In search of the proper weekend escape? Look no additional than the charming and historic Havre de Grace, Maryland. Situated the place the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay, there are tons of unbelievable issues to do in Havre de Grace to make a beautiful weekend getaway.
Coming from New York Metropolis, we have been happy to find {that a} highway journey to Havre de Grace was solely 2.5 hours, the identical distance it takes us to get to a few of our favourite Upstate New York weekend getaways and the Catskills. Little did we all know, that we’d uncover a spot that we’d fortunately go to once more.
Situated in Harford County, Maryland, and only a 45-minute drive from the town of Baltimore, Havre de Grace is steeped with pure magnificence, a vibrant downtown, a storied previous that goes again to the founding of the US of America, and loads of issues to do to fill a weekend getaway.
Talking of the historical past of Havre de Grace, this vacation spot has fairly a storied previous from being a major buying and selling hub due to its waterfront location and was defended by an area hero earlier than the town was burnt down within the Warfare of 1812 by the British.
We encourage you to discover and admire the historic structure when you’re right here, from Victorian mansions and estates to an enthralling lighthouse on the waterfront.
And for these within the flavors of Havre de Grace, you’ll be pleasantly rewarded with the bountiful seafood choices accessible from the Chesapeake Bay, having fun with craft drinks alongside the Libation Path, and naturally, the freshest components from all of the close by farms together with some unbelievable ‘cow to cone’ ice cream stops you gained’t wish to miss – there’s even a devoted Ice Cream Path you may try!
With out additional ado, let’s get into all of the superb issues to do in Havre de Grace, Maryland for the proper weekend escape!
Disclaimer: This publish was in collaboration with Go to Harford, as all the time all experiences and opinions are our personal!
Issues to do in Havre de Grace
Harmony Level Lighthouse and Keeper’s Home
One among our favourite issues to do in Havre de Grace was be taught all in regards to the Harmony Level Lighthouse and Keeper’s Home which is located on the level the place the Susquehanna River opens to the Chesapeake Bay.
This historic Havre de Grace attraction dates again to 1827, and till it was automated in 1920, it used 9 lamps that the lighthouse keepers would refuel each evening with whale oil to assist ships navigate the waters.
Earlier than being absolutely automated in 1920, the keepers of Harmony Level Lighthouse included generations of the O’Neill household, together with ladies which was not quite common for that point in historical past.
What makes this probably the most astonishing historic Havre de Grace tales to inform is that of John O’Neill, a lightkeeper right here throughout the Warfare of 1812 and it could be generations of his household that may go on to deal with this lighthouse for generations to return.
On the morning of Might 3, 1813, when British forces attacked Havre de Grace, O’Neill bravely defended the city just about on his personal from incoming troops by manning a cannon on Harmony Level.
It was fairly actually him vs. a military. He was captured and it’s believed that his daughter, and her bravery, is what satisfied British Admiral George Cockburn to launch him. It was on at the present time that Havre de Grace was set on fireplace and destroyed a lot of the city.
It was after this, John was appointed the primary lightkeeper when the lighthouse was constructed in 1827.
There’s a cannon memorial subsequent to the lighthouse for John O’Neill and his bravery in addition to an annual celebration and occasion referred to as Defender’s Day that honors his legacy and braveness throughout the warfare.
You possibly can be taught extra in regards to the fascinating historical past of not solely this lighthouse but additionally the lightkeepers who took care of it within the lightkeeper home museum, positioned within the outdated stone home going through the lighthouse.
Then, standing at 36 ft tall, guests have the chance to climb the slender, winding staircase as much as the place an much more slender ladder leads you to the highest the place you may look out and see the views.
Open April by means of October on the weekends. Should you’re visiting low season, you may nonetheless admire the lighthouse from its exterior.
Stroll Down Washington Avenue
Throughout a weekend in Havre de Grace, you’re going to wish to browse all the good issues taking place on Washington Avenue! This cute most important avenue is lined with storefronts which might be house to distinctive retailers, impartial boutiques, cafes, and locations to seize a chunk to eat.
