The driving range provides a place to practice your swing with its’ large number of tee boxes. You can get a large or small bucket of balls, sign up for lessons, or buy goods in their pro shop.

Mini golf (called Lost Falls Miniature Golf Course) helps you practice your short game with its’ complex holes and beautiful setting. There are only a handful of miniature golf places in Baltimore, and this is a great one! My son thoroughly enjoyed the course, especially because the holes have flags, just like a “real” golf course.

Hereford Golf Center is located just off York Rd a little north of the Mt Carmel Rd exit off I-83 North. It is in Hereford or Parkton, depending on whom you talk to — either way, it is a quick jaunt from 83!

Mini golf is $4 for children under 12, $5 for adults. The driving range has small buckets of balls for $5, large for $8, and $12 for an extra large bucket.

So enjoy an afternoon or evening out in bucolic northern Baltimore County. You very well may see my family there!

The largest one is in Downtown Baltimore called “Ports of America Chesapeake Fourth of July Celebration”. Entertainment begins at 2 pm with the jazz band Lovecraft, and at 8 pm the Naval Academy’s Electric Brigade begins at 8 pm.

Fireworks are scheduled to go off at 9:30 pm and can be seen from the Inner Harbor, Fell’s Point, Federal Hill, and other places around the harbor. The music and entertainment is located in the Inner Harbor at Harborplace Amphitheater located at 401 Light Street.

Friday and Saturday, the 2nd & 3rd, Harborplace celebrates its’ 30th Anniversary. Since it was opened in 1980, they are having 80′s themed Anniversary fun, so you can join in and hopefully have a blast!

In Baltimore County, at Oregon Ridge in Cockeysville, the BSO Start Spangled Spectacular happens both July 3rd & 4th! Gates open at 5 pm and the concert begins at 8 pm. Tickets are available online now. It culminates in a huge fireworks display accompanied by the Orchestra.

There are a number of places in Baltimore County where fireworks are scheduled on the 3rd, 4th and 5th, so you can enjoy three nights in a row! Baltimore County’s website lists:

July 3, 2010

Baltimore Country Club (rain date July 4)
11500 Mays Chapel Road

Catonsville High School (rain date July 4)
421 Bloomsbury Avenue, Catonsville

Eastern Yacht Club (no rain date)
918 Seneca Road, The Barge

Grange Elementary School (rain date July 5)
2000 Church Road, Dundalk

Oregon Ridge Park (no rain date)
13401 Beaver Dam Road

The Suburban Club (rain date July 5)
7600 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, 21209

Woodholme Country Club (rain date July 5)
300 Woodholme Avenue

July 4, 2010

Fullerton Park (rain date July 5)
4208 Fullerton Avenue

Loch Raven Academy (rain date July 5)
8101 LaSalle Road

Oregon Ridge Park (no rain date)
13401 Beaver Dam Road

July 5, 2010

Hereford High School (rain date July 6)
17220 York Road, Hereford

For parades and more daytime fun, the Baltimore County website shows quite a few from Kingsville to Towson to Catonsville!

Saturday, July 3

Arbutus Recreation Council
Begin: 12:30 p.m.
End: 1 p.m.
Route: Formation area: Tom Day Boulevard Route: Tom Day Boulevard to Carville Avenue to East Drive. (Super Fresh store parking lot)

Catonsville Celebrations Committee
Begin: 3 p.m.
End: 5:30 p.m.
Route: Formation area: Montrose Avenue; Bloomingdale Avenue; Route: Starting at Montrose Avenue and Frederick Road, proceed east on Frederick Road to Bloomsbury Avenue, turn right on Bloomingdale.

Dundalk Heritage Parade Committee
Begin: 8 a.m.
End: 1 p.m.
Route: Formation Area: Logan Village Shopping Center. Route: North on Dundalk Avenue, east on Belcare, north on Liberty Parkway, west on Dunglow Road, west on Dunmanway, north on Shipping Place, east on Shipway, north on Admiral Boulevard, south on Liberty Parkway to Dunmanway.

