Location: Wilmington
Top Things to do in Wilmington
Top 10 Things to do Good for Couples in Wilmington, Delaware (DE)
Wilmington, Delaware was first settled by the Swedish in 1638. Over time, the area has also been home to the Dutch, the British and the Quakers, a long diverse history that has left its mark on the surrounding area. Visit Fort Christina and experience what it was like to be one of the first colonists in Wilmington. The Delaware Art Museum, with a extensive collection of American art, celebrates the Brandywine School, a style of painting named for the nearby Brandywine Creek.
Restaurants in Wilmington
1. Liquid Alchemy Beverages
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Liquid Alchemy Beverages is Delaware's one and only producer of award-winning hand crafted meads (honey-based wines) and hard ciders. We use all locally sourced honey and apples as the base for our products but then add modern technology, old world techniques and a unique combination of fresh fruits and spices to create a truly special drinking experience. Combine this with a funky-industrial inspired decor that includes drinking artifacts all the way back to Medieval times ------- and an awesome 5000 sf outdoor patio, and you have the regions newest and most unique place to go. Open every Wednesday, Friday-Saturday-Sunday and outdoor patio open every nice day we can find!!! Come taste the difference!!!!
2. Hagley Museum And Library
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 773 reviews
Hagley is the former industrial site of the original black powder works of the DuPont Company founded in Delaware in 1802 and powered by the natural resources that surrounded it. Today, it is 235 acres of wooded rolling hills along the rushing Brandywine River dotted with hundreds of stone ruins of the black powder industry, dozens of restored buildings associated with the business, and the first du Pont family home built in America. Here, for more than 200 years, the DuPont Company and family experimented, innovated, and pursued the American Dream. Hagley has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums since 1972. The site is a National Historic Landmark, National Recreation Trail, and a Historic Engineering Landmark.
Reviewed By JPGPhilly - Worcester, United States
Hagley is a gem and definitely worth a visit, even during the abbreviated winter tour schedule. our tour was memorable in large part due to the wit and wisdom of our tour guide / interpreter - Rodney. the tour encompasses two parts - the beginnings of the DuPont fame and fortune as black powder makers and their first manor house on site. honestly Winterthur and Nemours are more impressive, but it all began here at Hagley and the black powder making process is unique. there is a restored and working 19th century water powered machining building on site that is fascinating
3. Delaware Art Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 220 reviews
A collection of American art from 1840 to the present.
Reviewed By suesaut - Delaware, United States
This art museum does a great job of both blending in (it's situated in an amazingly beautiful residential neighborhood) and standing out (largest collection of pre-raphaelite art outside of europe, as well as revolving, thoughtful exhibits). There's also a lovely outside sculpture garden. Lot's of parking behind the museum as well as a lovely cafe and gift shop. Thursday nights in summer there's a happy hour from 5-7PM and admission is free; it's also free on Sundays. Great way to spend a few hours relaxing.
4. Nemours Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 673 reviews
Opening April 1st, 2021 Owned and developed by our founder, Alfred I. duPont (1864-1935), Nemours Estate comprises an exquisite 77-room Mansion, the largest formal French gardens in North America, a Chauffeur's Garage housing a collection of vintage automobiles used on the Estate, and nearly 200 acres of scenic woodlands, meadows and lawns.
Reviewed By rochelleforster - Randolph, United States
We had a few hours before our return home and stopped at this museum. Given the cold weather, we toured the house. It is worth taking a guided tour as we learned so many interesting facts about the family, their possessions and the history of the estate. The furnishings are intact to the time when the family lived here which makes it so neat. And Alfred DuPont was way ahead of his time in so many ideas he created for the house and the things he put into it, like a back up generator; controls in his bathroom to make sure tings were working properly; bottling his water, 2 tanks with 1 for back up and so on. Fascinating to hear the stories too.
5. Grand Opera House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By jimcor71 - Wilmington, United States
Great venue, good selection of shows, moderately priced Be wary of some seats that are obstructed view behind columns - can still see most of stage Bar tenders are volunteers and horrendously slow Start promptly at 8pm and end by 10pm generally
6. Rockwood Park & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By retired605 - Newark, United States
I thoroughly enjoyed our private tour with Leone for Newark History Museum volunteers. She was a wonderful guide and very passionate about the Museum. It was interesting hearing about the Shipley and Bringhurst families and the history of the estate - a part of Delaware history. I was amazed at the number of original artifacts that exist in the house and how impressive the restoration had been on a house that had been sitting untouched for 20 years. I would definitely recommend this tour whenever public tours begin again.
