This February, travel with your valentine through Harford County for an extended weekend to learn about the African American history. Experience Harford County, Maryland’s charm, beautiful vistas, and history.
(Image: View from the Top of the Concord Point Lighthouse)
Climb to the Top of the Concord Point Lighthouse
Experience the beautiful views of downtown Havre de Grace from the top of the Concord Point Lighthouse, the second oldest lighthouse in the state of Maryland. As you admire the Chesapeake Bay landscape, learn of the history behind the lighthouse’s impact on Havre de Grace.
(Image: Underground Railroad: Other Voices of Freedom Exhibit at the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum)
Experience the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum’s Exhibits
Next, take a quick turn around the corner of the Promenade to reach the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, where you can experience their newest permanent exhibit, "Underground Railroad: Other Voices of Freedom." With original art created by four African American artists, learn about the brave men and women led those who were enslaved to freedom along the top portion of the Bay. The exhibit was recently designated by the National Park Service as a Network to Freedom Program.
(Image: Ernest Burke Memorial Statue at Millard Tydings Park in Havre de Grace, MD)
See the Ernest Burke Memorial Statue at Millard Tydings Park
To wrap up your historical walk, arrive at the Ernest Burke Memorial Statue in Tydings Park. Havre de Grace native, Ernest Burke joined the military during WWII, where he showed impressive athletic skills that took him to the Negro Leagues as one of the best pitchers the Baltimore Elite Giants had ever seen. Burke continued supporting and promoting the history of the Negro Professional Leagues and being an activist for African American history and sports history throughout Harford County.
(Image: The Crab Cake Sandwich Meal from the Ballpark Restaurant)
Lunch at the Ballpark Restaurant
Keep the theme of baseball alive when you head to the Ballpark Restaurant for lunch. Indulge in their special Ballpark Cream of Crab soup with a burger or wings. The restaurant was built where a Susquehanna Semi-Pro Baseball League field once was and includes many different pieces of memorabilia and autographs from sports legends throughout the years.
(Image: The Hosanna School Museum)
Take A Tour of the Hosanna Museum
As you make your way back to Havre de Grace, make a stop at the Hosanna Museum in Darlington, Maryland, which is listed on the National Register of Historic places. As the first public school in Harford County built for African American students in 1867, The Hosanna School Museum offers historical artifacts and hosts events such as the annual Juneteenth Celebration to acknowledge the school's history through book signings, talks, film screenings, lectures, workshops, and more.
(Image: Shrimp Étouffée from Creole de Graw)
Jazz, Vibes, and Good Eats at Creole de Graw for Dinner
Wrap up the evening with a French and Creole inspired dish at Creole de Graw! Whether you want their specialty, the Chef's Crawfish Gumbo, or the Etouffee and Jambalaya, there are several menu options that allow you to culturally immerse yourself in this creative dining experience. Enjoy the atmosphere’s live music, company, and New Orleans’-inspired decorations throughout.
(Image: Aberdeen Historical Museum)
Discover the History of Aberdeen
Calling all History Buffs - Take a trip to the Aberdeen Historical Museum. Tour the exhibits which range from the history of the town's development, the canning industry, sports, railroads, Aberdeen Proving Ground, and the many stories behind Aberdeen's local businesses. Now open in the month of February, you can experience the exhibits, library, and archives on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Drive or take the MARC Train right into Aberdeen to experience the rich and interesting history of Aberdeen today.
Whether you’re a history buff learning to come back from your trip with new facts about Harford County, or a foodie looking for a creative and memorable date night this Valentine’s Day, Harford County has countless options and opportunities to make you want to plan your next trip before you’re even back from this one!
