It’s official—Washington D.C. again holds the coveted title of murder capital of the United States. The FBI’s annual crime index released this monday ranked the District first nationwide in homicides for the first time since the early ‘90s. Fear for your life? Don’t run back to Jersey-escape to everyone’s favorite decaying industrial wasteland, Baltimore.
No, I’m not advocating a transfer to Hopkins-just a leisurely visit to the District’s slightly more peaceful northern neighbor. Known semi-ironically as “Charm City,” Baltimore is ranked third in the national homicide rankings. With 158 fewer murders than the D.C. metro area, Baltimore offers a welcome respite from the snipers, political debauchery and strife that tend to plague the District.
Not only do Baltimoreans enjoy congressional representation, their city government is all about empowering the people. Last month, Mayor Martin O’Malley took an Internet poll on what color the Howard Street bridge should be repainted-and as the website proudly announces, “red won.” O’Malley truly has his hand on the pulse of the city. Right.
But there is more to Baltimore than this soon-to-be-red bridge. Steeped in post-industrial grit and revelry, Baltimore glimmers-the way a car thief’s eyes glimmer as he spots your unguarded Dodge Spirit parked on the edge of the Johns Hopkins’ campus.
You might consider venturing to Charm City in search of a smack musical fix. When the ‘Cat is occupied, the Ottobar serves as a venue of last resort for bands working their way up the coast. Situated a few blocks from Hopkins, (don’t forget to pack heat as you walk through this neighborhood, you aren’t on gentrified U Street anymore) this cramped, seedy club is a microcosm of B’more.
For late night sustenance, check out the Sip & Bite. Perched the outskirts of the inner harbor, this 24-diner is the kind of place where no one questions your right to fresh french toast and cole slaw at 4 a.m.
Baltimore turns another American staple, the convenience store, into an interactive game. The rules are simple: after 9 p.m., the doors are locked, leaving you standing longingly outside to point through the bulletproof plexiglass at what you desire.
Take my word for it-you just haven’t lived until you’ve been stranded in Baltimore in the middle of the night, courtesy a friendly car thief.
Johns Hopkins University is located at 3400 North Charles St., Baltimore, Md. Howard Street Bridge crosses Jones Falls Expressway. Ottobar is located at 2549 N. Howard St., Baltimore. Sip & Bite is located at 2200 Boston St., Baltimore.
