Sunday, April 28, 2024

Longwood Gardens: There’s Always Something in Bloom

Longwood Gardens aren't just another set of glorified flower beds; this botanical oasis is a masterpiece from start to finish. The land that once housed the Lenni Lenape Native Americans, and then Quaker farmers, has transformed into a sprawling garden that looks more like a work of art than a work of careful landscaping. That's exactly how founder Pierre S. du Pont envisioned it; to be something "inspiring, meaningful, and beautiful," according to Longwood Gardens' website.

So if you've been wondering what the largest collection of exhibit mums looks like, head to Longwood Gardens. These mums are in full bloom in early November. Throughout the year, other gardens come alive, like the Meadow Garden with its ever-present birds and bees. The Orangery remains breathtaking year-round since it's house inside a greenhouse, and you've probably never seen dome-shaped flowering bushing or rainbow-toned flowerbeds quite like these before.

Longwood Gardens
1001 Longwood Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
(610) 388-1000
longwoodgardens.org
www.yelp.com/biz/longwood-gardens-kennett-square-2

Delaware Art Museum: An Impressive Collection of Eclectic Masterpieces

Howard Pyle was well-known in early 20th century Delaware. He was an advocate for art, a teacher, and a friend to many. So when he passed away, his friends and students thought it was only fitting that they do something artsy in his honor. They founded the Wilmington Society of the Fine Arts, a group dedicated to showing off Pyle's own paintings, prints, and drawings. Over the next century, this modest endeavor flourished into a full-fledged museum: the Delaware Art Museum.

Still located in Wilmington, this museum boasts a particularly impressive collection of British Pre-Raphaelite paintings, distinguished by their emphasis on classic literature. These works reside right alongside Howard Pyle's own masterpieces, American illustrations, and other forms of contemporary art. Head out to the Copeland Sculpture Garden for some fresh air and art, or check out whichever visiting exhibit is on display at Delaware Art Museum.

Delaware Art Museum
2301 Kentmere Parkway
Wilmington, DE 19806
(302) 571-9590
www.delart.org
www.yelp.com/biz/delaware-art-museum-wilmington-3

Winterthur: Get a Glimpse Inside the Glamorous Life of the du Pont Family

Unless you're brand new to Delaware, you've probably heard of the du Pont family. The local clan grew famous as industrialists in the early 20th century and remain prominent today as the founders of a nationally renowned children's hospital in Delaware. Long before that hospital was even on the horizon, however, there was Winterthur.

The du Pont family estate is where Henry Francis du Pont was born in 1880, and he opened it to the public a few years before his death in 1969. Today, you're welcome to take a tour of the impressive estate, which encompasses 1,000 acres of meadows and woodlands in addition to the regal home. Sixty acres of the estate are dedicated to a garden that seeks to show Delaware in its natural state, and the 175-room house next to the garden still looks much like it did when the du Pont's actually inhabited it. Take a tour of both to learn a little bit more about this locally famous family.

Winterthur
5105 Kennett Pike
Winterthur, DE 19735
(800) 448-3883
www.winterthur.org
www.yelp.com/biz/winterthur-winterthur

Brandywine Zoo: The Animal Kingdom

For over a century, the Brandywine Zoo has been the place for families to visit and enjoy. Located in the heart of Brandywine Park, the zoo is a fun and affordable outing for adults and kids.

A variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians are featured. Come see endangered species like the Amur Tiger and Golden-Headed Lion Tamarin, animals that can’t often be seen outside of their native habitats. American mammals like the Florida Bobcat, Swift Fox and Sandhill Crane are also on hand. All of the 150 species are presented in natural settings, so you can see them up close. The zoo is fun and educational, with a number of programs for children and families. The zoo makes special events like Earth Day and the Mother’s Day celebrations a lot of fun, too!

The Brandywine Zoo is open every day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Brandywine Zoo
1001 North Park Drive
Wilmington, DE 19802
(302) 571-7747
www.brandywinezoo.org
www.yelp.com/biz/brandywine-zoo-wilmington

Delaware Children’s Museum: Hands-On Learning for the Young and Young at Heart

Once a month, kids and parents get into the Delaware Children's Museum for just $2 apiece. These Community Access Nights, held from 5 to 8 p.m., are the museum's way of giving back to the area's families. Like on any typical day at the museum, clans can still explore the hands-on exhibits that teach kids about everything from science to money management.

Many parents sing the praises of the ECOnnect section of the museum, where little ones can get acquainted with the way Mother Nature works. Kids can stroke starfish, crabs, fish, and even stingrays and small sharks in the 600-gallon Touch Tank Aquarium or splash and learn at the stream table. The museum's other features include a massive playground for climbing called the Stratosphere, a kid-sized ATM as part of Bank On It, and rotating exhibits that change with the seasons.

