Author Judy Colbert recently published her latest book, “100 Things to Do in Baltimore Before You Die.” And as many of us love the boating scene in Baltimore, we decided to ask Colbert how the book came about and some watery pasttimes (besides sailing) that we could partake in.
PropTalk: Are you a native Baltimorean or Marylander?
Judy: I was born in Washington, DC, grew up in Silver Spring, and except for college, I’ve always lived in Maryland. It’s too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, but I haven’t found any place I like better. I’ve been living in Glen Burnie for the past four years.
What inspired you to write the book?
I’ve written numerous books about Baltimore, Washington and Maryland and I love promoting the area. I’m in heaven when someone reads something I’ve written (or told them) and says, “I’ve lived here all my life and I never knew that.” A friend wrote the “100 Things to Do in Philadelphia Before You Die” book, and the publishers were looking for someone who could write the Baltimore book.
If you could have lunch with any author, past or present, who would it be?
Without a doubt, I’d lunch with Ogden Nash. I love his wit, and I probably have more of his books in my library than from any other author. My second choice would be Dorothy Parker, again because of her wit and brains.
What is one of the more unusual activities/places mentioned in your book?
Just as it’s not proper to say who your favorite child is, picking a favorite Baltimore thing depends on criteria. Honestly, though, Herman Heyn, the sidewalk astronomer is my absolute favorite. He takes his eight-inch telescope down to Fells Point on most weekend nights and shows you the planets, the moon, or whatever is visible in the sky. Then, he gives you a sticker that says, “I saw ... Jupiter” or some other planet. He’s 85 years old. I adore him.
What are a few boating or water-related activities readers could do in Baltimore?
Of course, there’s the Water Taxi; that’s fun even if you aren’t going someplace. And, Baltimore’s cruise port is exciting because you can be off on a vacation within an hour of leaving home. But, I think sailing on the Pride of Baltimore II has to be a marvelous adventure. You can join the crew, do as much or little as you want (raise sails, steer), and visit ports of call as an ambassador of Baltimore and the State of Maryland. For those who want a watery adventure and can’t break away for days or weeks, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Baltimore Aquarium or even volunteer to feed the sharks and other critters. We are so lucky to be living so close to the water (or on it)." Email [email protected] to order.
Monday, October 24, 2016 - 12:00
Author Judy Colbert recently published her latest book, “100 Things to Do in Baltimore Before You Die.” And as many of us love the boating scene in Baltimore, we decided to ask Colbert how the book came about and some watery pasttimes (besides sailing) that we could partake in.
PropTalk: Are you a native Baltimorean or Marylander?
Judy: I was born in Washington, DC, grew up in Silver Spring, and except for college, I’ve always lived in Maryland. It’s too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter, but I haven’t found any place I like better. I’ve been living in Glen Burnie for the past four years.
What inspired you to write the book?
I’ve written numerous books about Baltimore, Washington and Maryland and I love promoting the area. I’m in heaven when someone reads something I’ve written (or told them) and says, “I’ve lived here all my life and I never knew that.” A friend wrote the “100 Things to Do in Philadelphia Before You Die” book, and the publishers were looking for someone who could write the Baltimore book.
If you could have lunch with any author, past or present, who would it be?
Without a doubt, I’d lunch with Ogden Nash. I love his wit, and I probably have more of his books in my library than from any other author. My second choice would be Dorothy Parker, again because of her wit and brains.
What is one of the more unusual activities/places mentioned in your book?
Just as it’s not proper to say who your favorite child is, picking a favorite Baltimore thing depends on criteria. Honestly, though, Herman Heyn, the sidewalk astronomer is my absolute favorite. He takes his eight-inch telescope down to Fells Point on most weekend nights and shows you the planets, the moon, or whatever is visible in the sky. Then, he gives you a sticker that says, “I saw ... Jupiter” or some other planet. He’s 85 years old. I adore him.
What are a few boating or water-related activities readers could do in Baltimore?
Of course, there’s the Water Taxi; that’s fun even if you aren’t going someplace. And, Baltimore’s cruise port is exciting because you can be off on a vacation within an hour of leaving home. But, I think sailing on the Pride of Baltimore II has to be a marvelous adventure. You can join the crew, do as much or little as you want (raise sails, steer), and visit ports of call as an ambassador of Baltimore and the State of Maryland. For those who want a watery adventure and can’t break away for days or weeks, you can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Baltimore Aquarium or even volunteer to feed the sharks and other critters. We are so lucky to be living so close to the water (or on it)." Email [email protected] to order.