With a population of about 10,200 people, Bel Air is a suburb of Baltimore and is considered to be one of the best places to live in Maryland. Also known as “The Heart of Harford”, BelAir features plenty of parks, museums and designated arts and entertainment districts that lures in visitors from all over the country. From running trails to art galleries, the town offers its visitors loads of things to do and see during their vacation. Here are the top things to do in Bel Air, Maryland, that will let you experience and enjoy the small town sizzle of this part of the central Maryland region.
1. See themed art exhibits at Harford Artists Gallery
Located in Armory Marketplace, the Harford Artists Gallery is a non-profit gallery that features a collection of local jewellery, painting, pottery and photography. Incorporated in 1970, the gallery includes artists from all disciplines located all over Harford county with the support received from Maryland State Arts Council and the Harford County Government. The gallery is run by local volunteers and the exhibits in the gallery change bi-monthly with a theme for each exhibit that can be found on the website.
Harford Artists Gallery
Address: 37 N Main St #104, Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: Harford Artists Gallery
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
Price: Free
2. Learn about BelAir at Hays House Museum
Posted by The Hays House on Sunday, 11 March 2012
Hays House Museum is a historic house that was built in 1788 and is the oldest home within the town limits of BelAir. The living history museum is operated by the Historical Society of Harford County and recreates and represents the culture and traditions of homes that existed during the formative years of the country. The house retains most of its original features and conducts guided tours of the museum and special events such as period reenactments, hearth cooking and exhibitions. The Hays House Museum is an ideal place to head to if you are looking to learn about the life of an affluent family in 18th century Maryland.
Hays House Museum
Address: 324 Kenmore Ave, Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: Hays House Museum
Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 4pm; Fri: 5pm - 8pm (closed from Mon - Thu & Sat)
Price: 3 USD
3. Hike Ma & Pa Heritage Trail
Posted by MA & PA Heritage Trail, Inc. on Sunday, 15 October 2017
Ma & Pa Heritage Trail is a scenic biker, hiker and equestrian trail that follows the path of the old Ma and Pa railroad through Harford County. The trail connects Bel Air’s Heavenly Waters Park to Forest Hill’s Friends Park and contains three paved linked trails with steep hills, overlooks and bridges. The community parks at both ends of the trail make the perfect setup to slow down and relax, have a picnic, or soak up stunning views of the sunsets. The Ma and Pa trail is an easy hike and is one of the most used trails in Harford County with hundreds going on hiking and biking trips every month.
Ma & Pa Heritage Trail
Address: Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: Ma & Pa Heritage Trail
Opening hours: 7am - 6:45pm (daily)
Price: Free
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4. Set camp at Heavenly Waters Park
The Heavenly Waters Park is at one endpoint of the Ma & Pa Heritage trail and hosts a range of events such as flea markets, dog shows, car shows, equestrian events and farm fairs. The park is frequented by campers and hikers who are on the heritage trail to slow down and take in the scenic views of the surrounding landscapes. The park is also visited by local residents who are found walking their dogs or enjoying a relaxing picnic with their families.
Heavenly Waters Park
Address: 608 N Tollgate Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: Heavenly Waters Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
5. Explore Bel Air's culture at The Liriodendron Mansion
Established in 1898, the Liriodendron Mansion was once the summer residence of one of the founding members and also a physician of John Hopkins Hospital and now operates as a historic, educational, recreational, and cultural facility. The historic home and estate is managed by the non-profit Liriodendron Foundation and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The second floor of the Liriodendron Mansion houses an art gallery and is home to prehistoric Native American exhibits. The art gallery features works from Bel Air’s local and regional artists, as well as special collections and international exhibits. The Liriodendron also hosts a range of events such as weddings, corporate evenings, private parties, and music concerts and offers the perfect setting surrounded by woods and boxwood gardens to create long-lasting memories.
The Liriodendron Mansion
Address: 502 W Gordon St, Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: The Liriodendron Mansion
Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 10am - 5:30pm; Wed: 1pm - 7pm; Thu - Fri: 10am - 5:30pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Sat)
Price: Free
6. Sample local beers at Independent Brewing Company
Posted by Independent Brewing Company on Thursday, 14 March 2019
Established in 2015, Independent Brewing Company in Harford County’s premiere production brewery in the heart of downtown Bel Air. Conveniently located near one end of Ma and Pa Trail, the brewery is family-friendly, dog-friendly and bicycle-friendly with a large taproom and a patio. Independent Brewing Company features 26 taps of artisanal ciders and ales that are gluten-free and are made from locally grown ingredients. Independent Brewing Company is the place to head to for anyone looking to sample local beers along with fresh, seasonal and local cuisine.
