Bel Air South - Bel Air, MD Area Guide

As Bel Air rose in prominence, becoming the county seat of Harford and attracting a number of local politicians and greater wealth to the area, Bel Air South and Bel Air North served to further expand the popular locale in either direction.

Looking to spend a relaxing afternoon educating yourself on local history? The architecture and memorabilia of the Hays House Museum harkens back to the beginnings of Harford County, Bel Air and the United States. Documenting 18th- and early 19th-century living, the museum opens its doors to the public each Sunday. The museum brings the greater Bel Air area together, serving as a community hub during frequent events, including the annual ice cream social and Harvest Day.

Residents drive along Emmorton Road for easy access to the international selection of critically acclaimed restaurants on their doorstep. Stay local to Bel Air South for authentic dining experiences or head north into Bel Air to take advantage of the cutting-edge gourmet establishments in the area.

Found on Merchant Boulevard, Lemon N Ginger Asian Grille delights customers with a top-notch sushi bar and flavorful menu fusing Chinese and Japanese cuisine. The spacious seating area means you can find a spot even during the dinner rush. If you aren't sure what to order, don't hesitate to ask the helpful waiting staff for recommendations.

Serving top seafood, Box Hill Crab Cakes makes good on the promise of its name. Don't miss out on a chance to try the broiled crab cake platter for a taste of why Baltimore crab cakes get so much buzz. Not up for seafood? Try the Philly cheese steak with a side of hot peppers as another Box Hill specialty.

Nightlife in Bel Air South means an enjoyable evening out over good drink and great food. Head just south of the Interstate to sample the extensive beer and cocktail menu at Riverside Pub and Grille. Enjoy the Orioles game in good company or hang back in one of the booths to enjoy the quiet conversation.

Routes 24 and 924 run north into Bel Air and south to intersect with Interstate 95, providing residents with easy access throughout the town, southwest into Baltimore and beyond. Both Uber and Lyft are available, and a variety of local taxi cab companies provide service to and from Baltimore and to the surrounding areas. Hailing a cab in the street can be difficult, so call ahead if you plan to use one.

You can find public parking for free throughout Bel Air South in residential and commercial areas, as the majority of the town relies on an automobile to get around. The roads lack designated lanes for cyclists. The Maryland Transit Administration provides residents with bus stops throughout Emmorton Road and along Interstate 95 as it heads into Baltimore.

Part of the Harford public school system, the beautiful green expanses of Harford Glen Park in western Bel Air South makes for a great place to escape and enjoy the outdoors. While school is in session the park remains closed to the public, though you can visit on the weekends or during the summer when school's out. Bring your dog along on-leash to enjoy the scenic hiking trails, or pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on the Atkisson Reservoir's edge.

The Bel Air Farmers Market hosts community-driven and family-friendly events each Saturday throughout the year. Come by for art month in October to chat with local artists and view their recent works. Check the Bel Air Farmers Market website for a full listing of up-and-coming events, including live music, wine tastings and holiday celebrations.

The cost of living in Bel Air South averages 17 percent higher than in Baltimore and 3 percent higher than Bel Air proper. A month's rent for a typical one-bedroom apartment in the Bel Air South area costs an average of $913. Those planning to head into Baltimore via the MTA bus can expect to pay $3.50 for a 24-hour pass. Local bars charge around $6 for a pint of beer and gas prices generally sit 1 percent beneath the national gas average.

Head to central South Bel Air to visit Festival at Bel Air and get all your shopping done in one place. Collecting a wide variety of high-value shops and restaurants, Festival at Bel Air places Chuck E. Cheese's, Chipotle, Panera Bread, Buffalo Wild Wings, Uptown Cheapskate, Marshalls, Kohl's, Gamestop and Rite Aid all within a block of each other. ShopRite, Wegmans and Giant Food make up the local supermarkets, all of lie along Emmorton Road as it winds through the area.

For an eclectic selection of women's clothing, accessories and home gifts, head over to Francesca's Boutique. This shop features a wide clearance section for the bargain hunter and carries dresses for both formal and casual occasions.

Faye Daniel Designs lies north in Bel Air proper along Main Street. This custom jewelry shop draws in customers from well beyond the immediate surrounding area for its beautiful designs and intricate craftsmanship. Bring in a dress, pattern or piece of jewelry, and the friendly staff at Faye Daniel Designs can create a necklace, pair of earrings or other accessories to match. Find coupons and deals for this establishment online, so be sure to look for discounts before stopping by.

Those who support local production head north into the Bel Air Farmers Market to visit the largest producers-only market in the area. Open year-round, the Bel Air Farmers Market opens every Saturday and features dozens of vendors selling an array of baked, butchered, grown and crafted foods.