Visitors to the US state of Maryland might be surprised to find that the award-winning Netflix series House of Cards was filmed there, rather than in Washington DC. Now they can head to Harford County, north-east of Baltimore, to follow Frank Underwood’s rise to power and visit locations included in the political drama.
With three popular seasons completed and a fourth to come in 2016, there are many spots for fans to relive their favourite scenes in this vibrant county. A new self-guided tour put together by Visit Harford allows them to physically follow the journey of the scheming Underwood and his wife Claire.
Stop 1: Union United Methodist Church
This quaint church in Aberdeen was the location for Frank and Claire’s vow renewals in Season 3. Now visitors can see the exact spot on which the power-hungry couple declared their love for each other before everything went wrong.
Stop 2: American Legion
The nation’s largest wartime veterans’ service organisation was turned into the Bettenberg Union Hall for Season 3, and used for Underwood’s meeting with the Union as the new President of the United States.
Stop 3: Angel Hill Cemetery
This beautiful cemetery near Havre de Grace got a not so beautiful visit from Underwood at the start of Season 3. Visitors can head here to see the location of Underwood’s dad’s grave and the raucous start to the last season.
Stop 4: Downtown Havre de Grace
The beautiful South Carolina settings seen on House of Cards are not South Carolina at all! Instead, the breath-taking Havre de Grace is used for the exterior shots seen in every season so far. Fans can look out for well-known outdoor shots whilst enjoying an authentic Chesapeake Bay experience, with fishing, boating and bird watching on offer.
Stop 5: Site of EZ Tobacco Shop
Otherwise known as Underwood’s campaign headquarters, this 2013 shop is full of tobacco gifts and charm.
Stop 6: La Banque de Fleuve
This stunning 1883 historic reception site is otherwise known as the location of Underwood’s small town rally. Visitors can marvel at the beauty of this filming location whilst also visiting the Susquehanna River.
Stop 7: Festival Park
This beautiful park, with its pavilion, playground and calm atmosphere, was the setting for Underwood’s disorderly campaign rally. Tour visitors can have a more chilled time in the park and watch the sun go down.
Stop 8: Ladew Gardens
When Stamper and Feng wanted to talk in private, they headed to Ladew Gardens – a stunning topiary garden. Visitors can spot the Japanese Garden seen in House of Cards, as well as visiting the historic Manor House, the seasonal butterfly house and plenty of other beautiful small gardens.
Stop 9: Liriodendron
Fans can take a tour of this historic summer house used for Claire’s elegant home fundraiser in Season 2. Built in 1898 as a summer home for John Hopkins Hospital founder Dr Howard Kelly, this picturesque house is now a wedding and conference space.
Stop 10: Hamilton’s Service Station
Jackie Sharp’s deal with Heather Dunbar wasn’t made on an Iowa highway. Instead, the two converse at Hamilton’s Service Station, found in Maryland’s Harford County.
Get me there…
Maryland package with Bon Voyage: Valid for departures in September and October 2015, Bon Voyage (0800 316 0194 / www.bon-voyage.co.uk) has a seven-night twin-centre trip to Maryland available from £1,295 per person based on two adults travelling and sharing room only accommodation. The price includes British Airways flights from London Heathrow to Baltimore, all-inclusive car hire in a mid-size vehicle for the duration, four nights’ in Baltimore at the Baltimore Harbor Hotel and three nights at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Bel Air in the heart of Harford County.
For more information on the tour, visit http://visitharford.com/house-of-cards-self-guided-tour
For further information on Maryland, visit www.visitmaryland.org
To find out more about the Capital Region USA, visit www.capitalregionusa.co.uk