Spring is in the air: Some great baseball getaways

Now that spring is finally here, we hope, we eagerly look forward to the traditional baseball opening day, April 1. I was intrigued by two interesting trip packages combining the great cities of San Francisco with its classic stadium, Candlestick Park and Baltimore and its famous Camden Yards.

I am told that the Baltimore Orioles and Harbor Magic Hotels are offering guests priority seating at Camden Yards Stadium to watch the Orioles or your favorite major league team play Baltimore. As a matter of fact, you can spend part of the Passover/ Easter break in Baltimore watching the “home” team play the New York Yankees, April 22-24. I won’t tell that you’ll be routing for our home team, the Yankees. If you miss them in April, then you might do an end of the summer getaway in August, as the teams will play again from Aug. 26-28.

The package includes accommodations at the Harbor Magic’s Berkshire Suites, the Pier 5 hotel (both in walking distance of Camden Yards) or the Admiral Fell Inn, a short water taxi ride away. Guests also receive Harbor Magic’s Insider Tips to Oriole Park at Camden Yards and pre- and post party passes with free drinks and special offers at 10 different bars in Baltimore.

Besides baseball, a visit to Baltimore would not be complete without a stroll along the Inner Harbor and Fell’s Point as they come alive for spring. There are also some great entertainment events that you might not want to miss. The infamous Cirque DuSoleil will be in town from April 4-27, performing Totem, which combines a dramatic blend of circus, arts, street entertainment, stunts and music. From April 15-16, pirates will invade Fell’s Point. It will be a weekend filled with high jinx, a pirate themed soiree, pirate ship cruises, tall ships, living history camps and special kid’s activities. Baltimore will also be commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. As you may recall, Baltimore witnessed the first bloodshed in a conflict that gave America a “new birth of freedom.” The commemoration will include encampments, candlelight tours of Fort McHenry and a Civil War Expo featuring historic sites.

Another great destination filled with history, including baseball is San Francisco. I understand that the Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf has introduced a “Home Run” room package to accommodate local and visiting fans. The hotel was designed with the baseball fan in mind as it offers easy access to the San Francisco Giant’s home turf via the city’s F line trolleys. The “Home Run” package includes newly renovated guest rooms for two, complimentary appetizers at the hotel’s sports-friendly Knuckles on the Wharf, two all day MUNI passes, which includes access on the F-line trolleys and cable cars. Rates start at $164 per night and can be booked by April 30.

When you’re not at the ballpark, the hotel is in close proximity to some of San Francisco’s other famous attractions including Alcatraz, Pier 39, The Cannery, Fisherman’s Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Lombard Street, Ghirardelli Square and the Aquarium of the Bay and North Beach. To relax in between site seeing and the games, you might want to take advantage of one of the Bay Cruises offered by the city’s well known Red and White Fleet. New this spring, the fleet is introducing the Bridge 2 Bridge Cruise, a specialty Indian Buffet Sunset Cruise. In addition, the popular California Sunset Cruise will be back this spring.

The Indian Buffet Sunset Cruise is an Indian-inspired “Bollywood-style” cruise featuring fine Indian cuisine and music for a fun and eclectic night on the Bay. This is an exclusive one-of-a kind cruise is limited to 100 guests per night. Passengers enjoy a special three-course Indian meal while viewing San Francisco’s breathtaking scenery and legendary views and listening to authentic Indian music. This cruise is also unique because it features accompanying audio in English and Hindi. The cruise departs Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings from late April to early September.

On the Bridge 2 Bridge cruise, you will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the impressive San Francisco Bay Bridge. This is the only cruise that sails under both the Golden Gate and Bay bridges. During the hour and a half sailing, I passed the city’s entire waterfront and got fantastic views of the city’s unique architecture, natural history and Native American culture.

Last but not least, the California Sunset Cruise is a two-hour sail that provides a unique opportunity to enjoy views of the city’s amazing sunset over the Pacific Ocean. As you pass San Francisco’s dramatically lit skyline, you will get a bird’s eye view of the city’s modern skyscrapers and historic landmarks. The cruise season for this offer begins March 31 and continues through the fall. There are also some special twilight cruises in the winter until the end of December.

To plan your visit to Baltimore and baseball outing, you can call 1-866-583-4162, www.harbormagic.com or travelguidebaltimore.com. If your heart is for San Francisco, you can visit fishermanswharf.hyatt.com or call (415) 563-1234 or toll free (800) 233-1234. To arrange a scenic cruise, visit www.redandwhite.com or call (415) 673-2900. Of course, you can also contact your local travel professional.

Copyright Marcia Abramson

E-mail: mascribe@aol.com