Baltimore is a place well worth exploring.
A city steeped in history, you also won't find a place richer in culture.
Founded nearly three centuries ago, before the onset of the Revolutionary War, Baltimore, or "Bawl-mer," as us locals fondly call it from time to time, is a singular destination that's home to preeminent attractions such as the National Aquarium and Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
All jokes aside, Charm City is not just football and crab cakes (Faidley's and G&M are a must if you're in the mood). Francis Scott Key wrote The Star-Spangled Banner here amid a pivotal battle for American independence during the War of 1812.
The city has more than lived up to that pivotal moment, showcasing its resilience in the decades since.
Like many major cities, Baltimore was rocked by "White flight," the crack epidemic and the war on drugs of the mid to late 20th century. But that's only a brief chapter in the city's story.
This month, Baltimore's destination marketing organization, Visit Baltimore, launched an all-new promotional effort with the help of creative agency SPARK.
"You Won¡¯t Get It ¡®Til You Get Here" invites travelers to throw their preconceived notions about Baltimore to the wind and embrace the unexpected through a handful of short video spots and bold digital and out-of-home placements.
Touting Baltimore as the place to be in 2025 will undoubtedly be met with pushback, but I'm here to tell you that this city is as worthwhile as any.
Baltimore Is Gritty...In the Best Way
When it comes to power and corruption, Baltimore has earned its seat at the table alongside metropolises like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. It should be worth mentioning that most people have little issues visiting those places (perhaps the power of celebrity).
Check out HBO hits like The Wire or We Own This City to catch up on the city's complicated and checkered past.
But comparable to Boston and Philadelphia, this is a city with an unbreakable attitude. The locals battle the cold and snow during winter and navigate the crippling summer heat with little fanfare.
It's even dealt with tremendous loss over the past year and its grittiness has developed over time.
But that doesn't mean that Baltimore isn't welcoming.
Baltimore's Inner Harbor (photo by Noreen Kompanik)
Baltimore Is a Safe Destination
Baltimore is as safe as any American city you'll visit today¡ªit achieved its lowest number of monthly homicides since the city began keeping monthly records in 1970 this past April.
Like any major U.S. city, Baltimore has its rough areas, but the tourist hotspots surrounding the Inner Harbor, including popular neighborhoods like Fed Hill, Mount Vernon, Fells Point and Canton, offer unique charm and vibes that travelers won't find anywhere else.
Baltimore Is For Every Type of Traveler
There's truly something for everyone in Baltimore. There's a reason it was long ago dubbed the "Greatest City in America" (You may find this slogan stamped across a bench amid your visit).
After all, sports fans can experience a one-of-a-kind ball park in the aforementioned Camden Yards and explore the birthplace of baseball legend Babe Ruth or watch a two-time NFL MVP in Lamar Jackson lead the Ravens just steps away.
Movie and TV buffs can also tour a slew of special filming locations throughout the city, while music and poetry lovers can find easy inspiration in the city's vibrant history. The city has even embraced Pride like few others and hosts one of the largest African American festivals on the East Coast in Afram each summer.
On a personal note, I grew up in and around this city. It's DNA is all over. My fondest memories take me back here.
I went to college just north of the city and met the love of my life here and as often as my family travels, we'll only ever know one home.
Baltimore is a really, really cool place. Give it a chance.
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