“Bringing Rockwell to Havre de Grace: A Vintage Café Tribute to The Runaway”

When I set out to recreate Norman Rockwell’s The Runaway, I knew I needed a location with soul—a place where time slows down and stories still feel handwritten. Enter the Vintage Café in Havre de Grace.

Tucked into our beloved town, this café was the perfect backdrop to breathe life into Rockwell’s 1958 painting. From the orange stools to the warmth of the counter, it echoed everything his artwork stands for: simplicity, connection, and the quiet beauty of everyday moments.

With the help of some wonderful local models and a little cinematic lighting, we transformed the café into a living tribute to a scene so many of us grew up admiring. I hope this image takes you back—and maybe even inspires you to revisit your own cherished moments.

The Runaway, 2025