The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Wilmington, Delaware Now
Wilmington, Delaware and the Brandywine Valley are just a short distance from all points in the Mid-Atlantic region—making it ideal for a quick weekend getaway. The rolling hills and magnificent estates of Chateau country recall the French countryside. Wilmington is one of the oldest cities in the United States; Delaware was the first state, with a history dating back to the early 17th century.
Image Courtesy of Greater Wilmington CVB
The colonial hamlets, of Old New Castle and Historic Odessa, untouched by time, give you the feeling of an English country village. Six grand gardens, all part of America's Garden Capital, encompass over 3,000 acres and lie within minutes of one another. Wilmington, Delaware, is a city with a rich history, cultural attractions, beautiful gardens, and a convenient location for exploring the surrounding areas. These are the top five reasons why Wilmington, Delaware should be on your bucket list.
1. Where to Eat in Wilmington: The Cuisine + Cocktails
Urban Kitchen delivers a classic, yet creative array of dishes morning, noon and night. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying two of their signature handcrafted cocktails, the Sunrise Mimosa—concocted with tequila, champagne, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and grenadine or their timeless Bloody Mary with vodka, hot sauce, Old Bay seasoning, spicy Bloody Mary mix, celery, olives, and fresh-squeezed lemon and lime. A local twist on a brunch favorite.
The menu at Urban Kitchen offers something for everyone and provides a dining experience that is relaxing and memorable. Creative cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner is their specialty. Favorite dishes include Penne Ala Vodka tossed in a blush sauce, Chargrilled Pork Chops, Chicken Shish Kabob, Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with lobster sauce, as well as Baked Fillet of Salmon seasoned to perfection.
For dessert indulge on their decadent Carrot Cake and Strawberry Shortcake. Located in the Prices Corner Shopping Center off Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington—Urban Kitchen was designed with the community in mind, providing customers the place to unwind and unite for delicious meals anytime of the day.
2. Artistic Hub: Galleries + Museums
Founded in 1912, the Delaware Art Museum is an impressive cultural institution dedicated to the appreciation and promotion of the visual arts. It has a rich history of collecting and preserving art and the collection includes works from various periods and styles, with an emphasis on American art. The museum's collection spans across several centuries and includes a diverse range of artworks. The museum is particularly known for its extensive collection of illustration art, including works from the “Golden Age of Illustration.” This collection is one of the most significant in the world and features the works of renowned illustrators who contributed to books, magazines, and advertising during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The museum hosts a rotating schedule of special exhibitions that feature a wide range of art forms and styles, from contemporary art to historical collections. The museum's Copeland Sculpture Garden and Labyrinth provide beautiful outdoor spaces that complement the art experience.
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The Delaware Contemporary is an innovative and dynamic arts museum dedicated to showcasing and supporting contemporary visual art and artists. The museum hosts a diverse range of contemporary art exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions feature works by local, national, and international artists, covering a wide spectrum of artistic styles and mediums, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and installation art. Whether you're a seasoned art connoisseur or just curious about contemporary art, a visit can be a thought-provoking and enriching experience.
3. Luxury Shopping: Market Street
Whether you're looking for fashion, antiques, unique gifts, or everyday necessities, you'll find a range of shopping options in the city. Trolley Square is a charming and historic district known for its eclectic mix of shops and boutiques. Here, you'll find specialty stores, art galleries, vintage shops, and a variety of dining options. It's a great place to explore on foot and discover unique items. Wilmington's Market Street is the city's main thoroughfare and features a mix of retail shops, art galleries, and restaurants.
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Located just a short drive from downtown Wilmington, Christiana Mall is one of the largest shopping centers in Delaware. It houses over 130 stores, including popular brands, department stores, and a wide range of dining options. The Riverfront Market is an indoor marketplace in Wilmington's Riverfront district. It offers a variety of food vendors, eateries, and shops where you can purchase fresh produce, gourmet foods, and artisanal goods—while the West End neighborhood in Wilmington is known for its vibrant mix of shops, particularly along Union Street.
4. Botanic Beauty: Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens is a world-renowned horticultural attraction and is one of the most extensive and impressive public gardens in the United States and a must-visit destination for nature and garden enthusiasts. Originally purchased by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont in 1906 as a personal estate, he later transformed the property into a beautiful and extensive garden that he later bequeathed to the public. The heart of the gardens consists of stunning formal gardens, lush meadows, woodlands, and a collection of large, beautifully designed conservatories. The conservatories house an extensive array of plant species from around the world, making it a year-round destination. Notable conservatories include the Orangery, the Palm House, the East Conservatory, and the Silver Garden.
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Known for its elaborate fountain displays, Longwood Gardens features numerous outdoor gardens and landscapes, each with its own unique theme and design. Highlights include the Italian Water Garden, the Topiary Garden, the Peirce-du Pont House & Garden, the Rose Garden, and the Outdoor Children's Garden. Visiting is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of meticulously maintained gardens, discover unique and exotic plant species, and enjoy a wide range of seasonal events and exhibitions. It's a tranquil and inspiring place to explore nature's wonders and appreciate the art of horticulture.
5. Architectural Wonders: DuPont Legacy
Nemours Estate is a historic and opulent estate that offers a glimpse into the Gilded Age and the legacy of the DuPont family. It is one of the prominent cultural attractions in the region. The estate was built by Alfred I. du Pont, a member of the influential DuPont family and a successful businessman in 1909. The estate was named after the French town of Nemours, where the family's ancestors came from and features a stunning French neoclassical mansion designed by the renowned architectural firm Carrère and Hastings. The mansion's design is reminiscent of the Palace of Versailles in France and is characterized by its grandeur, with marble floors, intricate woodwork, and ornate decor. Meticulously designed and maintained, the formal French gardens at Nemours Estate are a highlight of the property.
The mansion houses a valuable collection of art, including paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Visiting Nemours Estate is an opportunity to step back in time and experience the opulence and grandeur of the early 20th century. It's a must-visit for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and anyone interested in the legacy of the DuPont family and their significant contributions to the region. The centerpiece of Winterthur is a grand 175-room mansion, which Henry Francis du Pont filled with one of the most significant collections of American decorative arts in the world. The mansion is a masterpiece of American architecture and design, with each room meticulously decorated in a specific historical style.
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Winterthur also boasts a 60-acre garden that is a horticultural wonder. This is a unique destination for anyone interested in American history, decorative arts, and the beauty of natural landscapes. It's often considered one of the finest institutions of its kind in the United States and provides a valuable window into the country's cultural heritage.
Where to Stay in Wilmington, Delaware
Tucked inside a vintage bank building in Wilmington, The Quoin Hotel has loads of historic character. This is the first luxury boutique hotel and home to the city’s first rooftop bar. The trendy hotel is housed in a historic Victorian Romanesque brownstone that was once the Security Trust & Safe Deposit Co. The decor blends Victorian-era design influences, natural woods and earthy greens.
Guest rooms and suites feature Shaker-style furnishings, elegantly tiled bathrooms, and luxury linens and robes. High-end REVO speakers, a 52-inch flat-screen TV, a Lavazza coffee/espresso machine and a minibar stocked with gourmet goodies seal the deal. The spacious King Suite and Deluxe King Rooms at The Quoin Hotel offer a cozy sofa sitting area and either large arched windows or floor-to-ceiling windows. Book below to reserve your room at the lowest price, guaranteed.
