Living in Hardford County

Living In Harford County ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
On any given summer day, you can spot sail boats, jet skis, power boats, fishing boats and water skiers enjoying the scenic waters of Chesapeake Bay. Walkers and joggers watch a variety of water fowl from the promenade in Havre de Grace. Bird watchers also flock to nearby Susquehanna State Park, with its immense trail system for horseback riding, nature hiking or mountain biking. And anglers below the Conowingo Dam land American shad swimming up the Susquehanna River to spawn.

On higher ground, hike to the King and Queen Seats at Rock State Park. The throne-like overlook where, according to local legend, Indian chieftains sat in tribal council, affords a view of the county's beautiful countryside.

As you'll see if you keep reading, Harford County flourishes with museums, historical landmarks, gardens, shopping, dining and hot spots.

ARTS AND CULTURE
Center for the Visual and
Performing Arts at Tudor Hall
17 Tudor Lane
Bel Air, MD 21015 (410) 838-2117
http://www.centerfortheartsharford.org
The nonprofit organization maintains the childhood home of John Wilkes Booth and Shakespearean actors Junius and Edwin Booth as a dedicated home for the arts in Harford County.

Harford Artist Gallery
503 E. Churchville Road
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 420-9499
http://artinharford.org
The gallery, at the Rockfield Manor cottage, features fine art painting, photography, pottery, artisan jewelry, sculpture, painted oyster shells, prints and notecards created by local artists.

Harford Community College
401 Thomas Run Road
Bel Air, MD 21015 (443) 412-2000
http://www.harford.edu
The college offers a calendar of year-round special events featuring nationally known artists as well as local artists, faculty and students.

Harford County Cultural Arts Board
212 S. Bond St.
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 638-3578
http://www.culturalartsboard.org
The government-appointed arts agency is the premier local resource for schools, artists, arts organizations and the general community, with a vision to "preserve, enhance and promote the culture of Harford County."

Havre de Grace Arts Commission
3 Concord Place
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-4441
http://www.havredegracemd.com
This arts group coordinates, promotes and supports the performing and fine arts events in the Chesapeake Bay community.

Susquehanna Symphony Orchestra
P.O. Box 963
Abingdon, MD 21009 (410) 838-6465
http://www.ssorchestra.org
The county's premiere symphony for more than 30 years performs a season subscription of four concerts and is part of the Bel Air Summer Concert Series. Using creative programming, education, rehearsal and public performance, the troupe entertains and offers music to the masses.

HISTORIC LANDMARKS
Concord Point Lighthouse/O'Neill House
Concord and Lafayette Street
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-3213
http://www.concordpointlighthouse.com
Built in 1827 where the Susquehanna River meets the tidal flow of Chesapeake Bay, the oldest functioning lighthouse in Maryland rests across the street from the restored home of the lighthouse's keeper, John O'Neil.

Conowingo Dam
U.S. 1
Darlington, MD 21034 (410) 457-5011
Housing one of the largest hydroelectric plants in the nation, the dam forms a freshwater lake 14 miles long, a year-round angler's dream with plenty of gulls and bald eagles from mid-October through mid-March.

Historical Society of Harford County
143 N. Main St.
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 838-7691
This nonprofit organization offers regular dinner meetings, lectures, tours, open houses, classes and other programs about the county's heritage.

Jerusalem Mill Village
2813 Jerusalem Road
Kingsville, MD 21087 (410) 877-3560
http://www.jerusalemmill.org
Sunday, 1 to 4 p.m.
This living history destination from the 1770s is one of the oldest most intact mill villages in Maryland and features a blacksmith, a gun shop, a co-lonial kitchen, a museum, a 1930s general store and a gift shop. Annual events include a Civil War Reenactment of Gilmor's Raid and a Fall Colonial Craftsmen Weekend.

Jericho Covered Bridge
The last remaining covered bridge—a 99-foot Burr truss bridge built in 1865 for $3,125—in Harford or Baltimore counties crosses the little Gun-powder Falls on Jericho Road about 300 yards downstream from Jerusalem Mill.

Liriodendron
502 W. Gordon St.
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 879-4424
http://www.liriodendron.com
Built in 1898 by a prominent Johns Hopkins physician, Dr. Howard Kelly, the palladian style mansion—with gallery exhibits throughout the year—features a terrace with wisteria-covered archways and a boxwood garden. Free Admission.

