Story Ideas

Select a theme below and contact Lyn Lewis, Director of Communications at (302) 295-2212. We will help you tailor a story to your readers or find another story or slant that fits your interests and the needs of your publication. We will be glad to set up phone interviews and gather photos for you. If you want to visit our area on assignment we can arrange an individualized press trip as well. We look forward to working with you!

Cultural Attractions:

World-class attractions are a string of pearls along Greater Wilmington's Route 52 Cultural Trail. Culture lovers follow an eight-mile stretch of Route 52 to visit lavish mansions, touch history, marvel at nature, enjoy one-of-a-kind antiques, resonate to famous art, and take in magnificent gardens and fountains. Along and close to this road lie eight major attractions. And just to the south of Wilmington are Historic New Castle (1651) and Delaware City (1820s). All of this is within 30 minutes of Downtown Wilmington.

Du Pont Legacy:

Du Pont family shares the risks and the rewards of making a dangerous living along the Brandywine. From 1802 to 1921 the DuPont Company manufactured gunpowder at the Hagley property along the beautiful Brandywine River. Over the years there were over 291 explosions and 230 deaths, including family members. The family directly and indirectly shared the rewards as well as the risks. The result is Winterthur, Nemours, Longwood Gardens, the Delaware Museum of Natural History, the Delaware Art Museum, the Brandywine River Museum, The Dupont Theatre, the Delaware Symphony, the A.I. du Pont Hospital for Children, schools, highways and much more for visitors to see and do.

History Heaven:

In a word, everything! Board a seaworthy recreation of the Tall Ship that carried the Swedes to Wilmington in 1628 and visit the New Sweden Centre located next to the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard. Ride the Wilmington & Western Railroad which just celebrated its 100th anniversary. During warmer months, take an excursion on Wilmington's River Taxi. See the world's largest collection of operating steam cars at Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights. Experience 17th- and 18th-century technology and lifestyles at Greenbank Mills and Philips Farm.

If you prefer, trace the legacy of Delaware's du Pont family. Visit Hagley Museum & Library, the ancestral home of the du Pont family in Delaware and birthplace of the DuPont Company. Tour Winterthur Museum & Country Estate which houses Henry Francis du Pont's premier collection of American furniture and decorative arts. Visit Nemours Mansion & Gardens, A. I. du Pont's grand chateau, which has been returned to its turn-of-the-century magnificence.

Rediscover the New World in Historic New Castle. Overlooking the Delaware River, Historic New Castle is the oldest, continuously occupied town in the Delaware Valley and certainly one of the most picturesque. This vibrant, fully-occupied community is one of the most important Colonial/Federal villages in America-second only to Williamsburg in the number and authenticity of its historic structures. Minutes south, discover Historic Odessa which features superb examples of 18th- and 19th-century architecture. What distinguishes Historic Odessa is the accuracy of the period rooms and furnishings, much of which were crafted by Delaware's prominent 18th-century cabinetmakers, silversmiths and painters. The Historic Odessa Foundation has also introduced education programs like Freedom Seekers: The Odessa Story which unveils the role Odessa played in the Underground Railroad

Glorious Gardens:

Our gardens are resplendent and run the gamut from charming, private retreats in Historic New Castle to Pierre Samuel du Pont's horticultural extravaganza at Longwood. E.I. du Pont's garden at Hagley has been lovingly recreated with painstaking attention to historical detail. At Winterthur, Henry Francis du Pont painted his landscape with shrubs and plants. Nemours is arguably North America's finest formal French garden. In marked contrast, Mt. Cuba Center boasts outstanding woodland wildflower gardens and is dedicated to the study, conservation and appreciation of plants native to the Appalachian Piedmont region.

Night Life:

The Grand Opera House in Downtown Wilmington hosts more than 100 performances each season. The DuPont theatre offers six professional Broadway productions each year, an acclaimed Children's Series and many special events. The Delaware Theatre Company, winner of two Barrymore Awards for Excellence in Theatre, traditionally presents five main stage productions. The New Candlelight Theatre in neighboring Arden is another popular venue. 

Before or after performances enjoy dinner. Select an elegant four-star restaurant, a neighborhood café specializing in ethnic fare or opt to relax in the friendly, informal atmosphere characteristic of our breweries and taverns. Dining options include waterfront dining, charming bistros, a dinner theatre, outdoor dining and even an interactive dining experience. And remember, it's all tax-free in Delaware!

The Riverfront:

It's the sense of energy and vibrancy that is appealing to visitors. The Riverfront can be likened to the phoenix that rose from its ashes. Buildings that once served as warehouses, mills or factories and fallen into disrepair decades ago have been resurrected and now house a European-style marketplace, a theatre and an art museum. Justison Landing and Christina Landing offer new private residences and corporations like AAA Mid-Atlantic, Barclays Bank and ING Direct are making the Riverfront their home. A 1.3-mile riverwalk and a nice selection of restaurants complete the picture. The opening of the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge in June and the Delaware Children's Museum in September will only enhance the Riverfront's appeal.

Shopping:

Tax-free shopping is a real plus in Wilmington! Make a purchase at the sprawling Christiana Mall located off Route 1 and I-95 just minutes south of the city of Wilmington. Check out the bargains at Brandywine Town Center and the chain stores on Route 202. Explore one-of-a-kind shops in quaint neighborhood enclaves or find the perfect present in our museum stores. Our tax-free shopping environment makes your dollars go farther.