Harford County Maryland

                  Harford County, on the Western Shore, is bordered by the Susquehanna River, the Chesapeake Bay, Pennsylvania and the Mason-Dixon line and this fortunate setting placed the county at the heart of historical events prior to the American Revolution. Paleo-Indians lived in the region as early as 10,000 B.C. The Susquehannock migrated into the area and established palisaded settlements along the Susquehanna River, the largest non-navigable river in the country. They farmed, fished and hunted in what is now Baltimore County, but they were primarily traders. The trails they used for trade would later become wagon roads and then routes we continue to use today. #visitHarford

                  First contact was made with John Smith in 1608 when he sailed up the Susquehanna. He encountered the “people of the muddy river.” There were believed to have been more than 6,000 natives in 1608, only 300 by 1700 and In 1763 the remaining 30 were slain by settlers in nearby PA. The Indians signed a treaty in 1652 that essentially ceded all of their land.

                  The 33-mile Lower Susquehanna Scenic Byway journeys through Havre de Grace to U.S. 1 and ends in Perryville. The byway provides glimpses of what the early inhabitants would have seen as well as Piedmont Forests and the 1928 Conowingo Dam. It is the second largest hydroelectric project in the country. www.visitmaryland.org/scenic-byways/lower-susquehanna

Godfrey Harmer gained a 200-acre plot of land, Harmer’s Corner, in 1658. The plot would later become Havre de Grace’s Historic District. When, in 1695, a ferry service was instituted and was renamed Susquehanna Lower Ferry. The ferry would prove invaluable during the American Revolution and the Civil War as a crucial means of troop transport. 

The eastern portion of Baltimore County was taken to form Harford County in 1773. It was named in honor of Henry Harford, Maryland’s final the final proprietor. The county seat, Old Harfordtown, was situated on the Bush River. After several name changes it was named Bel Air.

Havre de Grace was officially founded in 1782, the second oldest municipality in the state. It received its name from General Marquis de Lafayette. While traveling to Philadelphia Lafayette reached the juncture of the Chesapeake and Susquehanna and declared that it resembled Le Havre, a French port. Robert Stokes based the city’s grid pattern on Philadelphia with Revolutionary and French named streets.

The complete Havre de Grace Historic District downtown was listed in 1987 on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. The Concord Point Lighthouse complex was added in 1976.  The architectural styles are representative of the 18^th to 20^thcenturies. 

The Havre de Grace Promenade is a scenic ¾-mile walkway that winds along the river. As you meander you have access to Informational signs that interpret the area’s history and thematic sculptures. The Concord Point Lighthouse is a significant attraction. It is 36-ft. tall, has a 31-inch base and was erected of granite on the bay in 1827. Originally the light consisted of 9 oil lamps. It was automated in 1920 and decommisioned in 1975. A historic lighthouse keeper’s cottage is located nearby.

The 8-acre Millard Tydings Park, adjacent to the Promenade, is the site of Ernest Burke’s Memorial Statue. Burke pitched in the Negro Professional League 1947-49. An orphan, he served in the Marine Corp in WWII achieving the Rifle Sharpshooter Ribbon Bar and the WWII Victory Medal. Later in life he became a motivational speaker.

Liriodendron Mansion was constructed in 1898 as a summer residence for Dr. Howard Kelly in Palladian style. He was a founder of Johns Hopkins Hospital and Medical School. The mansion is listed on the National Register. The site includes original furniture, a small museum, art exhibits, parklands and expansive gardens. Tours can be scheduled. liriodendron.com

Havre de Grace is the “Decoy Capital of the World” and the 1986 Havre de Grace Decoy Museum honors, preserves and showcases the tradition. The collection includes both decorative and utilitarian decoys and the 2-level museum tour begins with Native American models. Step out onto the terrace on the second level for outstanding views. Visitors can also watch carvers at work. decoymuseum.com

Maryland was a slave state but it witnessed a 37% lowering of numbers between 1750 and 1865 and that is reflected in the numbers holding anti-slavery beliefs. Harford County is on the Mason-Dixon Line that separated slave and free states as stated in the controversial 1820 Missouri Compromise. Location and access to water routes put Harford County at the heart of Underground Railroad activity.

