The First State

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Nicknamed “The Diamond State” after Thomas Jefferson famously called it a “jewel” among the States, Delaware is a treasure trove of history and delight. From its beautiful beaches and swanky accommodations to entertaining operas—and even airplanes—this lowest-lying state will surely have visitors leaving on a high. Journey with us through this tiny but mighty gem—we can always stop for water ice along the way if you get tired!!

No. this is not Europe.

Welcome to the First State!

Winterthur Museum & Gardens

Not every home could fit a large scale museum and grounds, but 96, 582 square feet of space will more than do. Like it’s cousins, the Biltmore in North Carolina, or the Arden House in New York, the Winterthur Estate is one of the great historic “palaces” of the American aristocracy. Built on lands tracing ownership all the way back to Éleuthère Irénée du Pont, his descendent, H. F. du Pont, would ambitiously lead the creation of one of the country’s grandest homes. Containing vibrant gardens, the largest collection of American decorative arts, and a famous unfinished painting, there’s something for everyone on this vast historic estate—even if you have udders.

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5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735

Delaware Museum of Nature and Science

The oldest natural history museum in Delaware is also the originator of a state symbol. In 1999, the museum hosted a contest to name a star, with 12-year-old Amy Nerlinger of Wilmington entering the winning name: “The Delaware Diamond.” While unrecognized by astronomers, the star was made an official symbol by the Delaware General Assembly in 2000.

4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807

Hagley Museum

From the troughs of this simple mill structure, an empire was born. The site of the original gunpowder works of Éleuthère Irénée du Pont, this 235-acre museum tells the story of how the du Ponts became American royalty and Wilmington’s most famous family. A center of innovation, the museum offers tours of various manufacturing tools and structures used over the centuries at this manufacturing powerhouse. It also holds one of the largest public displays of American model patents, the items inventors use to help get their patent approved.

200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807

Nemours Estate

A prized Louis XVI musical clock that plays four tunes. Chairs from the coronation of King George V. The largest jardin à la française (French for “my garden’s fancier than yours”) in North America. The Nemours Estate is full of treasures—but perhaps the greatest one lies just beyond the garden gates. Upon his death, Alfred I. du Pont left a $40 million estate and a vision: a foundation to care for children’s health and preserve this magnificent home for the public to enjoy. Today, Nemours Children’s Health sits beside the gardens, a living testament to a legacy that continues to bloom

1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803

Rockford Tower

Located on the highest point in Wilmington, this tower was designed by Theodore Leisen with a secret. While today known as a beloved observation deck and decorative feature of the city, the Brandywine “Blue Rock” stone facade actually hides a more functional purpose of the tower: water storage. Still connected to the city’s water system, it’s a unique structure that not only provides some of the area’s best vistas but also makes sure one stays hydrated after taking in said vistas.

Lookout Dr, Wilmington, DE 19806

Delaware Art Museum

Formed with the powerful purchase of 100 paintings and illustrations from renowned hometown illustrator Howard Pyle, this museum quickly made a name for itself. Fast forward to today, its collection has grown to more than 12,000 pieces with a focus on 19th to 21st-century American art and the English Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (who, fun fact, were formed way after Raphael’s time).

2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806

Rockwood Museum

Built for wealthy entrepreneur Joseph Shipley, the mansion housing the Rockwood Museum was designed in the Gothic Revival style usually associated with haunted houses. In the case of this 19th-century abode, however, paranormal activity may actually be present. Featured in a Ghost Hunters episode back in 2016, doors have been reported to open on their own, and staff have said odd noises have come from its dark halls. For those faint of heart, there are 162 acres of parkland to roam without a fright.

4651 Washington Street Extension, Wilmington, DE 19802

Fusco's

The simple ingredients of water, fruit, and pure cane sugar are a winning combination in these parts. “Water Ice,” as it is known in the Wilmington and Philadelphia metropolitan area, is a refreshing cold treat in the dog days of summer. Shaved ice granules are tossed with fresh juice flavors like lemon and cherry, with a taste so delicious that brain freeze is happily accepted. Serving thirsty residents for over 68 years, Fusco’s has multiple generations of proof that the fresh, icy treat is a proud community staple.

610 N Union St, Wilmington, DE 19805

Riverfront Market

By the 1980s, Wilmington’s riverfront was at a crossroads, as many old warehouses and wharves sat vacant and dilapidated. The city’s strong industrial boom and shipbuilding era had come to a close, and so Wilmington officials were tasked with the need to renew the developments around the Christina River. Born out of this problem in 1996, the Riverfront Market is now a city landmark, bringing locals and visitors alike to a variety of eateries and shops all set in an old wharf building. While no longer a place to build ships, it’s an excellent spot to build a poke bowl.

