Hot House: The Delphinus, Chester’s Cove, 2000 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, 21231
Barge style houseboat, fiberglass frame with metal roof. 1 bedroom w/ sleeping-loft, 1 bath over one story and 350 sq. feet. 11-ft. ceilings, fully-equipped galley kitchen with full-sized refrigerator, microwave, sink and cooktop. Two fully-fenced decks with lounge furniture. Electric heat and central a/c, flatscreen tv, free wifi: $150/night
What: Most romantic Valentine’s Day present ever. For anyone who’s ever fantasized about living on a houseboat (and there are many), you can give it a test run here in Fells Point. SleepAfloat is a company with houseboats for rent in cities all along the east coast from Boston to Key West. Boats in Baltimore, all pet-friendly, are available by the day, week and during the winter, by the month. The Delphinus is the most picturesque of the three, looking like a little cottage on the water. Accommodations, while not luxurious, are practical and surprisingly comfortable. Through the white picket fence, enter into the wood-beamed “salon,” where there’s a double sleep sofa and a flatscreen TV as well as tables and chairs. Windows all around let in lots of light and water views. Over a half wall is the small but well-equipped kitchen, complete with dishes and cutlery. Beyond is the master bedroom with queen-sized bed, and a bathroom with stand-up shower. Soap and towels are included. The sleeping loft upstairs is strictly for kids — ceiling height is just 2.5 feet — but it’s a berth worthy of Pippi Longstocking herself. Only downside is, the Delphinus is stationary. You can’t actually set sail for brighter shores, but it’s a start.
Where: Chester’s Cove is in the heart of Fells Point/Harbor East. Just across the way is the Captain James Landing stop on the Water Taxi, which will take you across to the Federal Hill side, or you could walk it on the wide promenade that winds for 7 miles around the entire Inner Harbor. From the President Street exit off 83, follow Aliceanna Street to S. Wolfe, and take a right down to Chester’s Cove. A site attendant will be on hand to get you sorted. Once you’ve stowed your gear, the whole Inner Harbor is a short walk. Breakfast at Jimmy’s on S. Broadway, lunch at the Thames Street Oyster House, dine at dozens of fine Fells Point restaurants. Or fire up the electric grill, and sit on the deck watching the sunset, the envy of all.
Why: Waves lapping at the boat, moonlight on the water.
Why Not: Sea sickness (a possibility, not a given).
Would Suit: Adventurers, outside-the-boxers.
NB: Free parking at the Marina for the length of your stay. Price listed is for two guests, $25/night for each additional guest.