This is among the most good issues to do in Havre de Grace on the weekends as lots of the retailers are solely open the latter half of the week!
Our favourite store we got here throughout was JoRetro Classic Market which focuses on classic items from clothes to house items! We each have been impressed with the sheer quantity of mint situation classic Pyrex bowl units that they had on show in addition to different classic gems and vintage-inspired goodies within the retailer. I went on a buying spree and located a number of classic items of clothes that felt like successful the lottery!
A whole lot of the shop’s focus is on mid-century, which we like, and found they even have their very own Airbnb listings which might be absolutely decked out in mid-century retro decor you may keep at too!
And for Pyrex and classic lovers, there’s an annual pageant held right here on Washington Avenue at JoRetro too on the finish of April you may attend to buy all issues classic and Pyrex from over 50 distributors!
Should you want a pick-me-up, head to Harmony Level Espresso which serves up nearly any espresso drink you may think about plus some ingenious lattes and pastries.
Talking of pastries, head over to Les Petits Bisous Macarons for French macarons which might be identical to little kisses, therefore the title! You possibly can’t miss the beautiful pink storefront both.
And for those who’re searching for a terrific breakfast or lunch spot, head over to Classic Cafe, an old-school diner that serves up all of the diner classics for breakfast and lunch.
Vintage Buying in Havre de Grace
One other certainly one of our favourite issues to do in Havre de Grace throughout our getaway was try all of the vintage retailers! We already needed to purchase every part in JoRetro, together with a classic bar on show that we have been attempting to justify discovering an area for in our New York Metropolis residence and classic Pyrex units, however there have been extra nice vintage retailers that have been worthy of spending time searching downtown too!
Seneca Cannery Antiques has 3-floors of antiques to buy with absolutely anything you may think about right here. This former cannery constructing is now house to troves of treasures from over 50 sellers in 20,000 sq. ft of house! I discovered a extremely cool vintage suitcase I couldn’t cross up and introduced house with me, however there was a lot to see right here.
One other wonderful cease that you must try is Bohouka’s Vintage Mall & Beer MuZeum on Union Avenue. The doorway alone caught our eye and we needed to cease with every kind of attention-grabbing statues and life-size figures that can absolutely catch anybody’s consideration. You’ll wish to take your time searching the 9,000 sq. ft of floor-to-ceiling antiques and don’t miss the upstairs degree the place the Beer MuZeum is housed!
All the vintage retailers talked about are open day by day!
Havre de Grace Decoy Museum
Do you know that historic Havre de Grace is the decoy capital of the world? Should you’re questioning what meaning, it’s referring to carving wood decoy waterfowl for searching functions.
Utilizing decoys to hunt is an historical approach and was popularized throughout the Center Ages in Europe and unfold to North America by means of colonization. Whereas one of these searching isn’t new, it was the nineteenth century when carving elaborate decoys was popularized within the Chesapeake Bay space as waterfowl searching performed into an enormous a part of the native economic system.
The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum not solely covers the historical past of the significance of native waterfowl searching however particulars the craftsmanship that goes into creating these decoys in addition to a formidable assortment of them on show you may see.
Whereas utilizing decoys for searching remains to be a apply used to at the present time, there have been fashionable modifications to the apply together with guidelines and laws to make sure sustainable searching practices for the fashionable hunter.
Should you’re concerned with diving into the historical past and cultural significance these decoys symbolize to the Chesapeake Bay space, this is among the finest issues to do in Havre de Grace, Maryland for you!
Open day by day all year long, $6 admission charge.
Havre de Grace Maritime Museum
Persevering with on for superb issues to do in Havre de Grace for historical past buffs, you’ll wish to try the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, positioned proper alongside Harmony Level Park and Promenade.
