This Quaint Coastal Town In Maryland Is A Hidden Gem With Artsy Vibes

When it comes to under-the-radar destinations in the U.S., consider Maryland. While this Mid-Atlantic state may not be one of the country's biggest, what it lacks in size it makes up for in its singular charms. From this charming rural town in the Appalachian Mountains, to a gorgeous peninsula with bay views and scenic trails, the Free State has no shortage of alluring attractions, including Havre de Grace.

Situated at the head of Chesapeake Bay by the mouth of the Susquehanna River, Havre de Grace is a historic waterfront town known for its pleasant scenery, tranquil ambiance, maritime heritage, and excellent promenade. The town is also full of galleries, cool shops, and plenty of eateries to sit down at for a good meal, making it the perfect day trip or weekend getaway. Its coastal location also makes it an ideal jumping off point for exploring the local area, including the river and iconic bay it calls home.

The story of Havre de Grace dates back to the late 1600s with the introduction of a vital ferry link across the Susquehanna River. This ferry went on to play a key role in transporting troops in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. The town is said to have been named by General Marquis de Lafayette during the Revolutionary War, who, upon first viewing the mouth of the river, exclaimed, "C'est Le Havre!" due to its resemblance to the French port city.

Today, Havre de Grace is home to just over 15,000 residents, and the town has grown into a regional tourism hub due to its excellent location and picture-perfect waterfront. Start by browsing the many cool antique and art shops such as JoRetro, Bahoukas Antique Mall, and Arts by the Bay Gallery, before grabbing a double-stack cone at Bomboy's Homemade Ice Cream – a local institution. For more local treasures, pop in the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, which houses an amazing collection of Chesapeake Bay waterfowl decoys. Check out the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum, which documents the town's storied seafaring past.

This destination is built to see on two feet, so make sure to take a leisurely stroll along Havre de Grace Promenade. This boardwalk connects Millard Tydings Memorial Park to the Concord Point Lighthouse. Constructed in 1827, the lighthouse is the town's signature attraction, and one of the oldest in Maryland. On your way there, enjoy the fresh salty breeze blowing off the water, and make sure to keep your eyes open for birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, ducks, geese, and more.

Given its location, it should come as no surprise that Havre de Grace boasts plenty of opportunities to explore both the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay. BaySail on the Chesapeake offers chartered yachts as well as individual sailing lessons, while the Maryland Party Boat features dinner cruises with music and dancing on the water. For those keen to get out on their own, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent at HDG Marinas.

There are also a few good hiking routes in and around the town. The Lafayette Trail is a 3-mile continuous loop through Havre de Grace, with placards marking the many historic buildings and sites, making it the perfect way to learn about the area's fascinating past. The town's section of the Mason-Dixon Trail is a 10-mile point-to-point route that connects Broad Creek with Susquehanna State Park, a mountainous state park with exciting trails, fishing, a family campground, and historic sites.

After working up an appetite, sit down for a meal at Water Street Seafood, which serves up fresh Cheasapeake Bay classics such as blue crab and oysters.  Tidewater Grille boasts plenty of seafood along with American comfort standards and outdoor deck seating, while The Vineyard Wine Bar features over 300 wines from around the world along with tapas-style dishes, all served in a relaxing and classy environment. Havre de Grace is less than an hour's drive from Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI). For more of Maryland's seafood glory, head to Crisfield, a fishing city that bills itself as the "Crab Capital of the World."