Spend a Weekend in Wilmington

As summer arrives in earnest, many of us dream of packing our bags and hopping on a plane, train or boat to some far-off destination. But who says you have to go far to get away?

Why not take a drive down the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway, aka Route 52? You’ll find yourself in Wilmington, where you can stay a while and discover what the city has to offer — opulent hotels, top-notch restaurants, renowned museums and so much more.

Here’s an itinerary for a weekend escape to the First State to inspire you to head out.

Checking In

Book a stay at one of downtown Wilmington’s elegant hotels, blending the city’s past and present. Step into history at the Hotel du Pont on the corner of 11th and Market Streets. Built in 1913 as an extension of the DuPont Company headquarters, this Italian Renaissance Revival marvel — complete with imported European chandeliers, soaring ceilings, hand-carved details and sweeping staircases — will transport you to the Gilded Age.

For something a bit more modern, choose The Quoin Hotel on North Market Street. Opened in 2022, this Furness-designed Victorian Romanesque brownstone has been transformed into a boutique hotel. Each of its 24 rooms, says the Michelin Guide, is “richly detailed,” with vintage and custom furnishings, hand-drawn floral wallpapers and live plants — plus luxurious amenities, of course.

Dinner Date

For fine dining in downtown Wilmington, look no further than your hotel. The Hotel du Pont is home to Le Cavalier, an acclaimed French brasserie, while The Quoin Restaurant’s Italian cuisine has attracted plenty of local diners, including the Bidens.

Prefer a change of scenery? Take a quick walk down Market Street to Bardea Food & Drink and sample James Beard semifinalist Chef Antimo DiMeo’s Italian shared plates with locally sourced ingredients. Start with snacks (try the burrata pop tart), then move on to pasta, pizza, seafood and more, including a whole or half heritage chicken with Thai chili, cashew and coconut au jus. For carnivores, try Bardea Steak, DiMeo’s boutique steakhouse next door.

Or opt for nearby La Fia, an intimate bistro owned by Brian Sikora (Crow Bar, Noble Goat) with another James Beard semifinalist as executive chef, Dwain Kalup. Choose from a diverse menu of inventive seasonal fare, from crispy duck leg confit to grilled Spanish octopus, and pair with over 20 wines by the glass.

Evening Sips

Before turning in for the night, wind down with a drink at one of Wilmington’s many watering holes. Here are just a few options for late-night libations — find more in our July 2024 Happy Hour guide online.

Look out on bustling Market Street from Merchant Bar’s marble-top window counter and sip a handcrafted cocktail. Choose from “Standards” — old fashioned, classic margarita — or cheekily named “Modern Delights” like the Cardi Basil (basil-infused vodka, ginger liqueur, cardamom bitters), Mile High Club (gin, créme de fraise, Aperol) and Covfefe (bourbon, coffee, coconut honey).

Or check out local favorite Nomad Bar, now under all-female leadership after being purchased by a former bartender this spring. Enjoy an extensive craft beer list, plus wine and select cocktails, while listening to live music — “from jazz to bluegrass to everything in between,” their Facebook page says — every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

For a hidden gem, venture over to Trolley Square to find Hummingbird to Mars. Roaring Twenties vibes abound at this speakeasy above Catherine Rooney’s. Wondering about the name? It comes from Texas Senator Morris Sheppard, who in 1930 proclaimed, “There is as much chance of repealing the Eighteenth Amendment [establishing Prohibition] as there is for a hummingbird to fly to the planet Mars with the Washington Monument tied to its tail.” Drop by for an impossibly delicious cocktail.

Morning Bites and More

After a good night’s sleep, fuel up for the big day ahead. Sip coffee while you admire the art that adorns the walls of Milk + Honey Coffeehouse & Gallery on North Market Street. Choose from breakfast staples, avocado toast or their popular blueberry pancakes topped with lemon zest.

