7 Most Laid-Back Small Towns In Delaware
As the second-smallest state in the United States with one of the lowest populations, Delaware often flies under the radar as a travel destination. And while big-city attractions have their time in place, as autumn draws near, many of us yearn for the charm of small-town life, making Delaware the perfect choice.
Beckoning visitors to wander its cobblestone streets and revel in the seasonal foliage, Delaware may be small, but it is no less beautiful. Even as coastal towns shed their summertime crowds, the beauty lingers and amplifies with the colors of the season. From museums and historic sites to state parks and riverfront gardens, if you are looking for a cozy place to explore this fall, look no further than these 7 laid-back Delaware towns.
Lewes
While pirates once stormed and assailed the shores of Lewes in 1672, rest assured, you will find nothing but serenity here in 2024. Like other laid-back coastal towns, Lewes is known for its scenic views. And with autumn cooling this Vermont town, the crowds have begun to thin at popular waterfront attractions like Cape Henlopen State Park, making it that much more relaxing.
At the park, visitors can savor views of the gorgeous Delaware Bay across over 6 miles of coastline. The park’s popular Fall Bird Walks are also set to begin on September 24th, 2024, guiding hikers through beautiful fall foliage in search of migrating birds. As for those looking to explore Lewes’ vibrant maritime past, if you make your way back to town, the Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House is the perfect end to a day of exploring.
Dover
Less than an hour’s drive northwest of Lewes, you will find Dover, Delaware’s darling capital. But with just under 40,000 locals, even as Delaware’s second-most populous destination (behind Wilmington), Dover promises the bliss of a small-town feel. Whether walking the aisles of vendors at Spence's Bazaar or strolling the 182 scenic acres of walking paths at Silver Lake Park in downtown Dover, the easygoing spirit of this capital town is intoxicating.
For history and art lovers, downtown Dover is also a one-stop shop for museum hopping. From museums that delve into Dover’s colonial past, such as the Old State House, to galleries showcasing some of the country’s finest art, like the Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover is undeniably a vibrant cultural hub. On October 5th, 2024, the Briggs Museum will also host a Fall Artisan Market, celebrating local artists and vendors with a truly one-of-a-kind shopping experience perfectly timed before the holiday season.
New Castle
With a population of just 5,500, historic New Castle offers an even cozier small-town feel, especially in the fall. Originally founded in 1851 as Fort Casimir, much of New Castle’s Old World charm remains intact. From colonial cobblestone streets to attractions like the 1732 Court House Museum, this charming Delaware town transports its visitors back in time.
To extend your trip back in time to Old New Castle, tours of the historic Read House are a must. Overlooking the Delaware River, this marvelous 14,000-square-foot Federal-style mansion was built in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Its 2.5-acre gardens are equally enchanting and can be explored free of charge. They offer stunning riverfront views and bright autumn colors from late September through October.
Fenwick Island
Described as an “intimate, easygoing coastal town,” Fenwick Island’s reputation as a “Quiet Resort” only heightens in the fall. With temperatures mellowing and ranging from 59 to 68°F in October, Fenwick’s already-mild summer throngs are replaced with even thinner crowds looking to enjoy the beauty of this coastal town in its off-season.
Fenwick Island State Park in the fall is one of the best reasons to visit this barrier island town, offering 3 miles of stunning shores and access to Little Assawoman Bay. Bundle up, pack a picnic, and hike the smooth sands of this tranquil Atlantic Coast sanctuary. Back in town, the simple pleasures of this Quiet Resort extend to attractions like the Discoversea Shipwreck Museum and Seaside Country Store.
Bethany Beach
A 10-minute drive up the coast will bring you to Bethany Beach, another Quiet Resort town famous for its tranquility. Like Fenwick Island, this Delaware oasis is at its busiest in the summertime, so autumn is a great time to visit for a stress-free getaway.
With minimal bars in the area and little-to-no nightlife, Bethany Beach has been dubbed a “family beach” town, meaning there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions to keep your little ones busy. From indoor attractions like the Shore Fun Family Fun Center and Bethany Beach Comics shop to outdoor highlights like the Bethany Beach Nature Center and Bethany Beach Boardwalk, this coastal town may be quiet, but it is far from boring.
Delaware City
With a name like “Delaware City,” it is easy to picture a bustling urban center with flashy city attractions. In reality, this Delaware town of less-than 2,000 locals is as easygoing as they come. Located along the Delaware River, this New Castle County community is home to 2 state parks, one of which can be reached from the Forts Ferry Crossing right from town.
The ferry will bring you to beautiful Pea Patch Island, home of Fort Dupont State Park. As the site of Fort Delaware, a stronghold originally built in 1815 (then rebuilt prior to the American Civil War after a fire), this landmark park is a delight to explore inside and out. As a follow-up, Fort DuPont State Park is another landmark site blending history with nature. The 322-acre park is known for its scenic River View Trail, offering views of the river and surrounding foliage, along with Fort DuPont, which served as a military base from the Civil War through the end of World War II.
Newark
Like Delaware City, you will find the laid-back community of Newark in New Castle County. Home to the University of Delaware, this quaint college town has an infectious, youthful energy and tons to see and do. The university itself is home to a treasure trove of exhibits, including the Mineralogical Museum, Mechanical Hall, and the Old College Gallery. The latter is housed in Old College Hall, one of the oldest and grandest buildings at the university, built in 1834.
As for off-campus attractions, Newark is also home to White Clay Creek State Park. The breathtaking 3,647-acre green space is centered around White Clay Creek, a National Wild and Scenic River beloved by anglers. But the park is even more well known for its 37 miles of forest hiking trails, which take on all the stunning colors of fall. To see the foliage in action, make sure to mark your calendars for the park’s guided Signs of Fall Hike on September 21st or the Hayride with the Park Superintendent event on October 26th, 2024.
Final Thoughts
As we plan our road trips, day trips, and weekends away for the months ahead, it can be tempting to choose the busier states and bigger city tourist sites. But if you, like many others, find yourself craving a slower pace this fall, consider making Delaware your state of choice.
What this Mid-Atlantic state lacks in size, it makes up for tenfold with its hospitality and charms. From spirited autumn events like Dover’s Fall Artisan Market to fabulous seasonal hikes in towns like Newark, these 7 laid-back Delaware towns are some of the best in the country for celebrating the bliss of fall.
