Baltimore is Beautiful: #BlackLivesMatter |

I have kept my political and personal feelings about the recent racially fueled conversations around the death of Freddie Gray to myself. I would first like to preface this post by sharing my condolences to the Gray family that lost their child, cousin, and loved one. As I have heard it is very hard to lose a child and I imagine only harder in such a media-driven environment.

Politics and race discussions really seem to show you people’s perspectives and everyone is a Facebook news correspondent. This post is not to argue the information and misinformation that has taken over international news but to remind you that Baltimore is not a hateful place. I was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and went back to the city about a week before the death of Freddie Gray to show my fiancé what I considered the “real” Baltimore. Until then he had the same HBO fueled The Wire background that most people align with the city. I will tell you it is still one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. It saddens me that the media has stricken so much fear into the public’s eye. Affectionately known as Charm City, the people of Baltimore City exude that charisma; of course, the city has its own issues but also it’s own identity that is very different from the rest of Maryland. I definitely grew up knowing more about DC than Baltimore but I still have ties to the community and the people.

My grandma retired as a Special Education Teacher in Baltimore City public schools after more than 20 years, my father is from Baltimore and my brother was born and raised. I grew up rooting for Morgan State football and I still feel perplexed every Battle of the Beltway (Baltimore Ravens VS. Washington Redskins). My ties are personal and I am far from an expert but one reason I love traveling so much is that it shows you first hand what a place is like, without bias and judgment.

I ask that you give Charm City a chance, do not discredit the beauty and integrity of all the hard working men and women of Baltimore City based on the current climate. I will always have a great time when I go to Baltimore.

Please note, I did not only stay in the Inner Harbour, I went out to different areas but I had so much fun one night at Club 347 on 347 N. Calvert Street, unfortunately, I didn’t have any nice photos to use…so you will have to go see for yourself!

We love Old Bay and we could eat crab cakes- or crab anything breakfast, lunch and dinner!Istopped by Faidley’s in Lexington Market for the best crab cakes in the WORLD! (as seen above)