Greater Wilmington, Delaware is an enchanting city full of hidden treasures and alluring history. If it’s your first time visiting, it may be hard to decide what to see and do so we’ve created the perfect guide for your journey through Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley.
Uncover Must-See Attractions
An important part of visiting the First State is knowing its history. Before you start exploring Wilmington, you'll want to familiarize yourself with the historic impact of the DuPont family and their contributions to the First State. Not only has the family founded one of the most profitable companies in the world, they also significantly impacted Wilmington and its culture through their philanthropy.
You’ll certainly be able to appreciate the du Pont charm by visiting Hagley Museum and Library on the grounds of the family’s original gunpowder mills. More into art? Don’t miss Winterthur Museum Garden & Library’s collection of American decorative arts. Both venues were originally du Pont family homes that have since been transformed into magical estates of decorative arts and naturalistic gardens. If gardens captivate you, check out other charming du Pont attractions, like Longwood Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center and Nemours Estate.
Exploring Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley can surely build up an appetite. Be sure to plan ahead to check out some of Wilmington's best restaurants while in town.. In particular, Le Cavalier at the Green Room inside the historic and iconic HOTEL DU PONT. Le Cav as the locals call it, is a well-renowned dining experience influenced by French and North African cuisine.
If you aren’t too exhausted from your day of exploring, take in a bit of live entertainment. Do dinner and a show! In walking distance from Le Cav is The Queen, a popular entertainment venue that hosts a variety of live shows throughout the year. There is also The Grand, The Playhouse on Rodney Square, OperaDelaware and Delaware Symphony Orchestra to check out.
The culinary scene of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley has its roots in the taverns and inns of Colonial times, where warm hospitality and seasonal dining were both…
With grand theaters old and new that host national concert tours and Broadway shows, to improv comedy and classic dinner theater, there's always something going on in…
Enjoy Exciting Activities and Events
Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley is home to more than 100+ special events throughout the year that cater to everyone from horticulturalists and artists, to health enthusiasts, and music lovers. Make sure to save the dates for annual events like Hagley Car Show in the fall or Winterthur's Artisan Market in the summer. There's truly something for everyone to enjoy! Depending on when you are visiting, you'll want to catch incredible seasonal activities, such as the pumpkin patch at Ramsey’s Farm and the Wilmington Riverwalk along with festive winter events like the Wilmington & Western Railroad Holiday Train Rides and Christmas in Odessa.
Don't miss anything that's happening today - or any day - in Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley. The area is home to over 100 festivals…
Experience Family-Friendly Fun
Taking the whole family on a getaway? No problem! There are a number of things to do for all ages to add to your Greater Wilmington itinerary. If you're bringing young children, stop by the Delaware Children's Museum for a day of interactive fun or the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science for kids and adults alike. The Riverfront is perfect for all ages, with great food stops and shopping. If the 1.75-mile walk seems like a lot, Bus rt. 32 makes several stops along the way. You can also rent bikes to make family time on the trail even more exciting. The region is home to the Delaware Blue Coats during the fall and winter, while the Wilmington Blue Rocks take the field in the spring and summer. The action-packed games are a home run for the whole family, so remember to buy your tickets.
The vibe of Greater Wilmington is undeniably unique, made up of a quaint collection of historic towns that truly take you back. The city and its surrounding neighborhoods are undoubtedly a scenic masterpiece, from the lush mansions of Chateau Country to the whimsical markets of the robust downtown area. And just outside of downtown lies Historic New Castle, a colonial town with an iconic view of the Delaware River, decorated with one-of-a-kind dining, riverfront trails, museums, and more. Explore Middletown for small-town festivals, such as Middletown Peach Festival and tasty treats at Bings Bakery and Caffe Gelato in Newark near the University of Delaware. Enjoy the small-town aesthetic of Newark's Main Street, dressed with cute college-town coffee shops.
With both captivating natural sites and charismatic historic towns, It's fair to say, as a travel expert, that Greater Wilmington is full of flavor and greatly underrated. So why wait? Plan your trip to the diamond state today.
