Delaware Today, a local publication, annually announces their list of Delaware’s best of the best when it comes to shopping, fun & leisure activities, food & drink, and more based on both editors’ and readers’ opinions.
Off the beaten path, down the narrow lane, and mere minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Wilmington, Delaware and the Brandywine Valley prides itself on being an oasis of genteel living along the I-95 corridor, with a pace, a history and a beauty all its own. Whether you're coming to town for a long weekend, a week-long stay or just a night in the city, you'll find Delaware attractions bursting to life in all parts of the region, from internationally renowned museums and gardens to family-friendly attractions that will keep everyone entertained and moving.
Here’s your “Best of” checklist:
Fun & Leisure Activities
A year in Wilmington brings more than 100 festivals to the area. According to readers and locals... the best annual Festival is the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival. Typically held in June, the festival celebrates the many facets of Italian culture, music and food.
The Jack A Markell Trail was named the best bike trail in the area. This 7-mile path is a long-awaited connection between the Wilmington Riverfront and New Castle’s Battery Park along an off-road pathway consisting of elevated boardwalk, paved pathways, and one on road section through Historic New Castle.
The entertainment and performing arts scene in Wilmington comes to life with live music, Broadway plays, comedy shows, opera and more. The area is home to both professional and community theaters as well as historic music venues. Named the best community theater is the performance venue located in downtown Wilmington for more than 100 years - The Grand Opera House. The Candlelight Theatre, located in Arden, was named best dinner theater and for best music venue there was a tie between The Grand and the historic Playhouse on Rodney Square.
After an exciting adventure through Greater Wilmington we are sure that you’ll need to rest your head. Named the best hotel stay is the HOTEL DU PONT, a famed, award- winning hotel in the heart of downtown Wilmington.
Part of America’s Garden Capital, the mid-Atlantic region is home to several garden attractions. With over 2,000 acres of gardens in a 30-mile radius, Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley takes pride in their garden. Named best garden tour is Nemours Estate. Nemours Estate a 77-room Mansion, is the largest formal French gardens in North America.
Premier week-long festival celebrating the many facets of Italian culture, music and food. Each year the Festival highlights a region of Italy and the cuisine and culture of…
The Jack A. Markell Trail makes a long-awaited connection between the Wilmington Riverfront and New Castle Battery Park along an off-road pathway consisting of elevated…
Built in 1871, this magnificent concert hall in Downtown Wilmington entertains and engages its communities through exceptional, diverse live performances and educational…
Delaware's best kept secret! Located in historic Ardentown, DE, Candlelight provides an all-inclusive evening of dinner and professional theatre in an intimate atmosphere, all…
Located in the downtown landmark du Pont building, across the street from Rodney Square, the “grande dame” of Wilmington takes guests back to a time of craftsmanship and…
Please note: Nemours Estate is now closed for the season and will reopen on April 2, 2024. Explore the elegance of a 77-room Mansion, a Chauffeur's Garage with vintage…
Two distinct places. One distinguished destination. The center of downtown Wilmington, Delaware buzzes with business during the day... and with art, music, and a bustling dining…
Rockwood Park and Museum, a rural Gothic mansion, listed on the National Register of Historic Places is also known for being haunted. Hence why it’s been named the best ghost tour in Delaware. Whether you are ready to take on a spooky adventure or just in the mood for touring the museum and its 72 acres of serene parkland, you’ll want to add it to your next getaway.
Brandywine Creek State Park has been named the best hiking spot and best state park in Delaware. Whether you are taking on those new year’s resolutions or just want the perfect picnic spot, the Wilmington Park is one of the many state parks perfect for hiking trails, bird watching and more. Another state park named in Delaware Today’s list of the best, is Lums Pond State Park. Known for campgrounds, Go Ape Zipline and Adventure Park, fishing, and horseback riding, Lums Pond is also known as the best spot in Greater Wilmington for kayaking.
Known for its Pre-Raphaelite collection and voted best museum in the area is the Delaware Art Museum. Reimagined art galleries, a spacious sculpture garden and labyrinth, and spectacular special exhibitions are only the beginning for your next getaway.
While the area is full of gorgeous gardens, art museums, historic sites and more, the area is also known for minor league sports! The Delaware Today Reader’s pick is Daniel S. Frawley Stadium, home to the Wilmington Blue Rocks. The Editor’s Pick is the Chase Fieldhouse known to house the 76ers affiliate team, the Delaware Blue Coats.
Tour this marvelous Rural Gothic mansion which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enjoy the Victorian house museum and roam 72 acres of serene parkland.
The rolling meadows, old-growth forest and freshwater marshes at Brandywine Creek State Park are reminiscent of an agricultural landscape and way of life in northern Delaware's…
Lums Pond, Delaware's largest pond, and the diverse habitats conserved beyond its shoreline, create a setting for a variety of recreational activities. Embrace the tranquility…
Zipline, swing, and climb through the trees with Go Ape at Lums Pond State Park in Bear, Delaware! Go Ape offers a variety of activities for adventurers of all ages. The Treetop…
Explore reimagined art galleries, a spacious sculpture garden and labyrinth, and spectacular special exhibitions. The Delaware Art Museum is best known for its large collection…
The Official NBA G League Affiliate of the Philadelphia 76ers. Season ticket memberships for seats at the Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington are on sale now! Visit…
Now that you know where to go and what to see while you’re here, it’s time to scope out the best of the best when it comes to restaurants, breweries and local favorites. The restaurants of the Wilmington, Delaware and the Brandywine Valley draw influence from the farm-to-table values of the Pennsylvania Dutch to our north, the seafaring coastal communities of the Chesapeake Bay to our south, and the global connections forged through the corporate offices and busy ports of the city of Wilmington.
With amazing shopping, grand estates, historic sites, and award-winning restaurants a plenty #VisitWilm weekend getaways are in your future for 2023. Who do you think will win in 2023?
Digital Marketing Manager at the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau
About Jessica: Moving to Delaware at ten years old gifted me the opportunity to grow under the lights of the city, the serenity of the country, and everything in between. I would have never thought that so many fun and interesting attractions could be packed into such a small state. I love to travel, take pictures, and experience new adventures just like you, reading this now. I can promise you new adventures happen every day in the First State. Follow along with my blogs and see for yourself why Delaware is small, but mighty!
