Nine Things We ♥ About Wilmington

The First State’s largest city has much to recommend it. Known as the gateway to the Brandywine Valley and a city of gardens and estates, among other distinctions, Wilmington has countless attractions worth exploring this summer.

So, even if you’ve missed Separation Day on June 15, when Delaware marked ending its ties with both England and Pennsylvania (of which it was a part), there are plenty of things to see and do.

Here are nine of our favorite reasons to visit.

♥ 1. Wilmington Riverfront. Closer than Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and with better parking than Philly’s Penn’s Landing, Wilmington’s Riverfront along the Christina River is a longtime favorite of ours and an underappreciated gem. This former industrial site was transformed into a recreation destination with dining, entertainment and attractions. Dine at Constitution Yards’ seasonal beer garden, the reopened Iron Hill Brewery or Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront. If there’s not a festival or lunchtime concert, stroll the scenic Riverwalk, play a round of mini golf or kayak on the river. For the kiddos, there’s the Delaware Children’s Museum and the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge. And it’s the place to be July 4th for a day-long celebration with music (Delaware Symphony, Clifford Brown Festival Orchestra), hot-air balloon rides, free Kalmar Nyckel tall ship tours and more. Oh, and fireworks. RiverfrontWilm.com

♥ 2. Du Pont Legacy. From E.I. du Pont’s founding of a gunpowder works along the Brandywine River in 1802 — now Hagley Museum and Library — Delaware’s “first family” has had a lasting impact on the First State. There’s Henry Francis du Pont, who transformed his country estate into a premier collection of decorative arts and preserved its thousand acres as Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (see the Guide in this issue). And Alfred I. du Pont built a 77-room mansion, Nemours Estate, with the largest formal gardens in North America — modeled on the gardens at Versailles — now open to the public. In 1936, Alfred also established a charitable corporation to provide healthcare and services to children, which continues to operate today. These three estates (plus Longwood Gardens, but that’s in PA) are a cornerstone of the preservation of massive tracts of land in Delaware. Add the many mansions in nearby Chateau Country to the countless families with links (or claims) to the du Ponts, and that’s a legacy indeed. Hagley.org, Winterthur.org, NemoursEstate.org

♥ 3. Delaware Art Museum. Some visit for the museum’s world-class Pre-Raphaelite art — the largest collection of British Pre-Raphaelite works outside the U.K. — plus a solid body of work by Wilmington native Howard Pyle, who influenced the Brandywine style of illustration. But we fell in love at the sight of the spectacular Chihuly blown glass installation, “Persian Window,” commissioned specifically for the museum. Another favorite is the Copeland Sculpture Garden — combining art and nature with large-scale sculptures, winding paths and a labyrinth. Maybe it’s the lively Thursday evening Happy Hours, complete with live music, food trucks, cash bar, lawn games and themed entertainment — from Yacht Rock Night to ice cream socials — or the cultural celebrations, like Juneteenth and Dia de los Muertos, that make this as much a favorite community hub as art museum. DelArt.org

♥ 4. The Grand Opera House. You’ve likely noticed this architectural landmark on North Market Street in the historic district. Opened in 1871 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this beautifully restored Second Empire concert hall is home to performing arts groups — First State Ballet Theatre, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, OperaDelware — as well as a venue for national touring acts. Soak in the Victorian details as you enjoy diverse upcoming performances including Taj Mahal (July 17), Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass (July 29), Graham Nash of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (October 3), along with “The Wiz” (October 23–25). With more than 75 shows each season — from rock concerts and comedy shows to ballet, opera, Broadway tours, family performances — it’s the heart of Wilmington’s arts community. TheGrandWilmington.org

♥ 5. Frawley Stadium. Want fireworks beyond July 4th? Fireworks nights and postgame fireworks regularly light up the sky above Frawley Stadium. This home to future Major League stars — the Wilmington Blue Rocks are a High-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, with prospects on their way to the majors — is the place to be in summer, from opening-night fireworks to late-season pennant races. A family-friendly, intimate atmosphere with about 6,500 seats puts fans close enough to hear the crack of the bat and players’ chatter. On Sunday Family Fun Days (some July and August games), there’s pregame catch on the field and Kids Run the Bases events. Don’t love baseball? The stadium has hosted concerts (Beach Boys, Journey, Counting Crows), but so far this year there’s Sitting on Saturn (August 13). Plus parking is easy and often free for an evening along the Riverfront! FrawleyStadium.com

