Baltimore Day 2

 Enjoying a rather leisurely morning, after being on the go, we decided to have a late breakfast/brunch  at the locally recommended Miss Shirley’s, which had been visited by Guy Fierri  of Diners, Dives and Drive Ins. Now, I realize Guy’s choices for food can often be questionable, but I think he often unearths some of the areas best noted, and it was recommended here by a local, so I wanted to give it a try.  The Blue Moon had also turned up in my research, but the same local wondered what the hype was about. I couldn’t resist Ordering the Coconut stuffed French toast, and Clem ordered another special, chicken and waffles.   I do believe Guy is all about quantity and decadence, rather than actual quality, and I found the toast outrageously large, but not actually that good!  I used some of the coconut stuffing on the fruit accompanying it, and very little of what appeared to be an entire loaf of bread!  So much for carb counting!  I should have followed my first instinct and ordered the healthy egg white scramble after all.  A young woman’s avocado toast across from me looked very inviting as well.  She was seated with three other women, one of whom was incredibly slender,  and couldn’t seem to take her eyes off me after my dish was served  I should have offered her a bite! 

Next stop the visitor center to get a better map, and find out how to access the Baltimore Connector bus to get  around .  We were greeted by the sweetest little man, who was so friendly and more than helpful, and rather surprised by my familiarity with the sights.  I said I try to do my homework. He said I should come back and he would give me a job!  He assured us we could walk to The American Visionary Museum, but to walk slow, as it was to be 100 degree heat index today.  

It was seriously warm, and we had already walked to breakfast and back, and we were glad to finally arrive at the very ornately decorated building.   Said to be liked even by people who don’t like museums, and proclaimed by CNN as one of the best museums in the world, containing unique displays, I was looking forward to it, but a bit nervous about what Clem’s reaction might be.  It can be uncomfortable taking him to art museums when he stands in front of an abstract and proclaims loudly that any 2 year old could do that.  It’s hard to explain this museum, so I found their description on the web site, and while it was sometimes odd in my estimation, it was incredibly interesting and thought provoking, even for Clem.  

“AVAM specializes in original thematic exhibitions that seamlessly combine art, science, philosophy, humor and especially social justice and betterment.”

Of course, I had to visit the gift shop, and Clem took a seat to wait, but I went back to get him to see all of the fun and amazing trinkets and oddities! It was jam packed, and as the their advertising claims, you go in shopping and come out smiling!  

Toys, tops, silky gadgets….great fun! 

This chest was full of tiny treasures for about 25 cents,  and even a skate key, which I couldn’t resist! 

This chest had all old labels and vintage stickers and post cards. A treasure trove for crafters and artists. 

After the gift shop, we exited the back to find a sculpture garden, and another building with mostly large interesting and unusual  pieces, including a giant buxom blond! There was a long display of many wooden creations that moved when a crank was turned, and we went down the line, turning the handle of each one, enjoying the creativity and skill in their creation. 

The mouth of this giant alligator seems to be a type of coffin, and there are bikes in each section in order to make it move, presumably for parades. 

18,000 bras! 

Apparently Fifi can be ridden in parades, much like the alligator. 

It was still very hot out when we finished, and we found a shaded bench across the street along the harbor to relax a bit and rest our feet before the return walk, after spending several hours on the three floors, a very fun gift shop,  a Sculpture garden, and a second building with some really cool displays. We succumbed to a cold treat along the way, and another bench, and some people watching.  There are scooters that you can rent, and those and bikes, and walkers made their way along the water.  At first reluctant to use the scooters, we asked a young man taking one how to pay for them, which is accomplished by scanning the display and downloading an app.  We may give our feet a break tomorrow, as we are not doing very well with the bus system.  

I got such a kick out of this dog sitting on the bench rather than the ground, I laughed and asked if they minded a photo. He obliged with a smile, and the dog jumped down and greeted me with a big slobbery hello! 

Tired feet after lots of walking!