We always tell everyone that GWCVB members are the best hotels, restaurant, dining and services the area has to offer. The "Best of Delaware" party, hosted by Delaware Today Magazine, may be the only time we can prove it! This year, 20 of our members were deemed "Best of Delaware" in their respective category which means that 25% of winners in 2011 were members of the GWCVB! We may be biased, but that is very impressive and another testament to the quality of the tourism and hospitality industry in New Castle County. The "Best of Delaware" party has become a must-attend event on the social calendar in Wilmington over the past few years and this year Linda McKay, our Director of Membership, was on hand to take it all in and capture some great video footage of the event. Enjoy the video and we'd like to once again congratulate all of our award-winning members. Who are they you say? I'm glad you asked, here is the complete list:

BBC Tavern and Grill
The Back Burner
Brandywine Festival of the Arts
Chelsea Tavern
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
DuPont Country Club
Feby's Fishery
Harry's Seafood Grill
Harry's Savoy Grill
Hotel DuPont
Kid Shellen's
Krazy Kat's Restaurant
Lady's Image
Mikimotos Asian Grill & Sushi Bar
Public House Wilmington
Santa Fe
Soffritto Italian Grill
Walter's Steak House
Washington Street Ale House
World Café Live at the Queen

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      A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to take a ride on one the Wilmington & Western Railroad's incredible historic Pullman Parlor Car, a precursor of the Amtrak trains we ride today. It is the only one of its kind still running and it is right here in Greater Wilmington Delaware.

      A team of filmmakers from PBS were in the area from June 10^th - 12^th to get some action shots of the Wilmington and Western Railroad's fleet. You can see some of the behind-the-scenes footage of day 1 of this shoot in the video below.

      Now,  I will admit, this was my first time being on one of the railroads cars (I know, shame on me)  but, I must say it was an incredible ride and, in my experience, one of the best family attractions in Greater Wilmington, DE!  The great thing about the Wilmington and Western Railroad is that it is 100% volunteer. The entire staff is very passionate about these old locomotives and, not to get too cheesy, it really adds something special to the entire experience. David Ludlow, the current Executive Director of the Wilmington and Western Railroad embodies this passion. He saw promise in a struggling organization over a decade ago when he went to the board of directors and said, "Give me one year to turn this around." He began to add more special events for the entire family and fought hard for more grants to help restore the historic landmark and before the board could shake a gavel he had established it as one of the premier attractions in the area. It is because of David and his team's enthusiasm that I would call the Wilmington and Western Railroad the most authentic experience you can have while Wilmington. It's tough not to get nostalgic as you ride along the old railway passing by the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley, covered bridges of Hockessin and Auburn Heights, and the streams and gristmills of DuPont Country. It is an experience that is distinctly Wilmington and one that should not be overlooked!