♥ 6. Mt. Cuba Center. For the full experience, enter through custom-forged metal gates adorned with native plants to the thousand-acre preserve with over 2,000 species of plants native to the Appalachian Piedmont region. Pamela and Lamott du Pont Copeland’s private estate evolved in the 1930s into this premier public garden dedicated to native gardening, conservation and ecological horticulture. Stroll terraces, allées and historic gardens near the house, then follow three miles of trails through naturalistic meadows, valleys and forests near ponds and streams searching for a spot for a picnic — they’ll loan you a blanket to spread on the sprawling, chemical-free lawn. For picturesque views and a chance to learn how beautiful native plants can be in designed landscapes, a visit to this intimate garden is a must. Savor its native beauty, history and tranquility, then take home a souvenir — but one from the onsite store! MtCubaCenter.org

♥ 7. Brandywine Zoo. At 42 acres, the Philadelphia Zoo may be exciting, but the 4.7-acre Brandywine Zoo is the right size for little ones. Opened in 1905, this charming zoo set along the Brandywine River within Brandywine Park is Delaware’s only zoo. Its small, compact scale lets you see animals up close, like the kid-favorite red pandas and new baby crowned lemur. Story times, keeper talks and programs focused on conservation and wildlife stewardship make this a great family outing that can be toured in about an hour. New this summer is a multispecies habitat, scheduled to open early July, featuring species such as golden lion tamarins, Patagonian maras, tortoises and more. To lure parents, the popular Sip & Stroll evenings return (July 23 & August 20), featuring live music, food vendors, craft beer, wine and after-hours animal viewing. BrandywineZoo.org

♥ 8. Delaware Museum of Nature & Science. Dinosaurs, Delaware ecology, space science and hands-on learning with interactive and immersive experiences for both kids and adults. What’s not to love about this reinvented museum, reopened in 2022? Walk beneath towering dinosaur skeletons, explore fossils and enter the Star Lab for a 360-degree planetarium experience. Exhibits focus on the state’s geology, wetlands, forests and wildlife, giving visitors a deeper appreciation for the area, plus a special Nature Nook for the littlest science fans. Touch screens, hands-on stations and participatory exhibits make it far more engaging than a “look but don’t touch” museum. This museum hits the “sweet spot” — smart without being intimidating, interactive without being chaotic, and compact without feeling small. DelMNS.org

♥ 9. Food Scene. Come for the relaxed, unpretentious food culture, where even highly regarded restaurants are approachable, like Chef Antimo DiMeo’s Bardea group, where Nick Jonas popped in recently, and which continues to draw visitors from Philadelphia and beyond. In Wilmington, you can enjoy a nationally recognized meal one night and a food truck at Hagley Museum, beer garden at Constitution Yards, Riverfront patio at Banks Seafood Kitchen, stadium snacks at Frawley Stadium, or the annual Burger Battle fundraiser (August 29) on another night. The food scene is also connected to the arts, with Happy Hour in the Delaware Art Museum’s sculpture garden, pre-theater dinners downtown at La Fia, Le Cavalier or in Little Italy, and festival dining at the Afro-Foodie Festival (August 22). So many reasons this is one of the most interesting small-city dining destinations.

For more about Wilmington, VisitWilmingtonDE.com.

Revolutionary Rewards Trail

Delaware is doing its own America 250 thing, and you can experience its Revolutionary past as you earn points and rewards. The Revolutionary Rewards Trail app is a free, gamified mobile app that guides you to Revolutionary War sites across Greater Wilmington and beyond.

Learn about the Battle of Cooch’s Bridge, Hale-Byrnes House and more as each stop on the trail connects you with the people, places and pivotal moments in the fight for independence. Check in at participating locations and collect points to redeem for prizes, including commemorative keepsakes, a 2027 Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport or an overnight getaway with dinner and attraction tickets.

The Revolutionary Rewards Trail is an interactive way to experience the First State’s role in America 250 and Delaware 250. Download the app, start your journey and let Delaware’s Revolutionary story come alive — one check-in at a time.

