CEC2025: Explore Charm City

CEC’s 2025 Convention and Expo will be held in Baltimore, Maryland, from March 12 to 15, 2025. Thousands of special education professionals from around the world will come together to learn, share, grow, and connect. But what happens when sessions end for the day? Check out all the amazing food, sights, and adventures B’more offers!  

Sights 

Baltimore was established nearly three centuries ago, with a rich history woven into the city's fabric. 

• Visit the birthplace of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Fort McHenry. This coastal fort is a favorite of Baltimoreans and tourists alike, with museums across the premises, gorgeous views of the Baltimore Harbor, and a chance to immerse yourself in American History. 

• Did you know that there is another Washington Monument in Baltimore? Located in the Mount Vernon-Belvedere neighborhood of Baltimore, this monument preceded Washington, DC’s Washington Monument, and has held a prominent spot in Baltimore’s skyline. Visit the gallery or climb to the top for a beautiful view of the city. 

• As you stroll around the Inner Harbor, you might spot a strange contraption with massive googly eyes in the water. Meet Mr. Trash Wheel, a trash inceptor that removes trash from the Inner Harbor. Mr. Trash Wheel is a local celebrity, responsible for providing many smiles and cleaner waterways. 

• The George Peabody Library is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Opened in 1878, this library is affiliated with Johns Hopkins University and is open to the public. Adorned with five tiers of cast-iron balconies and a beautiful skylight, this library will take your breath away. 

Food 

Baltimore is renowned for its crabcakes, but the city offers an amazing range of cuisine suitable for every palate and occasion. 

• Right off of the Inner Harbor sits Little Italy, a cozy neighborhood packed with some of the best Italian food offered. With mainstays like the colorful Café Gia and the iconic Vaccaro’s Italian Pastry Shop (don’t forget to grab a cannoli), you’ll leave with a full belly and delighted taste buds.  

• Miss Shirley’s Café is a B’more favorite. Stop by for breakfast, brunch, or lunch and enjoy classic Southern staples or innovative new creations. Miss Shirley’s often tops local, regional, and national “Best Of” lists, and their menu easily explains why. 

• While you’re in town, you need to try a crabcake. Seek out the best of the best and drop by Baltimore institutions like Faidley’s Seafood or Duda’s Tavern for one of the best crabcakes you’ll ever try. 

• The Horse You Came In On Saloon, popularly known as The Horse, is the oldest continuously operated saloon in the United States. It is also known as the last place that writer and poet Edgar Allan Poe was seen before his death. Today, the saloon offers delicious drinks and live music. 

Signature Baltimore Food and Drinks 

Baltimore is a foodie city, with several dishes and drinks becoming signatures of the city. When you’re in the city, try some icons like: 

• Crab cakes – Baltimore crab cakes are a step above the rest. Made with locally caught blue crab, these crab cakes are chock full of crab, not filler. 

• Crab dip – Not in the mood for a crab cake? Try some crab dip, a cheesy, creamy, crabby dip served in many of Baltimore’s restaurants. Want to make it even better? Try a crab dip pretzel. 

• Orange Crush – A B’more original, an Orange Crush is a refreshing cocktail with fresh-squeezed orange juice, vodka, triple-sec and lemon-lime soda. 

• Berger Cookies – NYC has black-and-white cookies, and Baltimore has Berger Cookies. Created by Henry Berger in 1835, these chocolate-covered cake-like cookies will satisfy any sweet tooth. 

• Natty Boh – Driving into Baltimore, you might catch a glimpse of Mr. Boh, a mustachioed one-eyed mascot watching over the city. National Bohemian Beer, or Natty Boh, is a lager brewed in Baltimore and is considered the city’s official beer. Did you know that 90% of all Natty Boh’s sales occur in Baltimore? 

• Old Bay – What’s more Baltimore than Old Bay Seasoning? This seasoning mix is an East Coast staple created by the Baltimore Spice Company in 1939. Originally created as a seafood seasoning, you’ll find Old Bay in everything from sandwiches to potato chips, Goldfish, and even vodka!  

• Lemon Sticks – Lemon sticks might be Baltimore’s best-kept secret. This simple treat, composed of a chilled lemon and peppermint stick, is typically offered at Mount Vernon’s Flower Mart but you may be able to find them offered elsewhere in the city. 

Culture 

Baltimore is rich with culture and opportunities to immerse yourself in American history, art, and more. 

• The Walters Art Museum is spread over five buildings and houses over 36,000 art pieces. With collections spanning seven millirems and many nations and cultures, the Walters is a must-see for every art appreciator.  

• Choo choo! Baltimore’s train industry is chronicled at the B&O Railroad Museum. This museum marks the site of the nation’s first mile of commercial railroad and walks us through the railroad industry’s history and impact. 

• Travel back in time and visit the Historic Ships in Baltimore. Five ships docked along the Inner Harbor offer a glimpse into over two centuries of maritime and naval history. Go under the deck to view artifacts and how sailors lived and worked on these vessels. 

• Graffiti Alley offers graffiti artists a safe place to display their art. The bright, larger-than-life art pieces tell the story of Baltimore and the creativity of its residents.  

• Power Plant Live! occupies the historic site of a 19th-century power-generating station originally built for Baltimore's renowned railroad companies. It also stands on the former grounds of the original Centre Market, a significant commercial hub predating the Revolutionary War. Today, this vibrant entertainment district boasts an array of restaurants, bars, and a top-notch music venue. We’re hosting our Opening Reception here!  

Fun 

Let’s not forget to have some fun! Baltimore offers many opportunities to have some fun and let loose! 

• The National Aquarium hosts a range of animals with a focus on conservation and research. With exhibits featuring dolphins, puffins, sharks, terrapins, and more, this aquarium will dazzle you, and you might learn some fun facts along the way! 

• Don your lab coat at the Maryland Science Center. Explore exhibits on physical science, dinosaur fossils, and so much more at this historic institution. We’re even hosting our CEC Celebration here! 

• Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is home to many fun and exciting sites mentioned above. This waterfront area offers wonderful views of the city, plenty of places to rest and relax, delicious meals and snacks, and more! 

Travel 

CEC’s annual Convention will not be returning to the East Coast for a few years. Take this opportunity to explore the East Coast, with easy access to cities like New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Richmond, and more. Baltimore offers close access to Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, with easy routes to other nearby airports like Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport, or take the train from Baltimore Penn Station. 

Don't miss out on savings for your stay in Baltimore! Book your hotel by February 7th to take advantage of savings. 

We cannot wait to welcome you to Baltimore for CEC2025! Don’t miss out on your opportunity to join thousands of your fellow special education professionals to learn, grow, connect, and explore B’more!