Havre de Grace Maritime Museum has mounted a phenomenal new exhibit, “Underground Railroad, Other Voices of Freedom,” designated a National Underground Network to Freedom site. The 600-ft. gallery is interactive and weaves photographs, original art, documents and first-person narratives together to relate compelling stories of escape on the Chesapeake and the Susquehannah. This is a unique and important story. Additional galleries feature maritime and Native American history. www.hdgmaritimemuseum.org

The 1808 Hays-Heighe House is located in Bel Air and gains its significance from being mentioned in William Still’s book, The Underground Railroad.  “Sam,” an enslaved man belonging to Thomas Hays, escaped in 1860. Still documented his story once he reached freedom.

Ladew Topiary Gardens is one of the “10 incredible topiary gardens around the world.” In 1929 Harvey LaDew purchased 250-acres and the gardens were created in 1930. There are 22-acres of formal gardens, more than 90 topiaries, 5 garden rooms, a fountain and nooks and crannies for scenic contemplation. Highlights of the gardens are a 96-year-old swan hedge, the topiary Hunt Scene and LaDew’s mansion. www.ladewgardens.com

The Pulaski Highway was a 62-mile section of Route 40, along the New York to Washington corridor. During the Depression it was a through road to San Francisco and the “Fastest Route West.” Maryland law stated that black passengers had to move to a colored car when entering the state on public transportation. Elkton, MD was the northern station used to make the exchange. There were challenges to the law regarding transportation but those in private vehicles simply were denied service along Route 40.

The ambassador from Chad was going to Washington in June of 1961. He stopped his limousine at a diner for coffee and was subject to racial slurs and made to leave. The incident made international news and other ambassadors reported similar treatment. President Kennedy was called upon to respond and the federal government began to take notice but the changes were not for African Americans.

CORE organized picketing and Freedom Rides along 40. A Freedom Ride took place on December 16, 1961, after many motels and restaurants refused to desegregate, leading to more than 70 arrests. Those arrested were sent to jails or mental institutes. The Freedom Rides led to Maryland’s 1963 Public Accommodations law, barring racial discrimination. On November 14, 1963, Kennedy dedicated a limited-access highway that would become Interstate 95. Freedom Ride on Route 40 Tour can be reserved at harfordcivilrights.org/tours

Spring Hill Suites in Havre de Gras offers perfect accommodations for a visit. It is centrally located and provides all amenities. 

Finger Lakes Steuben County, New York

“The beauty of the trees, the softness of the air, the fragrance of the grass, speaks to me.”

Tsleil-Waututh

According to Native American legend the Creator was so well pleased with the beauty and abundance of this region, of what is now New York, that he placed his hand on this sacred land and bestowed a blessing.  The imprint of his hand filled the with water and formed the Finger Lakes.

    Geologically the 11 lakes were carved out by glaciers and are located within a 9,000-square mile area. The region was initially mapped by French Jesuits in the 1600s with accuracy. The lakes basically parallel each other and are oriented north to south. Each of the lakes has its own microclimate and each of the fourteen counties in the region offers a treasure trove of activities, water, land and air-based. 

    Steuben County is situated in the Southern Finger Lakes region in western New York. It was established by the Ontario legislature on March 18, 1796 and named in honor of Frederic William Augustus, "Baron Von Steuben", a German who wrote the training manual and drilled the troops in battle techniques during the Revolutionary War. The Genesee Tract was obtained in 1788 by the state legislature and the first settlement was established, in Bath, by Colonial Williamson in 1793.

Steuben, is an idyllic choice for an authentic Finger Lakes’ experiential visit. The region is renowned for award-winning wineries, agricultural products, scenic vistas, eclectic dining options and a huge menu of outdoor activities. Additionally, there are unique museums that give visitors insight into the region’s history and its impact on the larger history of the United States, presented within a small-town atmosphere. @exploresteuben

Corning is probably the most easily recognized of the county’s cities. This incredibly scenic city offers diverse dining venues, shopping options, art in the forms of galleries, murals and unique museums. Market Street is the hub of Corning and leads directly to Centerway Square in the Gaffer District. 

The 8-block Gaffer District was created as part of a revitalization project and is now thriving. The street contains a square with a tribute to Erastus Corning in the form of a 50-ft. clock tower. The tower was built in 1883 with 1,400-pounds of local Antrim stone. The tower is geographically the center of Corning. Guided walking tours are offered and focus on the history and architecture of the district. www.gafferdistrict.com

The city’s iconic symbol, The Little Joe Tower, was erected in 1912. Pictured atop the tower is a glassblower, also known as a gaffer. The 187-ft. tall tower is a historic landmark. A bronze sculpture of a gaffer stands at the tower’s base.

