If you’re on the hunt for a historic town that offers the combination of gorgeous waterfront views, comfortable stays, outdoorsy activities in town as well as in gorgeous local environs, and small-town charm with shopping and mouthwatering dining and imbibing opportunities, Havre de Grace, Maryland, is the secret gem you’ve been looking for. Located in Harford County, Maryland, the charming town is situated where the Chesapeake Bay and Susquehanna River meet, and is the perfect destination for traveler groups of any type, from couples and adventure-seekers to families or friend groups.
Stay
For the most unforgettable stay, the Vandiver Inn is a must for travelers to Havre de Grace. The boutique bed and breakfast features a main mansion with upstairs rooms as well as adjacent properties that meet the needs of any traveler.
Its gorgeously appointed dining destination room is ideal for indulging in the establishment’s morning meals from its award-winning chef/owner, Susan Muldoon. Start the day with impeccably prepared eggs and meats or specials like creamy stuffed berry waffles. With cozy nooks, stained glass windows, and a view of the quaint town (which can also be enjoyed from the porch in comfy weather), the Vandiver Inn’s breakfast room is the best place to start your day.
Beyond that, the multi-award-winning Vandiver Inn offers a multitude of rooms that range from one-bedrooms to far more expansive stays that can accommodate a multitude of travelers. Additionally, there’s a green area to relax in outside, and an adaptable pavilion for renting or for enjoying some of their in-house events. Also, it’s nestled right in town, making it walkable to the waterfront as well as many of the local attractions and activities in Havre de Grace.
“This is a place where customers become friends,” said co-owners John and Susan Muldoon. “We know them, and they know us so well.”
Plus, for travelers looking for a setup for corporate events or weddings, Vandiver Inn is an ideal destination. Susan, who attended Cornell and studied neurobiology, is now the chef who makes dreams come true at the Inn with her incredibly prepared dishes that have expanded even beyond the Inn’s events and innovative breakfasts to its expertly curated Tuesday night Bite Nights that explore various cuisines and offer an opportunity for locals to take a taste of what the Vandiver Inn has to offer.
For those looking for other ways to experience the Inn, John and Susan are considering opening the spot for breakfast to others beyond the visitors at the B&B, and a social happy hour may be on the way, too.
For Wine Lovers
For travelers interested in exploring wine, downtown Havre de Grace has a destination worth putting on the itinerary. Joe Lertch, a Havre de Grace native for over 20 years, owns The Vineyard Wine Bar, most recently voted by Mashed as the number one wine bar in the state, but it’s also garnered a massive amount of other impressive wine and dining awards and recommendations, making it a top stop for wine-lovers visiting the area that also want to indulge in incredible food.
“I try to source wines from all over the world. I find unusual varietals that not many people have heard of,” Lertch said. “We have a very rare and very extensive selection.”
The restaurant offers 80 wines by the glass, often bottles that people have never heard of. In addition, the restaurant offers 70 in half-glasses does flights so that people can try them. Plus, there’s a full focus on education that extends beyond the restaurant to exploratory trips that are both domestic and abroad.
Dining
Beyond Vandiver Inn and the Vineyard Wine Bar, there are multiple other spots to stop into. For a casual afternoon lunch to fuel you through the day, pop into Danny’s Deli, with subs and sandwiches that are sure to satisfy, and a staff that is beyond friendly. You might even meet Danny himself, who is happy to have a chat.
For seafood-based goodness, don’t stop into the warm, friendly, and spunkily decorated Water Street Seafood. While the ambiance is comfy and casual, there are plenty of Maryland seafood delicacies on the menu. Don’t miss the crab hush puppies, bacon-wrapped scallops, or well-seasoned cioppino.
More in Havre de Grace
While the Vandiver Inn and Vineyard Wine Bar are top-notch places to nestle into for food, wine, and a comfortable stay, there is so much more to explore in Havre de Grace.
For peaceful walks, stroll along the adorable downtown with its shops and pubs. Pop into the tearoom for an elevated afternoon or check out numerous other locally owned treasures. Or simply head to the promenade to enjoy a stroll with a waterfront view, possibly stopping at the lighthouse or the maritime museum.
If outdoorsy life is your aim on the trip, it’s easy to drop a kayak or pop over to Susquehanna State Park, where there are trails, scenery, and historical sites to check out. Want to get sporty? Run along the promenade, hike the trails, or golf nearby.
If you’re on the hunt for a historic town that offers the combination of gorgeous waterfront views, comfortable stays, outdoorsy activities... and small-town charm, Havre de Grace, Maryland, is the secret gem you’ve been looking for.
“This is a place where customers become friends,” said co-owners John and Susan Muldoon. “We know them, and they know us so well.”