Food Traveler Magazine Summer 2017 | Page 139

d r o f r a H NoRtHeAsT Harford, MD Conveniently located just 25 miles north of Baltimore, Harford County is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, easily accessible by car, train, plane or bus. Harford County offers everything from beautiful rolling hills to over 140 miles of shoreline along the top of the Chesapeake Bay, which is formed from the Susquehanna River. If you are looking for horticultural beauty, a must-see is Ladew Topiary Gardens. This once private estate has been opened to the public to enjoy topiaries, flowering plants, sculptures and their new butterfly house. Enjoy Harford County’s place in history by visiting Tudor Hall, the boyhood home of John Wilkes Booth, or Liriodendron, the summer home of Dr. Howard Kelly, one of the founders of Johns Hopkins Medical College. Explore our nautical history by visiting Concord Point Lighthouse and Keeper’s Home, the Susquehanna Lock House Museum, the first lock for ships as they made their way up the Susquehanna River, and the Maritime Museum, highlighting the history of wa- termen on the Chesapeake Bay. You can experience history by following Lafayette’s trail or by taking a step back in time at Steppingstone Farm Museum dedicated to life in the 1880- 1920s period. And of course, don’t forget the Decoy Museum, dedicated to the rich history of decoys in Havre de Grace, rec- ognized as the Decoy Capital of the World. Culinary delights abound in Harford County, from our position on the Maryland Ice Cream Trail to steamed crabs, ethnic food and unique chef creations, you will find something for every- one’s palate. And don’t forget the expanding winery and craft beer locations spread throughout the county. Make sure to mark your calendar now for the Maryland State BBQ Bash held in Bel Air in August. This free event brings cooking teams from all over the country, filling the air with wonderful smells as they compete for the top prize. And don’t forget Harford County Restaurant week, held twice a year.