The Andastes tribe established a settlement on the shores of the Chemung River in the 1600s. The 710-ft Centerway Walking Bridge offers panoramic views of the river, the site of the original settlement and leads directly to the Corning Museum of Glass. 

Brooklyn Flint Glass relocated to Corning in 1868 and the city became known as America’s Crystal City. The Corning Museum of Glass was founded in 1951. This world-class museum is architecturally stunning, informative, educational and interactive. The 3-story museum houses thematic galleries that trace decorative and artistic glassworks through 35 centuries of glass. On view are more than 50,000 objects. The museum offers classes in glassworks and guided tours. There are an excellent gift shop and a restaurant. Fun Fact: Corning made the first lightbulbs, vials for vaccines and the space shuttle windows. @corningmuseum 

    

Heritage Village of the Southern Finger Lakes was established in 1947 for collecting, preserving and disseminating the history of the region. The village complex includes 7 restored buildings and a 3-hole privy. The 1796 Painted Post Tavern is the only structure original to the site. African American history is interpreted through a fully outfitted slave cabin. Tours can be tailored to individuals and groups by request and interactive experiences are available. heritagevillagesfl.org

    

    The Rockwell Museum, a Smithsonian affiliate, is located in the 1893 Old City Hall building. Bob and Hertha Rockwell were art collectors who gifted their collection to the citizens of Corning and established the museum. Three floors of galleries interpret the American experience, 1848-1960, through art, artifacts and documents. The collection is stunning and focuses on Native American lifestyles including artworks by Western activists. The gift shop offers items that enhance your overall experience. I highly recommend an extended visit. @rockwellmuseum

    Hilton Garden Inn is ideal for touring Corning. It is within an easy walk of all of the major tourist attractions and has a complete menu of amenities including designer linens and bath products, an onsite restaurant, pet-friendly rooms and panoramic views.  @hiltongardeninn 

The largest town in Steuben County is Bath, in the heart of Finger Lakes Wine Country. One of the jewels in the county’s crown is the 1877 Bath First Presbyterian Church. The original church was an 1825 structure. The Venetian Gothic 1877 church was completed in 1894 and listed in the NY State             Register of Historic Places in 1983. This church is one of only a few with a Louis Comfort Tiffany designed sanctuary and the sole US church designed by Raymond Mould who introduced the use of color in architecture. The church is replete with Tiffany mosaics, stained glass windows and 3 original Tiffany lights. The Pulpit is made of white mahogany from India. This church is a must see. bath.churchtrac.com

Keuka Lake is 19.6-miles long and has a microclimate perfect for the production of wine and is one of the few lakes that flows both north and south. Hammondsport, on the lake, is known outdoor water recreation and wine production. In 1829 Reverend Bostick planted vines to begin producing sacramental wine. His idea expanded to the locals who wanted to make an income. There are now more than 10,000-acres of vines and 14 wineries, 9 of which offer tours.  

    

From water to wings, Hammondsport has it all. The Glenn H. Curtiss Museum relates the lesser-known story of aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss. He began his career as a bike racer, moved on to motorcycles and then to airplanes. He set land speed records and became known as “The Fastest Man in the World.” As an aviator he rivalled the Wright Brothers. Ultimately his aircraft, the Flying Boat, was the only American aircraft to be used in WWI. The museum tour includes an orientation film and displays of a workshop, his office and numerous examples of aviation and cycles. Fun Fact: The first airports were on water because they were flat. @curtissmuseum 

The Finger Lakes Boating Museum interprets the history of the boats on the Finger Lakes. There is a 13-minute video and galleries filled with examples of boats. The 2-floor museum has 8 exhibition galleries. @flbmny 

Keuka Lakeside Inn is located in Hammondsport on the shore of the lake. It provides all of the amenities and is a short walk into the heart of town.

CORNING BEST BITES

The Cellar 

Unique dishes, creative martini menu and award-winning wines @thecellarwinebar 

FLX Provisions 

Weekly menu changes that include locally-sourced options. A best seller here is the shrimp and grits.@flxprovisions 

Thali of India

Taste the best of India. 

Best Bites Hammondsport

Crooked Lake Ice Cream Company 

The best breakfast in the area is served here. @crookedlakeicecream 

Timber Stone Grill

Both the food and the atmosphere here are exceptional. Some of their fame comes from their renowned pork mac and cheese, 32 oz. steak and locally sourced fish. @timberstonegrill

The Park Inn

The restaurant has been awarded Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence for their wine and has earned an Open Table leading place in Western NY restaurants. The menu changes seasonally. @parkinnflx