Good things come in small packages and Wilmington, Delaware packs in big city flair with a good dose of hometown charm. Wilmington is a place where gilded age grace and working class grit combine to make a city that’s creative, vibrant and welcoming. Discover the best things to do in Wilmington, Delaware.
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How to Get to Wilmington, Delaware
Wilmington is an easy drive from most Mid-Atlantic cities and you can drive from Philadelphia (45 minutes ), Baltimore (1.5 hours), as well as Washington DC and New York City (both 2.5 hours). Alternatively Wilmington is well served by Amtrak from all of these cities. If you are flying to Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is the largest airport near Wilmington.
Where to Stay in Wilmington
No matter your style Wilmington has a hotel to suite every taste and budget. In downtown Wilmington the Hotel Du Pont is an elegant grand dame with unparalleled service (and a great full service spa with Currie Hair, Skin and Nails) while the Quoin Hotel is a new, modern boutique hotel with a rooftop bar. Nearby in the Brandywine Valley you’ll find everything from charming B&Bs like the Inn at Whitewing Farm or casual hotels like Homewood Suites (the two bedroom suites are perfect for families or friends traveling together).
Longwood Gardens
Located in the bucolic Brandywine Valley Longwood Gardens is one of the world’s great botanical gardens. Started by Pierre Du Pont in 1906 Longwood has grown to encompass over 1000 acres of both cultivated and natural gardens, but for me the showstoppers are the Conservatory and the Fountain Garden. The glass Conservatory houses a lush interior garden that changes seasonally as well as hosting world class art installations. The Fountain Garden features features European style dancing fountains that put on dazzling display during the day but the light show at night is simply spectacular.
Du Pont Chateaus
The legacy of the Du Pont family runs strong throughout Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley and today you can visit the grand homes of one of the United States most prominent aristocratic families. The Hagley Museum and Library is the site of the Du Pont ancestral home and the original gunpowder factory opened in 1802. Here you can watch live gunpowder demonstrations, check out the worker’s village and see the Du Pont’s first home in the US. Known as the “Versailles of the Brandywine Valley” the sprawling Nemours Estate hosts the largest French formal gardens in North America as well as a premier collection of vintage automobiles. Winterthur, home of Henry Francis Du Pont, houses an exquisite collection of American furnishings, decor and art.
Delaware Art Museum
Wilmington has a long-standing appreciation of the arts and no where is that more evident than the Delaware Art Museum. A strong focus on American artists and illustrations the Delaware Art Museum has a changing roster of exhibits featuring Mid-Atlantic creators. Outside the Copeland Sculpture Garden seamlessly blends art and nature.
Riverfront
Wilmington’s Riverfront is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike and has something for all ages. This 1.3 mile stretch along the Christina River is home to both the Delaware Children’s Museum ( a fun stop for kids of all ages) and the Delaware Contemporary (a modern art museum housing 26 artist studios). Constitution Yards is a seasonal outdoor beer garden with cornhole and axe throwing and the Riverfront is home to countless restaurants to suite every taste.
Where to Eat and Drink in Wilmington
Whether you’re craving down home comfort food or something more luxe Wilmington is a town that knows how to eat. Perhaps it’s the art deco influence running throughout the city but Wilmington is also city that prides itself on a well crafted cocktail. Start your day with a handmade latte and brown butter cinnamon roll at neighborhood favorite Sleeping Bird Coffee. For New Orlean’s inspired cuisine with a side of fun head to Wilma’s where you’ll for seriously good food on one side and duckpin bowling on the other. Perfect for date night, Bardea Food and Drink is a sleek small plate restaurant offering a modern take on Italian fare. Elegant and sumptuous Le Cavalier in the Hotel Du Pont reimagines classic French cuisine complimented by an exceptional cocktail and wine list for a truly elevated dining experience.
If you like this article be sure to take a look at some of my other posts!
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