Visiting the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes in Emmittsburg

The golden statue of Mary, right outside the new visitors' center.

In 2017, I visited a beautiful landmark in Maryland I that I passed by for so many years. Almost every time I traveled through the area, I would marvel at the beautiful golden statue of the Virgin Mary gazing down from her perch from high atop a hill. For years, I wondered what lay beyond that hill, but never took the time to allay my curiosity. That is, until I decided that it was neigh time to discover the story behind the towering, gilded statue and whatever else might greet me at the top.

A cemetery along the road to the Shrine.

At the end of a winding road, I was rewarded with an up-close-and-personal view of the Blessed Mother and the breathtakingly serene retreat known as the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes located behind the statue.

A New Visitors Center

Only recently did I return to share the experience with my mother. It turns out that the fall weather was perfect to walk around, absorb the peacefulness and take in all the statuary, only something was different this time: The National Visitors Center. It turns out that we planned our trip a few months after the new facility was opened.

Grotto Director Bill Tronolone said that more than 893 families contributed more than $3.2 million to build the 4,000 square-foot facility.

Approximately 200,000 pilgrims visit the area each year and all religions are welcome at the Catholic Shrine, which serves as a quiet respite from the daily world--a place of worship, contemplation, prayer and devotion.

The History of the Grotto

This reads "Our mother of sorrows, pray for us.

The Grotto was created by a group of Catholics, who, in search of religious freedom, left St. Mary’s, Maryland in 1728 and settled in Emmitsburg and named the valley “St. Joseph’s Valley,” nestled in the haven of a place they named “St. Mary’s Mount.” Years later, a refugee from France by the name of John DuBois settled in the area and built St. Mary’s on the Hill church in 1807, the home of the current Grotto parking lot. A year later, he built St. Mary’s College located below the Grotto.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel

St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals is shown with a bird and a dog.

Throughout the years, the Grotto was tended by several stewards of note including St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the founder of the Sisters of Charity, and the Rev. Simon Brute, who later became the first bishop of Vincennes, Ind.

Saint Sharbel

In the years that followed, collegians and seminarians of Mount St. Mary’s College continued the work of beautifying the Grotto and in 1965, Cardinal Shehan, archbishop of Baltimore, proclaimed it a public oratory. Monsignor Hugh Phillips was appointed chaplain and became known as the “restorer of the Grotto.”

Pope John Paul II

Phillips served Mount St. Mary’s in various capacities until he passed in 2004. He was president of the college, librarian and director and chaplain at the Grotto—which was his passion. “He is an important part of the fabric of the Grotto history. He served the Grotto and Mount St. Mary’s and enjoyed being with the visiting pilgrims,” said Brian Baldini, who was a graduate assistant at the Grotto when we first spoke in 2017.

The Grotto Today

The crucifixion of Christ

When visiting the Grotto, plan on spending at least 45 minutes on the property to view the gardens and shrines of St. Jude, the Virgin of the Poor, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and the Transfiguration of Jesus, to name just a few.

Take time to relax on the benches which are scattered throughout the area for visitors to reflect in silent contemplation and prayer.

And Mary pondered all these things in her heart. Luke 2:19

Onsite chapels beckon worshippers. “Our small one known as the Corpus Christi chapel contains a few pews and the Eucharist so people can come and pray,” said Baldini. The main chapel, called St. Mary’s Chapel on the Hill, also known as The Glass Chapel, was built in 1976 for visitors to celebrate mass while protected from the elements.

The Corpus Christie Chapel

The cave, which is the oldest part of the Grotto, features the statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. Beneath an overhang are a series of candles that visitors can light for loved ones. Wooden boxes hold monetary donations and many take the time to scratch prayers on the papers provided before lovingly folding them and inserting them in a separate wooden box. According to Baldini, prayers are collected often. “We get hundreds of thousands of them per year, if not more. People even send them in online. Those intentions are placed at the altar and prayed for at a weekly mass,” he said.

The Cave at the Grotto where visitors can light candles for loved ones.

Grotto water is also very popular and people bring containers to fill and take home with them. “It is water that’s been running down the mountain since Rev. John DuBois came here and it’s never stopped. It attracts many visitors,” said Baldini. The Mount St. Mary’s website remarks on the popularity of the Grotto water as well. “Many believe that its natural properties are cleansing and healthy for the body and soul; others believe it can heal. Although there are no documented miracles, many have reported favors and graces from drinking the Grotto spring water,” it reads.

Visitors can partake in the spring waters that some believe have healing properties.

Although the Grotto is located on the campus of Mount St. Mary’s College, it’s funded entirely through outside donations, benefactors and through other means like “naming opportunities” where loved ones are recognized and remembered on walkway pavers, plaques or benches.

Joseph, Mary and Jesus--The Holy Family.

