A Stop in Havre de Grace

Many a time, Ramon and I travel up and down the East Coast for holidays, events, and family. If you travel along here too, you are familiar with the grey roads of I-95, the New Jersey Turnpike, and occasionally views of traffic layered upon more traffic. With this visual of the drive in mind, it is understandable that one would prioritize arriving at their destination in a timely manner, without too many side adventures. However, sometimes we like to stop, take a minute, and enjoy the places we tend to drive past. One of my favorite spots hidden along I-95 to pull over to is Havre de Grace, Maryland. This quaint town along the Susquehanna River is worthy of a visit, even if this only serves as a reprieve from an endless roadtrip.

As we take the exit off of the interstate, and pull into a parking spot, what first catches my eye here are the beautiful murals that decorate the sides of buildings. Art is not an afterthought here, but rather, a main character as you stroll along St. John Street. As my stiff legs start to awaken as we walk on the sidewalk, I begin to encounter a mural of a yellow submarine in a video game-like world, and an umbrella shielding a space from falling words. The art shops also seem to be in an abundance here, with local artists demonstrating their mastery of oil, metal, glass, and mixed materials. As a bonus for myself, one store had a scent familiar to my paternal grandparents’ basement. For a moment, I was transported to times with my cousins around the pool table, our grandpa showing off the rowing machine, and the wall of college flags representing the schools in which the extended family members have once attended. I relished this special moment.

The art continues in local coffee shops, including Concord Point Coffee, where after you grab your fresh brew or iced latte, you can relax in the next room over and glance at the innovative creations. As I mentioned in the Charming Charleston blog post, it is invaluable as an artist to find hubs where other artists have clustered and display their art in such numbers. Paired with new art, I enjoy visiting the numerous antique shops across the block. I believe it is the tiffany glass -styled lamps, quatrefoil motifs, and delicately carved wood that attracts me to these spots. As contemporary and everyday art evolves, I worry that we as a global community are loosing touch with quality materials and processes that require labours of love. Yet, this town both preserves and develops pieces that embody these ideals.

On a similar vein of preservation, a local museum that I thoroughly enjoy visiting is the New Entertainment Museum. Not only have I been able to view up close a handful of costumes from The Hunger Games movies, but also from The Notebook, Dreamgirls, and a collection of costumes from Beautiful Creatures. The first time I visited this place, I was not expecting to experience a taste of Hollywood in Maryland. What a surprise treat it was! This museum has been curated by John Klisavage, who is a local treasure, with the support of his sweet wife, Kathy. They invite you into their space to learn about their collections, the evolution of the museum, the history of the Washington Street Books Store (which they also run - attached to the museum), and all of the miraculous encounters that have occured here. After a couple of hours listening to their stories, I begin to reflect on the potential impact many small moments in my life has had on me, and how much more we have yet to learn. If you are in Havre de Grace, I 100% reccommend you stop in, look around, and ask John and Kathy about their collections, and recent updates to this special place. You will leave here with more knowledge, insights, and perspective on life than when you walked in.

As the visit to Havre de Grace draws to a close, I would suggest walking towards the water before you hit the road. I find it grounding and rejuvinating to see the ripples across the water, and watch the boats float on by. Furthermore, it is a refreshing contrast from the busy roads that we escaped from just moments ago. The long treck back to wherever we are going feels less daunting after we have enjoyed the company of lovely people, and visually feasted on the talent of this community. Please, reader, feel adventurous from time to time, and take a break to enjoy your journey. I doubt you will regret it.

Thank you, and until next time.