Independent Brewing Company
Address: 418 N Main St, Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: Independent Brewing Company
Opening hours: Tue - Thu: 12am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm (closed on Mon)
7. Learn about the Booth family at Tudor Hall
Posted by Spirits of Tudor Hall on Friday, 30 December 2016
Tudor Hall is a historic home built of painted brick as a country retreat by Junius Brutus Booth. The Gothic revival cottage was once the childhood home of John Wilkes Booth, the assassin of Abraham Lincoln and is a fascinating piece of the history of the country. Tudor Hall is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open for public tours on a regular basis.
Tudor Hall
Address: 17 Tudor Ln, Bel Air, MD 21015
Website: Tudor Hall
Price: 5 USD
8. Try out the local produce at Bel Air Farmers' Market
Posted by Bel Air Farmers' Market on Wednesday, 18 September 2019
The Bel Air Farmers’ Market is sponsored by the town of Bel-Air and runs on Saturday morning at South Bond Street. The market is a producers-only market featuring traditional producers that offer eggs, meat, canned foods, baked goods, consumables and pet treats. The market also features produce from speciality vendors, wineries, breweries and distilleries with a rotating schedule each week.
Bel Air Farmers' Market
Address: 2 S Bond St, Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: Bel Air Farmers’ Market
Opening hours: Sat: 7am - 11am
Price: Free
9. Have a great day out at Bynum Run Park
Posted by Melanie Alderman Harrod on Friday, 26 July 2019
Bynum Run Park is a small, quiet place in Harford to relax and is the perfect place to spend some quality time with your loved ones. The park features benches and a beautiful pond with ducks in the middle that provide a gorgeous setting for a picnic and for activities like fishing. The park also features a playground with swings, and playing ropes and will keep the little ones fuss-free during your picnic.
Bynum Run Park
Address: 715 Churchville Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: Bynum Run Park
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
10. Shop till you drop at Harford Mall
Posted by Harford Mall on Monday, 15 February 2016
Located near the junction of US Route 1 and Maryland Route 24, the Harford Mall is the only shopping mall in Harford County and offers great options for shopping and eating. Opened in 1973 and built on the site of a racetrack, the mall features a range of events, expos, and exhibitions. The mall offers its visitors great deals on branded retail stores and features a food court outside the mall with restaurants and eateries.
Harford Mall
Address: 696 Belair Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: Harford Mall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 11am - 5pm
Price: Free
11. Soak up scenic views along Walls Cook Trail
Situated adjacent to the Harford Community College Planetarium, the Walls Cook Trail is ideal for scenic walks, jogs and bicycle rides. The trailhead offers convenient parking options, maps, more information and a mountain bike course on the college campus. The trail links Belair with the Harford Community College and is ideal for anyone looking for a walk in the woods.
Walls Cook Trail
Address: 2442 E Churchville Rd, Bel Air, MD 21015
Website: Walls Cook Trail
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
12. Treat yourself to seafood delicacies at Steelefish Grille
Posted by Steelefish Grille on Monday, 3 June 2019
Steelefish Grille offers a variety of seafood dishes, burgers and steaks in a relaxing setting with live music. The restaurant features weekly specials that include Sunday special nights, Monday Taco nights, Tuesday steamer nights, Wednesday prime rib night, and live music nights on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The bar at the Steelefish Grille features a happy hour menu that includes drafts, wines and select martinis from three to six in the evening on wekdays.
Steelefish Grille
Address: 660 Boulton St, Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: Steelefish Grille
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am
13. Drink the night away at Looney's Pub
Looney’s Pub is a chain of Irish sports bar based in Maryland and is well-renowned for its crab pretzels, crab dips and crab cakes. The pub offers amazing food, lots of beer, and the perfect setup to hang out with your friends and watch a game. Opened in 1993, Looney’s Pub is present in four locations in Maryland, each of which organises unparalleled parties and delicious Maryland cuisine and American fare.
Looney's Pub
Address: 312 S. Main Street, Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: Looney’s Pub
Opening hours: 11am - 2am (daily)
14. Kickback and crack open a cold one at AleCraft Brewery
Started by two passionate brew enthusiasts, Ale craft brewery serves beers crafted to excellence with no compromises on ingredients. With engaging staff, extraordinary customer service, a range of beer styles, Ale craft brewery is the perfect place in town to enjoy beers in a chill and cosy ambience. The brewery also features food trucks and a cafe that serves Carribean and East African food items.
AleCraft Brewery
Address: 319 S Main St #100, Bel Air, MD 21014
Website: AleCraft Brewery
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 11am - 10pm (closed on Mon)
Explore the Heart of Harford
With vibrant residential communities, bustling arts and entertainment districts, central location in the Harford County and plenty of opportunities for recreation and leisure, it is little surprise that Bel Air is one of the best places to live in Maryland. The town features a thriving arts community, memorable festivals and cultural events, theatre, five neighbourhood parks and one community park and always offers something new to do for both residents and visitors of all ages. From adventurous hiking trails to world-class museums, the above list of things to do in Bel Air has got you covered, when it comes to having fun in this central Maryland town. Take your pick, plan your vacation and make the most of all the best bits of Bel Air.
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