Havre de Grace

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It's hard to believe that a city as small and quiet as Havre de Grace was once considered for the site of the nation's capital. It lost by one vote. The only remnants from those heydays are the street names of this quaint hamlet, such as Washington, Adams, Congress, and Union.

But today Havre de Grace is known more for its museums, charming Victorian homes, and antiques shopping. It's not surprising that the focus on many of Havre de Grace's attractions is on its nautical theme. Havre de Grace is strategically located at the junction of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay.

Being an important crossroads even during the American Revolution, General Lafayette passed through the city many times and mentioned that it reminded him of the French seaport Le Havre-de-Grâce, which means "Harbor of Grace." You can see why the name stuck. Only a few minutes off Interstate 95, it isn't far from the big cities of Baltimore and Philadelphia, yet this peaceful town feels like an entire world away.

The city's Main Street stretches along Washington Street and St. John Street with some shops and restaurants on Union, Franklin and Market Streets. The intersection of Washington and St. John form the city's nucleus at Rochambeau Square, a small triangular plaza. Although the city is primarily known for its antiques shopping, there are plenty of other gift and specialty shops. The nautical themed stores, and other unique shops, along with a lack of chain stores and convenient location, makes this a definite stop on any shopper's journey.

Retail Hours

Most shops are open on Saturdays and Sundays, however many are closed on Mondays.

Parking

On-street parking is easy to find with free parking available on any of the side streets.

Restrooms and Visitor's Center

Clean public bathrooms can be located at the Visitor's Center (450 Pennington Avenue 410-939-2100).

Attractions

Local attractions include the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum (215 Giles Street, 410-939-3739) and the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum (100 Lafayette Street, 410-939-4800). Connecting the museums to the waterfront is a boardwalk with stunning views of the bay.

You can also walk to the top of the Concord Point Lighthouse (Foot of Lafayette Street, 410-939-9040).

Events

Each May there is an Annual Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival (410-939-3739) at the Decoy Museum.

Also, on the first Friday evening of the month from May to December, the city holds First Fridays, (410-939-1811), which features music and entertainment in a street fair atmosphere.

Tips

Don't forget to take a stroll through the historic neighborhoods connecting the museums to the shopping, and while you're at it, check out the stunning Victorian-era houses that line the streets. Many of these homes have been converted into Bed and Breakfasts, so if you're staying for a weekend, you can admire at least one of them from the inside as well.

Directions

Havre de Grace is approximately 40 miles from Baltimore, Maryland, 65 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 77 miles from Washington, DC. Take I-95 to exit 89 in Maryland. Head east on Maryland Route 155 towards U.S. 40 and Havre de Grace. Follow the signs to Downtown Havre de Grace.

External Links

www.hdgtourism.com
www.mainstreethdg.com

Directory

Accessories

Blue Earth Leather Boutique (214 North Washington Street, 410-939-1188)
Island Jack (114 North Washington Street, 410-939-4414)

Antiques

Andy & Bill's Collectibles (324 North Union Avenue, 410-939-0656)
Bahoukas Antique Mall (408 North Union Avenue, 410-942-1290)
Bayside Antiques (232 North Washington Street, 410-939-9397)
Carson Antiques & Consignments (454 Franklin Street, 410-939-7709)
Franklin Street Antiques & Gifts (464 Franklin Street, 410-939-4220)
Investment Antiques (123 Market Street, 410-939-1312)
Seneca Cannery Antiques (201 St. John Street, 410-942-0701)

Apparel

Joseph's Department Store (122 North Washington Street, 410-939-4114)

Arts and Crafts

The Art Rooms Professional Art Supplies (119 North Washington Street, 410-939-6424)

Books

Courtyard Redux (316 St. John Street, 410-939-5150)
Washington Street Books (131 North Washington Street, 410-939-6215)

Bridal

Camelot Bridal & Special Occasion (116 North Washington Street, 410-939-0552)

Coffee and Dessert

Bomboy's Home Made Candy (329 Market Street, 410-939-2924)
Bomboy's Home Made Ice Cream (322 Market Street, 410-939-2924)
Goll's Bakery (234 North Washington Street, 410-939-4321)
Jana's Java (217 North Washington Street, 410-939-1048)
Java by the Bay (118 North Washington Street, 410-939-0227)

Dining

Coakley's Pub (406 St. John Street, 410-939-8888)
Ken's Steak & Rib House (400 North Union Avenue, 410-939-5440)
La Cucina Italian Restaurant (103 North Washington Street, 410-939-1401)
MacGregor's Restaurant & Tavern (331 St. John Street, 410-939-3003)
Price's Seafood (650 Water Street, 410-939-2782)
St. John Gourmet (210 St. John Street, 410-939-3394)
Tidewater Grille (300 Franklin Street, 410-939-3313)
Vancheri's Restaurant (419 North Union Avenue, 410-942-0199)

Florists

Amanda's Florist (203 North Washington Street, 410-939-5403)

Framing

The Picture Show (301 St. John Street, 410-939-0738)

Gift Shops

The Bank Gun & Pawn (323 St. John Street, 443-617-4277)
Doodads, Inc. (308 St. John Street, 410-939-8003)
Vincenti Decoy Store (353 Pennington Avenue, 410-734-7709)

Health and Beauty

Karen's Natural Market (110 North Washington Street, 410-378-4936)

Home Furnishings

Distinctive Decor, Ltd. (322 St. John Street, 410-939-2995)

Jewelry

The Bank Gun & Pawn (323 St. John Street, 443-617-4277)
Blue Earth Leather Boutique (214 North Washington Street, 410-939-1188)
Island Jack (114 North Washington Street, 410-939-4414)
Washington Street Books (131 North Washington Street, 410-939-6215)

Office Supplies

Office Centre (309-311 North Union Avenue, 410-939-1790)

Pawn Shops

The Bank Gun & Pawn (323 St. John Street, 443-617-4277)

Pets

Pampered Paws Gourmet Treats & Pet Boutique (200 North Washington Street, 410-939-5160)

Pharmacies

Lyon's Pharmacy (328 St. John Street, 410-939-4545)

Prints

The Picture Show (301 St. John Street, 410-939-0738)

Sporting Goods

The Bank Gun & Pawn (323 St. John Street, 443-617-4277)
Chesapeake Cycle & Sport (101 North Washington Street, 410-939-8735)

Tobacco

Main Street Cigar (107 North Washington Street, 410-939-7042)

Wine

The Vineyard Wine Bar (142 North Washington Street, 443-502-2551)