Rockfield Manor
501 Churchville Road
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 638-4565
http://www.rockfieldmanor.com
The mansion, built in 1921 on 5.4 acres, features a spacious garden and patio, several medium-sized reception rooms, a cozy living room with fire-place and a sun room.

MUSEUMS
Havre de Grace Decoy Museum
215 Giles St.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-3739
http://www.decoymuseum.com
On the banks of the historic Susquehanna Flats, the museum houses a large collection of American folk art of waterfowl decoy carvings gathered from the Chesapeake Bay area and all over the country.

Havre de Grace Maritime Museum
100 Lafayette St.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-4800
http://www.hdgmaritimemuseum.org
Where Chesapeake Bay meets the Susquehanna River, the museum features exhibits and programs interpreting the rich cultural heritage of Native Americans, European settlers and watermen of the region, including a special exhibit on the travels of John Smith as he explored Chesapeake Bay.

Hays House Museum
324 Kenmore Ave.
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 838-7691
http://www.harfordhistory.net
  Built in 1788, the museum—named for Thomas A. Hays, a prominent lawyer, landowner and entrepreneur who purchased the house in 1811—retains virtually all its original features including staircase, weatherboards, mantels, woodwork and shutters.

Skipjack Martha Lewis
121 N. Union Ave., Suite C
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-4078
http://www.skipjackmarthalewis.org
The county's only floating museum serves as a reminder of Chesapeake Bay heritage, especially with seasonal themed public and private cruises.

Steppingstone Museum
461 Quaker Bottom Road
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-2299
http://www.steppingstonemuseum.org
This once-working farm features a stone farmhouse, outbuildings, a canning house, a carriage barn, other exhibits and such festivals as Celtic, Fall Harvest and Medieval.

Susquehanna Museum of
Havre de Grace at the Lockhouse
817 Conesteo St.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-5780
http://www.thelockhousemuseum.org
 The private, nonprofit institution collects, documents and preserves the city's cultural heritage and its important role in the 19th century canal era.

U.S. Army Ordnance Museum
Maryland and Aberdeen Blvd.
Aberdeen, MD 21001 (410) 278-3602
http://www.ordmusfound.org
Enter through the 715 Gate on Route 40—photo ID and vehicle registration required.
This museum highlights one of the world's largest collections of combat vehicles, artillery, small arms, ammunition and military materiel. The indoor displays include pistols, rifles, machine guns, ammunition, and EOD (bomb disposal) equipment, while the outdoor 25-acre Tank Park features armored vehicles from World War I to the present day. Free admission.

DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
From fast food to fine dining, plenty of eateries and hotspots pepper the county. For more local listings, see the Buyer's Guide in this publication.
Bonefish Grill
696 Bel Air Road
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 420-9113
http://www.bonefishgrill.com
The restaurant specializes in fresh fish cooked over a wood-burning grill and served in a warm inviting atmosphere.

Clarence's Taste of New Orleans
2131 Old Edgewood Road
Edgewood, MD 21040 (410) 612-0700
http://www.clarencestasteofneworleans.com
The New Orleans chef/owner cooks up Cajun, Creole and Chesapeake specialties and then serves them in a cozy, casual full-service restaurant with pub.

Giovanni's Restaurant
2101 Pulaski Highway
Edgewood, MD 21040 (410) 676-8100
http://www.giovannis-rest.com
The family owned eatery features great food and service, live music and dancing.

Ken's Steak and Rib House at the Old Chesapeake Hotel
400 N. Union Ave.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-5440
kenssteakandribhouse@gmail.com
http://www.kenssteakandribhouse.com
The ancient eatery features steaks, ribs, seafood and pasta, and a Sunday breakfast buffet.

MaGerk's Pub
120 S. Bond St.
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 638-7701
party@magerks.com
http://www.magerks.com
The neighborhood bar and restaurant specializes in Philadelphia-style cheese steaks.

My Three Sons
2510 Philadelphia Road
Edgewood, MD 21040 (410) 612-9119
http://www.mythreesons.biz
The menu relies on locally grown products as ingredients for signature pita wraps, gourmet pizzas, distinct salads and other delectable dishes.

