Baltimore: (Way) More than John Waters and Crab Cakes

Story by Ed Salvato; John Waters really wants to corrupt you, above; photo courtesy hereTV

Don't get us wrong, we love John Waters. In fact click here to see movies Waters hopes will corrupt you presented on GPS's sister site, hereTV. And Maryland has pretty much the best crab cakes in the country. But Baltimore is more than just this succulent seafood and the quirky city you see proudly depicted in Waters many films, including Pink Flamingos, Female Trouble, and Pecker.

Its revitalized Inner Harbor has become a center of commerce, tourism, and sightseeing, and Baltimore boasts an up-and-coming food scene and quite a number of compelling museums. (Photo right: Baltimore Museum of Art.) The official tourism office of Baltimore offers information tailored specifically to LGBT travelers.

The city is proud of their quirky heritage but also want to be sure that all are welcome, including gay and lesbian families, which they've even depicted in gay ads, like the one below.)

Upcoming LGBT-popular events

HonFest, June 12-13, HonFest.org

This charming festival honors, 'hons,' those hard-working Baltimore women who have essentially always been this city's secret fuel. (Photo below depicts 2009 HonFest winners, courtesy HonFest.org)

Baltimore Gay Pride, June 19-20, BaltimorePride.org

Pride sticks to its non-commercial roots here as its done for over 30 years. Highlights include a parade and block party on June 19 in Mount Vernon with the festival taking place on the following day at Druid Hill Park.

ArtScape, July 16-18, ArtScape.org

This is the nation's largest free arts festival, featuring continuous musical performances by local and national entertainers, as well as film, opera, dance, fashion, theater and much more.

Summer Restaurant Week, August 13-22, BaltimoreRestuarantWeek.com

Food lovers will find fixed price options throughout towns, including a three-course lunch or dinner prix-fixe menus in Little Italy, gay-popular Mount Vernon, Federal Hill and more.