The expansion of Avelo Airlines at the Wilmington Airport is a game changer! Destinations now include the Florida, Georgia, The Carolinas, Tennessee, and even Puerto Rico. With such convenient travel options, visitors can now easily immerse themselves in the region’s stunning fall foliage, take part in seasonal festivals, and explore the rich cultural heritage of Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley.  

Considering visiting soon? Check out some of the great things to see and do in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley this season... 
 

What to do...  

Winterthur Museum Garden & Library

Known for its extensive collection of American decorative arts and beautiful gardens, Winterthur was founded by Henry Francis du Pont and is situated on his former estate. It is currently showcasing the Ann Lowe: American Couturier exhibit, running now until January 7, 2024. Ann Lowe was a prominent African American fashion designer known for her exquisite couture creations. One of her most famous commissions was designing the wedding gown for Jacqueline Bouvier when she married John F. Kennedy in 1953.  Lowe was known for her attention to detail and her ability to create elegant, timeless pieces. This is the largest exhibition of Ann Lowe’s work to date, featuring 40 iconic gowns, many that have never been on public display. 

Hagley Museum

Hagley is a historic site situated on the grounds of the original du Pont gunpowder manufacturing site, along the banks of the Brandywine River. The museum features exhibits and collections that highlight the history of industrialization, technology, and innovation in the United States. It also includes artifacts, machinery, and archival materials related to the du Pont family and their business ventures. Nation of Inventors, housed in the Hagley Museum visitor center, honors the inventive spirit of Americans by taking visitors on a trip from the 1790s, the beginning of the patent system, to the late 1800s, the "Golden Age" of American invention. More than 120 patent models from Hagley's special collection are on display in the exhibition, which highlights the various stories of innovators from all walks of life.  

Delaware Art Museum

The Delaware Art Museum is home to one of the most noteworthy holdings of British Pre-Raphaelite artwork outside of the U.K., in addition to its outstanding collection of American art. The museum's collection includes over 12,000 works with a focus on American art from the 19th century to the present. The Rossettis, one of its most anticipated exhibitions, takes place from October 21, 2023, to January 28, 2024. It places renowned DelArt paintings by Dante Gabriel Rossetti, including "Found" and "Lady Lilith," alongside masterworks from the Tate of London's collection and loans from public and private collections throughout the world. The exhibition will feature all the remaining paintings and significant drawings by Rossetti muse Elizabeth Siddal in addition to the great early and late paintings, watercolors, photographs, and designs by Rossetti.

Experience Fall Foliage in Wilmington

Ramsey Farm

Ramsey Farms offers a destination for the whole family to enjoy, with activities like hayrides, a corn maze covering more than 10 acres, bonfires on Fridays and Saturdays, and pumpkin picking. Ramsey Farms enables you to thoroughly immerse yourself in the atmosphere of fall. Go on educational excursions while learning about the various varieties of pumpkins, their growth, and the agricultural industry. It's also a chance to spend quality time with loved ones while taking in the wonder and abundance of the outdoors. 

Rockford Park

Renowned for its vibrant display of autumn colors, Rockford Park is a beautiful location known for its stunning views and serene atmosphere, especially during the fall foliage season. One of its standout features is the iconic Rockford Tower. It was built in 1901 and stands as a tribute to William Poole Bancroft, a prominent figure in Delaware's history.  The Rockford Tower offers panoramic views of Wilmington and the surrounding Brandywine Valley. From the top, you can see the canopy of trees and the winding Brandywine Creek. The park's diverse tree species, including oaks, maples, and hickories, create a captivating tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows during the fall months. The combination of the tower's architecture and the vibrant fall foliage creates a picture-perfect setting. It's a popular spot for photographers looking to capture the essence of autumn in Delaware. 

Where to Eat... 

Breakfast at Blume

This North Wilmington restaurant is renowned for its creative and seasonally focused menu, fusing well-known breakfast staples with original and creative twists.  The Fruity Pebble French Toast is a fan favorite.  

Bardea Food & Drink

Known for its contemporary Italian and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, Bardea Food & Drink has received national acclaim for its food and ambiance. The menu often features creative and seasonal dishes that showcase fresh ingredients. The James Beard Foundation named Bardea a semifinalist for Best Chef (Antimo DiMeo) and Best Food and Drink in 2019 and 2022. Bardea also offers well-crafted cocktails and an extensive wine list.  It's a great place for those looking to enjoy a drink with their meal. 

DE.CO Wilmington

This dynamic and innovative food hall located in the heart of downtown Wilmington stands out as a culinary hub, bringing together a diverse selection of local eateries and chefs under one roof. With its modern, open-layout design, De.Co provides a lively and communal dining experience. This vibrant space offers visitors a curated range of dining options, from gourmet burgers to international cuisine and artisanal desserts. It has quickly become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of Delaware's thriving food scene in a welcoming and convivial atmosphere. 

Tonic Seafood & Steak

This downtown dining favorite offers a range of culinary delights, from comfort food classics to innovative, modern dishes. The bar area is a lively hub for locals and visitors alike, offering a selection of craft cocktails, beers, and wines. The restaurant's welcoming ambiance and attentive service make it a favored destination for both casual outings and special occasions.

Where to stay... 

The Quoin Hotel

Wilmington’s first boutique hotel, The Quoin offers 24 rooms that each provide an exclusive and individualized experience. Aesop toiletries, filtered water, thoughtful amenities, and stylish furniture are all featured throughout the nicely designed space. When it comes to nightlife, The Quoin delivers a variety of elegance and uniqueness all in one as it has a chic restaurant as well as two bars—one on the rooftop and a speakeasy-style cocktail lounge in the basement. 

Inn at Montchanin

A charming historic hotel nestled in the picturesque Brandywine Valley, The Inn at Montchanin Village is a meticulously restored 19th-century hamlet that offers a unique and authentic experience for guests. With a range of accommodations including rooms and suites, it provides a tranquil retreat in a beautifully preserved setting. Guests can enjoy amenities such as fine dining restaurant Krazy Kats, a full-service spa, and fitness facilities. Known for its rich history and serene atmosphere, the Inn at Montchanin is a popular destination for travelers seeking a blend of comfort and heritage in a quaint village setting. 

Taking part in these activities right in the heart of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley area allows you to fully appreciate the changing season. The combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and a welcoming community makes fall in Wilmington, Delaware an incredibly enjoyable and memorable experience.