The museum focuses on the maritime historical past and function of the Chesapeake Bay and Decrease Susquehanna River detailing its function again tens of 1000’s of years when Native People have been stewards of the watersheds right here, throughout European colonization, to the modern-day function that these waterways play into the continued tradition and heritage of this area’s maritime significance.
A go to to the museum will provide you with perception into what function maritime historical past has performed on the native economic system and surroundings in addition to the craftmanship of shipbuilding, fishing gear, and even navigational instruments used to discover by water by means of collections and reveals on show.
Open Wednesday – Sunday, $5 admission
Susquehanna State Park
Throughout your weekend in Havre de Grace, Maryland you do NOT wish to miss on the ample out of doors alternatives that await for you right here together with Susquehanna State Park positioned just some miles exterior of city located alongside the Susquehanna River teeming with out of doors actions like mountain climbing trails by means of their dense forest, picnic areas, fishing alternatives, and historic websites.
You’ll want to cease within the Rock Run Historic Space for beautiful lookouts of the Susquehanna River and historic landmarks just like the Carter-Archer Mansion, Jersey Toll Home, and a working gristmill.
We spent most of our time right here on the Deer Creek Path Loop. This 2.5-mile loop took us round 90 minutes to finish and it was actually the proper strategy to spherical off our weekend in Havre de Grace earlier than heading again to New York Metropolis as we made this our closing cease.
This path begins and loops again to finish on the Deer Creek Picnic Space (it’s straightforward to observe, search for the doorway by small signal about midway down the parking zone alongside the wooded space and observe the inexperienced loop with indicators marked Deer Creek Path).
The path is in a closely wooded space surrounded by a blanket of lush greenery each course you look with bushes draping with vines, birds chirping, and a neatly maintained single-track path that takes you to a formidable champion White Oak tree about midway on the loop.
The path really results in two Maryland champion bushes (aka a super-size tree) however sadly, we found that the second champion tree, a well-known beech tree, was taken out by a storm a few month previous to our go to, and the large tree lay fallen in an open patch of grass after we received to it.
We have been unhappy to see the light large had taken a fall not too long ago, however the Champion White Oak tree was actually sufficient by itself that made this path rewarding towering over us. To not point out, the White Oak can be the state of Maryland’s official tree too!
The path has some ups and downs, which make it a straightforward to average path to take a hike on. And for those who’re searching for an extended hike you may simply department off at any of the forks to the blue or purple trails too.
Steppingstone Farm Museum
One other enjoyable cease throughout your weekend in Havre de Grace, Maryland positioned simply exterior of Susquehanna State Park is the Steppingstone Farm Museum which takes you a step again in time to expertise the agricultural heritage of Harford County.
Be part of a tour, or demonstration, or go to the museum that each one focuses on conventional farming practices. There are additionally restored buildings you can stroll by means of to present you a glimpse of the native rural previous like a smokehouse, farmhouse, schoolhouse, blacksmith, and extra.
There’s a hen coop you’ll wish to pay a go to to, make sure to try all of the names of the hens and rooster in there!
The grounds are open day by day, however the buildings and museum are open seasonally from April by means of October on the weekends.
Eat all of the Crab You Can!
The Chesapeake Bay is legendary for its considerable crab inhabitants! So for all of the foodies on the market, probably the greatest issues to do in Havre de Grace, Maryland is eat your weight in dishes that includes the native crab!
You’ll discover crab steamed, boiled, made into crab truffles, and all different kinds of dishes together with savory crab dips topped off with melted cheese and paired with smooth pretzel sticks, crab sandwiches, creamy crab soup, vegetable-based crab soup, and my favourite approach it was ready was flounder stuffed crab.
You’ll discover that the menus function blue crab, as that is the kind of crab that’s generally discovered within the Chesapeake Bay.
In Havre de Grace, we loved nice crab entrees from each MacGregor’s and Tidewater Grille.
MacGregor’s is a fish-focused American restaurant that has a terrific out of doors deck overlooking the mouth of the Susquehanna River. In addition they have a big indoor eating space and bar too.