Pat's Pizzeria Edgewood
1961 Pulaski Highway
Edgewood, MD 21040 (410) 676-6888
http://www.patspizzeria.com
The menu boasts a flare for Greek, Italian and seafood specialties, featuring award-winning crab cakes, beer and wine, subs and salads.

Price's Seafood & Crabhouse
654 Water St.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-2782
markhasenei@comcast.net
http://www.pricesseafood.com
The traditional Maryland crabhouse serves exclusively Maryland blue crabs.

The Bayou
927 Pulaski Highway
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-3565
http://www.bayourestaurant.net
For more than 50 years, this local favorite has served seafood and traditional fare with homemade desserts.

Tidewater Grille
300 Franklin St.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-3313
tidewatergrille@yahoo.com
http://www.thetidewatergrille.com
The on-the-water setting and 90-foot dock enhance a menu of fresh seafood, steak and such local fare mainstays as award-winning crab cakes and cream of crab soup.

SHOPPING
The opportunities vary from trendy Main Street shopping to antiques and anchor stores. Check the Buyer's Guide in this publication for more listings.

Bel Air Downtown Alliance
37 N. Main St.
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 638-1023
swalker@downtownbelair.com
http://www.downtownbelair.com
The businesses, shops and stores have created a vibrant downtown destination.

Bahoukas Antique Mall and Beer MuZeum
408 N. Union Ave.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 942-1290
bahoukas@verizon.net
http://www.bahoukas.com
Everything's on sale at this antiques and collectibles mall with the area's largest collection of beer and alcohol related items.

Harford Mall
696 A Belair Road
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 879-9319
lauri_altman@cblproperties.com
http://www.harfordmall.com
The county's only enclosed mall features such stores as Macy's, Sears, Hollister, Yankee Candle and American Eagle, as well as the Bonefish Grill, Red Robin Burgers, Qdoba Mexican Grill and Five Guys Burgers.

Havre de Grace Main Street, Inc.
121 N. Union Ave., Suite D
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-1811
http://www.mainstreethdg.com/
The historic waterfront destination thrives on business, culture, and arts and entertainment.

Washington Street Books and Music
129-131 N. Washington St.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-6215
washbks@gmail.com
http://www.washingtonstreetbooksandmusic.com
The downtown bookstore features jewelry, one of the largest collections of comics and toys, CDs and vinyl, and Magic Gatherings.

SPORTS AND RECREATION
Baseball
Ripken Stadium
873 Long Drive
Aberdeen, MD 21001 (410) 297-9292
http://www.ironbirdsbaseball.com
Home of the minor league Aberdeen IronBirds, the stadium seats 6,000 and features a large gift store stocked with IronBirds and Cal Ripken mer-chandise and apparel.

Golf
Beechtree Golf Club
811 S. Stepney Road
Aberdeen, MD 21001 (410) 297-9700
The 7,000-yard public course opened in 1998.

Bulle Rock Golf Course
320 Blenheim Lane
Havre de Grace, MD, 21078 (410) 939-8887
http://www.bullerock.com
Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Golf World, Golf Week and Golf Styles rank this Pete Dye designed public course as the best in the state.

Furnace Bay Golf Course
79 Chesapeake View
Perryville, MD 21903 (410) 642-6816
The wooded 18-hole public course—15 miles from Bel Air—challenges golfers of every skill level.

Geneva Farm Golf Course
217 Davis Road
Street, MD, 21154 (410) 452-8800
http://www.genevafarmgolf.com
The 18-hole public course includes a driving range, a putting green, a pro shop and a full service restaurant and bar.

Mountain Branch Golf Club
1827 Mountain Road
Joppa, MD 21085 (410) 836-9600
http://www.mountainbranch.com
The challenging and beautifully conditioned 18-hole public course is open year-round.

The Wetlands Golf Course
740 Gilbert Road
Aberdeen, MD 21001 (410) 273-7488
The course features marsh scenery and a variety of holes for any skill level.

The Courses at Aberdeen Proving Ground
5600 Maryland Blvd.
Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, 21005
(410) 278-4794/436-2213
http://www.apgmwr.com/recreation/golf
April through November, 7 a.m. to dusk.
Ruggles is an 18-hole championship course designed by Ed Ault; and Exton features a nine-hole course and driving range.

Horses
Harford County Equestrian Center
608 N. Tollgate Road
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 638-3528
The center features two barns, a show ring, and open and closed pavilions on a 20-acre spread. Other special events include car shows and dog shows.