7. Wilmington and Western Railroad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 173 reviews
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Wilmington & Western Railroad is Delaware's only operating Museum. Take a ride on this scenic line and you will be transported back to a Golden Era when passenger trains rolled majestically through the land and steam whistles echoed off the hills. The W&W operates Steam and Diesel train excursions - primarily on the weekends. Special railroading adventures are available for railroaders of all ages. Whether you want to explore history, celebrate holidays, wine & dine or just have fun, The Wilmington & Western Railroad has just the event for you.
8. New Candlelight Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Delaware's best kept secret for a night of entertainment is New Candlelight Theatre. Located in historic Ardentown, DE, New Candlelight provides an all-inclusive evening of Dinner and Professional theatre in an intimate atmosphere, all for a reasonable price. Operating as a theater venue for over 75 years, the stage of this quaint barn comes alive every weekend year round and entertains thousands of theater-goers through the course of the year. While musicals are New Candlelight’s specialty, other special events such as a monthly Comedy Night, are also available offering patrons various opportunities to experience Live Theatre. Tickets are $55 for adults and include full course buffet and show. Cash bar is available as well as free parking. Children and group discount tickets are also available.
Reviewed By dojoy - Bethany Beach, United States
The Christmas performance was Excellent. The cast were professional, the music, costumes, everything was very tastefully done. We thoroughly enjoyed the nice variety of food offered. Would not hesitate to recommend for a inspiring Holiday experience.
9. Delaware Theatre Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 61 reviews
Founded in 1979, Delaware Theatre Company (DTC) is the state's largest professional theatre. Recognized as a cornerstone in the Brandywine Valley's rich cultural landscape, DTC has produced more than 150 plays for over one million residents and visitors to its community. For the past 24 years, DTC has been a pioneer in the revitalization of Wilmington's beautiful Christina Riverfront and remains an important piece in the development of Wilmington's cultural district. DTC produces five professional theatrical productions each season along with an array of meaningful education and outreach programs. Visit our website to find out more information about our current season!
Reviewed By daisyferret1 - Bear, United States
We attended the Delaware Theatre Company's Merry & Bright light show, synchronized to music, this holiday season. We reserved the FREE tickets online since the outdoor standing space was limited due to the pandemic. We attended the last show on the last night of the event. The night of the event we headed out & parked in the reserved parking lot for the Theatre. Once we got out, there were no signs guiding us where to go to enter the outdoor theatre. So, we just walked back out the way we had entered and spoke with the gentleman directing traffic. He instructed us to follow the sidewalk down towards the theatre. Once we got closer, there were signs pointing the way. Here we checked in with staff and waited in a socially-distanced line to be admitted. Once we were admitted we just picked a spot to stand facing the Delaware Theatre's steps (stage). The show started with a light show synchronized to music. That was pretty amazing. Then a 3 member band came out to play guitar/keyboard and sing. They played various Christmas carols and even encouraged a dance party to one pre-recorded song as the lights once again danced to the music. This was to help keep us all warm on this chilly night!! After the brief dance party, the lights came back up and they preformed a few more songs. Then they said they were going to play a special song that incorporated an accordion. This song was used to encourage Santa to visit us. It worked because part way into the song, Santa appeared on the roof of the Delaware Theatre Company. Santa appeared, greeted us all, told some silly jokes and recited a poem he had written. Santa said farewell and one more song was sung to send us on our way. As we exited, we were given candy canes & thanked for visiting with them. Overall, we really enjoyed this show. Staff were very gracious and expressed how grateful they were to finally have a chance to perform after many, many months of being unable to perform in the theatre to live audiences. We felt so welcome. The band did a great job and the light show was spectacular. Staff did their best to limit the number in attendance in order to make it a safe & socially distanced event. I would without a doubt return to see this show next year if it is offered again. It was a great way to spend the evening.
10. Russell W. Peterson Wildlife Refuge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By 145leonardh - Newark, United States
The Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in Wilmington, Delaware is named after a former Governor of Delaware who gained international recognition as an environmentalist, scientist, activist and public servant. The refuge is one of the few urban wildlife areas in the country located on 212 acres on the Wilmington Riverfront.
