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- 🧀 This Lunch Date Spot Is Gouda for the Soul + Weekend Fun!
🧀 This Lunch Date Spot Is Gouda for the Soul + Weekend Fun!
Discover the best of the "Heart of Harford"

Together With
Hey Bel Air—
My AC went out this week—and let me tell you, nothing makes you respect HVAC techs more than trying to cool a house with a box fan and a 10-month-old crawling around like it’s a jungle safari.
Anyways, we’re on the tail end of this heat wave which means you can go outside without feeling like you stepped into a sauna. I’m ready for a patio cocktail.
In today’s edition we’ve got: Bel Air’s “Fourth Friday”… The Screaming Bean is opening a 2nd location… and this lunch date spot is gouda for the soul!
Scroll down, make your plans, and enjoy your weekend in Bel Air!.
Cheers
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The Bel Air Diaries
Every week, we’re asking you—our readers—to share the best thing you ate, best drink you had, and/or your favorite event or activity in Bel Air from the past week.
Want to be featured next week? Share your favorite bite, sip, or moment here
Here’s what readers said last week:
🍽️ Best Thing I Ate
“My wife and I went to Cracker Barrel for dinner last night. I tried the Campfire half chicken. It is a meal I simply could not finish. Big portions of chicken. Carrots. Potatoes. 2 small corn cob cooked in butter in aluminum foil and herbs. For those who are celiac disease you are good to go with this. I wound up taking half of it home. For 15 bucks well worth it. Just as long as you avoid the store”
🍸 Best Drink I Had
“Tried the frozen Dirty Banana from Looney’s Pub new summer menu—holy hell. Might as well have been on a beach vacation”
Things To Do This Weekend In Bel Air & Surrounding Areas
Food & Drink
🎉 Bel Air Fourth Friday (in place of July’s First Friday)
📅 Friday, June 27 | 5 PM–8 PM
📍 119 S. Main St, Bel Air
Food trucks, beer garden, street eats & more.
🚗 Passion 4 Pavement Car Show at Harford Vineyard & Winery
📅 Saturday, June 28 | 4 PM–8 PM
📍 Harford Vineyard, 1311 W. Jarrettsville Rd, Forest Hill
Classic cars, vino, and countryside vibes.
🍷 Music in the Vineyard at Fiore Winery
📅 Sunday, June 29 | 1 PM–4 PM
📍 Fiore Winery & Distillery, Pylesville
Enjoy live music paired with award-winning wines in a serene vineyard setting.
🐎 2nd Annual Bluegrass & Horses
📅 Sunday, June 29 | 2 PM–9 PM
📍 Bonita Farm, 3745 Harmony Church Rd, Darlington
Enjoy live bluegrass by the Deer Creek Sharp Shooters, local brews from Hopkins Farm Brewery, food trucks, and sunset views in the valley.
Family Fun
🪴 “Come Inside” Open House at Ladew Gardens
📅 Friday, June 27 | 11 AM–3 PM
📍 Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton
Tour the whimsical indoor gardens and historic rooms.
🎆 Darlington Independence Day Parade & Fireworks
📅 Saturday, June 28 | 4PM
📍 Darlington Volunteer Fire Co., 3745 Harmony Church Rd, Darlington
Enjoy a festive parade from the firehouse to Silver Park, followed by food trucks and an evening fireworks show!
🧺 Bel Air Farmers Market
📅 Saturday, June 28 | 8 AM–12 PM
📍 2 South Bond St, Bel Air
Shop fresh local produce, breads, meats, and crafts.
🧺 Havre de Grace Farmers Market
📅 Saturday, June 28 | 8:30 AM–12 PM
📍 Pennington Ave & Juniata St, Havre de Grace
Support local vendors and pick up artisan eats and goods.
Music & Entertainment
6 Feet Apart @ Falling Branch Brewery
📅 Friday, June 27 | 5PM
📍 Falling Branch Brewery, 825 Highland Rd, Street
Justin Taylor @ Flying Point Marina
📅 Friday, June 27 | 5PM
📍 Flying Point Marina, 324 Flying Point Rd, Edgewood
FKNA @ Flying Point Marina
📅 Saturday, June 28 | 5PM
📍 Flying Point Marina, 324 Flying Point Rd, Edgewood
Bonfire Session featuring Ballyhoo!
