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Hello Friends—
Welcome to the 237 new subscribers who joined since last week’s edition. Happy to have you in our (growing) community! We’ve got another special Wednesday edition of the Bel Air Brief today.
Quick note: Thanks for all the emails of interest in the Bel Air Bites Club! Keep an eye out early next week for the launch email. If you’re interested but haven’t reached out, just drop me a line here and I’ll add you to the early access list (the club is limited to only the first ~200 people).
Well, 2026 is on our doorstep and it’s time to reflect on the year that was and look forward to what’s in store for us next year. Personally, I’d like to thank all 6,000+ of you (old & new readers) for following along with me every week. What started in May as just an idea has snowballed into something much bigger than I ever thought it could be.
I’ve always said this newsletter is as much yours as it is mine. And I’d love to hear from you on how we can shape this newsletter into the best version of itself moving forward. Feel free to send me your thoughts or just say hello right here.
If you don’t have plans for New Year’s Eve, I’ve got a list below of most of the happenings around the area. For you early birds, there’s a few celebrations to enjoy your evening and still get you in bed before the ball drops.
Happy New Year!
The Bel Air Contractor Homeowners Recommend Before They Need One
Most contractors get called when something goes wrong.
Tar Heel Construction Group gets recommended long before that.
With 1,000+ Bel Air projects, 700+ 5-star Google reviews, and five SIX straight Best of Harford wins, they’ve become the go-to team families trust before the leaks, cracks, and surprises show up.
From roofing to siding, gutters, and solar — every job comes with manufacturer warranty coverage + their workmanship guarantee, so you never pay for the same problem twice.
Want a real opinion on your home’s exterior? They’ll come out for a free, no-pressure inspection right here in Bel Air.
Call (410) 638-7021 or click here to schedule your inspection with Tar Heel Construction Group today.
P.S. Tell them “Matt from Bel Air Brief” sent you!
Things To Do This Weekend In Bel Air & Surrounding Areas
New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve Early Ball Drop at Slate Farm Brewery (Free)
📅 Wednesday, December 31st | 12-9PM
📍 Slate Farm Brewery, 2128 Whiteford Rd, Whiteford
NYE Celebration & Sunset Keg Drop at Hopkins Farm Brewery (Free)
📅 Wednesday, December 31st | 12-8PM
📍 Hopkins Farm Brewery, 3831 Rider Ln, Havre de Grace
Early New Year’s Eve Celebration at Independent Brewing (Free)
📅 Wednesday, December 31st | 12-8PM
📍 Independent Brewing Co, 415 N Main St, Bel Air
New Year’s Eve Bonfire at Falling Branch Brewery (Free)
📅 Wednesday, December 31st | 3-10PM
📍 Falling Branch Brewery, 825 Highland Rd, Street
Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen NYE Party (Reservation Recommended)
📅 Wednesday, December 31st | Live Music 4PM-1AM
📍 Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen, 2315 Belair Road Unit B2, Fallston
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Edgewood American Legion (Free)
📅 Wednesday, December 31st | 6PM-12:30AM
📍 Edgewood American Legion Auxiliary Unit 17, 415 Edgewood Rd, Edgewood
Lib’s Grill Bel Air NYE Party (Reservation Recommended)
📅 Wednesday, December 31st | Live Music 8PM-11:30pM
📍 Lib’s Grill Bel Air, 1204 Agora Drive, Bel Air
Thursday January 1st/Friday January 2nd
🎵 The Day Drinkers at Fallston Barrel House (Free)
📅 Friday, January 2nd | 8PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Belair Rd, Fallston
Pajama Brunch at Looney’s Pub (Free)
📅 Thursday, January 1st | 11AM-3PM
📍 Looney’s Pub, 312 S Main St, Bel Air
Saturday January 3rd
🎵 John And Sharon Acoustic Duo at Earth, Wood & Fire (Free)
📅 Saturday, January 3rd | 12PM
📍 Earth, Wood & Fire, 216 Mountain Road, Fallston
Learn to Crochet Amigurumi Workshop ($)
📅 Saturday, January 3rd | 12PM
📍 The Anita C. Leight Estuary Center, 700 Otter Point Road, Abingdon
New Years Sale @ Collectors Corner Bel Air (Free)
📅 Saturday-Sunday, January 3rd & 4th | Store Hours
📍 Collectors Corner Bel Air, 17 N Main St, Bel Air
Sunday January 4th
Ravens Watch Party at Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen w/ Ray Rice ($)
📅 Sunday, January 4th | 8PM
📍 Natalie’s Seafood Kitchen, 2315 Belair Road Unit B2, Fallston
Music & Entertainment
For more live music on the schedule for NYE & this weekend, check out the “Harco Live Music Round Up” facebook group…
This Week in the Community…
Contractors Connection to Host January Networking Event at Main St. Tower
Contractors Connection will kick off 2026 with a networking event on January 13, 2026, from 5:00–7:30 PM at the Main St. Tower, bringing together contractors, homeowners, and commercial property owners for an evening of collaboration. The event will feature food, live music by Pat Sesko, vendor tables, and door prizes, with registration required to be eligible to win. Read more…
Savona Ends Monday Hours in Bel Air
Savona Fine Italian Foods & Wine has announced it will no longer be open on Mondays, marking the end of its limited Monday hours in Bel Air. The team shared that while Mondays may return in the future. Read more…
7 Brew Coffee Opens First Maryland Location in Abingdon
7 Brew Coffee officially opened its first Maryland location in Abingdon on December 29, welcoming customers with its signature drinks and community-first approach. Read more…
Pet Of The Week: Presented by Our Friends at Shannon’s Pretty Paws Pet Grooming
We are more than just groomers, we’re a family!
Give your pet the 5-star treatment & book a grooming session at Shannon’s Pretty Paws today. Your furry friend will thank you (and so will your furniture).
This week’s reader submission is: Cooper
“Meet Cooper, our toy-loving sidekick who never goes anywhere without his favorite stuffed buddy.”
Cooper, with his best buddy!
Have a furry, feathered, or scaly friend you’re proud of? Send a photo and a few fun facts, and we might feature them in an upcoming issue.
Real Estate Corner
Are you a realtor (or know one) who is looking to expand your local visibility & feature your active listings in this section to 6,000+ locals? Click here to submit your interest.
Date Spot Of The Week
Hickory Station Pizzeria and Grill (Bel Air)
📍 1510 Conowingo Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014
This week’s date spot takes us to Hickory Station Pizzeria and Grill — a classic, low-pressure choice that’s perfect for couples who want great food, generous portions, and an easygoing atmosphere where conversation comes naturally.
Start by sharing a few appetizers like garlic cheese bread, bruschetta, or their crowd-favorite wings, then split one of their well-loaded pizzas. From Detroit-style pan pies to traditional classics and gourmet options like Margherita or Buffalo Chicken, the menu makes it easy to order family-style and try a little bit of everything. If pizza isn’t your thing, their strombolis, calzones, and hearty pasta dishes are just as date-worthy.
The vibe is relaxed and familiar — no rush, no fuss, just good comfort food done right. It’s especially ideal for early dates, casual weeknight dinners, or those nights when you want something satisfying without turning it into a whole production.
👉 Check out the menu and plan your visit: hickorystation.net
Thanks for reading the Bel Air Brief today - Happy New Year!
Matt | Bel Air Brief
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