Delaware might not top your travel bucket list, but hidden in its heart is Wilmington—a city brimming with history, charm, and surprises waiting to be discovered. I doubt, it would ever come in their top 10 either. But my intention with this blog post is to change that and show you the gems of Delaware’s most populous city, Wilmington and change your thoughts about US’s first state post-independence.
Honestly, if visiting all 50 US states wasn’t my goal, even I wouldn’t have picked this as my travel destination. But I’m glad I did, otherwise I wouldn’t have gotten a tour of Du Pont family’s gorgeous mansion tucked in Alapocas Woods.
Why Wilmington?
Wilmington was an unexpected pick, since it’s not the most-popular city when it comes to travel. At least, most of many blogs posts I read before finalizing Wilmington, but its charm quickly won me over. Plus, this was just an hour and a half drive from my friend’s place in Princeton New Jersey, making it the perfect day-trip spot.
Other alternative destinations that are more popular than Wilmington is the Rehoboth beach in the Atlantic coast. However, this is a summer destination as we had already tried our luck at New Jersey’s Atlantic City in winters. It wasn’t the best place to be during winters, especially when it’s raining.
Now, that you have some solid reason to visit Wilmington, let’s jump into our half-day itinerary and other things you can do if you have more time to spare.
Wilmington Top Things to do
The first three are the spots we visited during our half-day trip to Wilmington and highly recommended visiting.
Nemours Estate
Nemours Estate is a stunning 200 acres (about the total floor space of the Pentagon) space with a French-style mansion at the center and surrounded by meticulously landscaped “Jardin à la française” gardens. The mansion takes its inspiration from French Neoclassical architecture style resembling a château.
This was built in the early 20th century by Alfred I. du Pont, a notable member of the Du Pont family, for his second wife, Mary (Alicia) Heyward Bradford. The estate showcases opulence and elegance with its brilliant architecture, exquisite furnishings, and intricate details. The grand mansion has a total of 105 rooms out of which 77 are open to visitors. Each room is filled with antiques and art that will simply take your breath away.
We drove our car all the way to the visitor parking next to the ticket counter and collected maps for our self-guided tour. We began our tour at the Colonnade, a memorial honoring Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours (great-great-great grandfather of Alfred I. du Pont).
The sunken gardens were closed for renovation but do check this out once they are ready. We then strolled through the breathtaking maze garden and reached the mansion complete. The reflecting pool was closed because of cold weather, but you can see this during summer months. The mansion had three floors full of stunning vintage decor and antiques that were worth checking out. It took us about 2 hours to explore all the prominent spots in this gigantic estate. Here’s the map that marks all the notable spots in the estate.
This place is a haven for history enthusiast and architecture lovers, giving a glimpse into the grandeur of the Gilded Age to its visitors.
Riverfront Market
Wilmington’s Riverfront Market is a vibrant marketplace by the tranquil Christina River. The market has a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and offers an array of food stalls and local vendors.
My friends ordered vegetarian quesadilla from La Taqueria Santa Fe which she rated as 3.5 out of 5 and I got myself a blue crab cake from Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar, which was a solid 4 on 5.
We also got ourselves some iced caramel latte that came with a generous amount of whipped cream from Bernie’s Espresso. This is one of the top-rated coffee spots in Wilmington and I can confirm that the coffee here is delicious!
If you’re confused with what and where to eat, make this your go-to spot to try local food vendors and tasty food.
Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park
Lastly, we ended our day with a leisurely stroll by the Christina River in Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park. Named in honor of Harriet Tubman and Thomas Garrett, two prominent figures in the underground railroad, the park is a tranquil urban escape that celebrates history and community.
During summer months, the Riverfront Park hosts various events, from concerts to festivals, making it a fun gathering spot for locals and visitors. If you visit Wilmington, do add this place to your itinerary.
Other spots I recommend
Here’s a list of spots that you can visit if you have more time to spare.
- Brandywine Zoo – is the perfect destination if you’re traveling with kids. Located next to the scenic Brandywine Creek, the zoo showcases a variety of exotic and native animals like red pandas, capybaras, and lemurs. Its intimate setting makes it easy to explore, and seasonal programs and events add extra excitement for visitors of all ages.