So next time you’re driving through the Emmittsburg area, don’t just pass by the statue of the Blessed Mother. Drive to the top of the hill and take time to appreciate the divine beauty, history and reverential inspiration behind those who created and tend to this special place.

A beautiful overlook greets visitors.

If you go:

National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes

16300 Old Emmitsburg Road

Emmitsburg, Maryland

Noon mass is held every Sunday, including Easter

History, Shopping, Art and More Await in Havre de Grace

The Concord Point Light House

I learned about Havre de Grace, Maryland from a local meteorologist, which is a bit of a strange way to happen upon a place. He’d trace his finger along the map and say, “It's today's hot spot, located way down here.” Why he always included Havre de Grace was a mystery to me then and it is now. Did he have ties to the town? I don’t know. What I do know is that my curiosity led me to the area located about an hour and 45 minutes from Harrisburg in Harford County Maryland at the confluence of the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay.

Havre de Grace touts a total of eight museums, all of which give up their secrets on an area that is rich in history. If history isn't your thing, there are plenty of other places to while away the time.

A relatively short drive leads visitors to a quiet area where boutique shops and restaurants line the streets and elegant bed and breakfasts beckon.

Learn about History along the Lafayette Trail

A good way to see a nice sampling of what Havre de Grace has to offer is to take a self-guided tour of the Lafayette trail, which can be accessed at the Visitors’ Center on Pennington Avenue. One of the first stops along the trail is the Lock House Museum where visitors can learn about the importance of canals in facilitating early trade and commerce in the area. The two-story structure overlooking the Susquehanna was built in 1840 and was home to the lock tender and his family. Guests of the museum will learn about the “locks” that were devised to raise and lower canal boats to adjust for the difference in elevation as they passed through the channels.

One of the most popular landmarks along the trail is the Concord Point Lighthouse, which looms large as a backdrop in many a selfie. It is known as the oldest, continuously operating lighthouse in the country and was once slated for demolition before a concerned citizen’s group banded together to save it. Guests can learn more about the light house at the museum nearby which is known as “The Keeper’s Dwelling” and dates back to 1827.

Along those same lines is the three story, 10,000 square foot Havre de Grace Maritime Museum. On display is a new permanent exhibit which tells the story of the Underground Railroad in the area.

The new installation at the Maritime Museum tells the story of the Underground Railroad in the area.

Two unique shops are Washington Street Books & Music and JoRetro, both located on Washington Street. JoRetro transports customers into the wayback machine to a time when Pyrex was popular and quite a bit of shelf space is dedicated to the kitchenware. 

Jewelry made from Pyrex at JoRetro.

Scenes from JoRetro.

A selection of vintage vinyl, clothing, jewelry and more are just a few of the other items that customers can purchase at the quirky, fun shop. 

Washington Street Books contains dozens of movie costumes displayed in cases throughout the store.

Washington Street Books is a retail shop/museum. During a recent visit, Abba blared on the sound system while 20-somethings browsed comic books that lined one of walls. Items for sale included crystals, toys, minerals and other curiosities, surrounded by dozens of floor-to-ceiling display cases containing costumes worn by stars in movies. The owner rotates out 250 movie costumes from 75 different movies. On display now are costumes from “Hunger Games” and “Respect,” which includes a gown decorated in hundreds of Swarovski crystals and worn by Jennifer Hudson.

Also, not to be missed is Seneca Cannery Antiques, where dozens of vendors sell items that have long been forgotten.

The Seneca Cannery has dozens of vendors selling items that have long been forgotten.

Beautiful B&Bs

Accommodations in Havre de Grace are as charming and historical as the town itself. The Vandiver Inn, located on Union Avenue, is home to many “I Do’s,” and rightly so. The mansion dates back to 1886 and is named after Murray Vandiver, who served as Secretary and Treasurer of Maryland and as Mayor of Havre de Grace. Vandiver built the large Victorian “cottage” as a present for his wife.

The front of the Vandiver.

The breakfast room at the Vandiver.

Our room at the Vandiver.

Our living room at the Vandiver.

Located a short walk from the Vandiver is the Spencer Silver Mansion, built in 1896 and purchased in 1917 by Carles Bartol Silver, a local canning magnate who made it his home, along with his wife “Fannie” Hopkins Silver. Silver was part owner of the firm Silver, Spencer & Company and reputed to be the largest salt fish packer in the East.

Walk the Promenade

The Promenade is a lovely ¾-mile boardwalk that provides a beautiful view of the Susquehanna, where waterfowl frolic and boats traverse the bay. An interesting structure that still stands and is located just off the Promenade is a four-story fieldstone building which opened in 1921 when Jazz was all the rage. Al Capone was said to have stayed there, but the Depression proved to be its death knell and the hotel went out of business. Today the structure is home to luxury condominiums.

This was once a hotel where Al Capone stayed.

An Up-and-Coming Art Center

An ambitious project is underway at Havre de Grace’s Graw Alley. Construction is apace for a 34,000 square-foot indoor facility that will become a creativity incubator, an art center and economic driver. The public will soon be able to able to watch artists as they work, not unlike our Millworks here in Harrisburg.