Tidewater Grille is positioned proper on the mouth of the Susquehanna River with an ample out of doors eating house providing nice views of the water with garden video games. In addition they have ample indoor seating and are identified for his or her surf n turf menu.
Both approach, for those who’re consuming native crab anyplace in Harford County, likelihood is you’re going to have a crab-tastic time because it’s all domestically caught and eating places right here know methods to put together their native specialty properly.
Verify Out All of the Colourful Murals
As you’re wandering round historic Havre de Grace, Maryland you’ll most definitely discover the splashes of colours the entire metropolis by means of its many murals.
Many of the murals you’ll spot round city are by native artists Ezra Berger or Shawn Forton, as you see a number of you’ll begin noticing which artist every mural belongs to by their very own distinctive inventive aptitude they put into their items.
You’ll discover murals all all through Havre de Grace and even painted crosswalks on Union Avenue! There’s really a public artwork map for Havre de Grace which additionally contains sculptures and statues too for those who’re curious to hunt all of them down, in any other case, you’ll be pleasantly stunned to see them as you’re spending time downtown throughout your weekend in Havre de Grace.
You’ll additionally discover a complete assortment of murals that depict the storied previous of historic Havre de Grace at Graw Alley, which is part of Harmer’s City Artwork Middle, a soon-to-be neighborhood artwork house and middle the place you cannot solely see artists at work, but additionally browse their galleries, or be part of artwork courses and workshops which might be nonetheless underway.
Graw Alley is the general public out of doors house linked to Harmer’s City Artwork Middle opening late summer season of 2023. That is the place yow will discover somewhat piece of greenspace to learn a ebook or be part of one of many neighborhood occasions that can happen right here together with dwell music performances.
Graw Alley is called after the previous historic race observe that was right here and each side of the park is designed to depict and pay tribute to Havre de Grace’s previous by means of all of the murals by Ezra Berger together with the very race observe that the park is called after the place the prolific Seabiscuit will be seen portrayed within the portray as he gained his legendary 1938 race in Havre de Grace!
You can even spot different historic occasions from the times Havre de Grace was used for rum operating, the O’Neill’s on the Harmony Level Lighthouse and his heroic try and defend the city throughout the Warfare of 1812, Underground Railroad exercise, and extra by means of the colourful assortment of murals.
For being a small city, Havre de Grace, Maryland actually has a wealthy cultural scene together with seven museums and naturally all the general public artwork on show like these murals all through the city and at Graw Alley.
Take a Stroll on the Havre de Grace Promenade
One strategy to unwind in your weekend getaway and probably the greatest issues to do in Havre de Grace at sundown time is take a stroll on the Havre de Grace Promenade, positioned proper alongside the waterfront the place the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay.
Often known as the Havre de Grace Boardwalk, this wood accessible pathway stretches .75 miles in size from Harmony Level Lighthouse to Tydings Park providing gorgeous views of not solely the wildlife that encompass you, however of the water as properly.
We had such a picturesque go to. The water was fully nonetheless and it mirrored the purple and lightweight blue hues within the sky like a mirror on the water.
Don’t neglect to search for as you would possibly catch a glimpse of a bald eagle, osprey, or different birds that frequent the park. We really even noticed a child snapping turtle on our stroll too, so don’t neglect to look down as properly!
After you’re leisurely stroll alongside the boardwalk, make your strategy to one of many sweetest issues to do in Havre de Grace by grabbing an ice cream cone at Bomboy’s Do-it-yourself Ice Cream which is a brief stroll from Harmony Level Lighthouse.
Stroll Alongside the Lafayette Path
Everybody give it up for America’s favourite preventing Frenchman! LAFAYETTE! Okay, so Hamilton followers will get that reference. However one other strategy to discover historic Havre de Grace is by taking a stroll alongside the blue-marked sidewalks that point out the factors of curiosity alongside the Lafayette Path.