Glyndon Community Association, Inc
Begin: 10 a.m.
End: noon
Route: Formation area: Albright Avenue. Route: Albright Avenue east to Central Avenue, north onto Central to Chatsworth Avenue, west onto Chatsworth to Railroad Avenue, south onto Railroad to Albright Avenue.

Hampton Improvement Association
Begin: 8:45 a.m.
End: 9 a.m.
Route: Formation: Dead end court Gateshead & Seminary Ave; Start north end of Gateshead Rd, down to St Francis Road left onto Valley View Drive, quick right in to Hampton Mansion farmhouse grounds.

Greater Kingsville Civic Association
Begin: 10 a.m.
End: 11 a.m.
Route: Formation area: Kingsville Fire Hall, Bradshaw Road and St. Stephen’s Church lot for fire trucks and large vehicles. Route: from Kingsville Volunteer Fire Department grounds, down Bradshaw Road, right on Jerusalem Road, at judges viewing stand to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Street parking lot.

Pine Valley / Valleywood Community Association
Begin: 10 a.m.
End: 10:45 a.m.
Route: Formation area: Pine Valley Drive and Presway Road; Start at Pine Valley Drive and Presway Road-South to Sandee Road left  then left on Rickswood Road into school (Pinewood Elementary) parking lot.

Towson Area Fourth of July Parade
Begin: 10:30 a.m.
End: 1 p.m.
Route: Formation: Towson University (Burke & Bosley) disperse at Burke & Washington Avenue.

Wilson Point Civic Association
Begin: 9 a.m.
End: 10:30 a.m.
Route: Formation Area: Middle River Vol. Fire Co & Beech Drive-Route: Right onto Wilson Point Road-right onto Dogwood Drive, left onto Shore Road, left onto Hazel Drive, left onto Wilson Point Road, to the Middle River Vol. Fire Company’s lot for disbursement. Distance total 1.6 miles.

Sunday, July 4

Sudbrook Park Inc.
Begin: 10 a.m.
End: 11 a.m.
Route: Formation area: Triangle at Adana Road, Kingston Road and Windsor Road. Dispersal area: Playground McHenry Road. Route: Parade travels up Adana Road, turns right into Carysbrook Road, turns right onto Olmstead Road, turns left onto McHenry and ends at playground on McHenry Road.

Coachford / Springlake Community Association
Begin: 10 a.m.
End: 11 a.m.
Route: Formation area: Galewood Circle-Timonium; Route: Galewood Road, right on Tregarone, right on Hartfell, left on Fallsbrook Road, left on Springlake Drive, left into Pot Spring School parking lot.

Colonial Village Neighborhood Association
Begin: 9:30 a.m.
End: 10:30 a.m.
Route: Formation: Lowell Drive at Deerfield Road / Lowell Drive; Route: east at Plymouth Road, south at Concord Road, west on Concord Ending at Salem Court.

Monday, July 5

Hereford Optimist Club
Begin: 5:30 p.m.
End: 8 p.m.
Route: Formation area: Hereford SHA lot; beginning at Hereford Shopping Center, start east on Mt. Carmel Rd to North onto York Road (Rte 45) end at Hereford High School.

Some culminate in the fireworks displays in the area.

So enjoy 4th of July in Baltimore. There is plenty to do!

Photo courtesy of Sam Howzit via Flickr CC

Each weekend in January, Boordy hosts the “Chili Winter Days” from 1-5 pm, where you can drink Wassail while you tour the winery, and eat chili paired with their red wines if you are of age. Dean & Brown Catering is supplying the three chili choices, and the cost is $12 for adults, $10 for teens, and $5 for children aged 2-12.

Live music is on tap each weekend as well.

February brings “Fond of Your Fondue” weekends complete with marshmallow roasting on an open fire!