📅 Saturday, June 28 | 6 PM
📍 Hopkins Farm Brewery, 3833 Rider Ln, Havre De Grace
Never Never @ The Fallston Barrel House
📅 Saturday, June 28 | 7 PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Belair Rd, Fallston
Chasing Friday @ North Bay Marina
📅 Sunday, June 29 | 3PM
📍 North Bay Marina, 510 Riviera Drive, Joppa
Radio Hero @ Fallston Barrel House
📅 Sunday, June 29 | 4PM
📍 Fallston Barrel House, 2403 Belair Rd, Fallston
🎺 Summer Concert Series: Bel Air Jazz Ensemble
📅 Sunday, June 29 | 7PM
📍 Shamrock Park, 39 North Hickory Avenue, Bel Air
Local News & Happenings
The Screaming Bean to Open Second Location at APG
The Screaming Bean, which opened less than a year ago on Churchville Road, has announced a second shop at Aberdeen Proving Ground, set to open on July 15, 2025, located in Building 2202. They’re launching with a slightly smaller menu—still serving coffee, breakfast items (including vegan and gluten‑free), and maintaining their commitment to community support, specifically raising funds for CHEP Inc., a nonprofit aiding homeless veterans. Read More…
Former Big Lots in Edgewood Gets New Tenant
Label Shopper has officially opened its doors at the former Big Lots space in EdgeWater Village Shopping Center (1815 Pulaski Highway) on June 22, 2025. The 25,000 sq ft fashion outlet offers discounted designer and everyday clothing—including plus sizes—joining tenants like Harbor Freight and Dollar Tree . The New York–based chain now operates over 75 stores, and the Edgewood launch marks its third Maryland location alongside Elkton and Chestertown. Read More…
Women’s Giving Circle Funds Harford Nonprofits
The Women’s Giving Circle of Harford County celebrated its 15th anniversary by awarding $61,448 in grants to 14 local nonprofits, focusing on programs for women, families, and children. This year’s contributions bring their community impact to over $705,000 in total support since their founding in 2010. Read More…
Date Night Spot Of The Week
Boards by Dana – The Grazing Room

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📍 15 E Churchville Rd #109, Bel Air
boardsbydana.com
Open Wed–Sat, 10 am–3 pm (closed Sundays–Tuesdays)
If you're lining up a lunch-date spot that hits the sweet spot between casual and crafted, The Grazing Room at Boards by Dana nails it…
What to expect:
Small but thoughtful menu tailored for midday dining: sandwiches (like the Figgy Turkey and Caprese Panini), fresh salads, artisan toasts, and mini boards perfect for sharing.
Ingredients are fresh, portions generous, and atmosphere quaint yet stylish—like coffee shop comfort meets gourmet café.
Great service and cozy vibes—reviews gush about friendly staff and that it "feels so welcoming" for a midday break .
Why it works for lunch dates:
Light enough for daytime, interesting enough to share—no heavy sit-down meal pressure. You can graze, sip, and talk without feeling rushed.
Bel Air Bulletin
Want to spotlight your business to 2,000+ locals? Whether it's a new service, a project you're proud of, a recent hire, or just something worth sharing—we’d love to feature it.
☕ CoffeeBar Bel Air | Downtown Bel Air
A hyper-local favorite, CoffeeBar has been consistently rated among the top coffee shops in Harford County. Known for their expertly roasted beans, cozy interior, and friendly baristas, it’s a go-to spot for caffeine lovers and remote workers alike. Support your local barista.
🏠 Allied Remodeling of Central Maryland | Harford County / Greater Baltimore
Full‑service remodeler and roofer with 29 years in the business. Offers siding, windows, decks, and $3,999 full‑home roof replacement specials backed by lifetime labor warranties. BBB‑accredited A+ and praised for reliable quotes, experienced crews, and clean installations. Click here for free estimates & seasonal specials.
🌳 AmeriTree Experts | Harford County / Greater Baltimore
Certified arborists offering tree removal, trimming, pruning, stump grinding, lot clearing, plus 24/7 emergency storm cleanup. Serving the area for nearly 30 years and well-reviewed locally. They’re running a 40% off tree service promotion right now. Click here for a free quote & seasonal care guides.
🏡 House Hunch Harford County
Can you guess the price of this real estate listing based on just a few photos?
Here’s a hint: 3 bd, 3 ba, around 2,760 sq ft on nearly half an acre, with a finished basement, 2-car garage, and an above-ground pool in the backyard.
Want to feature your listing in House Hunch? Shoot me an email!
Thanks for reading the Bel Air Brief today. If you found something useful, please share it with someone who loves Bel Air as much as you do.
Have a great weekend!
Matt | Bel Air Brief
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