The Concord Point Lighthouse dates back to 1827.
Folks of a certain age may recall when our local weatherman would point out the hottest spot in the region, which, more often than not, turned out to be Havre de Grace. He’d trace his finger along the map and say, “It’s located way down here.”
Why he always included Havre de Grace was a mystery to me then and still is now. Did he have ties to the town? Who knows? What I do know is that my curiosity led me to the area located about 1 hour and 45 minutes from Harrisburg in Harford County, Md., at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay.
Havre de Grace touts a total of eight museums, all of which feature aspects of an area rich in history. If museums aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other places to while away the time. The relatively short drive leads to a quiet town where boutique shops and restaurants line the streets and elegant bed and breakfasts beckon.
Lafayette Trail
A good way to see a nice sampling of what Havre de Grace has to offer is to take a self-guided tour of the Lafayette Trail, which can be accessed at the Visitors Center on Pennington Avenue.
One of the first stops along the trail is the Lock House Museum, where visitors can learn about the importance of canals in facilitating early trade and commerce. The two-story structure overlooking the Susquehanna was built in 1840 and was home to the lock tender and his family. Guests of the museum will learn about the “locks” that were devised to raise and lower canal boats to adjust for the difference in elevation as they passed through the channels.
Along the trail, one of the most popular landmarks is the Concord Point Lighthouse, which looms large as a backdrop in many a selfie. It is known as the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the country and was once slated for demolition before a concerned citizens group banded together to save it. Guests can learn more about the lighthouse at the nearby museum, which dates back to 1827.
Along those same lines is the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, which tells the story of the region’s nautical heritage. An exhibit was recently installed in the 10,000-square-foot, three-story building that tells the story of the Underground Railroad in the area.
Quirky Shops
Shoppers who visit the area have plenty of places to window shop, purchase souvenirs or buy that unique gift for someone who has everything. Two unique examples are JoRetro and Washington Street Books & Music, both located on Washington Street.
JoRetro transports customers into the wayback machine to a time when Pyrex was popular. Quite a bit of shelf space is dedicated to the kitchenware. Vintage vinyl, clothing, gifts and jewelry are among the other items that customers can purchase at the quirky, fun shop.
Washington Street Books serves as both a retail shop and a museum. During a recent visit, ABBA blared on the sound system while 20-somethings browsed comic books that lined a wall. Items for sale include crystals, toys, minerals and other curiosities, surrounded by dozens of floor-to-ceiling display cases containing costumes worn by stars in movies. The owner rotates out 250 movie costumes from 75 different movies. When I visited, the display featured costumes from “Hunger Games” and “Respect,” including a gown decorated in hundreds of Swarovski crystals and worn by Jennifer Hudson.
For those who enjoy browsing decor that may have decorated our grandmothers’ houses, there’s the sprawling Seneca Cannery Antiques, where dozens of vendors sell items that have long been forgotten.
After a day of shopping, consider winding down by taking a leisurely walk along the Promenade, a lovely boardwalk that provides a beautiful view of the Susquehanna, where waterfowl frolic and boats traverse the bay. Just off the Promenade, a century-old fieldstone building offers visual interest. Al Capone was said to have stayed there, but the Depression forced the hotel out of business. Today, the structure is home to luxury condominiums.
Beautiful B&Bs
The Vandiver Inn, located on Union Avenue, is home to many “I do’s,” and rightly so. The mansion dates back to 1886 and is named after Murray Vandiver, who served as secretary and treasurer of Maryland and as the mayor of Havre de Grace. Vandiver built the large Victorian “cottage” as a present for his wife.
A short walk away is the Spencer Silver Mansion, built in 1896 and purchased in 1917 by Charles Bartol Silver, a local canning magnate who made it his home, along with his wife, “Fannie” Hopkins Silver. Silver was part owner of the firm Silver, Spencer & Co., reputed to be the largest salt fish packer in the East.
Art & History
On Market Street, an ambitious project is underway called Harmer’s Town Art Center, named after the original settlement at Havre de Grace.
Currently, construction is apace for a 34,000-square-foot indoor facility that soon will debut as a creativity incubator, an art center and an economic driver. The public soon will be able to able to watch artists as they work, much like the Millworks here in Harrisburg.
Located outside of the center will be the Graw Alley Interactive Art Park containing sculptures, outdoor seating and signage, leading visitors on a tour of Havre de Grace history as told through murals and public art installations. Harmer’s Town Art Center is slated to open this summer.
These are just a few highlights of beautiful, quaint and charming Havre de Grace—an area that is ideal for a laidback getaway to refresh and recharge.
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