6 Most Memorable Small Towns in Delaware

When people think of memorable places, they may think of the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone Park. However, Delaware's small towns are an overlooked place to visit to make great memories. Nature lovers will love exploring the Broadkill River in Milton. History buffs will love Lewes' quirky attractions. Whatever you enjoy, these six small towns in Delaware are great destinations to have a memorable experience.

Milton

Just seven miles from Delaware Bay, Milton is a town that flourished in the mid-19th century through shipbuilding and shipping. Today, the waterways are still an important part of town, drawing outdoor lovers in to enjoy the beautiful area. The Broadkill River is near town, a great place to fish, kayak, and paddle through.

Beyond nature, the town's charm comes through in its festivals, such as the Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival, Broadkill Banjos and Seafood Festival, and the Holly Festival. In town, there are historic buildings to explore. The Milton Historical Society offers a tour of all the buildings. There is also a farmer's market with fresh local produce for the full community vibe.

Laurel

Resting on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Laurel is a quiet town on the Delmarva Peninsula. With nearly 4,000 residents, Laurel is well known for its history and outdoor recreation opportunities. Trap Pond State Park is a stunning 23 acres of forest and pond area. A unique feature of the park is the patch of Bald cypress Trees that don't normally grow in northern climates. Visitors can hike around the pond and see anglers try their luck fishing for crappie, catfish, and largemouth bass.  Another great spot for wildlife in Laurel is the Prime Hook National Refuge. The refuge was originally intended to be a sanctuary for birds migrating through the area. Today, the refuge is a great place to spot wildlife.

One of the best times to visit Laurel is in the fall when colorful foliage surrounds the town. This is also when the town has certain festivities, such as the Annual Trunk or Treat. This is a town tradition and an alternative to trick or treating. Instead of going door to door, kids dress up and visit parking lots, going trunk to trunk for candy. This unique tradition is worth visiting the town for if you want to take a Halloween road trip.

Millsboro

The magnificent Indian River goes through the small southern town of Millsboro. The quiet town is the perfect natural escape with several parks to explore, making for special memories. You can see the Indian River as you hike through the Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve. The preserve is home to a variety of ecosystems, including hardwood forest, old fields, tidal freshwater and forested wetlands and agricultural fields. You can see over 100 species of birds hiking on the preserve trails. Cupola Park is another beautiful park in Millsboro. The tree-lined park follows the Indian River and is a great place for a picnic. 

Although Millsboro is a peaceful town with around 7,000 people, there is always something unique to enjoy or explore. In the spring and summer, the town puts on a wide range of events, from the farmers' market to live music. In the fall, the annual Nanticoke Indian Tribe pow-wow is one of the best events in the state. The ceremony shows the town's rich cultural history.

Lewes

If you are looking for a town with quirky attractions and a beautiful sunset, Lewes is the small town for you. The little Delaware town has around 3,500 residents. There is plenty of beautiful natural scenery on the beaches around town. To enjoy a truly magical sunset, rent a kayak from Quest Kayak Guided Tours and watch the mesmerizing sunset on the beach. More adventurous visitors can enjoy the beach as a pirate. The Pirates of Lewes is a unique attraction in the area where family's can tour the area while having fun like a pirate. Activities on the tour include treasure hunts, water fights, and sing-alongs. 

For history lovers, Lewes has some intriguing attractions. The Lewes' Cannonball House is an affordable option to explore the area's history. The historical house is home to one of the town's historical societies and is full of a wide range of cool exhibits. There is everything from exhibits covering the Revolutionary War to the Bombardment of the town by the British during the War of 1812.

Bridgeville

Bridgeville is a cute Delaware town with rustic charm. The small community is the oldest part of Western Sussex County—records of the town date back to the 1800s. A great place to explore this history is the Governor Ross Mansion. The mansion dates back to the mid-1800s and has 20 acres of grounds to explore.

If you want to know more about the town's history, check out the Bridgeville Historical Society museum. They have been preserving local history for generations. After looking at the local history, find a piece of history to take home in the Antique Alley of Bridgeville.

Frankford

For a peaceful trip, Frankford is the town for you. The town has less than 1,000 residents and has a rich history dating back to 1808. Enjoy the countryside scenery by taking a trip to Salted Vines Vineyard. You can look around the huge plantation and old winery. Get a taste of country living by visiting Four Acres Living Alpaca Farm. The farm offers farm tours, alpaca walks, special events, and a boutique with all things alpaca.

For the more adventurous, check out the Great Cypress Swamp, historically known as the Pocomoke River. You can drive through and walk to part of it. The site of the large bald cypress trees gives you a memorable feeling of remoteness that will leave you wanting to return.

Whether you want to visit a town for history or the natural scenery, these Delaware towns are the state's most memorable. From the rural atmosphere of Frankford to the unique attractions in Lewes, there is something for everyone. If any of these towns looks like a place you want to explore, start planning and packing for your trip. A visit to any of these towns is one you won't forget!