A Tourist's Guide to the Quarantine Road Municipal Landfill

Visitors (and even most natives) to Baltimore have yet to discover this well-kept secret of a scenic overlook. If you're looking for a rustic getaway that offers a breathtaking (actually hold your breath...) view of the entire Baltimore skyline and the eastern shipyards, this is the place for you and yours.

Located right on the southern tip of the city, The Quarantine, as we've lovingly dubbed it, is readily accessible from the beltway or from the harbor if you have access to a tug boat or waste barge. The location is wonderfully secluded by a series of earthen mounds and moats that line the perimeter. When you arrive at the entrance, the helpful "concierge," who exudes professionalism with his hard hat and orange DPW uniform, cheerfully directs you to the correct dirt access road. About a mile in, you arrive at a nice parking spot that is kept clear by heavy earth moving equipment.

One of the first things you notice, besides the "aromatic" atmosphere, is the thousands of seagulls that swarm around the indigenous fauna. It should be a delight for birdwatchers who can study how these happy, yappy creatures enthusiastically scavenge for food.

Surrounding you is all manner of interesting artifacts of human civilization. Antique furniture, vintage clothing, classic cars, historically significant office furniture, and much more are piled high waiting for inspection. This is a treasure hunter's paradise. I imagine Martha Stewart would find profound inspiration here.

Being "rustic," The Quarantine is light on amenities. Besides the attractive avacado green Port-A-Potties, there aren't many creature comforts, and the only option for food is to compete with the seagulls. We suggest you pack a picnic basket and bring your beer and wine in a cooler. But the greatest charm of this little-known outdoor hotspot is that you can leave your garbage anywhere to be cleaned up in style by city workers driving heavy equipment.

Mike's Rating: *** (out of five * if it's not raining) Budget: $$ (out of five $) We got out of the place for only $64.50 for two people and we left .69 tons of garbage!

- mike lee - baltimore