Founded in the year 1900 by sculptor Frank Stephens and architect Will Price, Arden resides in New Castle County just outside Wilmington. The small village spans over 161 acres, has a population of just over 500 residents, and is a single-tax community. It is both quaint and quirky with a feeling that not much has changed since its founding. It is also one of three Ardens in the area – there is Ardentown, Ardencroft, and Arden, which is the largest and oldest of the three. A day trip to check out things to do in Arden, Delaware will surely be a unique and memorable one. Come along as we take a closer look!

The Arden Craft Shop Museum is located at 1807 Millers Road just 10 minutes away in Wilmington. The small but mighty Arden Craft Shop Museum is charged with preserving the history and arts of not only Arden, but its sister villages of Ardentown and Ardencroft as well.
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Arden Craft Shop Museum
Inside you'll find scores of photographs and other exhibits that showcase the history of the area. Admission is free but be sure to call or email ahead of time if you are planning to visit to get their current schedule.
The Arden Gild Hall is also located in Wilmington at 2126 The Highway. It is housed in an 1850s barn that was turned into a community center and concert hall in 1909.
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Arden Gild Hall/Facebook
The Arden Gild Hall, one of many historic structures in the state, hosts concerts and other events throughout the year, bringing the community together. There is even a community pool directly behind it. The Hall is home to the Arden Club and the many gilds (this is how the town spells "guild") that shape the community here. Of the many gilds in Arden, there are the Gardeners, Scholars, Dinner, Library, Shakespeare, Writers, and Folk Gilds. The village has a close-knit community whose members are involved in one or more of these gilds.

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One of the most calming places in the area is the Labyrinth of the Ardens, located along Millers Road (again, in nearby Wilmington).
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Labyrinth of the Ardens/Facebook
This seven-circuit labyrinth is a collective effort by the communities of three Ardens (Arden, Ardentown, and Ardencroft) who created a place where people can find peace. Meditation here definitely goes to the next level as you meander through the labyrinth on your way to the center, then back out again. It is truly one of the most relaxing places in the state,
The Shakespeare Gild, located at 2126 The Highway, is another popular place in town.
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Arden Shakespeare Gild/Facebook
While in town you'll definitely want to check out this outdoor theatre, one of several places to enjoy live theater performances in the state, that belongs to the Shakespeare Gild. The folks here have been putting on performances for over 100 years! You'll want to stay for a show if there is one going on and the weather is warm during your visit.
With a name like the "Oddporium" you just have to go in! It is located at 2115 Marsh Road.
Oddporium/Facebook
The Oddporium is definitely one of the quirkiest places you've been to in a long time (if ever!) Stop by just to see what oddities you can find in the cabinet of curiosities! There are so many strange things to see here, like skulls, embalming fluid bottles, and other bizarre items. Pick up an oddity for your own collection (if you have one).

Have you ever visited Arden, Delaware? If so, what was your favorite thing to do or see there? Tell us all about it in the comments, and share your photos too!

If you’re looking for other small towns in The First State, check out this list of 10 little charmers!

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Things to do in Arden, Delaware

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 06, 2022

Are there any festivals in Arden?

Yes, and perhaps the best-known is the appropriately named Arden Fair. This special festival, which takes place every September, is really a wonderful old-fashioned village fair that has been presented for well over 100 years. It features food booths, arts and crafts vendors, musical performances, and other activities that draw folks from all over the Arden and Wilmington area, and further afield.

Where can I go for a weekend getaway in Delaware?

There are actually quite a few places to go for a relaxing weekend getaway in Delaware. In addition to Arden and her two other “sisters,” there’s Georgetown, Fenwick Island, Bethany Beach, Newark, and Lewes, just to name a few. Each one offers its own unique attractions and charm, so you really can't go wrong with any of them.

Are there any free museums in Wilmington?

Yes, there is actually a really good free museum in Wilmington called The Delaware Contemporary. More than your traditional museum setting, it is home to 26 artist studios, seven major galleries, an auditorium, a gallery shop, and more. The setting is beautiful too along the Riverfront Wilmington area. The Delaware Contemporary is just one of several free museums dotted across the state.

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Arden, DE 19810, USA