More Fun In and Around Wilmington

Through August 10
Mondays
Summer Outdoor Concert Series at Rockford Park. Pack a picnic along with a blanket or chair and relax while enjoying live music. Music ranges from oldies to big band to classic rock to country to indie, and anything in between, so there’s something for everyone. Rockford Tower, 2000 Lookout Dr. 6:30. Free. DEStateParks.com

Through August 26
Wednesdays
Summer Nights at Hagley Museum & Library. Bring a picnic to enjoy at the picnic pavilion on Workers’ Hill or at a table along the Brandywine. Dogfish Head craft beer and Woodside Farm Creamery ice cream are available for purchase. 200 Hagley Creek Rd. 5 to 8 pm. $5. Hagley.org

Through September 6
Delaware Art Museum. Through Aug. 16, “The City on Paper;” through Aug. 23, “Living Indigenous;” through Sept. 6, “Photovoice;” July 2–30, Thursdays, Sculpture Garden Happy Hours; July 12, Family Second Saturday. 2301 Kentmere Pkwy. Wed–Sun, 10 to 4. $6–$18, Thurs, 4 to 8, free. DelArt.org

Through September
Daniel S. Frawley Stadium. Home to the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the High-A Affiliate of the Washington Nationals, who play 66 home games a year. The stadium also hosts concerts and corporate plus nonprofit events. 801 Shipyard Dr. FrawleyStadium.com

Through October
Kalmar Nyckel, Tall Ship of Delaware. Find adventure and outdoor fun, maritime history and cultural events with annual community festivals. July 4, DE250 Independence Day; Oct. 17, Halloween Ghost Ship. Copeland Maritime Center at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, 1124 E. 7th St. KalmarNyckel.org

Through October 31
Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport. The Passport provides access to 12 of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley’s top attractions, including thousands of acres of gardens, the grand estates of the du Pont family, incredible works of art and rich American history. $49–$99. VisitWilmingtonDE.com

Through November
First Sundays
Auburn Heights Steamin’ Days. Climb into an antique automobile, board one of the miniature trains and experience what it was like to travel at the turn of the 20th century. Tour the magnificent 1897 mansion that was home to three generations of the Marshall family. 3000 Creek Rd., Yorklyn, DE. 12:30 to 4:30 pm. $10–$15. AuburnHeights.org

July 4
Hockessin 4th of July Festival and Fireworks. A community tradition for almost 50 years, the day begins with neighborhood relays in the morning, the parade in the afternoon and an festive fireworks display at dusk. For details, Hockessin4th.org

July 16–September 18
Family Fun at Brandywine Zoo. July 16, Family Fun Night—special evening hours with a reduced admission of $2. Enjoy $1 hot dogs and soft drinks. July 23, Aug, 20, Sept. 18, Sip & Stroll—go a little wild at the family-friendly event. You’ll sip, stroll and learn while enjoying beer and touring the zoo after hours. Fun animal encounters and activities for all ages. Limited tickets. Beer sold separately. Brandywine Park, 1001 N. Park Dr. 5 to 7. BrandywineZoo.org

July 17–19
Winterthur Artisan Market. A showcase of local artisans featuring a variety of handmade crafts relating to art, textiles, ceramics, glass, woodworking, antiques and gardening. Enjoy wine and chocolate tastings plus workshops. 5105 Kennett Pk., Winterthur, DE. 10 to 4. $10–$29. Winterthur.org

July 26, August 23, September 27
Lobster & Bubbly at Penns Woods Winery. Enjoy gourmet lobster rolls paired with crisp bubbly and live music on the lawn. Cousins Maine Lobster Truck onsite. Wine by the glass and bottle, wine tastings, local beer, cider available. Bring blankets or chairs. 124 Beaver Valley Rd., Chadds Ford. Noon to 5. PennsWoodsWinery.com

August 2–8
Clifford Brown Jazz Festival. Wilmington’s tribute to a great man and his legacy with great music and art. 1000 N. Market St. Free. CliffordBrownJazzFest.org

August 29
Annual Delaware Burger Battle. Delaware’s top chefs offer their best burgers. Benefits Food Bank of Delaware and Delaware ProStart. Rockford Tower, Rockford Park, 2000 Lookout Dr. Noon to 3:30. Pay one price to sample burgers all day, $12–$50. DEBurgerBattle.com

August 23–30
August Quarterly Festival Celebration. The nation’s oldest African American festival celebrating freedom of religion and speech and the right of assembly. Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, Rosa Parks Dr. Free. AugustQuarterly.org

September 12
Historic Odessa Brewfest. Enjoy 50 local, regional and national craft breweries, live music, gourmet food and artisan vendors. Benefits Historic Odessa Fdn. 202 Main St., Odessa, DE. OdessaBrewfest.com

September 12 & 13
Brandywine Festival of the Arts. Over 200 artisans from all over the country display and sell their work. 1001 N. Park Dr. Sat, 10 to 6; Sun, 10 to 4. $5. BrandywineArts.com

For more fun things to do, check VisitWilmingtonDE.com.