Baltimore lands on New York Times’ ‘52 Places to Go This Year’ list 

By Megan SaylesAFRO Enterprise Writermsayles@afro.com 

The New York Occasions simply dubbed Baltimore one of many high locations to go to this yr as a part of its “52 Locations to Go” in 2024 record. 

It joined locations like Paris, France; Maui, Hawaii; Hurghada, Egypt; and Vienna, Austria. Freelance journey author Daniel Scheffler penned the excerpt on Baltimore, highlighting the up-and-coming Baltimore Peninsula neighborhood and the continuing transformation of the historic Henry Highland Garnet College into the Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Middle. 

“After all of the years of labor the town has carried out with so many cheerleaders, from John Waters, to the mayor and the governor, to individuals just like the Empanada Woman, the workforce from Pendry Lodge and poet Distinctive Mical, it’s in good fingers to get all of the worldwide and nationwide consideration it deserves,” Scheffler informed the AFRO. 

Scheffler was born in Africa however grew up throughout Europe. He first visited Attraction Metropolis a pair years in the past for an interview with Baltimore native and American filmmaker John Waters. Whereas strolling the streets of the town, he fell in love with its uniqueness. 

Even having traveled to 130 international locations and 1000’s of cities, Scheffler mentioned Baltimore has a particular ingredient that may’t be discovered anyplace else. 

“To me Baltimore is among the most fascinating and fantastic locations I’ve been on the planet, and, thus, I return as usually as attainable,” mentioned Scheffler. “Some could say this isn’t my story to inform, however I’m grateful to have a platform to share Baltimore and my very own love for it. The town’s carried out the work, I’m merely telling individuals about it.” 

Al Hutchinson, president and CEO of Go to Baltimore, mentioned he and his workforce have been thrilled about Baltimore being tapped for the record. 

“It’s no secret that Baltimore is having a significant second— our arts, tradition, medical and tech industries are large property in our metropolis’s enchantment as a cultural vacation spot. Guests repeatedly touch upon our ease of entry, walkability, lovely waterfront, range in individuals, arts and tradition and our wonderful up and coming eating scene,” mentioned Al Hutchinson, president and CEO for Go to Baltimore. “As Governor Moore so usually says, it’s Maryland’s decade, nevertheless it’s Baltimore’s time.” 

He expressed that Baltimore’s critics have unduly steered the town’s narrative with out having a grasp of its deserves. He thinks everybody must be pleased with Baltimore for what he thought-about a momentous accomplishment. 

“For a lot too lengthy, we’ve let naysayers and individuals who don’t perceive Baltimore drive our narrative as to what makes a metropolis an excellent place to stay, work and go to,” mentioned Hutchinson. “The Baltimore we all know and love is a palace the place modern concepts and ambition are the forex that issues most, the place artwork is seen as a catalyst for dialog, meals as a method of connection and historical past as a possibility for schooling.” 

Megan Sayles is a Report For America corps member.