7 Loveliest Small Towns to Visit in Delaware This Summer
Give it to Delaware to completely blow away a first-time visitor with its clean and gorgeous coastline, family-friendly beaches, and old mills and mansions, many of which stand as reminders of times past. Delaware is also dotted with a delightful array of small towns, which are picture definitions of the word “lovely.” If in doubt, take a day to explore Lewes, especially if you have to pick one destination. Discover the seven loveliest small towns to visit in Delaware.
Lewes
Lewes, fondly called “The First Town in the First State,” lies at the mouth of Delaware Bay just west of Cape Henlopen. The area where the town sits is among the first places settlers landed in the state, hence the nickname. Lewes was founded by Dutch colonists about 10 years after the landing of the Pilgrims on Cape Cod. It was the first white settlement along the Delaware River. Although it had its start in seafaring — and has been the site of numerous shipwrecks, today Lewes is lovely and quaint; one of the loveliest small towns in Deleware.
Zwaanendael Museum provides a glimpse into the town’s storied history, while many notable buildings in the Lewes Historical Complex transport the mind back many centuries. Cape Henlopen State Park, known for its walking sand dunes, is one of the town’s defining attractions. In the mid-1600s, the Dutch were enamored with tulips. The price of a bulb jumped so much as to be comparable to that of a nice house. Lewes — via its Tulip Festival — celebrates this singular Dutch heritage every Spring.
Delaware City
Welcome to a town that has a lovely park by the river, is small and mostly quiet — and that brims with rich, fascinating history. Take a boat to Fort Delaware State Park, the site of a Civil War fortress that housed prisoners of war during America's bloodiest conflict. Sit on the deck at Crabby Dick's, and enjoy delicious crab cakes and crab soup — amid heart-warming views of the Delaware River. There is the Fort DuPont State Park as well, a 322-acre space offering fishing and boating access. In summer, one can enjoy horseback riding at Cozy Quarters Farm, a wonderful family farm that also offers riding lessons.
Rehoboth Beach
A beautiful slice of Delaware is in Rehoboth Beach, one of the most sought-after vacation destinations on the East Coast. The gorgeous beach, many times ranked among the best in the nation, is not the only attraction this town offers. For a meaningful experience, rent a bike and hit the Gordons Pond Trail from Rehoboth to Lewes and back. A stroll along the boardwalk, also among the best in the nation, will make one's heart purr with excitement. To fill the lungs with fresh summer air, and inhale delicious views on every side, Cape Henlopen State Park is lovely and should be part of any itinerary. Order some crab avocado toast at Egg, a popular casual restaurant with outdoor seating.
New Castle
A first-time visit to New Castle, a riverfront community that has a habit of leaving vacationers in awe, will make one wonder where she has been all along. New Castle is historic in several ways. It was once the Colonial capital of Delaware in the 1700s and briefly served as the first state capital. There is a reason it is called “Old New Castle.” Enjoy a stroll along the cobblestone streets of this Delaware charmer, while taking in its raw beauty and charm. Battery Park features a walking path along the water and can effortlessly steal an afternoon. New Castle Court House, where Delaware approved the Declaration of Independence, feels like a step back in time. Another famous New Castle attraction is the Amstel House Museum and Gardens, the first mansion in the state.
Odessa
Once a dusty grain shipping port and commercial hub along the Delaware River, Odessa is today among the loveliest small towns to visit in the state, more so in summer. A classic tree-lined American Main Street — both walkable and beautiful — adds a layer of loveliness to an already attractive spot. Restored historic homes, some of which date back to the town’s founding in the late 1660s, are key elements of Odessa’s townscape.
A summer visit can see one participating in the Middletown Peach Festival, a major regional summer attraction typically held in August. It features a local artist exhibit, historical exhibits, crafts, music, a peach pie contest, and delicious peaches. Still in summer, Odessa hosts the annual Odessa Brewfest, which comes with food, merchandise vendors, and live bands. Cantwell's Tavern serves kick-ass oysters while the Appoquinimink River meanders through the town and provides a range of water-based experiences.
Milton
With the Redden State Forest on one side — and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge on the other, Milton is not short of outdoor adventure opportunities. However, the town itself is lovely and will leave a first-time visitor completely blown away. Milton sits on Broadkill River, once the center of a regional shipbuilding industry. To kickstart an adventure, work your way to Dogfish Head Milton Brewery, a modest brewpub offering distillery tours, hearty food, and an ample selection of beers. Milton is traversed and dotted with water bodies, including Wagamons and Diamond Ponds.
Catch a show at the iconic Milton Theatre, whose history goes back more than 100 years. Across the street is Milton Library, where one can spend a day with a heart-gripping masterpiece. Milton Memorial Park, right behind the library, is a beautiful place to go kayaking, fishing, picnicking, or just walking.
Yorklyn
Rounding off this list is Yorklyn, a small but beautiful town that is among the loveliest to visit in Delaware. Yorklyn provides access to the trail-laden Auburn Valley State Park, which features a world of attractions that may not be all squeezed in a day. There is the historic Marshall Mansion, for example, whose history goes back more than 120 years. There is the Marshall Steam Museum, which houses the largest collection of operating steam cars on Earth.
There is the historic Marshall Brothers Paper Mill as well — in its most undisturbed condition. Take time to explore Yorklyn on foot. A 1.4-mile asphalt trail takes visitors past some of the oldest buildings and ruins in the town. For those who want to crown a fun-filled day with a cold beer, Dew Point Brewery is one of northern Delaware’s most scenic locations.
It is easy to find oneself drawn to Delaware — and it does not have to do with its corporate business appeal. Although Delaware may not come close to Switzerland, its natural beauty and appeal may exceed the expectations of first-time visitors. Forget about Wilmington, the First State is home to a broad range of charming small towns, some more lovely than others. The loveliest, however, will have to include eye candies such as Lewes, Delaware City, Rehoboth Beach, and New Castle.
