Vote for your favorite Harford County businesses and community members in the Best of Harford readers' poll. If you don't see your favorite listed in a particular category, select other and write in the name of the business, organization or individual. You can vote for as many or as few categories...
Debbie Bateman decided to open her small brick-and-mortar retail space, Cherry Blossom Boutique, in March after selling gifts and jewelry for the past five years at the Joppatowne Flea Market. “It’s a beautiful inside,” says the 57-year-old Bel Air resident of the space that features hardwood floors...
What child doesn’t like animals? With the weather turning chilly and Halloween approaching, check out these activities that include pottery-making story times highlighting a favorite bear, a “glow night” with illuminated sculptures and creatures of the night, and a good, old-fashioned dog show....
Six years ago, Dr. Shreya Hessler promised her middle daughter, Bianca, that if she ever wrote a book, it would be named after her. “I just didn’t have an idea on the topic until a few years later,” says Hessler, who wrote “Bianca Finds Her Bounce,” a book about a girl who struggles with anxiety....
When the curtains went up at the Havre de Grace Opera House last year, Harford County arts lovers got not just their first glimpse of the community theater debut of “Tuck Everlasting,” but of the launch of a new local theater company with big ambitions. Scottfield Theatre Company is the brainchild...
Everyone likes a feel-good story, especially when it involves locals creating businesses in their figurative backyards, adding jobs and activity to an area that often could use them. And beer, of course — beer helps. For the past couple of years, that’s been a major story in Harford County: Craft...
Macy Hastings always envisioned a traditional church wedding with a hall reception. That was before she discovered The Vineyards at Mary’s Meadow in Darlington. With a massive barn that she filled with decorative barrels and opulent cascading flower displays, and a tractor that was used for group...
It’s all about community for these four women. One saw a need to help connect newcomers to the county with local businesses. Another runs a small business that has helped revitalize a Main Street corridor. And a pair of women have worked together on a project to preserve African-American history....
Amid the maze of indistinguishable shopping centers sprouting in Bel Air is one that holds the enjoyable Pairings Bistro, which lives up fully to its motto: “Where the pairing of food with complementary wines is at the heart of our existence.” I’d get even more enthused if that pairing came with...
Jess Lefler of Fallston has run the gamut of traditional therapies for chronic pain: physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, daily exercise, meditation and prescribed medications. A longtime athlete, she struggles with the after-effects of injuries as well as fibromyalgia from a bout with...
June 1-2 Suds and Grapes Beer, Wine and Food Festival Enjoy a two-day event featuring chef-inspired restaurant food tastings, imported and domestic craft beer and wine tastings, gourmet food tastings and live music. 6:30 p.m. The Armory, 37 N. Main St., Bel Air. $30. 561-929-2489 or theyearroundhomeshow.com....
Three local wineries recently joined forces to create the Gunpowder Wine Trail, an attempt to raise awareness of the wine-producing region. Harford Vineyard and Winery in Forest Hill, Dejon Vineyards in Hydes and Royal Rabbit Vineyards in Parkton are jointly hosting three events this year — an...
With a combination of makeup, trendy clothing, flashy accessories and reasonable prices, Toronjil Boutique is a one-stop shop for fashionistas in Harford County. Located on Washington Street in Havre de Grace next to La Cucina Italian Restaurant, the women’s boutique opened in July 2017 after operating...
Finding new summer activities for the family can be a challenge, especially ones that everyone would enjoy. Harford County has plenty of options for all ages. 1. Golfing with dinosaurs Despite being the only black-light golf course in Harford County and having a 5,000-square-foot air-conditioned...
The fervor around the Best of Harford County is a five-month affair. From the time the readers’ poll launches in late September to this issue’s delivery in February, businesses, nonprofits and readers are abuzz in anticipation of who might take home the coveted title. At last, the wait is over....