Nestled right by the meeting point of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay, Havre de Grace is a fairly small town, but a popular destination for weekend trips that has often been honored for its prolific history and picturesque shoreline. It made the list of “America’s 20 Best Small Towns” in Smithsonian magazine in 2014, and its historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
While it’s a fair distance away from Maryland’s urban hubs, a day trip to Havre de Grace is a great opportunity to grab a bite to eat, do some shopping and explore local history.
Local Attractions
As expected of a town with such a rich history, some of Havre de Grace’s most notable attractions are its museums. One of the most notable is the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum and Environmental Center, which celebrates the town’s fishing and boating industry throughout the years. The Environmental Center focuses on the Chesapeake Bay’s native wildlife and plays a key role in monitoring its aquatic plant growth.
A more unique option is the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. Because of its proximity to the bay, waterfowling was a popular pastime in Havre de Grace, and often required the use of decoys meant to lure ducks. Decoys are more of a decoration or novelty item now, but the museum focuses on their history and usage, as well as the art of woodcarving.
The Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center offers a more somber look at local history, reflecting on educational segregation, but also on the Black community’s accomplishments and development. Most notably, the poet Langston Hughes spoke at the school several times before its initial closure in 1953. While redevelopment efforts on the museum building have not been completed, it remains open to the public and hosts events celebrating Black culture.
If you’d rather spend your time outside, there are also plenty of outdoor attractions. These include several seaside parks, murals and outdoor art exhibits at Harmer’s Town Art Center and the Concord Point Lighthouse, which can be climbed for a better view of the bay.
Shopping
Havre de Grace’s main street is a veritable paradise for antiquers and lovers of all things retro. Whether you’re looking for antique furniture, new vinyls for your record player or out-of-print books, there’s sure to be at least one store in the downtown area that has what you’re looking for.
Visiting the many antique shops in Havre de Grace, such as Found Vintage Co. and Bayside Antiques, is like stepping into the past. They boast a great deal of vintage furniture and household items that can be repurposed as decorations, from toys to farming equipment.
For those who want more modern products with a retro twist, JoRetro Vintage Market offers clothing right out of the mid-20th century, a large selection of vinyls and quirky gifts like Pyrex kitchenware and jigsaw puzzles decorated with ‘60s and ‘70s-inspired art.
If you’re looking for tastes from your childhood, there’s even Blast From the Past, a candy store with a focus on vintage candy.
If you’re in the mood for something more modern, there are also many main street shops with a focus on pieces from independent artists. The Arts by the Bay Gallery displays and sells paintings, sculptures and handmade furniture from Havre de Grace-based creatives, while Moon and Sea Jewelry offers handmade necklaces, earrings and more as well as a range of products made by independent needleworkers and designers from across the country.
Food
As one might expect from a town that roots so much of its identity in its proximity to the sea, seafood is a common staple on the menus of its restaurants. Surf and turf restaurant Tidewater Grille is located directly on the water, and even allows boats to park at its built-in dock. Crab, shrimp, mussels and more all make many appearances in its selection of dishes, with its Bacon Jam Scallops being especially popular among online reviewers.
Right nearby is MacGregor’s Restaurant, a regular host of community events that serves up a large variety of sandwiches, shareable appetizers and its own spin on comfort food classics like crab cakes and chicken and waffles.
For Italian food enthusiasts, there’s La Cucina, which boasts a menu of authentic Italian food in eye-watering portions. In addition to pizza, pasta, and hot and cold sandwiches, there’s the giant Family Antipasto, which serves four to six people.
In the mood for a more whimsical dining experience? Try Bella’s Tea Room, a café focused on afternoon tea. Put on your fanciest clothes and hats and enjoy a variety of different tea flavors, as well as baked goods, soups and tea sandwiches. The fancy, maximalist interior and fine china teaware will make you feel like you’re in “Downton Abbey.”