Or, if you’re up for a little adventure, wend your way up Kennett Pike to Centreville Place. This cozy café and market in a 200-year-old home serves breakfast until noon, including breakfast sandwiches, omelets, quiche and the Sammy — smoked salmon with wasabi, capers, red onion, tomato and cucumber on a bagel or wrap. Pair with a steaming cup of French-press coffee.

If you’re staying at the Hotel du Pont, indulge in a delightful in-room afternoon tea service at 3:30. Enjoy high tea with delicate finger sandwiches, fresh-baked pastries, petite desserts and the hotel’s signature macaroons. Note: 48-hour advanced booking is required.

On the Waterfront

Once you’re fed (and perhaps caffeinated), it’s time to take a walk on the riverfront. Stroll down the 1.3-mile Riverwalk along the Christina River, where more fun awaits.

Grab a bite to eat at Iron Hill Brewery, along with one of their award-winning ales — East Side Gallery and The Cannibal recently got accolades at the 2025 World Beer Cup. If there’s a Phillies game on, enjoy $5 pints of Philly Phavorite IPA, $10 growler fills and $5 Philly cheesesteak egg rolls.

Or drop by the new-and-improved Constitution Yards. Just across the street from their old location, the seasonal beer garden moved to a larger space this spring, adding 25 draft lines and a brand-new Sky Deck. As always, enjoy a rotating selection of craft beers, wine and cocktails, pub grub, live music, axe-throwing and yard games.

Work off your lunch with a round of Riverwalk Mini Golf. This 18-hole mini-golf course is landscaped with many plants found along the riverfront. Then cool off with nine flavors of soft serve, milkshakes, water ice and soda.

Rather be a spectator? Catch a minor league baseball game at Daniel S. Frawley Stadium. This month, the Wilmington Blue Rocks play the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, Aberdeen IronBirds and Hudson Valley Renegades. Special theme days include Sunday Family Fun Day (July 6), Fireworks Friday (July 18) and Celerybration (July 19) — in honor of Mr. Celery, one of the team’s mascots.

At the end of the Riverwalk, you’ll find the DuPont Environmental Education Center, part of the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge. This 212-acre freshwater tidal marsh is home to American bald eagles, wood ducks, beavers, river otters, eastern painted turtles and more. On select weekends, you can take a kayak out onto the Christina River.

du Pont Dreaming

Of course, no trip to Wilmington would be complete without visiting a du Pont family estate. Take your pick of three gorgeous properties.

Find the du Ponts’ first home in America at Hagley Museum and Library. Situated on 235 acres along the banks of the Brandywine, Hagley is the site of E. I. du Pont’s gunpowder works, founded in 1802. Explore the factory’s buildings and grounds, tour the du Pont home and gardens, and see the “Nation of Inventors” exhibition in the visitor center.

North of downtown, you’ll find the Nemours Estate, former home of Alfred I. du Pont, whose last will and testament established the Nemours Foundation to improve children’s health. The estate is home to a spectacular 47,000-square-foot French neoclassical mansion, 200 acres of Versailles-inspired formal gardens, grounds and woodlands, and the Chauffer’s Garage, which houses an extensive collection of rare vintage automobiles.

Just outside the city, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library sits on a sprawling 1,000 acres of rolling hills, meadows and woodlands. Inside the former home of Henry Francis du Pont, you’ll find the nation’s premier museum of American decorative arts, a staggering collection of nearly 90,000 objects dating back as far as 1640. Don’t miss H. F. du Pont’s 60-acre naturalistic garden, 25 miles of paths and trails, and the Enchanted Woods, an award-winning children’s garden.

More Fun Around Town

Before heading home, take one last excursion to one of these special spots around the city. Experts say the most memorable part of your trip is the end, so make it count!

At the Delaware Art Museum, set in a leafy green suburban neighborhood, colorful glasswork by Dale Chihuly greets you at the entrance foyer. Make your way through the museum’s 12,000 pieces, including the largest collection of Pre-Raphaelite art outside the United Kingdom. Be sure to walk through the Copeland Sculpture Garden before you go!