BOATING AND FISHING
BaySail School and Yacht Charters
100 Bourbon St.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-2869
Take sailing classes, rent a small boat or charter a yacht.

Broad Creek Public Landing
Flintville and Paddrick Roads
Darlington, MD 21034 (410) 638-3572
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=40

Bynum Run Park
715 Churchville Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=23

Dublin Dell
Route 136, west of Route 440
Darlington, MD 21034 (410) 638-3572
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=42

Eden Mill Nature Center and Park
1617 Eden Mill Road
Pylesville, MD 21132 (410) 836-3050
http://www.edenmill.org

Flying Point Park
511 Kennard Ave.
Edgewood, MD 21040 (410) 612-1678
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=47

Frank J. Hutchins
Memorial Park
Congress Street and Susquehanna River
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-1800
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=60

Friends Park
35 E. Jarrettsville Road
Forest Hill, MD 21050 (410) 638-3616
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=54

Jean S. Roberts Memorial Park
Ostego and Water Streets
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-1800
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=61

Lantern Queen
100 Congress Ave.
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-1468
info@lanternqueen.com
http://www.lanternqueen.com
Activities include year-round public and private cruises featuring gourmet meals and guided river tours.

Mariner Point Park
100 Kearney Drive
Joppa, MD 21085 (410) 612-1608
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=73  

McLhinney Park
Conesto and Adams Streets
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-1800
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=62

Otter Point
600 Otter Point Road
Abington, MD 21009 (410) 612-1688
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=19

Parks and Recreation Administrative Office
702 North Tollgate Road
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 638-4148
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=95

Robert Copenhaver Park
664 Trimble Road
Joppa, MD 21085 (410) 612-1608
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=75

Tydings Park and Promenade
Commerce Street
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-1800
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=67

Willoughby Beach Landing
Willoughby Beach Road or Kennard Avenue
Edgewood, MD 21040 (410) 612-1608
http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/parks_rec/Parks.cfm?ParkID=48
 
PARKS AND TRAILS
Anita C. Leight Estuary Center
700 Otter Point Road
Abingdon, MD 21009 (410) 612-1688
http://www.otterpointcreek.org
This 600-plus acre portion of the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve offers public programs including canoeing, nature hikes, and children's activities.

Cedar Lane Regional Park
1100 Cedar Lane
Bel Air, MD 21015 (443) 807-1767
http://www.cedarlanesports.org
The 110-acre multi-sport complex is for local and regional use.

Eden Mill Park Nature
Center and Historic Mill
1617 Eden Mill Road
Pylesville, MD 21132 (410) 836-3050
http://www.edenmill.org
The park features such outdoor activities as five miles of hiking trails, canoeing and bird watching and a nature center in a restored Grist Mill.

Gunpowder Falls State Park
2813 Jerusalem Road
Kingsville, MD 21087 (410) 592-2897
http://www.dnr.state.md.us 
More than 18,000 acres in the Gunpowder River Valley cover both Baltimore and Harford counties. The long list of amenities includes more than 100 miles of trails, trout streams and the historic village of Jerusalem and 18th century grist mill company town; a multi-use rail trail, swimming beach, picnic area, and marina. Guided trips with local outfitters also are available for flat water and moving water kayaking, canoeing, fly-fishing, for trout, bass fishing, catamaran sailing, windsurfing and natural history walks.

Kilgore Falls/Falling Branch Area
3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road
Jarrettsville, MD 21084 (410) 557-7994
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/rocks.html
Take Route 24 north through Rocks State Park, turn left on St. Mary's Road, turn right on Falling Branch Road to the parking lot on the right and then hike half a mile to the second highest vertical waterfall in Maryland.

Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway
4948 Conowingo Road
Darlington, MD 21034 (410) 457-2482
ishatrails@aol.com
http://www.hitourtrails.com
The 40 miles of continuous public trails connect Harford and Cecil counties.

Ma & Pa Heritage Trail
702 N. Tollgate Road
Bel Air, MD 21014
president@mapatrail.org
http://www.mapatrail.org
The walking, running and bicycle trail follows the former Ma & Pa railroad corridor in two segments: Forest Hill (1.7 miles) and Bel Air (3.4 miles) with a dog park at Heavenly Waters Park at the end of the trail.

