Samantha Brown's Places to Love

Baltimore, Maryland

Samantha starts her visit in Charm City at the American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) and meets its founder, who together tour this truly inspiring and original facility that is filled unique and visual works of art. Hitting the Sunday farmers' market, Samantha meets Chef Thomas, who picks up some local ingredients for his soul food restaurant, Ida B's Table. Joining Chef Thomas and his wife for a bite, Samantha is invited to taste some of their brunch inspirations, as they discuss the importance of community and how their restaurant serves as a conduit for it. In the Hampden neighborhood, one Baltimore's wildest yearly traditions is HonFest. Playing along, Samantha gets a "Full Hon" make-over that includes a red beehive wig, winged glasses and a vintage dress and then sashays through the festival with 2015 Hon of the Year, Nikki Bass. On the MICA campus at the Nancy cafe, Samantha visits with art enthusiast, "Downtown" Kevin Brown and renowned artist, Joyce Scott, who discuss the cruciality of art and Joyce's famed career. From local artists to local "makers", the Treason Toting Company is building a huge name for its brand in the backpack and toting industry. Samantha meets its young founders in their workspace and learns about the exciting canvas and leather products they are developing. Baltimore is a city of deep American roots that Samantha tours and discusses with guide, Lou Fields, who talks about the revitalization of the Fells Point docks along with historical significance of this powerful neighborhood which includes the likes of Frederick Douglass and Billie Holiday. In a wonderful finish, Samantha joins a local dance "step" team, the Lethal Ladies, where she learns the choreographed precision moves from Coach G and her highly talented high school girls team.