For left-brained folks, explore the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science. Travel through Delaware and around the world to discover diverse ecosystems, go back in time to the Cretaceous period to see dinosaurs, and learn through hands-on activities and interactive experiences.

Meet animals from across the globe at the Brandywine Zoo. Located in Brandywine Park, the zoo features animals from the tropical and temperate areas of North and South America, Asia and Africa, ranging from common species to the highly endangered. See lemurs, bobcats, tortoises, bald eagles, pythons and more — including one of my favorites, the red panda.

Through July 13, set sail on the Kalmar Nyckel, a replica 17th-century tall ship. Known as the “Swedish Mayflower of the Delaware Valley,” the original Kalmar Nyckel brought the first European settlers to the area, who founded the colony of New Sweden. Today, you can take a 90-minute cruise down the Christina River, then learn the history at the Copeland Maritime Center.

Or end your visit with a show at one of Wilmington’s many theaters and performance venues — like the Grand Opera House, Playhouse on Rodney Square or The Queen, to name a few. For upcoming performances, see our “Fall Guide to the Performing Arts.”

As you drive back across the state line, savor memories from your Wilmington weekend — scenic strolls, innovative cuisine, brushes with history. You just might find this small city leaves a big impression … and plenty of reasons to return.

For more, go to VisitWilmingtonDE.com.

More Fun In and Around Wilmington

Through August 27
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 7
Delaware Art Museum. Through Aug. 24, “John Sloan and His Students.” Through Sept. 7, “Marisol to Warhol” photographs by Shakira Hunt. July 13, Family Second Saturday. 2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington. Wed, 10 to 4; Thurs, 10 to 8; Fri–Sun, 10 to 4. $6–$12, Thurs, 4 to 8, free. DelArt.org.

Through September
The Music School of Delaware. Hosting over 100 performances, events, workshops and master classes at several locations. Performances include diverse musical styles and feature expert faculty, regional artists, internationally acclaimed guests and students. Most are free. 4101 Washington St. MusicSchoolOfDelaware.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 per year. The stadium also hosts concerts and corporate and 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. Sept. 20, King Neptune Gala; Oct. 18, Halloween Ghost Ship. Copeland Maritime Center at the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard, 1124 E. 7th St. KalmarNyckel.org.

Through November
First Sundays
Auburn Heights Steamin’ Days. Climb into an antique automobile, board one of the 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.

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 December
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Winterthur hosts many events throughout the season. Visit their website for everything from garden walks, special events, workshops, demonstrations and much more. 5105 Kennett Pk., Winterthur, DE. Tues–Sun, 10 to 5. $15–$30. Winterthur.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 amazing fireworks display at dusk. Visit website for details, Hockessin4th.org.

July 10–September 25
Family Fun at Brandywine Zoo. July 10, Family Fun Night—special evening hours with a reduced admission fee of $2. Enjoy $1 hot dogs and $1 soft drinks. July 24, Aug, 21, Sept. 25, 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 number of tickets. Beer sold separately. Brandywine Park, 1001 N. Park Dr. 5 to 7. BrandywineZoo.org.

July 17–August 3
Delaware Shakespeare—“Twelfth Night, O Lo Que Quieras.” A bilingual musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. Rockwood Park, 4651 Washington St. Extension. Times and tickets, DelShakes.org.

August 16
Middletown Peach Festival. Entertainment throughout the day at locations around town, featuring kids activities, local artist and historical exhibits, a peach pie contest, crafts, music, food, games and plenty of peaches. Festivities begin at 8:45 am with the annual Peach Parade on Broad St. and conclude at 4 pm. MiddletownPeachFestival.com.

August 23
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 24–31
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. AugustQuarterly.org.

September 6
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 6 & 7
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.