
6100 North Charles Street
(410) 377-9200
Once in a while you need to live the high life. You know, kick back by the pool, whip out your American Express Black card and order a bottle of bubbly. The Elkridge Club Swimming Pool will definitely satisfy your craving for elegance - if you've got the cash. As a part of the Elkridge Club golfing facilities, the swanky pool is surrounded by little tables with ladies savoring English high tea.
Sadly, the high life isn't for everyone. To keep out the commoners who would mar your aquatic experience, there's a strict dress code: jeans, hats and not being rich are never allowed at the Elkridge Club.
The Inner Harbor
Stressed by crazy Hopkins life? If the plunge in Druid Lake wasn't quite enough to revive your spirits and stimulate your senses, why not go for a jetty jump at the Inner Harbor?
Famed for its charm in the 'most charming city in America,' the Inner Harbor will offer you an unforgettable experience swimming with seagulls and trash. Tired and hungry after a swim? There's always the Cheesecake Factory and Phillip's Seafood waiting for you once you get back on land.
Want more? You'll be a spectacle for the thousands that walk by the Inner Harbor every day. An exciting experience and a spot in the headlines is the perfect break from your summer routine. One last thing: check with your doctor about required immunizations before taking the plunge - you're going to need them.
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