7 Close-Knit Towns to Visit in Delaware
As the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States, there’s no denying that Delaware has a rich history and strong community bonds, some of which date back to the 1600s. The residents of these delightful hamlets work hard to preserve their history and feel like stepping back in time. From the shaded tree-lined streets of Odessa to the awe of Fort Delaware State Park in Delaware City, these communities clearly cherish their bonds and love sharing their community spirit with visitors. Discovering Delaware’s close-knit towns is a journey into vibrant local culture, historic charm, and scenic landscapes. Each of these seven towns invites visitors to experience small-town warmth and unique attractions that set them apart.
Bethany Beach
Ready for a seaside escape? Bethany Beach is so much more than sandy shores and fresh ocean air. It’s a hub for family-friendly activities and local festivals that make it hard to want to leave. While you can spend an afternoon soaking up the sun at one of their public beach accesses, the Bethany Boardwalk is the area's claim to fame. This .38-mile wooden boardwalk offers scenic views of the ocean and fun shops like Candy Kitchen and Sunshine Crepes. The nearby Big Chill Beach Club offers some of the best seafood in the entire state for a proper meal.
For thrill-seekers, there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure in Bethany Beach. Fenwick Island State Park is a relaxing retreat from the bustling beaches and allows visitors to walk along its calming shores or rent a standup paddle board and venture out into the ocean. If you plan your stay in June through September, the Freeman Arts Pavilion offers live music and family fun in an open-air theater.
Odessa
Odessa is a rustic town that dates all the way back to the 1600s. The residents of Odessa pride themselves on restoring the Victorian-era buildings, and walking the brick sidewalks shaded by mature trees feels like stepping into a postcard. If you love exploring unique buildings, sprawling estates, and museums, historic Odessa is great for history buffs. Visitors can take a tour of the Corbit-Sharp House, Wilson-Warner House, Cantwell's Tavern, or the Odessa Bank year-round. While they represent what life was like in early Odessa, they are also museums that provide insight into the town.
But there’s no better example of the close-knit community spirit than the annual Historic Odessa Brewfest. Every September, the whole community gathers on Main Street to celebrate cold brews, good food, and live music. Plus, proceeds of the event go to The Historic Odessa Foundation, which works tirelessly to retain the rustic town on this small yet picturesque Delaware hamlet. As soon as you enter Odessa, the warm community welcomes you with open arms. It’s like a home away from home.
Milton
Southern Delaware is home to the sleepy and often overlooked town of Milton. Nestled along the banks of the Broadkill River, Milton offers scenic waterway views and historic downtown streets in an old-timey setting. Visitors can grab a bite to eat at Po' Boys Creole Restaurant and check out one-of-a-kind shops like The Mercantile at Milton. While you can spend an entire day discovering unique stores and cafes, the natural beauty of Milton is just outside the city limits.
The Lavender Fields at Warrington Manor is one of the most beautiful places in Delaware. Touted as Delaware’s first (and only) free lavender farm, it’s like walking through a fragrant paradise. But walking through lavender fields isn’t your only option; there is also a bee and butterfly garden. Before you go, stop by the gift shop for specialty lavender goods like soaps, lotions, and specialty crafts. The Milton Broadkill Farmers Market is another scenic stop where visitors can shop fresh local produce and crafts from May through October.
Lewes
Lewes is a quiet Delaware retreat nestled along the shores of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. What makes the beaches of Lewes unique is the waters are always nice and calm, thanks to its ideal location on Delaware Bay. To truly experience the wonder of Lewes, the Cape Henlopen State Park and Campground is a perfect escape. It offers pristine beaches and a bathhouse with showers and food concessions. You can hike the nearby sandy trails and climb to the top of a real World War II Observation Tower for breathtaking 360-degree views of the area.
While fun in the sun is certainly an option in Lewes, there’s more waiting for you in the downtown area. Breathe in the salty ocean air as you walk down the tree-lined sidewalks peppered with locally owned shops and boutiques like the Lewes Mercantile Antique Gallery or the kitschy Brush Factory on Kings. And if you love seafood, Matt's Fish Camp Lewes is a must-stop. It was voted Best Lunch by Coastal Style Magazine and delivers amazing food in a cozy, relaxed setting.
Wyoming
If you have a soft spot in your heart for peaches, Wyoming is the place for you. Known as the “Peach Center” of Delaware, and the residents of the town are just as sweet as their famous peaches. You can experience the heart and soul of Wyoming at their annual Peach Festival, held every August. It hosts a peach dessert contest, great food, and so many local vendors and crafts. If you missed the festival, stop by Fifer's Farm Store and Kitchen, offering fresh produce, crafts, baked goods, and ice cream.
While peaches may be Wymoning’s claim to fame, there’s so much more to see. The Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is one of Delaware’s most scenic retreats. It’s one of the largest remaining stretches of tidal salt marsh on the East Coast. The trails are all unique and offer different views of the refuge. For example, the Raymond Tower Trail leads to a 30-foot observation tower, and the Boardwalk Trail over the Salt Marsh gets you up close and personal with a dewy salt marsh. Often overshadowed by the nearby coastal Delaware retreats, Wyoming is a charming hamlet that will make for a memorable weekend.
Delaware City
Along the scenic banks of the Delaware River is the Delaware City. If you are a history buff, you’ll fall in love with Delaware City’s amazing historical sites. The most notable site in Delaware City is Fort Delaware State Park. This former prison housed over 30,000 soldiers during the Civil War and is only accessible via a half-mile ferry ride. Today, it’s a charming park with scenic walking trails along the Delaware River and seasonal reenactments and tours of the hallowed grounds.
Visiting the grounds of Delaware State Park can be a little intense. You can turn down the intensity with a delightful dinner at Crabby Dick's (seriously, their crab cakes are out of this world) and then take a sunset stroll in Battery Park with a view of the water. With amazing views and a deep history, Delaware City is the perfect getaway for a long weekend.
Georgetown
Georgetown is a tight-knit community and truly one of a kind. It has a unique tradition held every two years after every November election (since 1792) called Return Day, which celebrates the election with a party in a town circle with bands, live music, and parades. It even has a ceremonial “burying of the hatchet” to mark the end of the campaign season.
Unlike other American towns, Georgetown isn’t centered around a square; it’s centered around a circle. The “Circle” hosts the stunning Town Hall, Sussex County Courthouse, and other beautiful state buildings. You can enjoy a view of the beautiful fountain and check out local shops around the circle, like the Georgetown Antiques Market. Known for being “16 miles from anywhere", Georgetown is in a prime location that’s a quick drive to Rehoboth Beach that puts you in the center of the action without the crowds.
Explore Friendly Faces and Find New Places in Delaware
If you want to explore what Delaware has to offer on your next road trip, these towns have a little something for everyone. Whether you want to stroll through a farmer’s market in Wyoming, walk a seaside boardwalk in Bethany Beach, or just relax on an uncrowded beach in Lewes, these close-knit towns will welcome you with open arms. So, pack a bag, make sure you have enough room on your phone for pictures, and get ready to feel at home in these Delaware towns. The hardest part about visiting these delightful retreats is leaving.
