Rich Living

We’re all working longer and harder and bringing home less, and I’m writing about “Rich Living?” Yes, rich living, not expensive living! It’s mid-July and the kiddies and teens are bored. Adults are looking for something to do that won’t break the bank. As I look around Havre de Grace I see some wonderful opportunities for money-free fun.

First, look no further than the corner of Pennington and Union—the . If you haven’t stopped in there in a while, do! Teens have an awesome new room for cool activities, and there are always interesting high quality programs going on for all ages. There’s a digital photography club, letter-boxing (geo-caching type activity,) films, game tournaments, and story times. Even the National Aquarium is putting on a show at the Havre de Grace Library. I’m deliberately NOT giving you the dates and times, because I want you to go and see for yourself the many opportunities that lie within our library. Oh, and free internet and computers.

When was the last time you went fishing? There are two fishing license-free areas in Havre de Grace. You can fish free at between the Gazebo and the Skipjack Martha Lewis’ mooring, or at the Hutchins Park pier (foot of Congress Ave.) I’m most familiar with the fishing at Hutchins Park, and I can tell you that it’s a great place for some family fishing. There are a number of regular fishermen at the pier who always welcome newcomers and are willing to share and coach. Even a stroll down the pier to let the kiddies watch these guys pull out some big ones is enough to whet their interest. A picnic dinner, fishing rods and a few worms and you’ve got a great family outing.

Go on a hike! Look up the schedule for the next Joe K. Trail Walk at the . You might have walked the , but I guarantee you’ll see it with fresh eyes when you hike with Bob or Joe! Take a camera too! For those of you not familiar with the North Park Trail, it’s a Havre de Grace gem! Half of the trail is over a converted rail bed, and the other half is a trail right along the Susquehanna River. The trail is flat and easy walking. There is no charge for the trail walks.

Concerts in the Park—Friday night concerts in are a great way to ease into the weekend. To me, these concerts are the essence of our small town. Waterfront park, historic bandstand, community gathering on the lawn. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets, picnics, etc. and prepare to relax to the music of groups diverse to please everyone. These FREE concerts are brought to you by the Havre de Grace Arts Commission.

For the little ones, we have some cool playgrounds in our area. Of course the Tydings Park playground is well-known. But for the price of the gas to drive to Bel Air, you have the Rockfield Park playground just east of the John Carroll School, and Annie’s Playground, off the Ma & Pa Trail near Harford Road in Fallston. Take water bottles and sunscreen, and a picnic lunch for a great play day.

We have festivals galore and you often find things going on that aren’t expected. I can sit and watch the dog retriever trials at the Decoy Festival all day. Unbelievable animal feats and training. Learn to talk like a pirate at the Lock House’s pirate festival, or wander the city watching professional artists create during the Plen Air Competition.

Looking for something less frantic than a festival? Stroll on the promenade with either a camera or an ice cream cone. Speaking of strolling, wandering through the art galleries in Havre de Grace is another great quiet weekend activity.

Visit one of our local houses of worship. Think of them less as “religious institutions” and more as gathering with your neighbors to worship. A great way to start the week with a spiritual lift to your step.

I’ve only scratched the surface of wonderfully free activities available in (or near) Havre de Grace. Please share your favorite free or cheap activities with the rest of us.