DISCOVER NORTHERN DELAWARE: A PERFECT DAY TRIP GUIDE

Looking for a one-day escape that combines art, history, beautiful gardens, and delicious food? Northern Delaware offers the perfect mix of cultural exploration, outdoor beauty, and delicious dining, all within a manageable distance for a leisurely day trip. I’ve lived in Northern Delaware for almost seven years and have spent time curating a list of my favorite spots and ways I enjoy spending a local afternoon.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this itinerary will guide you through some of the best that Wilmington and the surrounding area have to offer—from sipping coffee at trendy cafés to wandering through historic estates. Get ready for a day filled with creativity, charm, and plenty of good eats!

WHERE TO STAY

Hotel du Pont

Right in the heart of downtown Hotel du Pont stands as an iconic landmark, blending timeless elegance with modern luxury. This historic gem, established in 1913 has beautiful architecture, opulent interiors, and impeccable service. From its grand lobby adorned with crystal chandeliers to the plush rooms, Hotel du Pont exudes a sophisticated charm.

Hotel du Pont, 42 W 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, hoteldupont.com

The Quoin Hotel

The Quoin Hotel is a modern boutique hotel seamlessly combines sleek design with comfort, providing a stylish retreat for today’s discerning traveler. Boasting state-of-the-art amenities, well-appointed rooms, and personalized service. Whether indulging in the trendy bar or unwinding in the stylish accommodations, guests at The Quoin Hotel are immersed in a contemporary haven that reflects the dynamic spirit of Wilmington’s evolving landscape.

The Quoin Hotel, 519 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, quoinhotel.com

MORNING

Start your day at Sleeping Bird Coffee

Begin with a cup of their specialty coffee and a pastry or breakfast sandwich. This cozy café is the perfect spot to ease into the day and start with a delicious treat.

Sleeping Bird Coffee, 3111 Miller Rd, Wilmington, DE 19806, sleepingbirdcoffee.com

Stroll through Valley Garden Park

A short, refreshing walk through this scenic park will help you soak in some morning tranquility before the day’s activities. One of my favorite parks in all of Wilmington, if you can catch it in the Spring when it’s in Bloom is literally feels like walking through Wonderland.

Valley Garden Park, 598 Campbell Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, valleygardenpark.com

Visit the Delaware Art Museum

Explore the museum’s stunning collections, including Pre-Raphaelite art and American illustrations. Afterward, wander through their Sculpture Garden, taking in the outdoor art and lush landscapes. If you need a pick-me up you can grab a coffee or tea at Kaffeina before hitting the road.

Delaware Art Museum, 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington, DE, 19806, delart.org

MIDDAY

Stop by Girard Craft & Cork

Pick out a bottle of wine for your picnic. Whether you prefer a crisp white or a deep red, the knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect pairing. Make sure you see if they have any samples to taste to point you in the right direction.

Girard Craft & Cork, 224 West 9th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, girardcraftandcork.com

Grab picnic eats at Faire Café

Located a couple of doors down from the wine store, pop into Faire Café to pick up a selection of fresh sandwiches, salads, and baked goods for your upcoming picnic at Nemours. Their menu is full of vibrant, seasonal flavors and local goods that will make for a delightful outdoor meal.

Faire Café, 216 West 9th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, fairecafe.com

Picnic and explore Nemours Estate

Head over to Nemours, a grand French-style estate and gardens built by Alfred I. du Pont. Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the formal French Garden, surrounded by perfectly manicured landscapes, fountains, and sculptures. After your meal, take a guided tour of the Nemours Mansion, which offers an inside look at the DuPont family’s opulent lifestyle.

Nemours Estate, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, nemoursestate.org

EVENING

Dinner at Bardea Food & Drink

Indulge in a delicious farm-to-table dining experience at Bardea, one of Wilmington’s most acclaimed restaurants. With innovative Italian-inspired cuisine, this is a great spot to enjoy a relaxed yet memorable dinner.

Bardea, 620 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, bardeawilmington.com

After-dinner drinks at Quoin Rooftop or Simmer Down

If you’re in the mood for a chic rooftop vibe with views of Wilmington, head to the Quoin Rooftop. For something more intimate and exclusive, descend to their basement-level speakeasy Simmer Down for craft cocktails.

Quoin Rooftop Bar, 519 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, quoinhotel.com

Simmer Down, Lower Level, 519 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, simmerdownbar.com

End your night at The Nomad Bar

Catch some live jazz at this intimate, iconic spot. The cozy atmosphere and live music make for a perfect way to wind down the evening. You’ll need to check Facebook to find out the upcoming acts.

The Nomad Bar, 905 N Orange St, Wilmington, DE, 19801, nomadbar.com

Alternative Afternoon Activity: Explore History in Old New Castle

If you want a different kind of afternoon, you could opt to spend it exploring Old New Castle. Once the Colonial capital, it’s filled with charming cobblestone streets, historic homes, and views of the Delaware River. It’s perfect for history lovers and offers a change of pace from the city.

newcastlehistoricalsociety.org

Here are some of my go-to restaurant options for you to explore, so you can find your perfect dining opportunity while you’re in the area:

Wilma’s

A great spot for Southern-inspired dishes with a laid-back, retro vibe. They also have pin bowling lanes if you want to mix in some fun after a meal.

Wilma’s, 900 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, goodtimewilmas.com

Le Cavalier

Located in the historic Hotel DuPont, this French brasserie offers an elegant dining experience.

Le Cavalier, 42 West 11th St, Wilmington, DE 19801, lecavalierde.com

The Brandywine

Known for contemporary French cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. It recently changed chefs and while I haven’t checked it out since it seems promising.

The Brandywine, 2000 Pennsylvania Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806, thebrandywinebar.com

Bank’s Seafood Kitchen

If you’re in the mood for fresh seafood with riverfront views, this is a fantastic choice. I always get oysters when I go here and their ahi tuna nachos are amazing.

Bank’s Seafood Kitchen, 101 S Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801, banksseafoodkitchen.com

Eclipse Bistro

A Wilmington favorite, Eclipse offers New American cuisine in a warm and welcoming setting.

Eclipse Bistro, 1020 N Union St, Wilmington, DE 19805, eclipsebistro.com

Here are a couple more DuPont properties to consider adding to your itinerary. While Nemours is my favorite, each property has a very different vibe and feel.

Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library

Another DuPont estate, famous for its vast gardens and impressive decorative arts collection.

Winterthur, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, winterthur.org

Hagley Museum

Learn about Delaware’s industrial history and explore the original DuPont gunpowder works.

Hagley, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, hagley.org

After a day filled with captivating art, serene gardens, and indulgent dining, you’ll leave Northern Delaware with a deeper appreciation for its blend of history, culture, and charm. My suggestions offer a little something for everyone. Northern Delaware proves that even in just one day, you can experience a world of beauty, flavor, and history. The only question left is: when’s your next visit?

DISCOVER NORTHERN DELAWARE: A PERFECT DAY TRIP GUIDE