- Delaware Art Museum – is a treasure trove of creativity and inspiration and is known for its extensive collection of Pre-Raphaelite art. Apart from that, the museum also highlights American illustration and contemporary art work that can be enjoyed through thought-provoking exhibitions, outdoor sculptures, and the serene Copeland Sculpture Garden. If you’re an art enthusiast, you wouldn’t want to miss this gem.
- Hagley Museum – is one of the top museums in the city to discover the roots of American industry. The museum resides inside a beautiful estate on the banks of the Brandywine Creek and was once a gunpowder mills owned by the du Pont family. The museum offers fascinating insights into early manufacturing, innovation, and daily life in the 19th century through its immersive exhibits like the mills, mansion, and scenic grounds that capture the charm of this industrial landmark.
- Rodney Square – located in the heart of downtown, Rodney Square is a vibrant public space surrounded by iconic buildings like the Hotel du Pont and the Wilmington Public Library. The square hosts farmers market during summer months and displays stunning festive lights during holiday season.
- Self-guided Tour – if you’re looking for something fun, check out this self-guided that will give you a tour around the city and help you understand the history of Delaware in the most fun way. From Underground Railroad to the historic estates throughout Wilmington.
Wilmington Food Recommendations
There are several quintessential Delaware dishes you can try in Wilmington. I only had half a day and less appetite, so I had blue crab cakes from Banks’ Seafood Kitchen and Raw Bar. However, if you want to try more classic dishes, here’s what I recommend.
- Bobbie Sandwich – from Capriotti’s is a must try when in Delaware. This sandwich shop is a Delaware institution, known for their famous Bobbie Sandwich which is consists of slow-roasted turkey, cranberry sauce and mayo.
- Slippery Dumplings – this is a Delawarean specialty that’s nothing but a deconstructed chicken dumpling soup. Instead of stuffing chicken inside the dough, they decided to boil the dough and chicken separately, and voila you have a new comfort dish. However, you wouldn’t find any restaurant serving this so here’s a recipe link to create this at home.
- Scrapple – now this is something you can find in almost every classic diners in Wilmington. One dinner I recommend for scrapple is The Dove Diner Restaurant near Wilmington University that is highly rated for their delicious scrapples.
- Dogfish Head – Although this one is not in Wilmington, but you can definitely try their beers in any of the pubs. If you’re looking for more adventure or planning a visit to Rehoboth beach, then do visit Dogfish head brewery.
- Green Box Kitchen (Vegan) – this is one of the top rated Vegan restaurants in the city, known for serving fresh and wholesome ingredients. They offer a mix of vegan smoothies, grain bowls, and toast options. It’s a great place for vegans and vegetarians looking for healthy and plant-based choices in Wilmington.
Hotel Recommendations in Wilmington
If you’re planning to stay in Wilmington for a night, I recommend staying in downtown. The hotel price would range between $100-$150 per nights and will be great for walking around the city exploring all the iconic spots. Here are three hotels I recommend in Wilmington and a special mention to the iconic Hotel Du Pont, if you’re in a mood for some luxury.
- Sheraton Suites – offers a perfect blend of comfort and convenience in the heart of Wilmington. The hotel is near Rodney Square and the bustling riverfront, two top tourist attractions just a short walk away. The hotel has spacious, all-suite accommodations with modern amenities, making it ideal for both business and leisure travelers.
- DoubleTree by Hilton – known for its warm chocolate chip cookie welcome, and offers a cozy stay paired with exceptional service. Located near the Legal District, it’s just a few blocks away from the cultural hubs like the Delaware Art Museum and the Grand Opera House.
- Hotel Du Pont – is a symbol of luxury and timeless elegance. Hotel Du Pont was established in 1913 and boasts stunning décor, world-class dining at Le Cavalier, and impeccable service. However, this is not a budget hotel but will be worth splurging on!
Wilmington is Delaware’s best-kept secret, it’s a city that turned our ordinary day trip into an unforgettable journey. If you’re looking to be surprised, pack your bags and head to the First State—you won’t regret it.
