Washington, DC, the Nation’s capital, sits at the center of the region which is traversed by the Potomac River. The seat of the Nation’s government provides visitors with some of the worlds most famous landmarks as well as all the art, culture and cuisine one would expect from an international city that is the capital of the free world. Northern Virginia, including Arlington, Alexandria and the eastern portion of Fairfax County, west of the Potomac, lies closest to the District which is only minutes away by metro or car across one of several crossing points under and over the Potomac. East of the Potomac surrounding Washington DC, to the north east and south are the Maryland suburbs of Montgomery and Prince Georges Counties as well as nearby Baltimore and Annapolis.

The region offers hundreds of lodging options, from grand hotels downtown to auto friendly hotels in the suburbs offering easy access to the area attractions by car or mass transit. Many are conveniently located just off I-95 and the Beltway (I-495). Check out the lodging section of the this guide or one of the links below for more information on Washington, DC area lodging. For a complete listing see the link below.

Idicative of the multi-culturalism found in metro Washington, DC, the area offers many ethnic cuisines from around the world as well as more traditional fare and national chains. Check the links below to for access to dining in Northern Virginia. See the links below for dining choices in the area.

Some of the nation’s most famous landmarks including the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Smithsonian Institution, and a plethora of monuments, museums and other attractions at the core of the Washington, DC.

Many of the Capital area’s most famous attractions are found in Northern Virginia, which is located just across the Potomac to the west of the District. These attractions include George Washington’s colonial estate, Mount Vernon, on the shore of the Potomac in southern Fairfax County, the site of one of the Civil War’s first conflicts at Manassas (Bull Run), Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon, the world largest office building and a symbol of the emergence after World War II of the US as the leading non-communist nation in the cold war and many more.

Today, the Washington,DC area is a high technology center spawned by military, medical and other governmental research. It has become a thriving international center developing new mediums for communicating and leading the nation into the 21st century. This growth has transformed a rolling tree covered rural farming area into a region that is home to over six million people who live and work in the metro area which maintains its links to its historic past.

By car, Washington, DC and the Capital Region are easily accessible from the I-95 corridor which dissects the area. I-95 becomes I-495 (The Capital Beltway) and encircles Washington, DC and the inner suburbs of Virginia and Maryland, providing easy access to Washington and suburban attractions. From I-95 (northbound) approaching from south of Washington, DC, I-395 runs from the Capital Beltway into downtown Washington, DC through the portions of Fairfax County, Alexandria and Arlington. Also from the west I-66, runs from the intersection of I-81 in the northwestern area of Virginia near Front Royal, through the Virginia suburbs (Arlington and Fairfax counties) to across the Potomac River terminating near the Lincoln Memorial on Constitution Avenue in downtown Washington, DC. Access to the area is also provided by US Routes 50 and 29 from the east and west and US Route 1 form north to south. It is highly recommended that visitors avoid these roads during rush hours during the week.

Need more? Try these links for additional information about Washington, DC.

The I-95 Exit Information Guide
“Flat out, the single best website for auto travelers on the Net” — Yahoo’s Internet Life Magazine

See Washington DC
See Washington DC, a travel guide to the Washington, DC. Check here for detailed information about area attractions, hotels, dining, transportation and other valuable information.

Washington Post Style Live
A complete Guide to Washington, DC for locals and visitors.

Enjoy a visit to historic Havre De Grace, our name says it all, “Harbor of Grace”. As early as the 1620’s this area was recorded on nautical charts and in short histories about the upper Chesapeake Bay and the large Susquehanna River which in the Indian language meant “river of islands”. The large island located under the Thomas J. Hatem Bridge was part of a land grant given by King James I of England. It is named Garret Island in honor of a former president of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad.

During the Revolutionary War, this small hamlet was visited several times by General Lafayette. He mentioned that the area reminded him of the French seaport, Le Havre. Hence, our town derived its lovely name “Harbor of Grace”. The town was incorporated in 1785.

You will experience museums devoted to celebrating our Waterman’s way of life. Those with an eye for architecture will appreciate the many fine Victorian homes here. In 1791, Havre De Grace narrowly lost out to Washington, D.C., as the nation’s capitol. As a result of that near brush with fate, you will find many streets such as Union, Congress, Washington, Lafayette, Adams, etc. that bear the names of noble revolutionary leaders and ideals.

