Fort Delaware State Park: A Piece of Local History with National Significance

When Fort Delaware was constructed in 1859, its purpose was simple in theory, but not so simple in reality: to protect Wilmington and Philadelphia's ports in an era distinguished by civil war. It went on to house Confederate prisoners of war, and, eventually, to serve as Fort Delaware State Park.

Hop a ferry from Delaware City, and it'll shuttle you across half a mile of waves to Pea Patch Island. From there, you'll have to board another jitney to get to the fort itself, a menacing building crafted from brick and granite. Once you're inside, you'll be transported back to a time when the fort was still in full operation: summer of 1864. The costumed docents will teach you about the ins and outs of life at the fort, including how blacksmiths made cannons and how the staff did the laundry. If you're interested in a day of learning local history, Fort Delaware is your spot.

Fort Delaware State Park
45 Clinton Street
Delaware City, DE 19706
(302) 834-7941
www.destateparks.com/park/fort-delaware/index.asp
www.yelp.com/biz/fort-delaware-state-park-delaware-city

Empowered Yoga: For Yogi Beginners and Veterans Alike

The atmosphere of community that you experience at Empowered Yoga is no accident. Its founders and instructors pay careful attention to the vibe at the studio because they want everyone to feel comfortable there—regardless of size, background, or skill level. If you are totally new to yoga, though, you should consider taking Empowered's Brand New Beginner Course. It will equip you with everything you need to dive right into the practice.

For those who already know the basics, you're ready to take any of the other classes. Most of them adhere to the Vinyasa style of yoga, which features flowing movements and focused breathing. But you can also take a Stationary Sequence class, which eliminates the quick pace of Vinyasa, but still strengthens and promotes flexibility through stationary postures.

Empowered Yoga
230 E. Main Street
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 525-0961
www.empoweredyoga.com
www.yelp.com/biz/empowered-yoga-newark

Herman’s Quality Meat Shoppe

Smart shoppers looking for quality cuts go to Herman’s Quality Meat Shoppe. The reason is simple: for over three generations, the family that runs Herman’s believes that “Quality” isn’t just something that you put on the sign. Come into Herman’s and check out the beef products, all hand picked from free-range and grass fed cows and dry aged to perfection. Whether you go for a steak, brisket, or ground chuck, you are guaranteed a tasty and all natural cut. The quality continues with the grass-fed veal, free range chicken, lamb, pork, and game meats like venison and bison. All of Herman’s products are raised free of growth hormones and antibiotics. Herman’s also has a great selection of seafood and produce! Catering is also available.

Herman’s Quality Meat Shoppe
64 E. Cleveland Avenue
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 731-5344
http://www.yelp.com/biz/hermans-quality-meat-shoppe-newark

Liberty Yoga: From FLY! Vinyasa to Slow-Flowing Therapeutic Classes

Liberty Yoga's co-owners Erin Sweeney and Christine Shaw come from very different backgrounds, which is what makes them such an effective duo. Christine has been immersed in the world of fitness since the '80s, back when aerobics and step classes were the status quo. She taught those classes 30 years ago, but in 1998, she discovered yoga. The slower style of strength-training intrigued her so much that she got certified and started teaching in 2004. She still incorporates some of the fast-paced fitness of her past at FLY! Vinyasa classes, which move at a quick clip and keep both mind and body engaged.

Erin, on the other hand, didn't begin teaching until 2008, and it was a much slower style of yoga that caught her attention. Erin caters to an older demographic with her therapeutic yoga classes, which are designed to stretch out aching muscles using Iyengar techniques. The classes flow at a slow pace and are perfect for someone with stiff joints or anyone new to yoga.

Liberty Yoga
700 Capitol Trail
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 273-1530
www.libertyyoga.org
www.yelp.com/biz/liberty-yoga-newark

Cinema Center: Catch a Current Flick in an Old School Theater

Cinema Center is perhaps, by modern standards, a bit behind the times. It only has three screens, and the auditoriums aren't necessarily outfitted with the massive cushy seats and crystal-clear sound system to which you may be accustomed. But for its regulars, these are the exact reasons why Cinema Center is so special.

The movie theater's old school vibe is all part of the charm, according to those who catch a flick here often. Despite its vintage aesthetic, the theater does screen first-run movies in its three auditoriums, so you'll be able to catch the latest blockbuster at a much more affordable price than a big megaplex. Plus, the concessions stand has all the classic snacks necessary to get you through the movie, from popcorn to Reese's Pieces. Wash down your sweet and salty feast with a Pepsi or bottled water while you enjoy the show.

