I created Charm City Spotlight to showcase the fascinating people that make up the heartbeat of Baltimore. A new Baltimorean in January 2017, but a native Marylander, Iwas an Elon University grad living in Memphis, TN post-college, and thriving on the GRIT AND GRIND of the Bluff City. After transitioning back home to the Old Line State, I sought to learn what was so charming about Charm City. Each profile on Charm City Spotlight features a fascinating person with a unique way of getting involved in Baltimore. These are people willing to put themselves out there and get connected or be a resource for new people in the city. Charm City Spotlight features recommendations from local Baltimoreans on sports, games, cultural events, museums, restaurants, trivia nights, small businesses, festivals, and so on. Whether you’re new in town, or a veteran Baltimorean looking to try something new, Baltimoreans featured on Spotlight will suggest a way to get connected. Here are five other spots where we might cross paths in real life:
1. With the fam.
I grew up in Anne Arundel County, and I'm the oldest of six kids. There was never a dull moment in our house! I am close with each of my sibs, my parents, and my extended family. If you enjoy loud game nights, inappropriate jokes, and lots of hugs, then we look forward to having you over!
2. On the frisbee field.
I started playing ultimate frisbee in college. A self-officiated sport with a unique spirit-of-the-game, an inclusive community, and fun shenanigans, I quickly realized that playing ultimate was a more sustainable hobby in adulthood than finding private classes to further my childhood dance career.
3. In Patterson Park.
They say that Patterson Park is Baltimore’s backyard. I love my neighborhood for the skyline (great for viewing the sunset over Baltimore), the trails (great for running or training at any mileage), and the people (great for playing with children or playing with dogs or playing sports).
4. Planes, Trains, or Automobiles.
I travel frequently for work and for pleasure. I have visited 4 continents, 14 countries, and 27 states, and counting. My longest travel experience was spending a gap year in Argentina when I was 18. My scariest travel experience was fearing kidnapping by a cab driver in Morocco. My weirdest travel experience was eating an alligator po’boy in New Orleans. If we sit next to each other on a plane, sleep by each other on a train, or wait together at a highway rest stop, I will be the person who tries to have a conversation even while you’re wearing headphones.
5. At a conference.
I study suicide and mental health, and I worked with academically brilliant children. I enjoy learning, and sharing knowledge. At conferences, I network with other researchers and professionals who are like-minded thinkers and care about the same things that I care about. You can view my full professional resume and CV online at www.taylorbinnix.com.