These 8 Towns in Delaware Have Bustling Main Streets

Delaware is proudly referred to as the "First State." This little state is chock-full of little towns, each with main streets that run deep in history and charm. Main streets in these picturesque towns offer more than pretty storefronts; they have become centers of culture packed with local historical sites, unique shops, and quaint eating houses. Discover eight Delaware towns where main streets are the hub of community life and offer a full experience for residents and visitors.

Lewes

Lewes is a historic gem of Delaware with well-preserved architecture, and the main street is alive. Zwaanendael Museum was designed in the 17th-century Dutch town hall to reflect the roots laid by the first settlers in this town. Crowded along the main street are antique shops, local boutiques, and restaurants like Agave, which specializes in Mexican cuisine. Those historic homes, the likes of Ryves Holt House, really add character to the town. Just across the main street, the natural beauty of Lewes Beach and Cape Henlopen State Park is so close yet so far from the hustle and bustle.

Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach has its boardwalk, but its main street has so much life on its own. The Rehoboth Beach Museum offers rare glimpses into the town's past, as does the Anna Hazzard Museum, located in a 19th-century tent house that tells the story of how Rehoboth began as a camp meeting for the Methodist Church. A single shot of Rehoboth Avenue crammed with colorful shops, art galleries, restaurants like Dogfish Head Brewery, and the open-air shopping arcade of the eclectic Penny Lane Mall testifies to the fact that the town is a one-of-a-kind find. All of this, plus a nearby beach and the beautiful Silver Lake, only sweeten the pot. Visitors will definitely want to see the historic Clear Space Theatre, which puts on shows in a really cool space that group-tourgoers will love along the main street.

Milford

The ideal mix of historic charm and modern vibrancy exists along Main Street in Milford. Consider the Riverwalk, another centerpiece of the town, because it lines the Mispillion River along a scenic path. Other key attractions would be historic sites like the Parson Thorne Mansion and the Milford Museum, housed in the old post office building. This may be complemented by some cultural vibrancy along the main street, thanks to the town's Art Stroll, with local artists and live music, the live performances at the Riverfront Theatre, and regional art at Gallery 37. Not to mention, Milford's downtown is graced with charming cafes like Dolce Bakery & Coffee Shop that make it alive and full of character.

New Castle

New Castle has one of the best downtown areas in Deleware. New Castle Court House Museum is one of the oldest, consistently functioning courthouses in the country and is definitely worth a visit—come and see the history of the town. The main street is lined with beautiful historic houses like the Amstel House and the Dutch House Museum. Not far from the historic district, the town's Battery Park fronts fine views of the Delaware River. This building, dating from 1811, was the Arsenal, and today, it has been transformed into a restaurant, adding to the general flavor of the main street. Also not to be overlooked is Jessop's Tavern, a colonial-style restaurant that treats customers to a historic experience.

Middletown

Downtown Middletown is the happening place, with historic landmarks amid the more modern establishments. The Everett Theatre, for instance, has been around since 1922 and is most likely the town's cultural center, offering various shows and film screenings. The Middletown Historical Society Museum illustrates some glorious decades from the past of the town. The town's annual Peach Festival takes place right on main street, celebrating Middletown's farm-country roots with festival-goers from miles around. Sully's Irish Pub, among other local companies and dining places, and even natural attractions like Silver Lake Park, add vitality to living in a small town.

Smyrna

Smyrna is an offbeat town that has quite a charming main street, littered heavily with historical monuments. The earlier Smyrna Opera House from the 19th century has been restored quite extremely and is bustling with different happenings such as concerts. The Plank House is the headquarters of the Duck Creek Historical Society and offers a little information on the town of Smyrna. Along the town's main street are a number of historic properties, further complemented by the Smyrna Museum, which houses a collection of local artifacts. Just to the south of main street is the George C. Wright Jr. Municipal Park, offering a natural escape. Added to this, Painted Stave Distilling offers tours and tastings in its converted movie theater, so there is some modernity in this historic setting.

Georgetown

Georgetown is an underappreciated town in Delaware that boasts a beautiful main street. The Circle, where all roads lead, serves both as Georgetown's main street center and as a National Historic Landmark. In the center of the circle is the Sussex County Courthouse, built in 1837. More insight into the history of the region can be had from the Georgetown Historical Society in the Marvel Carriage Museum. Visitors can also stroll by the Town Hall or the Old Fire Hall. The Paynter House is in close proximity, as is the Dr. Joseph B. Waples House. There are a number of additional historic sites one can see while taking a walking tour of downtown.

Milton

Milton is an often overlooked small town that has historic architecture that will appeal to a small-town feel. Their Lydia B. Cannon Museum is housed in a former church, detailing the town's maritime history. The Milton Theatre, a restored vaudeville house of days gone by, now hosts live performances and events. Milton's natural and cultural legacy is celebrated with the annual Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival. Right a bit off the main street, you will find that the Dogfish Head Brewery is worth visiting for the tours and tastings that they hold on their own merit. Also found here is the Milton Historical Society, as it breathes life into the history of this town, while Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant gives the main street some verve.

From the main streets that are dynamic with energy yet full of character and historic flair, these are the small towns found in Delaware: Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Milford, New Castle Middletown, Smyrna, Georgetown, and Milton. Each of them exudes a rich blend of history, cultural vitality, and scenic settings that together are representatives of the heart of the First State. Be it the local shops in areas of historic architecture or scenic backgrounds really doing it for you, these towns offer a delectable taste, showing the best of what Delaware features.