April 01, 2024
Content sponsored by
Angela Johnson/For Visit Harford
The Bayou Motel & Havre de Grace Promenade from the Susquehanna River.
When the first signs of spring come to our area, the urge to get outside grows by the day. Whether your dry season desires include hiking, biking, discovering or relaxing, Harford County, Maryland checks every box on your list, and is less than two hours from Philadelphia.
When you embark on a trail of any kind, your route is planned for a particular purpose. In Harford County, the feeling of serenity bellows through the trees, beyond the rocks and along the streams to put that hectic life of yours on pause during your journey. With over 10 hiking trails to choose from, you’ll immediately feel a sense of calm wash over you as mother nature’s beauty shines her brightest. If you appreciate the beauty of the outdoors but hiking is not on your “to do” list, you can visit over 30 parks, walkways and playgrounds that are open daily.
Hiking trail in Harford County.
Trails may refer to those ever-popular walking journeys, but Visit Harford has created over a half dozen experiential trails that make your stay in Harford County a memorable one that will dazzle your eye and fill your stomach.
View the artwork of some of Harford County’s most talented visual artists along the Mural Trail, which features something to suit all tastes - conservative to radical, quirky to bizarre. Be sure to check out the 31 murals when you plan your visit!
There’s no better way to experience the culture and history of rural Harford County , Maryland than by hitting the road to travel through the gently rolling countryside. Bordered by the beautiful Chesapeake Bay and scenic Susquehanna River, Harford County is home to historic barns, family homesteads and public spaces that create stunning backdrops to colorful painted quilt designs. Harford County Barn Quilt Trail celebrates the beauty, history, agriculture, and small business of the county. The Barn Quilt Trail is a collection of barn quilts painted on barns and buildings. On the Trail, you can find dairies, museums, farm markets, heritage farms, breweries, natural areas, and back road adventures.
It’s no secret that food is one of the basic necessities of life. You need it! Harford County, Maryland is home to over 150 restaurants and sweet treat shops for you to enjoy and they’ve compiled some of those shops into incredible trails to follow in an effort for you to see what Harford has to offer.
Whether your tastes lean toward sweet or savory, Harford County’s Chocolate and Cheese Trail brings together two of the world's most desirable food types into a single foodie adventure. Visit several local artisan cheese producers and chocolate shops along this new trail. If you're trying to give up dairy or sugar, look away now.
Harford County’s Ice Cream Trail brings funky and traditional flavors together to create a paradise for cold treat lovers. Some of the creameries are “cow-to-cone,” so make it a point to check them out.
Snowballs
Many people say that craft beer holds more flavor, taste and variety. The same can be said for wine, as well! Harford County’s libation trail showcases 10 independently owned breweries and wineries that come with delicious adult beverages and great vibes. You’ll find live music, games, food trucks, and special events, too. Each is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Aside from the multitude of trails, Harford County is the proud home to Ladew Topiary Gardens. Voted one of the top five gardens in North America, Ladew offers 22 acres of incredible beauty for all ages. The gardens are ever-changing; from springs blossoms to splashes of color during the summer, and the vibrant themes of fall. And as always, the ever-present topiaries. Plan your visit and discover why Architectural Digest named Ladew Gardens one of the “10 incredible topiary gardens around the world.”
Ladew Topiary Gardens
For the baseball enthusiasts, Harford County is the birthplace of the Ripken family (Cal Ripken Jr., Cal Ripken Sr. & Billy Ripken.) The Ripken Brothers have given back to Harford County, by creating Leidos Field and Ripken Stadium, the home of the Baltimore Orioles Minor League affiliate, The Aberdeen Ironbirds. Come take in a game and watch soon to be pros compete while enjoying some delicious ballpark fare.
There are so many things to see and do for all ages just an hour south of Center City, so hop on I-95 and see why Harford County should be your next destination. Check out all there is to see and do at VisitHarford.com!