3 S Orange St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Delaware Historical Society Research Library

While Delaware is one of the smallest states in the Union, its status among the original Thirteen Colonies places the state at the forefront of American history, especially since Delaware was the first colony to ratify the Constitution.

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505 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Playhouse Theater

Constructed in six months, the Playhouse Theater on Rodney Square, from the beginning, had its sights set on Broadway. Built under the leadership of DuPont company executives, the premier theater was positioned as a place for try out runs of new productions headed to New York while also giving Wilmington society access to “the finest entertainment possible.” Open over a century, the Playhouse has hosted initial runs from Funny Face to the 1987 revival of Cabaret, and hosted the likes of Carol Channing, Fred Astaire, and Bette Davis. Now that’s what we call entertainment!

1007 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Grand Opera House

According to those who’ve braved the graveyard shift at this historic venue, the night often brings more than just quiet halls. Murmurs echo, glasses clink, and an eerie sense of unseen company hangs in the air. Among the more familiar phantoms is one particularly laid-back spirit affectionately known as “Tom.” A regular of sorts, Tom has been spotted dozing in the same chair just outside what used to be the Masonic offices—apparently unfazed by time, guests, or the occasional ghost story. Some say he’s just resting up for the next show.

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818 N King St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Hotel du Pont

Another structure thankful for the du Pont family fortune, the Hotel du Pont hosted 25,000 awestruck visitors on its opening weekend in 1913. This hotel’s guestbook is as impressive as its gilded ballrooms and corridors, with the likes of Joe DiMaggio and Katherine Hepburn to Eleanor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy taking up lodging at this no-expense-spared establishment.

42 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Huxley & Hiro

If evidence were needed to prove that Wilmington is a book-loving town, one would only need to go as far as the bricks of its structures. While Huxley & Hiro owners Claire van den Broeck and Ryan Eanes were renovating their space to open the first bookstore on Market Street in five years, they made a story-worthy discovery. The interior brick of the building featured the old exterior brick of a bookstore that existed in 1793, with its painted outdoor advertisement still visible. It’s not often one finds a place in America where people have bought books at the same spot 230 years apart!

601 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801

The Quion Hotel

Meaning “angle” or “corner” in old French, you only need to try to pronounce this building’s name in order to understand what it once was. Initially home to the Security Trust & Safe Deposit Company, the building housed many a (you guessed it) coin in its coffers. Now a luxury hotel, it costs a little coin to stay there. We’ll stop.

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519 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Kalmar Nyckel

It’s not often a captain’s crew consists of cats. A replica of the Swedish ship that brought the first settlers to what is now present-day Wilmington, this 17th-century-designed vessel has served as Delaware’s official tall ship since 2016. Born in a toolbox while this replica was being painstakingly constructed in 1997, “Toolbox” the cat served her entire life aboard the ship as the “Captain’s Assistant.” While she has long since retired (not before becoming a local celebrity), many cats have now taken her place as the feline first mate.

1124 E 7th St, Wilmington, DE 19801

Jessop's Tavern

Featuring creaky ceilings and warped wooden floors, this tavern’s structure can trace its roots all the way back to 1674! While the establishment’s founding is arguably more recent (1996), it’s named after Abraham Jessop, a cooper who had a shop in this structure in the early 18th Century (notice the barrel in the bar sign?). While more of a mix of authentic and modern, the tavern’s charm is indisputable, if not a place where a cheerful “Huzzah!” toast is more than welcome.

114 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720

Read House

With sweeping views overlooking the harbor of what was once Delaware’s capital city, this elegant abode was the largest private residence in the state for more than a century. Built by the son of a signer of the Declaration of Independence, the Read House is a perfectly preserved piece of American history (with a swoon-worthy garden to boot!). Serving as Delaware’s capital for 73 years, New Castle’s growth stalled in the early 18th Century due to the movement of the state government to Dover. The result is a town that could all belong in a museum, with homes like the Read House giving great insight into early American life.

42 The Strand, New Castle, DE 19720

Air Mobility Command Museum

Don’t let the name fool you – none of these flying machines is in motion… at least for now. Vintage aircraft from World War II onwards decorate the massive hangars of the Air Mobility Command, allowing for imaginations to soar in explorable cockpits and ’70s commercial flight seating. Stop by on the 3rd Saturday of each month when they open up the planes and hop in the cockpit of your choice!

1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE 19902

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Through Our Eyes: Delaware

No. this is not Europe.

Welcome to the First State!

Delaware Museum of Nature and Science

Hagley Museum

Nemours Estate

Rockford Tower

Delaware Art Museum

Rockwood Museum

Fusco's

Riverfront Market

Playhouse Theater

Hotel du Pont

Huxley & Hiro

Kalmar Nyckel

Jessop's Tavern

Read House

Air Mobility Command Museum

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