Baltimore — yes, Baltimore — is among the likes of Singapore, Paris, Geneva, Vienna and Brisbane, according to The New York Times, which tapped Charm City as one of “52 Places to Go in 2024.”
It’s the second time in six years that Baltimore has made the cut, from the 15th spot on 2018’s list to 14th on this year’s annual travel destination roundup, which features locales ranging from Maui, Hawaii, to the Albanian Alps. Of the 52 locations — one for every week of the year — only 10 are in the United States, placing Baltimore among the “small winding lanes” and “chic coffee shops” of Yamaguchi, Japan; the dazzling northern lights displays in northwest Canada; and the world’s biggest salt flat, some 12,000 feet above sea level in Bolivia.
High praise, indeed.
Add in Baltimore’s own Little Donna’s — a cozy Upper Fells Point tavern — making it onto The New York Times’ 2023 list of the 50 most exciting restaurants around the country, and all the love begs one question: Does New York have a crush on Baltimore?
“We are delighted that the New York Times captured the magic and charm of Baltimore and recognized what we have always known: our city is rich in cultural history and experience,” Asma Naeem, director of the Baltimore Museum of Art, told The Baltimore Sun in a written statement.
The BMA, referenced in The New York Times’ description of Baltimore, will soon kick off a series of nine exhibits of Native American art.
“The Baltimore Museum of Art is honored to continue to share the stories of an incredible breadth of artists,” Naeem said. “This year, we are focusing in particular on the narratives, experiences, and art of a wide range of Native artists and also encouraging our community to share their own little-known histories.”
A new Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center at PS 103, plans for a network of kayaking and paddling routes around Baltimore, and Baltimore Peninsula — the South Baltimore waterfront redevelopment project — also received nods in the description that hails Baltimore as a top travel destination. “It’s an enormous year for Charm City,” The New York Times writes.
The city’s supporters and business boosters agree that big things are happening, with even more ahead.
“Baltimore has it all: vibrant arts, culture and entertainment options; a thriving culinary scene; charming neighborhoods and waterfronts; central location between DC and New York City along the Northeast Corridor; a highly educated and diverse workforce; and an extremely affordable quality of life. It’s thrilling to finally see it being recognized,” MaryAnne Gilmartin, the founder and CEO of MAG Partners — one of the developers behind Baltimore Peninsula — told The Sun in a written statement.
She noted the success of waterfront salsa and wellness classes in Baltimore Peninsula and highlighted new restaurant happenings — in addition to welcoming more people to “come and see what the city has to offer.”