So if you are looking for something neat & different to do, then Boordy is the place to be on weekends in Winter.

Boordy Vineyards is located in beautiful Hydes, MD, (also known to many as Kingsville) right on the border of Baltimore County and Harford County. For a map and directions to Boordy, click here, and enjoy a taste of what Baltimore County has to offer!

Well, here we are in late January, and it is coming very soon!

Here are the details — it’s SO easy — now everyone in Baltimore County can recycle without having to think too much about it!

From the Baltimore County Recycling Site: http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/publicworks/recycling/singlestream/curbsideinformation.html

What’s new & easy?

• It all goes into the same container! LIDS, CAPS, LABELS & RINGS are accepted now. No throwing the cap of the milk jug or soda bottle away anymore.
• Juice cartons, aluminium pans, AEROSOL cans, frozen food boxes — ALL NOW ACCEPTED!

The changes you need to make:

• NO MORE PLASTIC BAGS. They will not be accepting plastics/glass/etc in grocery bags anymore. (So now is the time to start using those reusable bags you may have for your groceries!)
• You can put your recyclables in small cardboard boxes, in 34 gallon or less recycling containers, or 34 gallon or less trash containers marked with an “X” or “RECYCLE”.

Click here for the Baltimore County Single Stream Recycling website for all of the details.

I am thrilled that Baltimore County is implementing this new recycling system as the ease should help more residents to be involved in the program! Join in!

• Download the Brochure (PDF)
• Schedule an Appointment
• Ask a Question
• View the Property Plat

Explore this beautiful Monkton home for Sale at $599,000…

• First Floor
• Kitchen/Family Room
• Second Floor
• Finished Basement
• Exterior and Features
• Neighborhood

(Click on Any Picture to Enlarge)

The first two levels of this home showcase over 3336 sq ft of finished space (not including the lower level!). A large family room is right off the kitchen and a screened porch off the kitchen as well.

Skylights abound in this terrific home, which allow for bright & light space throughout. High ceilings, bright colors, and open areas, this home has a wonderful open feeling. With the finished lower level, a great playspace, clubroom — perfect for kids’ play or large flat screen TV with pool table, bar, etc, this has so much to offer!

Add in the private 6.46 acre lot with open areas, wooded areas, PLUS a stream, you have privacy close to all amenities you could need!

First Floor

FOYER

• Two Story Foyer
• New Laminate Floor
• Hardwood Stairs to Second Floor
• Large Palladian Window
• Two Skylights

LIVING ROOM (18 ft. x 13 ft.)

• Random Plank Hardwoord Floor
• Crown Molding
• Extra Long Windows
• Built-in Bookshelves and Cabinets
• Brick Wood Burning Fireplace

DINING ROOM (18 ft. x 13 ft.)

• Random Plank Hardwood Floors
• Extra Long Windows
• Crown Molding
• Chandelier Dimmer

KITCHEN HALLWAY

• Pantry
• Door to Two Car Garage
• Door to Backyard

LAUNDRY ROOM

• Kenmore 90 Series Super Capacity Washer
• Kenmore 90 Series Super Capacity Dryer
• Hanging Shelves

POWDER ROOM

• Pedestal Sink
• Exhaust Fan

Kitchen and Family Room

KITCHEN (25 ft. x 11 ft.)

• New Laminate Floor
• GE Profile S/S Refrigerator with Ice, Water & Light
• Wood Cabinets
• Newer Whirlpool Flat Top Stove
• Newer Whirlpool Quiet Wash Plus Dishwasher
• Double Kohler Ceramic Sink with In-Sink-Erator and Stainless Hardware including Soap Dispenser and sprayer
• Large Styled Tile Counter
• Open to Breakfast Room/Eating Area

BREAKFAST ROOM/EATING AREA

• Open to Family Room and Kitchen
• Built-in Cabinets/Shelving
• Sliding Glass Door to Screened Porch

FAMILY ROOM (24 ft. x 21 ft.)