Named after Normal Marquis de Lafayette, who you would possibly all know from historical past books as being a Frenchman who performed a big function in serving to throughout the American Revolutionary Warfare.
En route to fulfill Normal George Washington in Philadelphia in 1782, Lafayette paid a go to to Havre de Grace and apparently liked what he noticed and admired the views of the waterfront. It’s stated he declared, “C’est Le Harve” because the waterfront views reminded him of Le Harve, a port metropolis in France and due to this encounter, the title turned Havre de Grace.
The Lafayette Path has a number of stops alongside the self-guided tour on a 3-mile loop all through city beginning at a Lafayette statue at Legion Sq. (425 N Union Ave). You will discover the path map by downloading DISTRX Lafayette Path Cellular App in your smartphone.
Issues to do Close by Havre de Grace in Harford County
Whilst you’re spending a weekend in Havre de Grace, you’ll wish to do some exploring round Harford County to see what else this lovely county has to supply! Right here are some things to do close by Havre de Grace, Maryland that we checked out on our journey!
Go to Bel Air
The city of Bel Air is also the county seat to Harford County and is unquestionably value a cease! We suggest taking a stroll down Primary Avenue to browse the retailers like REB Information for his or her spectacular new vinyl assortment in addition to CDs and used vinyl of their discount bins, Tommy’s On Primary provides every kind of cool classic house items and finds, and Aroma Candle Studio provides you the chance to pour your individual candle to call a number of!
Whilst you’re strolling on Primary Avenue you’ll discover native landmarks just like the Bel Air Armory (the castle-like constructing).
There are additionally breweries in Bel Air which might be value making a cease at, we actually loved the beers we tried at AleCraft Brewery which additionally has cool art work finished on all their labels. Should you fall in love with any of them they promote posters of them and help native artists all whereas doing so. In addition they had board video games for those who needed to sit back right here for a bit too.
End off your go to to Bel Air by having fun with a meal at Magerk’s, a sports activities bar with Philly-famous meals like cheesesteaks and ‘Eagle’ model wings made up of a combination of Outdated Bay seasoning, sizzling sauce, and cheese whiz which was surprisingly AWESOME!
To not point out, they’ve a terrific glad hour and for those who’re into sports activities, this may be the very best place to catch a recreation.
Rocks State Park
One other lovely pure retreat in Harford County and probably the greatest issues to do close to Havre de Grace, Maryland is go to Rocks State Park.
Not solely are you able to go to Kilgore Falls, the second largest falls within the state of Maryland and well-known for being a filming location for Disney’s 2002 movie adaptation of Tuck Eternal. (Talking of and aspect be aware, the Champion White Oak Tree we noticed in Susquehanna State Park regarded identical to the tree from that movie as properly – however it was not used as a filming location.)
At Kilgore Falls, often known as Falling Department Falls, you may hike or wade within the waters beneath the falls. The water was decrease throughout our go to and it was straightforward to cross the creek barefoot to get to the opposite aspect. There are trails right here and also you’ll spot locals with their canines having fun with this little forest oasis.
One other to not be missed spotlight of Rocks State Park is the King and Queen Seat, a big rock outcropping and overlooking a staggering 190 feet-high providing panoramic views. Traditionally, this pure throne was believed by Native American tribes to symbolize a seat for a king and queen and it’s believed their leaders would maintain ceremonies on these rocks overlooking Deer Creek.
Should you go to the Queen and King’s Seat, simply be extraordinarily cautious as this can be a extremely uncovered and harmful space. You possibly can hike as much as the seats from the Rock Ridge Picnic Space on the Pink Path or park on the Park’s Primary Workplace and stroll over to the highest.
There are additionally a number of locations in Rocks State Park to take pleasure in a picnic and hike too!
Street Journey to the Completely different Barn Quilts of Harford County
Should you love a superb scenic drive with a scavenger hunt, you’ll wish to see how lots of the completely different barn quilts yow will discover alongside the Barn Quilt Path of Harford County.
