It should come as no surprise to members of The University of Baltimore community that Baltimore made this year’s New York Times list of “52 Places to Go.” One of UBalt’s biggest assets is, well, Baltimore. Its urban setting puts the University right in the middle of the action, distinguishing itself from other similarly sized schools, with bold architecture, historical sites, culinary treats and more, so nearby they feel like natural extensions of the campus. And if you have transportation—be it bicycle, bus or car—even more is available for students, staff, faculty and alumni to experience. To gain insight into what makes Charm City shine, we asked four UBalt insiders to share their “places to go” in the city they love.
Cindy Schuster, B.S. ’87, M.A. ’89 at Greenmount Cemetary
Cindy Schuster, B.S. ’87, M.A. ’89
Director, Shared Services,
The University of Baltimore
By her own admission, Cindy Schuster’s time at the University started “long ago” as an undergraduate in the Merrick School of Business, but her time in Baltimore started by growing up here. She’s a Lauraville native and went to Western High School, facts she still points out with pride. “A lot of people are surprised at our neighborhood focus,” she remarks. “You don’t just say you’re from Baltimore city. Neighborhoods are very important.”
“ There’s so many things in our area to take advantage of.”
CINDY SCHUSTER
Today, Schuster stays busy as UBalt’s director of shared services, but still makes time to get off campus and enjoy the city—something she does often enough that she’s earned herself a reputation for being something of a resident “guidebook” on campus. “There are so many things in our area to take advantage of,” she says. For example, she recently became a member of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (where she fondly remembers her undergraduate ceremony taking place). She also regularly attends Open Walls Baltimore, going inside many of the area’s buildings and churches.
Where to Go: Patterson Park. My older son moved over by Patterson Park, and I swear there’s a festival there every week. And the number of sports taking place there shocks me! If you’re into any type of intramural, that’s the place to be.
Hidden Gem: Greenmount Cemetery. It’s the prettiest cemetery I’ve seen in Maryland— I’ve even picnicked there. It’s surprising just how many famous people’s gravesites you see. If you get a chance, take one of their tours.
Juarez Lee-Shelton, B.A. ’15, M.A. ’18 at Ft. McHenry
Juarez Lee-Shelton, B.A. ’15, M.A. ’18
Bus Operator, Maryland Transportation Authority (MTA)
Adjunct Professor of History, Stevenson University and Community College of Baltimore County
Juarez Lee-Shelton is both a bus operator and an adjunct history professor. Some may think it’s an unlikely combination of roles, but it makes more sense the longer you think about it. Both require an in-depth knowledge of the city and the ability to clearly communicate complicated information. Even more, both enrich the lives of the people they interact with, which, to Lee-Shelton, is just part of his every day. “I do more than drive,” he says. “I am also the recipient of people’s stories as they discuss their problems, and I learn what people want and need on so many levels.” Having a history teacher for a father instilled in him a reverence and fascination for the past, particularly when it comes to Baltimore’s involvement in the Civil War and The War of 1812. This becomes apparent within minutes of bringing up the subjects with him, when he will quickly and generously share surprising historical facts about the city with friends, students and strangers alike.
He thinks Baltimore is an attractive destination for tourists because you can get a lot out of it in a short visit. He also believes it’s friendly to tourists, as long as they’re not too sensitive. “We are a very ‘tell it like it is’ type of city, which can come across as brutal. But don’t take it personally, we just want to make sure you are safe and have the best time possible while in our fair town!”
Where to Go: The Baltimore Basilica was the first Roman Catholic Cathedral erected in the new United States of America, and the seat of the Archdiocese of Baltimore. Additionally, it is a monument to the sacred bedrock of religious freedom at a time when Catholics were somewhat of a disliked minority. It has stood the test of time and deserves to be honored.
Hidden Gem: Ft. McHenry is wonderful as it is the citadel which prevented the British navy from launching a successful sea attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812. In saving Baltimore, and arguably the nation, Ft. McHenry is a must-know landmark.
Bridget Weininger, M.A. ’07 in downtown Baltimore.
Bridget Weininger, M.A. ’07
Senior Director of Marketing, Trade, and Experiential, Visit Baltimore
A big part of Bridget Weininger’s job is to put Baltimore’s best face forward to out-of-towners who may be less familiar with the area. She knows the city has a perception problem, but notes that many urban destinations do. “The issues are overblown,” she says. “We always say in our marketing team, ‘to know us is to love us.’ Because once people get to the city, they just absolutely fall in love with it.”
“ ‘To know us is to love us.’ Because once people get to the city, they just absolutely fall in love with it.”
BRIDGET WEININGER
Weininger has observed that convention-goers and tourists tend to return to Baltimore after their first visit to rediscover new things and dig a little deeper. She says Baltimore is full of hope and potential, much of which is due to its residents and individuals dedicated to positive change. “What’s misunderstood is how brilliant people are here. Not just the elected leaders, but with business leaders, volunteers, and the wonderful people working at organizations.”
Where to Go: If I have friends coming from out of town and we want a special, fun night out, I’m really loving what’s happening with the restaurant scene in Mt. Vernon. We have incredible places and awesome secret bars popping up. You can have a fun night out. Plus, literally and figuratively, it’s the center of the city, so I often point people there as a good place to start.
Hidden Gem: My son and I go to Hampden all the time and just walk down the street. Whatever you’re in the mood for, they’ve got it.
Joshua Clark Davis in Fell’s Point
Joshua Clark Davis
Associate Professor, Division of Legal, Ethical and Historical Studies, The University of Baltimore
Weather permitting, Professor Joshua Davis often walks to campus in the morning. He enjoys the experience and, in his view, it’s a special thing to be able to do in an East Coast city. It gives him time to consider what makes Baltimore special. “It’s the king of the mid-sized city,” he explains. “A special combination of big and small. There’s something about the rowhouse experience that feels very dense and urban, but different from living in a 20-story apartment in New York or DC.”
“ It’s the king of the mid-sized city.
A special combination of big and small.”
JOSHUA CLARK DAVIS
Davis researches social movements, urban history and African American History, specializations which make Baltimore a natural fit as a place to live and work. He believes the city itself is an outstanding classroom. His History of Baltimore Class (co-taught for two semesters with UBalt President Kurt Schmoke) often takes students off campus and into the neighborhoods covered in the lectures, so they can experience the sights and sounds firsthand.
Where to Go: Most people experience Fell’s Point as a place to go to a restaurant and nighttime entertainment, but I really like taking people from out of town during the day. You can still really quickly feel Baltimore’s history there, then get a great lunch at Broadway Market.
Hidden Gem: I don’t think many people know about the Lillie Carroll Jackson Museum, and it’s very close to campus, on Eutaw Street. She cleaned houses—and this might be apocryphal—but in one of them, the family didn’t let her use the front entrance, and she vowed to live there one day. In the 20s and 30s, she went on to run the local NAACP chapter, and Baltimore’s was the second biggest in the country.