11 Hidden Gems You Have To See In Delaware Before You Die
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Delaware is full of amazing secrets – it’s obvious why the state’s slogan is “Endless Discoveries.” There are so many underrated, overlooked Delaware hidden gems in the First State that you wouldn’t know were hiding right in plain sight. Check these out this spring and get to know the best hidden gems in Delaware.
1. Winterthur's Enchanted Woods
19807, Greenville, DE 19807, USA
Lots of Delawareans have been to Winterthur to explore the estate and 1,000 acres of ornate garden. But did you know there's also an amazing fairy garden hiding here? The Enchanted Woods will take you on a journey through a magical forest - it's perfect for children and adults alike. Bring your imagination, and whatever you do, don't step into a Fairy Ring!
Take a whimsical walk through Winterthur:
Take a whimsical walk through Winterthur:
2. The Newark Reservoir
19711, Newark, DE 19711, USA
This little-known spot is great for a quick evening stroll when you want some solitude in busy Newark. The waterfront views are something you wouldn't expect from the middle of the state! This is a photographer's paradise.
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3. The Goodstay Gardens
2600 Pennsylvania Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806, USA
The Goodstay Gardens are Wilmington's little secret garden and it's a lovely place to bring the family for a beautiful day outdoors.
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4. The Biggs Museum of American Art
406 Federal St, Dover, DE 19901, USA
The Biggs Museum is one of the best displays of American Art on the East Coast. This spring, they're displaying original Ansel Adams photographs - so get in touch with the American West right here in Dover, Delaware!
5. Lavender Fields
18864 Cool Spring Rd, Milton, DE 19968, USA
Enjoy the fresh smell of Lavender, beautiful rolling acres, and the legendary Soap Fairy at Lavender Fields in Milton, where you can stroll the fields and pick up luxurious handmade soap and fragrances.
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6. The Lightship Overfalls
219 Pilottown Rd, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
The Lightship Overfalls is kind of a secret Delaware spot hiding in plain sight! Many people pass by the Lightship every year, only to forget about it when looking for something to do. The floating museum here is amazing and absolutely worth the trip. You'll learn about the history of the Lightship program and all of the stories behind the Overfalls' legendary career.
Get a closer look at The Lightship Overfalls:
Get a closer look at The Lightship Overfalls:
7. C.R. Hummingbird to Mars
West 16th Street, W 16th St, Wilmington, DE 19806, USA
I can't tell you too much about this secret Delaware spot - but you'll need a password to get in. If the lantern is lit next to Catherine Rooney's, this speakeasy is open and serving up prohibition-era cocktails. Come dressed in your best, because they'll turn you away if you don't fit the scene.
8. Marian Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar
1405 Greenhill Ave, Wilmington, DE 19806, USA
The Marian Coffin Gardens were recently restored and are now open to the public! Delaware is certainly blessed with some amazing landscape architecture, and the Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar are no exception.
Take a magical stroll through these lovely gardens:
Take a magical stroll through these lovely gardens:
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9. Blackbird Creek Reserve
801 Blackbird Landing Rd, Townsend, DE 19734, USA
This little-known tract of public land is great for paddling and picnicking! Drop in anywhere and enjoy the public land. There's no park office or visitor's center, so you're on your own for a solitary paddle.
10. 3 Palms Zoo
1060 Vandyke Greenspring Rd, Townsend, DE 19734, USA
3 Palms Zoo is the coolest little animal sanctuary in Delaware! Meet their rescued alligators, Tick-Tock, Wendy Darling, and Mr. Smee and make friends with Dominick the Donkey. 3 Palms quickly becomes a favorite of everyone who visits.
11. Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge
1400 Delmarva Ln, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
The Russell W. Peterson Refuge is the first urban wildlife refuge in the area, and it's a wonderful escape from busy Wilmington life. Enjoy the waterfront critters that hang out here and get to know your state a little better at the Visitor's Center. This is a great quick trip from anywhere in New Castle County.
How many of these hidden gems in Delaware have you been to? Let us know about your experiences in the comments. Beautiful nature preserves and stunning museums aren’t all that’s hiding in the First State! The best way to explore this state is by car, and we have some wonderful itineraries for road trips in Delaware for you to explore.
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More to Explore
Intriguing Attractions In Delaware
What are the best hidden gem attractions in Delaware?
The best hidden gem attractions in Delaware include:
- The Well: Located in Hockessin, this place isn’t nationally famous, but locals flock here for the great food, shops, and marketplace.
- Wilson’s General Store: This family-owned, old-fashioned general store is said to have the best breakfast sandwich in the state.
- C.R. Hummingbird to Mars: This is a speakeasy where you have to find the secret code from their social media and dress in style.
- Bowers Bewach Maritime Museum: Learn all about the history of pirates and shipwrecks at this amazing Delaware museum.
Find out more about the best hidden gem attractions in Delaware.
What are the most charming small towns in Delaware?
The most charming small towns in Delaware include:
- Rehoboth Beach: While the official population is under 1,500 people, visitors gather here from all over Delaware and other nearby states to savor its charm.
- Seaford: This little town of about 7,000 people feels like a warm community and the downtown area has been revitalized.
- Selbyville: The quaint and historic architecture in this tiny town makes for an amazing visit and it is home to Doyle’s Diner, the oldest diner in Delaware.
- Odessa: This is an old-fashioned town with many historic homes and buildings as well as the amazing Cantwell’s Tavern.
Learn more about the most charming small towns in Delaware.
What are the most unforgettable day trips in Delaware?
The most unforgettable day trips in Delaware include:
- St. Anthony’s Italian Festival: Get to Wilmington in June to attend this lively festival with delicious Italian food, fun rides, carnival games, and more.
- Fifer’s Orchard: This is the place to go in autumn to pick apples, drink fresh cider, and enjoy amazing apple cider donuts.
- Winterthur: Come to the March Bank here in the spring to see the cherry blossoms blooming in all their splendor.
- Mt. Cuba Center: The gardens here are replete with native plants and a multitude of multicolored wildflowers.
Discover more about the most unforgettable day trips in Delaware.