A scant few years later, during the War of 1812, the British again sailed up the Chesapeake Bay. After laying siege to Washington, D.C., burning the White House, and having been held at bay by the patriots in Baltimore, they proceeded to Havre De Grace. Most of the citizens fled in fear, but Lt. John O’Neill single-handedly defended the town. He was wounded, captured, and imprisoned on the British ship Maidstone. The town was sacked and burned, with only two houses and St. John’s Episcopal Church spared. O’Neill’s fifteen year old daughter, Matilda, pleaded with the Admiral of the Fleet for her father’s life. Admiral Cockburn was so impressed by the girl’s bravery that he released O’Neill unharmed, and rewarded Matilda by giving her his gold snuff box and sword.

One of the most famous horse race tracks, the Graw, was in operation from 1912 to 1950. In its heyday, trains brought passengers direct from the surrounding metropolitan areas, and the jockeys voted it the best track in the country. Today, it is home to the Maryland National Guard.

Havre De Grace is located in northeastern Maryland in Harford County at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay. Situated approximately 39 miles northeast of Baltimore and 45 miles south of Philadelphia, it is easily accessible from I-95, Via Exit 89, MD 155 and US 40. Havre De Grace is a wonderful place to visit. We know you’ll want to stay the weekend.

Bed & Breakfast Inns through out the town of Havre De Grace

The Currier House is located on 800 South Market Street, 1-800-827-2889/410-939-7886.

Spencer Silver Mansion is located on 200 South Union Avenue. This structure and the Seneca Mansion are two large scale historic houses built as private residences. Seneca Mansion is the only “High Victorian” stone mansion in the city. It contains numerous architectural embellishments such as a two-storied bay window, a tower, four gables, a dormer and a variety of window shapes and placements. 1-800-780-1485/410-939-1097.

The Vandiver Inn is located on 301 South Union Street, 1-800-245-1655 or 410-939-5200.

The Old Chesapeake Hotel offers many beautiful guest suites. The Old Chesapeake Hotel is located on 400 North Union Avenue in Havre De Grace for more information call: 410-939-5440 or visit their web site:www.oldchesapeakehotel.com

These Bed & Breakfast Inns offer excellent accommodations and are within walking distance to Antique Row.

You will find many fine restaurants that offer fresh seafood. Ken’s Steak & Rib House provides casual dining in an elegant atmosphere. Ken’s is located on 400 North Union Avenue. For reservations call 410-939-5440.

Price’s Seafood is well known for their genuine steamed crabs and is located on 654 Water Street. Call ahead for reservations 410-939-2782.

Another town favorite is Coakley’s Pub located on 406 St. John Street. Where the crab cakes are famous! For reservations call 410-939-8888.

You’ll also find most of the fast food restaurants (McDonalds, Burger King, Pizza Hut, etc.) located on US 40.

Havre De Grace has many places of interest:

Skipjack Martha Lewis

Right in Harford County lays a unique floating History Museum! That’s right the Skipjack Martha Lewis, docked in Havre de Grace, Maryland is a floating History Museum. The Martha Lewis is over 50 years old and continues to dredge for oysters today just as they did in the early 1900’s. While visiting you can step back in time, learn about the rich heritage and cultural that is fading from the Chesapeake Bay at an alarming rate. With just about 12 Skipjacks remaining on the Chesapeake, the Martha Lewis is the last one to still dredge for oysters under sail. Truly the only way to fully appreciate the Maritime History of the Chesapeake Bay is to experience it from the decks of the last remaining vessel that continues to work under sail in North America. Bring your family, friends, students; walk the deck, raise the sails and make history come alive! We offer many different cruises in which you can participate. Become a part of history and support the Skipjack Martha Lewis, a floating History Museum in Havre de Grace. For information please visit our web site: www.skipjackmarthalewis.org, or call 410-939-4078

The Gallery RoCa of Fine Arts & Accessories, LLC.
The cosmopolitan gallery features original oils, water media, sculpture, and other three dimensional works of fine art. When you enter the gallery RoCa you literally feel as though you’ve stepped into a new era of small town America and situated on the first floor of a traditional 1896 storefront with 3,100 sq. feet of original fine works of art. Also enjoy First Friday musical performances by professional classical musicians. The Gallery RoCa is located at 220 N. Washington Street in Havre de Grace. Hours for the Gallery RoCa are Monday-Saturday 11am-7PM and Sun 12PM-5PM for more information call 410-939-6182

