Wilmington: Hometown Pride

January 27, 2023 | Blog | Reading Time 3:00 Minutes

Wilmington, Delaware, is a Destination Town

It’s referred to as an “oft-overlooked road trip destination” by Thrillist, and who are we to argue? The popular online media website has travel, food and entertainment expertise. Wilmington, Delaware, long known for its rich history, famous residents, and educational institutions, is now described by terms including ‘top-notch’ and ‘rapidly growing hotbed.’ In fact, Wilmington was designated as “One of the Top 23 Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2023” by Condé Nast Traveler. 

Food, Glorious Food 

Positive Wilmington attention, recently, has focused on food, with a wave of new restaurants drawing rave reviews. Visit Wilmington says the evolution is transforming Wilmington into a “bona fide food destination.” In fact, Philly Eater acknowledges that Wilmington is hot on Philadelphia’s heels for drawing in local foodies. Some of the most popular dining venues include but are in no way limited to, The Quoin Restaurant in the newly opened Quoin Hotel, Le Cavalier in the Hotel Du Pont, Bardea Steak, La Fia and Merchant Bar. 

Keeping History Alive in and around Wilmington 

Wilmington showcases its remarkable history through fascinating museums, properties, and sites. Perhaps first and foremost are the multiple residences of the legendary du Pont family. Three of their properties include the Nemours Estate, the Hagley Museum and Library and Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library. These are all magnificent and open for public enjoyment. 

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway shares historic sites that played an important role in her 125-mile journey to freedom. In the Wilmington area, these include Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park. 

A popular historic landmark in Wilmington is the Kalmar Nyckel, a replica of a colonial ship from the 1600s. 

Visit Wilmington calls historic New Castle, Delaware’s “best kept secret.” Just 10 minutes south of downtown Wilmington, it is the oldest continuously occupied town in the Delaware Valley and one of America’s most important Colonial/Federal villages due to the number and authenticity of historic structures. Preserved landmarks worth visiting include the New Castle Court House Museum, Amstel House, Dutch House, and Read House and Gardens. 

The Arts Are Alive in Wilmington 

Not only is Wilmington home to live entertainment and performing arts venues, but it is home to some of the best of the best in the area. Delaware Today named the Grand Opera House as the best community theater, the Candlelight Theatre as the best dinner theater, and Playhouse Rodney Street as the best music venue. 

Visual arts lovers can visit the Delaware Art Museum, which features an exhibit of American illustrator Howard Pyle’s, the most extensive collection of pre-Raphaelites paintings outside of the U.K, and the outdoor Copeland Sculpture Garden. The Delaware Contemporary features exhibitions by regionally, nationally, and internationally known, as well as local and emerging artists. 

Wilmington’s Most Famous Resident 

Regardless of your politics, you can’t ignore the fact that President Joe Biden has left his footprint in Wilmington. For those so inclined, Biden tours can take you to the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Aquatic Center, where he worked as a lifeguard as a teen and the Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station from which he traveled from Delaware to D.C. for 35+ years. His favorite eateries reportedly include Bardea Food and Drink, Café Verdi, Piccolina Toscana, the Charcoal Pit and Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken Express. 

Shipley Living Residents Have Front-Row Seats 

Wilmington has countless additional destinations, including many festivals and special events. 

And by virtue of Wilmington being our hometown, we have front-row seats to all it has to offer. 

The residents of Shipley Living senior living community in Wilmington are so fortunate to have fun, engaging, famous, and educational places to visit. Our senior living community’s vans, sporting our beautiful new logo, are often seen around town visiting all these and more!