Related: These 6 Quiet New England Towns are Fall Hidden Gems
Art & Culture on Every Block
Fitzgerald describes Wilmington as a "close-to-everything, affordable visit with equal parts historic charm and evolving urban energy." The thriving arts & culture scene also boasts the extraordinary Delaware Symphony Orchestra, operaDelaware and First State Ballet Theatre that all perform in the historic Grand Opera House. Fitzgerald also notes the many talented theater companies in the area, including City Theater Company, Delaware Theatre Company, Delaware Children's Theatre. And there is no shortage of opportunities to view world-class art just by walking its streets—"there are many mural art installations throughout the city to discover and enjoy from our wealth of individual artist creators," she says.
Boutique Hotels and a Burgeoning Food Scene
If you stay downtown, Fitzgerald recommends the "regal" Hotel du Pont or the chic Quoin, both within walking distance to the city’s highlights ("highly recommend grabbing a cocktail in the tiny but cozy Green Room Bar at the Hotel du Pont," recommends Fitzgerald.) The city's dining scene is also having a big moment—from the creative burger-and-bourbon menu at Farmer & the Cow to "cheesy, gooey" French onion soup at Le Cavalier. Fitzgerald also mentions casual downtown food halls like DE.CO (don’t miss Al Chu’s signature sushi roll) and The Chancery with vegan fare and an open-air bar. Devin loves the nostalgic charm of Charcoal Pit, an original 1950s diner with checkered floors and jukeboxes at every booth. For cocktails, "adventurous" cafés and hidden gems, locals love the Cheers-like atmosphere of The Nomad Bar, Faire Café and Wilmington’s Instagram-ready holiday pop-up bar, Blitzen.
An Lesson in History
Long Wharf in Cambridge was a center for the slave trade. Ships from Africa and the West Indies brought kidnapped Africans and sold them along this waterfront and is now part of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, which runs for 125 miles and 45 stops through Maryland's Eastern Shore and Delaware.Photo by The Washington Post on Getty Images
Wilmington sits in the “First State” and both travel insiders urge visitors not to miss out on its wealth of American historical sites. Fitzgerald highlights the Hagley Museum and Library, where visitors can learn about du Pont’s early mills, and the city’s place on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. The winding 125-mile route in Delaware's Kent County runs up to Philadelphia and marks the travels of Tubman as she and abolitionist Thomas Garrett helped slaves escape north. Noted spots here include Tubman-Garrett Park on the Riverfront as well as exhibits in the Center for African American Heritage at the Delaware Historical Society on Market Street. Devin points to Historic Old New Castle, a riverside town established in 1651, where cobblestoned streets and colonial buildings offer an interesting glimpse of settler life in the area. "It's one of the most important colonial villages in America—second only to Williamsburg, Virginia," says Devin. "It's an absolute must-visit for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts and foodies alike."
Parks, Trails and Gardens
If a little outdoor R&R is your aim, Wilmington boasts scenery that rivals bigger destinations. Fitzgerald loves the Russell Peterson Wildlife Refuge, with its serene boardwalks and "quiet natural 'nooks' to settle into, and offers access to the Jack Markell Trail—a path that connects downtown to Old New Castle. "It's an elevated boardwalk and paved pathway that's perfect for biking or just a brief walkabout to view the flora and fauna around the marshes. Great spot for nature photography buffs!" Devin recommends the grand estates and gardens of the Brandywine Valley—including Winterthur, Mt. Cuba, Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum and Rockwood Mansion—for European-style architecture and enchanted gardens. One of Devin's favorite hidden gems is Carousel Park, home to the New Castle County mounted police patrol horses. "Gorgeous Clydesdales roam acres of land, and there are lakes with fountains and swans swimming in them. It’s like something out of a fairytale,” she says.
Quick Stops: Wilmington’s Bakeries & Coffee Shops You Shouldn’t Miss
Sleeping Bird Coffee & Doughnuts: Fitzgerald is obsessed with their maple biscuits and brown-butter cream-cheese cinnamon rolls. Their offshoot, Sleeping Bird Doughnuts, changes its menu every two weeks—and they often sell out before closing.Hell’s Belles Bake Shop: A women-owned spot on Union Street serving artisan breads and chocolate-and-cinnamon babkas that are "out of this world."The Little Goat Coffee Roasting Co.: Known for its stellar coffee and cozy café feel.Mercury Café & Teahouse: A hidden gem for tea lovers, with creative seasonal drinks like lavender iced tea and a warm, eclectic vibe.Brew HaHa!: A Delaware institution with several locations, beloved for its casual neighborhood feel and locally roasted brews.Related: The Cozy Maine Town That’s Quietly Becoming a Fall Favorite
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