The Decoy Museum was opened in 1986 with its collection of prized hand carved decoys and other memorabilia of “gunning on the flats”. Havre De Grace became known as the “Decoy Capitol of the World,” because so many of the master decoy carvers live, lived, studied, or were affiliated with this town through out the years. Visit the Havre De Grace Decoy Museum located on the banks of the historic Susquehanna Flats. The Decoy Museum houses one of the finest collections of decoys from the Chesapeake Bay and from around the country. The Havre De Grace Decoy Museum is open to the public seven days a week, 361 days a year, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For information call 410-939-3739 or visit their web site: http://www.decoymuseum.com/

The Concord Point Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in continual operation on the East Coast. Located at the foot of Lafayette Street, the point where the Susquehanna River becomes the Chesapeake Bay. The lighthouse was built in 1827 with Lt. John O’Neill as the light keeper. This position was maintained by the O’Neill descendants until it was automated in recent years. This was one of eight lighthouses built to coincide with the opening of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal linking the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays. The lighthouse was in continuous operation for over 150 years. On the water side you can see one of the cannons used in the defense of Havre De Grace on May 3, 1813. The Lighthouse has been restored and is open from April through October, Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call for special times for larger groups – 410-939-1498 or visit their web site: http://www.cheslights.org/heritage/concord.htm

The Susquehanna Museum of Havre De Grace is a restored 1836 lock house on the Susquehanna River. This building served as a home for the lock tender and a canal office for collecting tolls for vessels headed north toward Pennsylvania. The museum offers a display of Havre De Grace History and is located on Erie and Conesto Streets. Open from May through October, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call for more information for group tours at 410-939-5780.

Bulle Rock
For the golfer there is Bulle Rock’s 18 hole world class Pete Dye golf course open to the public and hosting The McDonalds LPGA Championship presented by Coca Cola Tournament dates for 2006: June 5-11 for more information call 410-939-8465 Website: www.harfordgolf.com

The Lantern Queen
River City Trading, LLC presents The Lantern Queen. Cruise and dine on an authentic paddle boat. The Lantern Queen was built in LaCross, Wisconsin in 1983 by LaCross Boat Works, one of sixteen similar vessels. The boat was named the Far West. The Far West traveled up the Missouri River to Yankton, South Dakota. It operated for ten years as a dinner cruise vessel. In 1994 it was purchased by a gentleman that took if to Englewood, Florida and renamed her “The Lantern Queen” to operate with his restaurant called The Ships Lantern. In 1996 The Lantern Queen sailed to Philadelphia arriving in June. On the 1st of July the Queen got hung up on a pile and sunk at Penns Landing in Philadelphia. Captain Jack Morey was the salvage master and raised The Lantern Queen. In 2007 The Lantern Queen was renovated by River City Trading, LLC and returned to Havre de Grace, where she is cruising year round. For more information and reservations call 410-939-1468.Several boat marinas and five city waterfront parks dot the shoreline of Havre De Grace. At Tydings Park at the foot of Union Avenue, the view is spectacular. Please stroll the streets, visit our many unique shops, meet the friendly folks here, and enjoy your visit in the “City by the Bay”.

History
Early (1780 to 1830)
This period represents the era of a sleepy fishing village. This group contains only one structure, Rogers House, but several others are strongly suspect. The British burning of Havre De Grace in 1813 caused severe damage to 60% of the existing houses.
The Canal Era (1830-1850)
This period when Havre De Grace flourished economically provides one of the most interesting collections of structures in the district. Dozens of structures still remain that were built in this five-year period which marked the coming of the railroad, the beginning of the modern northeast corridor and the completion of the new Susquehanna and Tidewater Canal on the western shore of the river.
Middle (1850-1880)
Although some new industry began to arise in the city during this period, the demise of canals and the lingering effects of the Civil War undoubtedly cooled the activity of the previous period. However, a sufficiently large number of structures have survived.
Victorian (1880-1910)
The late industrial age brought a resurgence of prosperity to what was now officially, a city.

One of the major businesses of the time was the sawing of ice every winter out of the Susquehanna for icehouses all over the region. There are a series of interesting photographs of this antique activity in the Lock House Museum. Another major business of the city was commercial fishing. Prior to the completion of the Conowingo Dam in 1926, Havre De Grace was known as the “Shad Capital of the World”. The recently constructed fish ladders at the dam are part of a long overdue attempt to restore this fishery. The Thomas Hopkins House (1893), and The Harrison Hopkins House (1868)

On the SE corner of Union Avenue and Green Street stands the elaborate, two-chimney, Canal Era, Thomas Hopkins (of “Johns Hopkins Hospital fame”) House. Directly across the street (on the SW corner) is Harrison Hopkins’s home. It has been noted that the design of 226 N. Union is “an example of the highly eclectic, even eccentric styles that became popular after the Civil War.”

