Travel to Delaware – Episode 998

Hear about travel to Delaware as the Amateur Traveler talks to Dannelle Gay from the Traveling Cheesehead about her recent visit to The First State.

Why should you go to Delaware?

Dannelle says, “If you are a foodie, if you’re a history buff, if you’re a beach person, there are so many different reasons. If you’re into military history or you get into aircraft World War II history, any of that, it is such an amazing place to visit. Yes, it’s the first state, but there was so much more that I learned when I was there.”

Suggested Delaware Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and Base in Wilmington

Fly into Philadelphia, then drive or take an Uber to the Wilmington / Christiana area. Dannelle stayed at the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana and liked it as a central base because Delaware is small enough that you can head north or south from there without changing hotels.

Day 2: Rehoboth Beach and Lewes

Start on the coast at Rehoboth Beach, with time for the boardwalk, people-watching, saltwater taffy shops, ice cream, beach walks, and the old-fashioned beach-town atmosphere.

Then continue to Lewes, which Dannelle describes as historic and quieter. Visit:

• Zwaanendael Museum, for Dutch colonial history
• Cannonball House Maritime Museum, with its War of 1812 cannonball story
• The historic village area, ideally with costumed interpreters

If timing works, add the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, even just for the waterfront views, ferry terminal amenities, and the chance of seeing dolphins.

Day 3: Wine, Cape Henlopen, and Rehoboth Dining

Visit Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery, where Dannelle recommends a tasting and a tour to learn about their winemaking process.

Then spend time at Cape Henlopen State Park, which combines beaches, dunes, World War II bunkers, coastal defense history, and military interpretation.

End the day at Thompson Island Brewing Co., which Dannelle especially liked for its food as well as its beer. She singled out the burrata grilled cheese and the generous shareable appetizers.

Day 4: Dover and Central Delaware

Move into central Delaware around Dover. Dannelle recommends:

• Air Mobility Command Museum, especially for aviation, military, World War II, Vietnam, logistics, and cargo aircraft history
• Dover Motor Speedway, the “Monster Mile,” for NASCAR history, and a behind-the-scenes track experience
• Delaware Agricultural Museum, for Delaware’s farming history, hands-on exhibits, historic buildings, and the story of the state’s role in the modern broiler chicken industry

Day 5: First State History in Dover

Spend more time in Dover at First State Heritage Park, which Dannelle compares to a collection of historic buildings around a green space. She recommends taking one of the guided tours with costumed interpreters.

This is where visitors can dig into Delaware’s role as the First State, colonial government, tavern life, abolition, free Black communities, and complicated slavery-era history.

She also mentions that, with more time, visitors could add the Johnson Victrola Museum and other nearby historic sites.

Day 6: DuPont Legacy Near Wilmington

Return focus to the Wilmington area for the DuPont family sites. Dannelle recommends allowing at least a day, preferably two, for the mansions and gardens.

Start with Hagley, where the DuPont story begins in Delaware with the gunpowder mills, waterpower, early industrial history, and more modest family accommodations.

Then visit Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library, which shows the later wealth of the DuPont family through a huge estate, decorative arts, gardens, tram rides, and elaborate interiors.

Day 7: Art, Wilmington Riverfront, and Wrap-Up

Visit the Delaware Art Museum, especially for its regional art and the work of Howard Pyle, whose illustrations helped shape the popular image of pirates.

Then spend time on the Wilmington Riverfront and eat at Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront, which Dannelle recommends for seafood, especially the pasta of the day with mussels, clams, scallops, and shrimp.

Dannelle’s Overall Delaware Theme

Her itinerary treats Delaware as more than a quick drive-through state: start with the beaches and maritime history, move into aviation, agriculture, racing, and First State history around Dover, then finish with Wilmington’s DuPont mansions, gardens, art, and riverfront dining.

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Show Notes

Traveling Cheesehead – The Adventures of a Wisconsinite and Her Family
Wilmington, Delaware
Hilton Wilmington/Christiana
Rehoboth Beach
Lewes, Delaware
Zwaanendael Museum
Cannonball House Maritime Museum
Cape May – Lewes Ferry
Salted Vines Vineyard and Winery
Cape Henlopen
Thompson Island Brewing Co.
Air Mobility Command Museum
Dover Motor Speedway
Delaware Agricultural Museum
First State Heritage Park
Nemours Estate
Hagley
Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library
Éleuthère Irénée du Pont
Delaware Art Museum
American Illustration – Delaware Art Museum
Howard Pyle
Big Fish Grill on the Riverfront – Wilmington
Johnson Victrola Museum
Must-See Historic Landmarks in Delaware: Exploring the State’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Interesting Museums in Delaware: A Guide to the State’s Most Fascinating Collections
Mansions, Gardens, and the DuPont Legacy: A Different Side of Delaware

Community

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Loved this episode. As someone of Cape Verdean descent, I would love to visit Guinea-Bissau one day to learn more about this country’s connection to Cape Verde.

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