These Towns in Delaware Come Alive in Winter

With beaches, wildlife refuges, forests, and historic charm, Delaware is a nature lover's paradise. This makes the state the perfect destination for a relaxing trip or weekend getaway. Even in the winter, the state possesses a rustic charm. Delaware's small towns blend the comfort of the suburbs with the beautiful outdoors, making for a great destination spot. In winter, you can enjoy the quiet beaches at Bethany Beach and Lewes. New Castle and Greenville have a historic charm you can investigate by touring some historic buildings. In Smyrna, you can visit a 15,000-acre wildlife refuge and enjoy a slice of paradise right here in Delaware. Here, we will explore more of the most charming towns in Delaware in wintertime.

Bethany Beach

A place you probably don't think to visit in Delaware in winter is the beaches. However, the quiet that winter brings to the beach towns in Delaware makes for a serene experience. Bethany Beach is a great beach town to visit in winter. In winter, the town is part of the Fire and Ice Festival, a weekend of winter activities at the beach. Some of the activities in Bethany Beach during the festival weekend include inflatables for kids, bonfires with smores, and live ice-carving demonstrations. If you're in town for the festivities, check out the Dicken's Parlor Theater. Just west of Bethany Beach, the small theater has 90 seats and hosts world-class performers from around the world. 

Bethany Beach is also near Fenwick Island State Park. The park is a popular summer destination because of its beautiful beaches. However, in winter, the area is just as picturesque. A warm winter day is a great time to enjoy a quiet stroll on the serene beaches.

Lewes

Another relaxing beach town, Lewes is Delaware's oldest town. Enjoy a winter walk on the beach, or if you are feeling brave, consider partaking in the Polar Bear Plunge. The popular event takes place on the first Sunday in February and raises money for the Special Olympics. A little bit south of Lewes is Cape Henlopen State Park. There are trails to explore where you can walk to the Point and see where Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean.  Once you have enjoyed your fill of the outdoors, check out the Zwaanedael Museum in town. Here, you can learn about the town's maritime, military, and social history. 

New Castle

New Castle is a historic town that's a great winter day trip.  The charming town has cobblestone streets and is close to the Delaware River, making you feel like you are stepping back in time. New Castle's Battery Park is a great place to enjoy the cold winter air while enjoying beautiful views and learning about the town's history. On the Delaware waterfront, the park is famous as the spot where William Penn landed in 1682 when he first came to America. When the water from the river is low, you can even see some incredible artifacts from port facilities dating back hundreds of years.

New Castle also has some magnificent old houses to explore. The grand architecture looks more alluring in winter when there is snow. A popular house to visit is the Dutch House, which is the oldest house in New Castle. A few minutes from the Dutch House is the Old Library Museum. The museum dates back to 1892 and is the exhibit space for the New Castle Historical Society. 

Greenville

Greenville is a town near New Castle that feels whimsical in winter with its combination of historic buildings and natural scenery. Enjoy the comforts of the indoor museums in Grenville while escaping from the cold. A must-see on the list of historic buildings in Greenville is the Henry Francis duPont Winterthur Museum. The striking historic building has 175 rooms and a stunning 60-acre garden. The building offers tours where you can stroll through the estate and see the 9,000 artifacts some dating back to the mid-1600s.

The Blue Ball Barn is another building to check out in Greenville. Located in Alapocas Run State Park, the barn houses the Delaware folk art collection which has more than 120 pieces. While at the Alapocas Run State Park, check out the Blue Granite Cliffs and explore the Alapocas Woods to see some stunning scenery. The woods have a 0.7-mile hiking trail, perfect for a short winter stroll.

Smyrna

Smyrna is another great town to visit in winter. The town is home to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, a 15,000-acre paradise. This is one of the most stunning destinations in Delaware, even in wintertime. There are walking trails to check out and a scenic drive for those who want to explore in the warmth of their car. Blackbird State Forest is another must-visit destination for nature lovers in Smyrna. The 5,400-acre forest has over 40 miles of trails.

After exploring the outdoors in Smyrna, relax and take a break from the cold inside at the Smyrna Opera House. The Opera House dates back to 1870 and hosts local visual, creative, and performing artists.

Hockessin

The charming town of Hockessin is home to the Ashland Nature Center, a great place to visit in any season. Hockessin is close to White Clay Creek State Park, a popular fishing spot in the summer and an excellent place for hiking in the winter. There are several trails in the area, including Penndel, Vaughn's, Edwin Leid Trails Loop, and White Clay Creek Loop. The town also has Swift Memorial Park, a place to enjoy the outdoors. 

Beyond nature, Hockessin is a stop on the historic Wilmington and Western Railroad. This is a rolling museum on a heritage railroad that shows off historical sites in Delaware's historic Red Clay Valley. After your adventures, enjoy some comfort from the cold, check out the Fairville Inn Bed and Breakfast or the Bancroft Manor Bed and Breakfast. These charming bed and breakfasts are near town, making it convenient to explore some local shops and restaurants.

Odessa

Another charming town in the wintertime is Odessa. History buffs will love the town for its historic buildings and attractions. The cobblestone streets look enchanting in the snow and will whisk you away into the past. Odessa has many historic buildings that stand out, particularly in the winter. A historic building right on the main street in Odessa is the Appoquinimink Friends Meeting House. The historical landmark dates back to 1785 and was a meeting place for the Quakers, who were influential abolitionists.

Another historic site to check out is the Corbitt-Sharp House and Wilson-Warner House. The old building takes you back to the 18th century and was a slaves’ safe harbor along their dangerous journey. After exploring the history of Odessa, check out the town's Cantwell's Tavern for lunch. The tavern used to be a hotel and dates back to the early 1800s. Today, the tavern is a casual restaurant serving farmable food.

Delaware's Winter Wonders: Small Towns with Big Charm

Delaware might not be the first spot on your winter destination list, but these small towns are worth a trip. Whether you want to explore a beach town, learn about history, or take a walk through serene woods, there is something for everyone in these towns. Visiting in the winter gives the added bonus of having fewer crowds, so you can enjoy scenic views in peace. Wherever you decide to visit in Delaware, make sure you bring a few layers. While the winter is usually mild, from December to March, the state can experience snow, so make sure to come prepared to enjoy your trip.