• Random Plank Hardwood Floor
• Cathedral Ceiling
• Two Skylights
• Four Palladian Windows
• Hunter Ceiling Fan
• Recessed Spotlights on Fireplace
• Brick Extra Tall Wood Burning Fireplace with large brick base and mantle
• Sliding Glass Door to Deck

LARGE SCREENED PORCH

• Ceiling Fan with Light
• Door to Deck

LARGE DECK

• Steps to Yard
• Peaceful— Surrounded by Trees
• Door to Family Room

Second Floor: Master Bedroom Suite

New carpet throughout second floor!

SITTING ROOM (17 ft. x 14 ft.)

• Brick Wood-Burning Fireplace
• Recessed Lights
• Dressing Table
• Walk-in Closet with attic access

LARGE MASTER BEDROOM (21 ft. x 17 ft.)

• Wide Palladian Window
• Two Cove Windows with Sitting Box with Storage!
• Second Large Closet — Double Six Paneled Doors

MASTER BATH

• Two Person Whirlpool Tub
• Separate Shower
• Double Cabinet Sinks
• Exhaust Fan
• Recessed Lights
• Skylight

Second Floor: Other Bedrooms

• Cabinet Sink
• Light with Exhaust Fan

Lower Level: Finished Basement

The lower level was fully finished in 2002 and new carpet was added throughout in 2009!

PLAY ROOM/RECREATION ROOM

• With perfect wall for Flat Screen TV!
• Drop ceiling
• Recessed Lights
• Wall of Built-in-Closets with Six Paneled Doors

ART ROOM

• Tile Floor
• Chalkboard
• Stainless Triple Sink
• Built-in Shelves and Cabinets

STORAGE ROOM

• Full Large space with shelves and abundance of storage

Exterior and Additional Features

• 9’ Ceilings Throughout
• ANDERSEN WINDOWS & DOORS THROUGHOUT
• Vacu-Maid Whole House Central Vacuum
• Carrier Heating & Cooling System
• Oversized Two Car Garage
• Dual Electrical Panels for Plenty of Energy Supply!
• Right near Hereford Middle School
• New traffic light at Corbett Road & York for convenience
• Updated & Maintained Well!

Neighborhood: Monkton Real Estate

35 A Chesterfield Court is located in Monkton (map), in the Hereford Zone of Baltimore County. Hereford has a community all its’ own, with a Rec Council, a volunteer fire department, and businesses plus families galore, nevermind the horses & outdoors activities!

View Larger Map

The school district for 35 A Chesterfield Court is a celebrated & award winning one. Sparks Elementary School is known as a Maryland Blue Ribbon School.

The middle school for 35 Chesterfield Ct is Hereford Middle School. Hereford Middle was also named a Maryland blue ribbon school , of which there are only a total of FOUR middle schools with this honor in all of Baltimore County!

The high school for 35 A Chesterfield Court is Hereford High. The Bulls are both academically and athletically strong!

Monkton’s history includes My Lady’s Manor, which began as a horse race on grass, better known as a Steeplechase. It is part of the rich history of Monkton.

Another offering the area has is the Gunpowder State Park, which has a Hereford Zone - with hiking, biking, fishing, and more!

The NCR Trail runs right through Monkton, with its’ own starting point on the map!

Nearby, enjoy Boordy Vineyards or Basignani Winery or Woodhall Wine Cellars.

Monkton even has it’s own Baltimore County Public Library branch!

Animals can enjoy the Hereford Country Club for Pets for both grooming and fun overnight stays!

Relax with a nice dinner at the local Manor Tavern.

Want private school? Send your child to St. James Academy!

Monkton is also home to Slade’s Inn, a quaint bed & breakfast located on part of the original My Lady’s Manor.

All within a quick jaunt onto 83 (the Harrisburg Expressway) which can take one quickly to Timonium, Towson, Baltimore, or Pennsylvania!

Don’t miss this superb home. Call me today!