Alongside varied historic farms and rural homesteads, you’ll discover painted quilt patterns and designs marking these websites. This initiative was to advertise agriculture preservation and tourism within the space, which has all the time been vital to the tradition and historical past of Harford County.
With almost two dozen stops, this has grow to be a enjoyable scavenger hunt so as to add to your weekend in Havre de Grace and discover the fantastic thing about Harford County!
You will discover a full listing and printable map, or simply see the place your curiosity takes you throughout your journey and see what number of you encounter! With out looking for these out, we encountered two at Broom’s Bloom Dairy and the Steppingstone Farm Museum, nevertheless, we’ve got one thing enjoyable to sit up for searching down on our subsequent go to!
Ladew Topiary Gardens
A go to to Havre de Grace, Maryland should embrace a drive and go to to Ladew Topiary Gardens, one of many high 10 topiary gardens on this planet and what was referred to as essentially the most vital topiary gardens in the US!
Situated on the historic property of Harvey S. Ladew, a topiarist, and huntsman mixed his ardour for the 2 by buying land in Monkton, Maryland the place he’d convey his dream of making an property round his imaginative and prescient and creativity to life.
The gardens are expansive and embrace 15 backyard rooms, the place yow will discover secluded themed gardens in between topiary designs. The complete backyard is organized round vistas and axes giving the customer a real visible expertise whereas exploring the grounds.
Ladew discovered this property whereas on a fox-hunting journey and lots of the designs included listed here are influenced by landscapes and fox-hunting journeys to the UK.
In actual fact, probably the greatest topiary shows here’s a fox searching scene! Just a few of the almost century-old designs that have been the unique designs of Ladew you can nonetheless discover on the property embrace the fox hunt scene, swans, and a Chinese language junk boat with sails.
Whereas we solely had time to go to the gardens on our go to, which have been actually mesmerizing, in case you have time make sure to ebook a tour inside the house as properly. Ladew’s oval library is alleged to be probably the most lovely rooms within the nation.
Open seasonally April by means of October day by day besides they’re closed on Wednesdays. From Might by means of August, the grounds are open for Twilight Tuesdays on Tuesdays till 8 PM. Grownup admission is $17.
Broom’s Bloom Dairy
One among our absolute favourite stops throughout our weekend in Havre de Grace, Maryland was on our approach again to city after visiting Bel Air at Broom’s Bloom Dairy. This absolutely operational dairy farm provides farm-to-table eating and the very best ‘cow to cone’ ice cream!
This can be a good highway journey cease too as they’ve a full part of farm-fresh components from meat to cheeses and naturally, a full menu for those who’re hungry and loads of delicious flavors of ice cream to strive!
There’s a ravishing out of doors seating space with picnic tables and views of the farm. You’ll want to additionally catch a glimpse of their barn quilt design too because it’s a cease on the Barn Quilt Path!
Higher but, they keep open till 8 PM, so you may make this the proper post-dinner cease for dessert!
Closed on Mondays
The place to Keep in Havre de Grace
Surely, an incredible place to remain whereas exploring all the very best issues to do in Havre de Grace, Maryland on a weekend getaway is on the charming Vandiver Inn.
Set in a historic mansion strolling distance away from all of the historic sights and downtown, the Vandiver Inn provides mattress and breakfast model lodging in the primary mansion and two homes on the grounds.
Every room has its personal character and sense of historic character furnished with antiques and unique particulars from the house, our room had a beautiful unique hearth, clawfoot tub, and balcony overlooking the gardens.
You’ll want to ask an Innkeeper about all of the tales tied to this mansion because it has a storied previous that additionally performs into particulars chances are you’ll overlook whereas strolling by means of the frequent areas.
The hospitality right here was improbable, together with the nightly supervisor reception within the frequent areas and complimentary sizzling breakfast throughout our keep.
Whereas visiting historic Havre de Grace, Maryland it’s enjoyable to spend your getaway in one of many historic houses!
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