8 Towns in Delaware with Vibrant Downtown Areas
Delaware is a beautiful state, filled with many scenic natural destinations, from beaches to state parks. Meanwhile, it also hosts quite a number of charming towns with incredibly vibrant downtowns that should lure tourists as much as the state’s appealing beaches do. These downtowns boom with commercial and historical activities, boasting several restaurants, bars, cafes, boutiques, galleries, museums, antique stores, and street markets. A visit to these thriving destinations promises to be memorable as visitors will be occupied with exciting endeavors, from immersing in the local history to sampling regional delicacies and shopping for souvenirs. Without further ado, here are eight towns in the First State with bustling main streets to visit.
Delaware City
Delaware City is a small riverside town named after the state, with a striking history, scenic landscape, and exhilarating downtown. Clinton Street is the commercial melting pot and heart of this downtown, and it invites visitors to a memorable adventure that can start with fine dining at Sunday’s Cafe 64 or seafood at Crabby Dick's in an outdoor setting. Visitors with an interest in arts can stop by the Artworth Creations to explore its amazing collections of artworks. For history fans, take a short ferry ride to Pea Patch Island to explore the historic Fort Delaware State Park centered around a fort built in 1815. Tour the fort, which was converted to a Prisoner of War Camp, and be transported back to the Civil War era. Don’t forget to admire the scenery around the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal as the town hosts the eastern entrance of the canal.
Milford
Milford is a town with a notable geopolitical feature as it lies in between Kent and Sussex Counties, with the Mispillion River slicing through it. The downtown is also remarkable, featuring the mile-long Mispillion Riverwalk - the largest municipal park in Delaware. Most visitors typically walk through this scenic walkway which has a boardwalk and a wooden pedestrian bridge for fishing. Along the walk, stop by River Lights Cafe to enjoy sensational pastries with views of the Mispillion River or try traditional Mexican dishes at La Hacienda Milford Restaurant. For some arts, visit the Mispillion Art League and head to the Riverfront Theatre to enjoy a show later. Meanwhile, the Milford Museum is also located in the downtown area, where it flaunts a range of artifacts, galleries, memorabilia, and exhibits related to the town's storied past.
Newark
Newark is a small, thriving university town with an equally vibrant downtown teeming with commercial activities year-round. Here, visitors will be met with many businesses like Taverna Newark which offers exotic European dishes, and Home Grown Cafe, offering delicious vegan dishes. For some delicious treats, be sure to visit Caffe Gelato before heading to Christiana Mall to shop till you drop. Shop some more at Main Street Antiques. Elsewhere, the town’s history shines at the Pencader Heritage Museum while the Iron Hill School Museum takes things a step further by hosting multiple exhibits related to nature, geology, and the Lenape People. On the outdoors, Newark Reservoir is a charming destination in town where visitors can relish views of a beautiful lake at sunset. This reservoir features about 1.8 miles of paved walking trails to explore the area and a mile-long trail around the lake.
New Castle
Located along the Delaware River in its namesake county, New Castle spots a remarkable downtown full of history. Standing as evidence of that history in the town center today is the Old New Castle Courthouse, built in 1732 and representing one of the oldest courthouses in America. Downtown New Castle also hosts the Old Library Museum where one can explore the town’s history and the 17th-century Dutch House Museum which represents one of the oldest houses in the state. Also, the historic Amstel House is worth visiting as it was built in the 1730s and stands as a fine example of the lives of elites in colonial times. While in the area, visitors can enjoy tea and cocktails at Mercury Cafe and Teahouse, and savor a pleasant dinner at historic Jessop’s Tavern. Afterward, pick antiques at Opera House Arts & Antiques, and be inspired by the art creations reflective of New Castle’s history at the Mo’Zart Gallery. To crown the experience, be sure to enjoy fresh air at New Castle Battery Park with scenic river views while strolling along its riverfront walkway.
Lewes
Lewes is an enchanting and historic oceanside town where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, its beach is an irresistible attraction where tourists come to lounge in the sun, swim, enjoy picnics, fish, and embark on water sports. Meanwhile, the downtown area also brims with establishments that beckon for indulgence. While visiting this town, be sure to visit its center to enjoy heartwarming seafood at the Lewes Oyster House or experience fine dining at the award-winning Heirloom Restaurant. While in the area, explore fascinating artworks at Cape Artists Gallery or Abraxas Studio of Art and immerse in some maritime history at the Lewes Maritime Museum. After a satisfying tour of downtown Lewes, storm the Cape Henlopen State Park to sunbathe on the beach, fish, kayak, boat, surf, and swim on the waters.
Middletown
Middletown in Newcastle County embodies the charming elements of arts, entertainment, and history along its downtown. Between Broad and Main Streets, visitors will be spoiled with visuals of enchanting murals as well as an endless list of establishments to explore. Once downtown, wine and dine at 1861 Southern Kitchen Bourbon Bar or head to Curry and Cocktails to savor Indian cuisine. Don’t forget to browse the artwork at Gilbert W. Perry Center for Arts and relax afterward at the Everett Theatre to watch a stunning show in its Art Deco setting. If visiting on the first Friday or third Saturday of the month, book an appointment with the Middletown Historical Society to explore the town’s past at the museum. Later, leave the streets and spend quality time with family and friends at Charles E. Price Memorial Park which is home to landscaped lawns, a playground, a pond with a walking trail around it, and a fishing pier.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is a touristy town along the Atlantic Ocean with an iconic boardwalk that’s home to many establishments as it heads north to Rehoboth Avenue, the heart of the downtown. While strolling on the boardwalk, stop by Above The Dunes to enjoy a yummy lunch, and when in Rehoboth Avenue, enjoy seafood at Claws Seafood House. Enjoy a thrilling movie at Rehoboth Beach Film Society and proceed to the Rehoboth Beach Museum to see beach-themed exhibits and memorabilia. Hit the beach afterward to bask in the sun, enjoy picnics, build sand castles, surf, and swim. While on the beach, check out the Indian River Life Saving Station, built in 1876 to rescue shipwrecked mariners along the coast of Delaware. For a memorable experience outdoors, walk or jog on the Breakwater and Junction Trail from Rehoboth Beach to Cape Henlopen State Park, as it courses through woods, wetlands, and charming green scenery.
Dover
Dover, the beautiful capital of the first state, is a bustling town of history, cultures, and charming scenery along the St. Jones River. For visitors here, a trip to Loockerman Street, the heart of the downtown area, is a journey to exciting experiences filled with pleasant sights, sounds, good food, and great people. Begin with arts and history at the Biggs Museum of American Art, hosting some of the most amazing collections of fine and decorative arts in the US. Next, check out the Old State House, completed in 1791 and the Delaware Governor’s Mansion in the First Heritage Park, built in 1790. Proceed to the Dover Art League Center to see various art exhibits and savor each bite of the pizza offered at Angelo’s Pizza. Before leaving, bask in the outdoors at Silver Lake Park while boating, hiking, and picnicking.
Experience the thrills, sights, sounds, and flavors of unique main streets and commercial hubs in the small towns of Delaware, where the scenes appear to be a bit slow-paced yet vibrant. While in these town centers, interact and bond with friendly locals, shop for souvenirs, and stop by the museum to glimpse at the past. After a satisfying downtown tour, don’t forget to head outdoors to enjoy dazzling views of landscapes and embark on some thrilling adventures.