The outside of Harmer's Town Art Center is taking shape.

Located outside of the center will be the Graw Alley Interactive Art Park containing sculptures, outdoor seating and signage leading visitors on a tour of Havre de Grace history as told through murals and public art installations. Harmer’s Town Art Center will cost millions, according to officials and is slated to open the summer of 2023.

These are just a few highlights of beautiful, quaint and charming Havre de Grace, an area that is ideal for a laidback getaway to refresh and recharge.

 

 

Enjoying the Blocks of Shops in Sykesville Maryland

The small town of Sykesville is located 20 miles west of Baltimore.

Maryland is a fun destination and one about which I often write. I've described the beautiful scenery at Rock Hall, the charm of Inner Harbor, and the incredible Ward museum of Waterfowl Art in Salisbury, but until now I haven't taken the time to write about a little enclave called Sykesville.

The small town of Sykesville lies just 20 miles west of Baltimore and 40 miles north of Washington D.C. and has been named "The Coolest Small Town in America" by Budget Travel.

When I visited the downtown late this fall, I was surprised at how small it was. A stroll around may take you an hour or so.

Our first stop was a family restaurant by the name of E.W. Becks  where we enjoyed a scrumptious lunch. I especially liked their onion soup and a seasonal drink called the "Apple Ciderita." My husband said his Italian sandwich was quite good also.

The "Hot Italian"

The Apple Ciderita was tasty.

E.W. Becks must be doing something right because they've been in the restaurant business for 28 years and I hear that people come from miles around. When we arrived for lunch on a Saturday the place was packed, so I couldn't get many good pictures without annoying people unfortunately. 

E.W. Becks

We were seated in one of the back rooms and I looked up to see playing cards on the ceiling, which was puzzling. The cards seem to have names on them, like Tonia and Melody on one and Vep Wog on another... I'm sure an employee would know the meaning of it all, but I neglected to ask.

If you decide to visit the area in the summer, you can take advantage of E.W. Becks outside seating on the patio.

Outside seating at E.W. Becks 

Around the corner from E.W. Becks are boutique shops selling everything from apparel, to candles at Unwined Candles and even crystals at Be Blends Collective and Gypsy Systers. 

Unwined Candles features a large selection of soy candles made with recycled glass.

For cute little beanbag pumpkins, or other attractive home decor items, there's Revive and Company located just a short walk from E.W. Becks.  

Revive and Company

Revive and Company displays colorful beanbag pumpkins.

Further on down the road is the Patapsco Distilling Company located in an historic 4,000 square foot building. Their lineup includes vodka, gin, bourbon and rye whiskey made with 100 percent locally grown Maryland grains.

Patapsco Distilling Company

As  you come to the end of the blocks of shops, you'll see the historic Sykesville Station restaurant. In 1831, the B&O Railroad extended its main line through the as yet unnamed town and called the waypoint "Horse Train Stop." In 1883, this "Sykesville Station" of the B&O Railroad was designed and built by E. Francis Baldwin, a famous architect from Baltimore. It opened to its first passengers in 1884 and today is home to a restaurant with an eclectic menu. Among the dishes are burgers, shrimp and grits, Nashville Hot Chicken, Drunken Noodles and Rabbit and Dumplings.

Sykesville Station restaurant.

A glimpse inside the Sykesville Station.

As we headed back to our car, I was tempted to take a peek inside a coffee shop painted in a bright blue hue, but decided to skip it because we were on our way to another interesting town, which I'll be writing up in a future blog post. Ellicott City deserves its own entry.

I later learned that the coffee shop (pictured below) is called the "French Twist Cafe." Owner Helene Taylor hails from France and decided to bring a taste of her culture to downtown Sykesville. Visitors can enjoy a large selection of sweet and savory crepes paired with their favorite coffee drink. She serves macchiatos, espressos, lattes cappuccinos and more. And for those who prefer tea, she sells a selection of that as well.

The French Twist Cafe for coffee, crepes and conversation

Accommodations

We found the family owned Turf Valley Resort to be not only comfortable, but convenient to both Sykesville and Ellicott City.

Shots of the interior at Turf Valley Resort

The resort features an indoor pool, a full-service spa and a fitness center. During warmer weather, guests can take advantage of golf courses, tennis courts and an outdoor pool.

The onsite restaurant is pretty pricey, so we skipped dining at Alexandra's American Fusion and chose instead to eat dinner at nearby Facci at Turf Valley, which I recommend highly.

I hope this sheds a little more light on the Sykesville area. I also understand that Piney Run Park is a great place to hike, fish and kayak when the weather warms.

Hopefully this gives you an idea of what the small town of Sykesville is like. Because of its convenient location, it's easy to make it a morning or afternoon stop on the way to Ellicott City.