Cinema Center
401 Newark Shopping Center
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 737-3720
www.cinemacenter3.com
www.yelp.com/biz/cinema-center-newark

Rainbow Music and Books: Vinyl Classics, Used Books, and More

Rainbow Music and Books in Newark, Delaware is a great place for browsing and find that special piece of music. If you’re a purist who still loves the sound of vinyl, Rainbow has a terrific selection of old favorites. Come in and browse the listings – you just might find that record that makes your collection complete! Whether you like browsing through the latest CDs and DVDs, you can find news releases and hidden gems. Looking for a good book? Check out the new editions or used titles. And musicians can find supplies like strings, picks and drumsticks. If you need a turntable, headphones, or other accessories, Rainbow Music and Books has you covered there, too.

Rainbow Music and Books
54 E. Main Street
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 368-7738
http://www.yelp.com/biz/rainbow-books-and-music-newark

Painting with a Twist: They’ll Supply the Wine

Unlike similar paint-and-sip art studios, Painting with a Twist doesn't task its guests with bringing their own booze. The studio supplies it. As part of a much larger chain, the Painting with a Twist in Newark pours complimentary drinks for its pupils, including beer and wine—but also coffee and tea, if you prefer.

The free beverages are really just the icing on the cake at Painting with a Twist, though. The main even is your painting class, during which a seasoned artist will walk you through recreating a famous or simply fun and colorful painting. The instructors take it slowly so that everyone can keep up, even if you're not much of an artist yourself. Painting with a Twist holds open classes almost every night that anyone can join, and it also hosts special sessions for families and kids. You can book the entire studio for a private party if you have a larger group.

Painting with a Twist
400 Suburban Drive
Newark, DE 19711
(302) 660-1200
www.paintingwithatwist.com/newark
www.yelp.com/biz/painting-with-a-twist-newark

Brew HaHa!: For Coffee Fans

For a serious cup of coffee, come to Brew HaHa! Located in the Galleria right on the University of Delaware campus, Brew HaHa! serves fantastic coffee blends for students, teachers, and everybody else who cares about drinking a great cup of coffee. Come in and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, and take your time picking out a coffee blend. Maybe you’d like the full-bodied café nirvana, espresso enlightenment, or interesting beans brought in from Columbia, Ethiopia, Mexico, or Tanzania. Brew HaHa! roasts and grinds all of their blends in small batches, for the highest quality. The baristas are highly trained, so whether you get an espresso, cappuccino, or latte, you are guaranteed a hand crafted cup of delicious coffee. Brew HaHa! also has a great selection of teas and non-coffee drinks. And stick around for breakfast or lunch – the menu has pastries, salads, and sandwiches that are sure to please.

Brew HaHa!
45 E. Main Street
Newark, DE 19725
(302) 369-2600
http://www.yelp.com/biz/brew-ha-ha-newark

Take Your Pup to Play at Iron Hill Dog Park

Iron Hill Dog Park may have a corner on the market in Newark, but it's still considered one of the top spots in the area to take your pooch for some sun and socializing. Rumor has it that the park's regulars, both canine and human, are some of the friendliest around. So even if you're a newcomer, you can expect to find someone to chat with when you visit Iron Hill Dog Park.

While you're making new friends, your pup will be, too. The fenced-in park boasts two separate areas for small dogs and large dogs, so playmates are always equally matched. Keep an eye on your four-legged friend as he romps around with pooches his own size. You can sit comfortably on one of the many benches, perhaps in a shady spot, and enjoy the fresh air and camaraderie of fellow dog owners.

Iron Hill Dog Park
Old Baltimore Pike and Whittaker Road
Newark, DE 19702
(610) 627-9000
www.bringfido.com/attraction/2709
www.yelp.com/biz/iron-hill-dog-park-newark

Dig Into Local Mining History at the Iron Hill Museum in Newark

A wealth of information about Newark's natural history awaits at Iron Hill Museum. It pays homage to the rich past of the Iron Hill region by showcasing geological artifacts innate to the area, just like it has since opening day in 1968.

Check out the Iron Mining exhibit if you're wondering how the name "Iron Hill" came about. You'll learn about every step in the iron mining process and see iron ore before it becomes the final refined form, Pig Iron. Nearby at the Please Touch Wall, experience geology in a sensory way. You're welcome to feel the ridges in a piece of petrified wood or run your fingers over the crags in a turtle shell. Ogle rocks set ablaze (figuratively) by ultraviolet light in the Glowing Rock Room, or explore a chunk of the du Pont Rock and Mineral collection gathered around the state of Delaware and around the globe. You can even learn how the Lenni Lenape tribe used the bounty of the land (including stone) to survive in early America.

Iron Hill Museum
1355 Old Baltimore Pike
Newark, DE 19702
(302) 368-5703
www.ironhill-museum.org
www.yelp.com/biz/iron-hill-museum-newark

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