Take This Road to Nowhere In Delaware To Get Away From It All
By Kim Magaraci|Published September 14, 2016
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
So many people drive through Delaware each day on I-95, completely missing the beauty of the Diamond State. You might be one of them – if you’re heading out of New Castle County to go to work, you’re probably dealing with highways, traffic and congestion each morning and afternoon. Wouldn’t it be nice to hop in the car one day and go for a scenic drive in Delaware, just to get out on the open road and enjoy the sights along the way? Delaware has several amazing scenic byways that are worth exploring, but one is particularly appealing to anyone looking to get away from it all.
The Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway will take you into Delaware's Chateau Country.
Covering DE Route 52 down to the intersection of DE Route 100, and back up towards Pennsylvanian, the Brandywine National Scenic Byway is one of the most beautiful drives in Delaware.
Along the way, you'll pass plenty of historic restaurants, like Buckley's Tavern.
Stop to grab a bite to eat at historic Buckley's Tavern, which is located in a house dating back to 1817. The location has been a taproom since the 1930s, and it's been operating as Buckley's for over 60 years. With that much history, you know they're doing something right. All of the food here is delicious, and the cozy atmosphere will help you relax on your scenic drive in Delaware.
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The scenery along the road really makes this trip incredible.
You'll pass close to Winterthur Estate, so be sure to stop and see some of the most beautiful landscapes in all of Delaware at this DuPont Mansion and Gardens.
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If you follow Route 52 down slightly past the 100 intersection, you'll stumble upon this hidden Wilmington Estate.
The Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar is an incredible, preserved example of an Italianate garden, boasting beautiful marble terraces, a grand staircase, a reflecting pool, sculpture and a variety of floral treasures. This isn't one of the typical "DuPont" mansions that you saw on a school field trip - but it's so worth the slight detour on your road trip.
Delaware's Chateau Country is home to farms, vineyards, gardens and estates. Take in the view as you cruise down these gorgeous roads, and wonder how far from the city you could possibly be.
The Village at Montchanin is home to the best little getaway in Northern Delaware, the Inn at Montchanin.
A beautiful hotel, luxurious spa, and one of the most unique restaurants in Delaware all await you at the Inn at Montchanin. So, if you're really looking to get away from it all for a day or two, make your reservations here and enjoy the best rest stop you'll ever have.
Driving down from Montchanin, you'll continue to see beautiful Delaware landscapes - particularly in the fall.
The rolling hills, country club estates, and changing leaves make a perfect Delaware picture. You really will enjoy a new perspective on Northern Delaware after driving this scenic byway.
Stretch your legs and expand your art history knowledge with a stop at the Delaware Art Museum when you're coming back down from Montchanin.
The Delaware Art Museum in Wilmington is a great way to wrap up your journey. Take in the beautiful artwork and continue to appreciate the world around you after your long, relaxing scenic drive in Delaware.
