72 HOURS IN WILMINGTON, DELAWARE
So Little Time, So Much To Do
According to Scholaroo, Wilmington, Delaware, is ranked as one of the top most affordable cities in America. After living here for over two years, I would agree. Not only is living in Delaware’s Largest city cheap it has a growing foodie scene with a unique blend of old and new. What makes Wilmington, DE so unique is the city is filled with historic buildings, homes, gardens, upcoming restaurants, and the people are welcoming. Some days I feel the city provides small-town vibes with the busy city life. There’s so much to do in the city that I’m still exploring.
If you were in town with only 72 hours to explore, here is what I would recommend:
WHERE TO STAY
THE QUOIN HOTEL:
Located at 519 Market Street, The Quoin is a luxury boutique Hotel housed within the former Security Trust & Safe Deposit Company building. The property features 24 luxury guest rooms and suites that incorporate an earthy vintage aesthetic with homemade décor and original architectural details. Along with the 24 rooms and suites, the hotel offers 155 seated restaurants, a lower-level cocktail lounge, and a café. The best thing is it’s the 1st rooftop bar in the city. Even if you don’t book here the rooftop bar and cocktail lounge are great for late-night drinks. If you are looking for upscale this is your pick.
BOOK HERE
HOTEL DU PONT:
Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, DE Hotel DU Pont is a step into the past and present. Today, it’s a hotel but it used to be the headquarters for the Dupont Company during the Gilded Age. It’s a 12-story Italian Renaissance landmark-style building that debuted in 1913 with 217 guest rooms and suites, This hotel is home to La Cavalier at the Green Room, a specialty dining experience.
BOOK HERE
RESIDENCE INN BY MARRIOTT WILMINGTON:
Still located downtown. This is my pick for a budget-friendly stay. Located near Brandywine Park, this is a great location that’s still close to restaurants and attractions.
BOOK HERE
WHERE TO EAT
FARMER & THE COW
If you are looking to cross off a restaurant Featured in a Food Network Show, this is your Place. Farmers and the Cow were featured on Dinners, Drive-Ins, and Divers on the Food Network. They specialize in giant juicy burgers (413 N Market St)
BARDEA STEAK
It is not your average steakhouse, it’s an experience put together by Antimo Dimeo and Scott Stein.
DE.CO & THE CHANCERY FOOD HALLS :
DE.CO is a contemporary food hall with 8 mini restaurants that serve a variety of different cuisines. From pizza, and sandwiches to sushi. Every Saturday, they have a local artisan Market from 11:00 AM to 4 PM. Tuesday is Trivia Night from 6:30 PM- 9:30 PM. Events
One of the newest food halls in the downtown area features good eats and drinks. This food hall features New York-based vendors such as Akhatar Nawab’s Kati Roll Wala and David Chang’s Fuku. There are always fun events to attend like Bingo night, trivia night, and Karaoke. My favorite thing is Sunday Yoga and Wednesday Trivia Night. The food Is affordable and there are always social events happening each day. To see what’s happening
LE CAVALIER AT THE GREEN ROOM
Located within The Green Room, Le Cavalier is a culinary gem that offers a dining experience for food enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. The menu is curated by renowned chef Tyler Akin, and has become the must-visit destination in Delaware.
CHELSEA TAVERN:
Looking for a more laid-back, relaxed dining experience this is your go-to. This happens to be one of my favorite places to grab dinner when I don’t want to cook. It has everything you will need to make it a local spot. Curated food that is phenomenal, a wide variety of beers, and sports are always on so you can catch a game or two. Affordable food and you can find something that suits your palate.
TROLLEY SQUARE OYSTER HOUSE:
A few miles from the downtown area is Trolley Square. A booming place to be in the nightlife. It’s one of my good to for a quick catch-up dinner with my friends on a weekday. W You can dress up or down when you enter this coastal haven. The restaurant is sourced from both local waters and oyster farms from around the world. My favorite night to do is Wednesday for Oyster Night. Also, their craft cocktails are delicious.
WHERE TO DRINK
TOBERT STREET SOCIAL:
Rated Best Crafted Cocktails in Delaware. This is the place to be on any day of the week. This hidden gem is a hidden cocktail lounge located in one of Delaware’s historic stables, built in 1887.
MAKERS ALLEY:
A place for small bites, drinks, and outdoor vibes with friends. Located between restaurants and apartments. This spot is great to enjoy nice weather and engulf yourself in the social scene. The vibes are backyard meet beer garden.
CONSTITUTION YARDS:
If you decided to walk the Riverfront, you are a few steps away from my favorite beer garden. Constitution Yards is a seasonal beer garden featuring 30,000 sq. ft of outdoor space at along the Christina Riverwalk. The beer garden uses shipping containers as storefronts with rows of picnic tables and benches. Not only is there an Axe-throwing space inside. The place is kid and dog-friendly. I would check out their site they have a rotating assortment of local food vendors and events like yoga, live music, and movie nights from May- to September. Laid -back
CROW BAR:
If you appreciate a well-crafted cocktail then this place is for you. Located in the heart of Trolley Square. This place is upscaled dimmed lighted, classy atmosphere to wine down a few drinks. The bar offers small plates that are big enough to share with others at the table. It’s a great spot to go alone or with friends.
SIMMER DOWN: LOCATED INSIDE THE QUION HOTEL. THIS COCKTAIL LOUNGE IS THE NEWEST AND HOTTEST PLACE TO TRY.
WHAT TO DO
BRANDYWINE PARK:
Historical 178- acres of park that spread alongside the Brandywine River. Home to a Delaware-only zoo and a beautiful rose garden.
WINTERTHUR MUSEUM, GARDEN LIBRARY:
Dupont family (who started the gun power mill) has a deep root history in Delaware and has left a large mark in the area. This museum use to be the home of Eleuthere Irenee DuPont. Another reputable Dupont Alfred has a mansion that you can visit too called Nemours Mansion and Gardens.
EXPLORE NEMOURS ESTATE OR HAGLEY MUSEUM:
Previously owned by Alfred I DuPont, the mansion was designed in the late 18th century. The estate has 77 rooms, and over 200 acres of gardens and meadows to explore. It’s a great place to spend an afternoon exploring the grounds and rich history. Click Here
Wilmington Riverfront: Explore the vibrant Riverwalk, lined with restaurants and entrainment venues. The riverfront has a walkway along the Christine River. There’s a mini golf course hidden along the riverwalk too.
DELAWARE ART MUSEUM:
For $14 dollars you can explore a collection of American art, British Pre-Raphaelite Art, and American Illustration. Located on 2301 Kenmare Pkwy where you can find renowned artists such as Howard Pyle, and John Sloan. *Saving tip: The museum is free on Sundays and any time after 4 pm on Thursdays from April thru December.
WILMA’S DUCKPIN BOWLING:
Looking for a step into Southern Style Cooking and New Orléans Hospitality this is the place to be. Wilma is a bowling venue with crafted New Orelano-style food.
THE GRAND OPERA HOUSE OR THE PLAYHOUSE:
Grab a show at The Grand Opera House, a historic theater that hosts a variety of performances including Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts.
DELAWARE CENTER FOR THE CONTEMPORARY ARTS (DCCA)
This contemporary art gallery features rotating exhibitions showcasing works by local, national, and international artists
I realize that there is so many local things to do around Wilmington, DE. The city has put a lot of effort in the last few years and it is showing. The city is booming with so many things to do I couldn’t put everything in this post. Wilmington is a booming city ready to take on the Philadelphia food and night scene.