Play Action Sports and Social Club
1 Meadow Springs Drive
Bel Air, MD 21015 (443) 904-4998
kelly@playactionsports.net
http://www.playactionsports.net 
The club offers year-round sports activities.

Rocks State Park
3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road
Jarrettsville, MD 21084 (410) 557-7994
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/rocks.html
This 850-acre day-use park features rock climbing, picnicking, hiking, tubing, canoeing, fishing and seasonal bow hunting.

Susquehanna State Park
4122 Wilinson Road
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 734-9035
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/central/susquehanna.html
This park sports some of the most popular mountain biking trails in Maryland and the Susquehanna River beckons fishermen and boaters alike. Also check out the Rock Run Historical Area with a working grist mill, the Archer Mansion, Jersey Toll House, Susquehanna Tidewater Canal and campground.

RV Parks and Camping
Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina
4228 Birch Ave.
Abingdon, MD 21009 (410) 679-0880
barharborrrv@verizon.net
http://www.barharborrvpark.com
The waterfront RV park features three-point hook-ups.

FARMS, GARDENS AND WINERIES
Applewood Farm
4435 Prospect Road
Whiteford, MD 21160 (410) 836-1140
applewoodfarm@earthlink.net
http://www.applewoodfarm.org
Check out the pumpkins, cornmaze, petting zoo, train rides, hayrides, Christmas trees and train ride.

Darlington Apple Festival (410) 457-4189
Held the first week in October, this shindig resembles an old-fashioned day in the country with entertainment, country markets, arts and crafts and lots of apples.

Deer Creek Beef at the Mill
424 N. Main St.
Bel Air, MD 21014 (410) 322-2314
deercreekbeef@gmail.com
http://www.deercreekbeef.com
Pick up such all-natural beef products raised on family farms as steaks, roasts and burgers at local markets and restaurants.

Farmers' Markets
The Bel Air, Edgewood and Havre de Grace outdoor markets sell only fresh, local produce in season, along with jellies, jams, baked goods, small shrubs and ornamental grasses.

Fiore Winery
3026 Whiteford Road
Pylesville, MD 21132 (410) 879-4007
mcullison@fiorewinery.com
http://www.fiorewinery.com
The winery bottles Harford County-grown grapes with nearly 20 generations of Italian winemaking tradition.

Harford County Division of Agriculture
220 S. Main Street
Bel Air, MD 21014 410-638-3111
cjsullivan@harfordcountymd.gov
http://www.harfordfarms.com
The county appendage maintains the viability of agriculture in Harford County through marketing, promotions and training.

Harford County Farm Fair
Equestrian Center
608 N. Tollgate Road
Bel Air, MD (410) 838-8663
http://www.farmfair.org
The annual summer event occurs the last weekend in July and features 4-H exhibits, tractor pulls, kid's entertainment, home arts and crafts and live bands.

Harford Vineyard and Winery
1311 W. Jarrettsville Road
Forest Hill, MD 21050 (443) 495-1699
mail@harfordvineyard.com
http://www.harfordvineyard.com
Established in 2003, the family-operated vineyard and winery introduced its first wines in 2009.

Ladew Topiary Gardens
3535 Jarrettsville Pike
Monkton, MD 21111 (410) 557-9570 ext. 215
eemerick@ladewgardens.com
http://www.ladewgardens.com
The 22 acres of gardens feature more than 100 topiaries, a nature walk, a café, a gift shop and fox-hunting memorabilia and antiques in the 1747 Manor House.

Legends Vineyard, LLC
521 Asbury Road
Churchville, MD 21028 (410) 914-5122
legendsvineyards@comcast.net
http://www.legendsvineyardmd.com
The Churchville vineyard and winery opened in 2005.

Mount Felix Vineyard and
Winery/Villa at Mount Felix Manor
2000 A Level Road
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-0913
mountfelix@gmail.com
This private villa overlooks the vineyard and Chesapeake Bay.

Swan Harbor Farm
401 Oakington Road
Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (410) 939-6767
kategges@harfordcountymd.gov
http://www.swanharborfarm.org
The 531-acre historic waterfront estate features a restored 1700s stately home, landscaped grounds and a pier and gazebo overlooking Chesapeake Bay, and specializes in weddings, special events and corporate affairs.