The St.John’s Episcopal Church (1809)
Located at the intersection of Congress and Union is the city’s oldest church. This church is also one of the oldest surviving structures in the city. The building is remarkable for its Flemish bond brick walls, its well executed round arched windows and its simple, early 19th century appearance.

The O’Neill House (1865)
Located on Washington Street portions of the structure appear to date back as early 1814. The structure has considerable historic significance to Havre De Grace, since the property was in the O’Neill family for 158 years. John O’Neill, the original owner, is known as “the defender of Havre De Grace” for his solitary attempt to thwart the British Attack on the town in 1813.

Havre De Grace is visitor friendly and getting around town is quite simple. Visit any business in town and pick up a free copy of “Havre de Grace Magazine” (formerly Lockhouse to Lighthouse)…and all ’round town”, A Day Tripper’s Guide to Our Town, Havre De Grace, MD, it will help you to find the events of the season and also includes a detailed map of Havre de Grace.

Take time to visit the Discover Harford County Tourism for more information on events and happenings in the area. Website: www.harfordmd.com For information call: 1-800-597-2649/410-272-2325/410-575-7278.

Need more? Try these links for additional information about Havre De Grace, Maryland.

The I-95 Exit Information Guide
“Flat out, the single best website for auto travelers on the Net” Yahoo’s Internet Life Magazine

Havre De Grace
Unique on the Cheasapeake! The Havre de Grace Office of Tourism & Visitor Center’s web site

Discover Harford County
Hartford County Visitors Guide

Billers Bikes
Bicycling is becoming a major attraction in Havre de Grace and the upper Chesapeake region thanks to coastal bike trail developments

Located on the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal which connects the Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, this historic town offers great shopping, fine dining and elegant B&B’s in a quaint, victorian setting.

The town is “split in half” by the canal, which is not only used by commercial shipping vessels heading to and from the port of Baltimore, but also pleasure craft touring the bay. The Chesapeake City Bridge, which spans the canal and joins the two halves of the city, is tall enough for merchant vessels to pass beneath. Shipwatching is a fun passtime here.

Chesapeake City has several extremely nice Bed and Breakfasts on both the South and North sides of town. Each one has a different “flavor”, and all are top rate–with friendly innkeepers and lovely surroundings.

Chesapeake City boasts several wonderful restaurants for seafood lovers (and landlubbers alike). On the south side, The Bayard House, The Chesapeake Inn, and The Yacht Club all boast first rate fare for lunch and dinner. Also for those who love Maryland Crabs and beer, the Tap Room on the south side fits the bill. Breakfast, light lunch and dinner are also available at the Bohemia Cafe, housed in what used to be the Chesapeake City Post Office many years ago. Be sure to ask for Wernie’s Austrian specialties!

The C&D Canal Museum houses the huge waterwheel and engines which ran the old loch system on the canal in the last century.

Several quaint shops are tucked in the historic district of the south side, including art galleries, collectible and antique shops. Most of the town’s buildings on the south side are on the Maryland Historic Register, dating to the early-mid 1800’s. The quaint homes and businesses are period maintained, with signs on the houses listing dates and names of historic owners. Printed tourist guides are available in all the shops.

This area of Cecil County is noted for its beautiful, rural scenery and lovely thoroughbred farms. Bring your bicycles and cameras! Other historic towns are sprinkled within driving distance, as well as several marinas for access to the freshwater rivers on the upper bay.

Chesapeake City can be reached easily from I-95 using the Elkton exit to Route 40, then south on Rt 213. Look for exit signs approaching and after crossing the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal bridge. Signs point the way into town. On the south side, George Street and Bohemia Avenue run parallel to the bridge, ending at the canal. All businesses and restaurants on the south side are accessed from these streets. Parking is limited due to the historic nature of the streets, but there is parking under the bridge a short walk from anywhere, and the stroll is a very pleasant one. On weekends, catch a ride on one of our horse drawn carriages to and from the parking areas.

Check out the town website for event dates!

Need more? Try these links for additional information about Chesapeake City.

The I-95 Exit Information Guide
“Flat out, the single best website for auto travelers on the Net” — Yahoo’s Internet Life Magazine.

Chesapeake City, Maryland
A traveler’s guide to Shopping, Lodging and Dining in Historic Chesapeake City, Maryland.