The US Nationals experience is so much more than just competing for a spot at Worlds. There are many great things to do with your weekend, and since the site of the 2005 US Nationals is my hometown of Baltimore, let me point you in a few directions. You'll find quite a bit packed into the dozen or so square blocks right around the Baltimore Convention Center, from riding the water taxis to taking in the National Aquarium. Here are some of my top picks:

You're here for the Magic after all, right? There is nothing so primitive in Magic as what is officially known as the US Open Qualifiers, but everyone calls "The Grinders." Every match is an elimination match. Sometimes harrowing, always exciting, the Grinders may also give you a glimpse of what's in store for the JSS Championship and the Standard portion of US Nationals.

Unfortunately, my beloved O's are in a tailspin right now, and Rafael Palmeiro made baby Jebus cry, but that just means that there will be seats to come by at what is the best place in the majors to see a ballgame. You can't beat Boog's barbecue (served out past the right field wall, underneath the warehouse) or the cold, fresh National Bohemian (Natty Bo to the locals).

There will be dozens of guys with binders who want to take your good cards off of you and give you slop in return. Don't let them. Insist that they take your crap for theirs. Be warned that buying and selling cards from other than authorized dealers will get you removed from the hall (and no, that weasly guy with four binders full power sitting half-hidden by the water fountain isn't an authorized dealer). If a trade doesn't feel right, don't do it.

Historic Fells Point is just minutes on foot away from the Convention Center. If you're at least 21, there is great nightlife down there, and there's a pretty good chance you'll run into Osyp--and who doesn't want to run into Dynamite Jackson when he's getting his groove on? If you're into interesting watering holes, mosey into The Horse You Came In On, which was in Fells Point back before the resurgence of the area. At the Horse, you can get one of 65 different beers, and here's a tip only the locals know--if you present your Oriole's ticket stub, your first drink is two-for-one.

Game of the Year is live-action Magic, where one lucky contestant is traditionally chosen to play a match against the creator of Magic, Dr. Richard Garfield (although Dr. Garfield couldn't make it last year, and the ever-popular Skaff Elias sat in for him). Audience members are chosen to represent the cards in the game, complete with costumes and special effects. Who could ever forget Zvi Mowshowitz as Flametongue Kavu?

Baltimore's Little Italy is about 20 minutes walk from the convention center. You can eat at traditional places like Sabatino's and Chiapparelli's or go upscale to Da'Mimmo. With two locations near the convention center in addition to the one in Little Italy (one on Light Street, one in Harborplace), you shouldn't miss Vaccaro's Italian Pastry Shop. Have a traditional espresso or cappuchino (or if you think you're really tough, have caffe ristretto, which is as much caffeine packed into as little water as is humanly possible) to go with cannoli to die for.

Dave Dorman, Anthony Scott Waters, and RK Post will be at the show signing your cards, offering prints and, if you're lucky, originals for sale. Although I don't really know Dave or Anthony, I've had occasion to meet RK on several occasions over the years, and find him to be a pretty cool guy to hang out with.

The Inner Harbor, where the Convention Center now stands, was at one time one of the filthiest, low-life places on earth. In the late 1970s the city hired legendary architecht James Roush to come in to breathe new life into downtown. Harborplace opened in 1981, and is the heart and soul of the city's resurgence. While you're there, you can get the best crabcake you'll ever eat, at Phillips' Restaurant. Just be prepared to wait.

If you've never eated steamed crabs, or seen anyone eating steamed crabs, it's a must for your Baltimore trip. As much ritual as it is dining, a crab feast is a great way to get together with friends and family alike, and part of the true Baltimore experience.

Or are they called Artisan Ales these days? Regardless, right across the street from the Convention Center is a string of microbreweries serving up some of the finest examples of malt, hop, and barley beverages you'll find on the East Coast.

I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you about some of the best restaurants in town. Be prepared to spend quite some scratch (and don't plan to get in wearing your jeans and t-shirt) at these places, but if you feel like doing it up right, places like Charleston with its renowed chef Cindy Wolf, Cork's, with its ridiculous wine cellar, and Windows in the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, with its spectacular views of the harbor, all fit the bill quite nicely. As always, I'll give the full report on anywhere I go.

We'll have both the US National Championships and the Junior Super Series Championships running side-by-side. Pick your poison starting on Friday, and watch some of the best Magic you'll see on this side of the Atlantic.

I hope that you enjoy yourself in Charm City while you're there. Baltimore is a place awash in history anc culture. I'd like for you to have the chance to get to know her a little while you're there. As always, if you're a regular reader, please feel free to drop by and say hello.

See you in Baltimore!