The Garrett Family mansion is today the Evergreen Museum and Library owned by Johns Hopkins University.

Yesterday, we dropped by Baltimore to see some history. First stop, the Evergreen Museum and Library. Honestly, this place is pretty much off the radar. We found out about it thanks to my June/July issue of National Geographic Traveler. When we arrived at the mansion, we were greeted by happy museum workers who were excited to have visitors. Other than events, I don't think this place buzzes with too much traffic. With that said, Cole and I got a private tour of the mansion filled with Tiffany Lamps, rare books and Asian art. The 48-room home was built for the Garrett family. This family earned its wealth through the railroad. John W. Garrett became president of the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad in 1858. At this pivotal time in history, the railroad favored the Union during the Civil War. This gained his prestige and fortune as time went on.

The house was built for John's son, T. Harrison Garrett, who lived in the home with his wife Alice. T. Harrison. He stayed in the family business, continuing the railroad tradition.

Then, T. Harrison died and his son, John Work Garrett, lived in the house with his wife, also named Alice. Trust me, if you are confused by names right now, I am, too. Similar names for generations and generations with this family.

This last John was an ambassador for the U.S., lastly serving as the ambassador to Italy from 1929 to 1933. While he was traveling around the world, his wife and he soaked in the culture and made connections around the world. They brought this influence back into their home, as seen in the paintings, architecture and books. They also had live in artists.

You have to take my word on the inside of the house. They don't allow cameras inside, so my camera was under lock and key, literally.

The libraries were definitely our favorite part. They had a reading room, hallway and library completely full of books. So many books — more than 30,000. It reminded me of the days when I worked at the Spencer Research Library on KU's campus. So many old books with little call number tags sticking up.

Outside of the house, they had an Italian garden. People were setting up for a wedding that was starting later that day. It would definitely be a pretty place to get married.

People set up for a wedding at the Evergreen garden.

If you are in Baltimore, stop by, they will be super excited to see you.

Next, we traveled over to Fort McHenry. I am sure you know the tune, "O, say can you see ..." This fort flew the flag Francis Scott Key saw from the harbor. While the flag flying today isn't the original, of course, a large flag is flying on the day we visited. If you want to see the historic one, you have to visit the National Museum of American History in D.C.

It was a perfectly windy day, so we enjoyed seeing the flag fly and the inside of the star-shaped fort.

Flag waves above the fort.

Fort McHenry protects Baltimore's harbor during the War of 1812.

Cannons pointed out to the harbor.

Cole and the big flag.

The flag stands tall near the front entrance.

Cannons all over the place.

Cole and I enjoying the sunny weather at Fort McHenry.