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The Power Plant is Baltimore's newest attraction (opened in summer 1998) located at Pier 5 and is completely geared toward commercialism, which can be good or bad depending on what one is looking for. This former downtown plant now features a Barnes & Noble bookstore, Hard Rock Cafe, Gold's Gym, and the first ever ESPN Zone (410/685-ESPN).
The ESPN Zone is a 35,000 square foot sports-themed dining and entertainment complex with two levels and is designed to resemble a stadium. Here, one can indulge in an unhealthy amount of sports TV in the Screening Room; or, participate in several games and attractions in the Sports Arena; while waiting for what the establishment calls 'American grill food' in the Studio Grill. The menu, not unlike the Hard Rock's menu next door, is a bit overpriced, but the portions are above average in size. Also, there is a nice sitting area outside of the Barnes & Noble book store and the Hard Rock Café -- where one can sit back and enjoy a view of the Harbor, or perhaps read a newly purchased book over an eight-dollar hamburger.
The Power Plant is one of the biggest structures along the seaport; in fact, it's quite an effort to avoid seeing this building when driving or strolling waterside. Unless you're heart is set on rock memorabilia or you're a die-hard sports fan who just won't survive if they miss the game, there are far more inexpensive and aesthetically appealing places beyond the Harbor where one can get a nice chunk of Baltimore's culture as well. Although the ESPN Zone is the first of its kind, and perhaps worth a look, there are several other bar and grill joints that provide a trillion TVs where one can watch all the games, but also provided is a more selective and less expensive menu, as well as a more eclectic atmosphere. (Just scan the local City Paper or even ask around for these places, Baltimoreans seem to be unusually nice people). Anyway, the Gold's Gym and Hard Rock Café are standard; Barnes & Noble has a very wide selection of books, and is probably the best book store in town. The Power plant is easily reached on foot, by water taxi, or by private vehicle. Meter parking is available.
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