How Do They Do That?

If you’re the sort of person who’s curious about how things are made, we’ve got great news: there’s an itinerary for that.

Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley is one of the cradles of American entrepreneurship. So start your day of exploration where the chemical giant DuPont got its start: at the 1802 gunpowder works you can still visit at Hagley Museum and Library. Enjoy demonstrations of black-powder explosions at the old Powder Yard — where you can still find debris from one of the largest accidental explosions in the yard’s history — or watch an 1870s steam engine in action. Don’t forget to visit Nation of Inventors, a permanent exhibit of patent models that showcases the ingenuity of American inventors.

In This Itinerary

For lunch, head to nearby Ciro Forty Acres, which serves delectable brunch items crafted by James Beard Award-nominated Chef Michael DiBianca.

Depending on your interest, spend your afternoon among the flowers… or the potato chips.

At the Herr’s Snack Factory Tour, prepare to be delighted by a delicious blend of entertainment and education. A personal guide will tell you all about what makes those Herr’s snacks so delicious, and you’ll get a glimpse of the real factory floor. Don’t forget to stop for snacks and souvenirs at the end of the tour!

More to Explore

Ciro Forty Acres

  • 1836 Lovering Ave.

Three-time James Beard Nominated Chef, Michael DiBianca, brings you his culinary genius at his second Wilmington location! Ciro Forty Acres is located near Trolley Square and…

Wilmington Brew Works

  • 3129 Miller Rd.

Wilmington Brew Works is the only production brewery in Delaware’s largest city. Housed in a 100-year old former laboratory in the old 9th Ward, we are keeping the spirit of…

If your tastes run more toward horticulture, take The Longwood Story Tour at Longwood Gardens. You’ll explore the seasonal highlights of Longwood’s diverse displays, while learning all about how one man’s vision turned Longwood into one of the great gardens of the world. It’s a perfect tour for first-time visitors and frequent guests alike.

Wrap up your day at Wilmington Brew Works, where innovative ales, lagers, sours, and ciders are brewed in a former laboratory building.   

Spotlight on Wilmington