This week, Peter Greenberg Worldwide broadcasts from the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland. Joining the program is Baltimore Mayor, Catherine Pugh, who speaks about the renaissance of Baltimore and the transformations of the city. Sagamore Pendry Hotel General Manager, David Hoffmann, speaks about the unique pieces of history discovered while constructing the hotel, and how it’s incorporated them into the space. Then, General Curator of Living Exhibits at the National Aquarium, Jack Cover, talks about reconnecting people to nature with the help of new technologies. There’s all of this and more as Peter Greenberg Worldwide broadcasts from the Sagamore Pendry Baltimore in Baltimore, Maryland.

Click here to listen to the show streaming from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 10, 2018.

Have a travel question? Ask Peter. Call 888-88-PETER (888-88-383), email him at peter@petergreenberg.com, or tweet your questions to @PeterSGreenberg (include #AskPeter).

Johns Hopkins, Executive Director of Baltimore Heritage, discusses the hundreds of thousands of immigrants that came through Baltimore during the 1900s. He talks about what surprises visitors of Baltimore and shares the story of George Peabody, a rags to riches narrative. Johns Hopkins also shares the story of Johns Hopkins, American entrepreneur, abolitionist, and philanthropist who founded Johns Hopkins University—no relation.

David Hoffmann, General Manager of the Sagamore Pendry Hotel, speaks about the history of the Sagamore Pendry Hotel and covers everything from immigration to movie sets. He discusses why Baltimore is the place to be and tells the story of the community of Baltimore. He talks about the challenge of building the hotel and the unique pieces of history discovered underneath, which are now part of the hotel. He also speaks about the challenges of working with the original square footage of the property and bringing it back to its original state.

Jack Cover, General Curator of Living Exhibits at the National Aquarium, talks about creating a variety of exhibits, including one where you can touch moon jellyfish. He speaks about Hollywood’s sensationalizing of marine animals—making it seem like they are a major threat to humans. He explains that a healthy shark population means there can be a healthy coral reef and how very few sharks ever attack humans. He also discusses bringing animals to people who wouldn’t have been able to see them. He also emphasizes reconnecting people to nature—especially with the help of innovative technology, like unmanned submarines, or sticking a camera to the back of a turtle.

Dr. Joanne Martin, Founder of the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, discusses the museum—which is located in the heart of Baltimore—and the historical figures that make up the exhibitions. She talks about their history, highlighting notable leaders like Frederick Douglass and Rosa Parks. She also talks about how rebellion is a key theme of the exhibit.

Kathy Horning, Light City Festival Director, discusses the innovative festival that has come to Baltimore. The festival contains 1.5 miles of original art, and artists from all over the world stand shoulder to shoulder with artists from Baltimore. Exhibits include a 60-foot illuminated skeleton—meant to honor animals that have died from pollution in the ocean. The festival is open April 14th through the 21st and features 21 installations. She also gives her tips on how to best experience the harbor during the light festival.

Jerry Trice, Executive Chef of Gunther & Co, talks about hospitality and believing in what you’re doing. He discusses how Gunther & Co remains “quintessential Baltimore” without serving crab cakes. He talks about its use of invasive species and how they help sustain the ecosystem. He also speaks about the surprises that have made their way onto his menu and how he is traveling the world via other people’s palates.

Catherine Pugh, Mayor of Baltimore, speaks about the renaissance of Baltimore and what is transforming the entire city. She discusses Frederick Douglass, the Star Spangled Banner, and the history of the cobblestone streets of the city. She talks about bringing back horses and mounted police officers. She also chats about what puts Baltimore on the lists of cities to visit, as well as what is up and coming in the region.

Evan Balkan, Professor & Author of Walking Baltimore, talks about how a Washington, D.C. native with family from New York ended up adoring Baltimore. He talks about why having a favorite walk is an impossibility in a city with so much history and green space. Then, he reveals that Baltimore contains the largest unbroken urban forest in the United States. He also shares his favorite places to eat in the city.

Jess Mayhugh, Digital Editor of Baltimore Magazine, shares her experience returning to Baltimore, her favorite bars, Fells Point, and the “new” co-existing with the “old.” She discusses Baltimore–Washington International Airport and why it’s a great convenient place (for flying and eating). She shares her favorite places to eat in the city—even if you’re “crabbed out.” Then, she discusses the nation’s baseball parks—and why Baltimore’s Camden Yards is the best.

Rebecca Hoffberger, Founder of the American Visionary Art Museum, explains how the museum fuels creativity and features collaborators such as Nobel Prize winners. She shares the interesting fact that the Ouija board was patented in Baltimore by two warring brothers. Then, she talks about Madalyn Murray O’Hair, the first atheist who took prayer out of school, and the strong Quaker movement which is a part of Baltimore’s rich history.

By Alessandra Taryn Bea for PeterGreenberg.com