In Hydes, several themes can shape your travel plans: time with horses, a church history exhibit, or scenery and wine. Hopeful Manor Farm offers riding lessons for riders of all ages and experience levels. If you want more than just to watch and would like a first introduction to working with horses, “Introduction to Horses” is a standalone experience that requires no prior experience.
Plan for Horseback Riding and History
“Introduction to Horses” covers horse safety, leading, grooming and handling tack. Time in the saddle is also included if participants feel comfortable. This makes it different from riding lessons: the focus here is on basic introductions and skills; lessons involve riding at different experience levels. If choosing between the two formats, consider your own experience and how much time you actually want to spend in the saddle.
The SJE History Exhibit offers a different way to explore local history. It is located in the Koontz House directly behind the church and displays pictures of the founders, family trees, state and county maps, and the history of Long Green Valley. Tours are available by appointment for parish members and visitors from the community. This makes a visit differently organized from exploring the historic sites independently and learning about their context.
St. John the Evangelist Church at 13307 Long Green Pike is listed in the Long Green Valley Historic District. Hydes Station at 5235 Hydes Road is also part of the district. Of the stations that remain, four are still standing, including Hydes Station. The church and station offer two specific starting points for exploring historic buildings and transport routes, without requiring the same kind of visit to be the focus.
Scenery, Byway and Wine
As a regional setting, the Long Green Valley Historic District offers a glimpse of a rural, agricultural landscape northeast of Baltimore. The area, covering about 6,066 acres, is characterized by a collection of buildings from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. Its historical significance lies not only in individual structures, but also in their relationship to an agricultural setting.
The Horses & Hounds Byway includes Hydes Road and runs through gently rolling countryside to horse farms and riding events. This makes it a fitting subject for anyone looking for a scenic perspective on horse culture in addition to a single riding activity. DeJon Vineyard, meanwhile, is set in the Long Green Valley in northern Baltimore County: the vineyard has more than 20 acres of pastoral land. Its original barn was renovated and transformed into a cozy, country-style setting.
Boordy also combines the history of wine with a historic building. Founded in 1945, it is considered Maryland’s oldest winery. The restored 19th-century bank barn includes a tasting room. An in-depth tour of the vineyard, winery and barrel cellar includes a guided tasting of the current Landmark Reserve wines, accompanied by a selection of regional cheeses, meats and breads. If this tour is important to your plans, check availability before your visit.
When choosing your itinerary, it helps to understand how the options differ: riding lessons and “Introduction to Horses” focus on different aspects of working with horses; the SJE History Exhibit offers a tour by appointment; and the byway and wineries broaden the theme to include scenery, architectural history and wine. This makes it possible to tailor your stay to your interests without combining the different experiences into a single outing.
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