Delaware Children's Museum
550 Justison Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 654-2340
www.delawarechildrensmuseum.org
www.yelp.com/biz/delaware-childrens-museum-wilmington

Concord Mall: Good Shopping in the City

Looking for some deals in Wilmington? Come to the Concord Mall, just around the corner from Riverfront Heights. Located across from Devonshire Park, the Concord Mall has a terrific selection of stores for every shopper. There are three good anchor stores in Sears, Boscov’s and Macy’s that offer everything from clothing to house wares. But there are lots of specialty stores that are worth more than a look.

Find the latest clothing styles and accompany them with some nice jewelry. While you're at it find some new shoes and pick up a whole outfit here! Pamper yourself at places like the Regis Salon and Bath & Body Works. Get some new housewares or scents at Yankee Candle. And you can also get something good to eat in the food court.

Concord Mall
4737 Concord Pike
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 478-9271
www.concordmall.com
www.yelp.com/biz/concord-mall-wilmington

Brandywine Park: A Landmark

Founded in 1895, Brandywine Park is Delaware’s oldest and a National Historic Landmark. At 178 acres, there’s a lot of space for rest and recreation.

With terrific wooded trails, this is a great spot for a stroll, hike or bike along breathtaking river vistas and foliage. Enjoy checking out the monuments, lovely formal gardens and other natural areas. Kids can enjoy the playground, teams can use the athletic fields and families can make use of the grills, pavilion and picnic areas. There’s even an off-leash area for your furry friends! Try not to miss going to the garden and seeing the beautiful Josephine Fountain.

Visit Brandywine Park's website to find out more about this Delaware destination!

Brandywine Park
1001 North Park Drive
Wilmington, DE 19802
(302) 577-7020
www.destateparks.com/park/wilmington/brandywine-park/index.asp
www.yelp.com/biz/brandywine-park-wilmington

Arcade Games Meet 1980s Pop Culture at 1984 in Wilmington

Whether you're old enough to remember the year 1984 or young enough that you have to rely solely on television and movies, anyone who can appreciate 1980s nostalgia will have a blast at 1984, a popular Wilmington bar.

Try your hand at one of 1984’s classic arcade games, like Pac-Man, Frogger, and Tetris, or systematically work your way through all of them—1984 has a collection of more than 30 machines (best of all, the arcade prices are also 1984 prices: just a quarter each). And don't forget the '80s karaoke nights or '80s DJ nights when you can dance the night away to your favorite vintage tunes.

Fortunately, the bar's stock isn't stuck back in 1984, so you'll find a nice selection of your favorite modern craft brews to wet your whistle while you're having fun.

1984
2511 W. Fourth Street
Wilmington, DE 19805
(302) 384-6479
www.1984wilmington.com
www.yelp.com/biz/1984-wilmington

Wilmington Blue Rocks: Take Me Out To The Ball Game

Love baseball? Check out Delaware's Wilmington Blue Rocks! Playing in the Carolina League, the Blue Rocks are a team of young up and comers, so you are guaranteed to see some terrific baseball. Frawley Stadium, the home of the Blue Rocks, is a great venue, close to I-95 and offering affordable tickets.

To attract fans, the place has frequent deals on food, plus fun events like fireworks, concerts, "run-the-bases" nights and lots of entertainment and giveaways throughout the game. There's almost always something fun happening here on game days, so it's worth chekcing out the website to plan a visit!

Wilmington Blue Rocks
801 Shipyard Drive
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 888-2015
wilmington.bluerocks.milb.com/index.jsp?sid=t426
http://www.yelp.com/biz/wilmington-blue-rocks-wilmington

World Cafe Live at The Queen: Wilmington Rocks

Great entertainment is not far away, at the World Café Live at The Queen.

Located in Wilmington, The World Café at The Queen is the result of a partnership and vision of a college public radio station and a promoter. Add in the restaurant, and the place is perfect for lunch, dinner, and a show. Come for happy hour from Mondays through Fridays and get a great deal – half off selected appetizers and excellent prices on bottled and tapped beer, as well as wine and other drinks. The weekends are always hopping, so buy your tickets early and come in for dinner first. There’s a terrific selection of appetizers, pizzas, sandwiches, and entrees. The dessert list also includes some delightful options. After that, enjoy the show!

Check the website for a calendar of upcoming events.

World Café Live at The Queen
500 N. Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 994-1400
queen.worldcafelive.com/
http://www.yelp.com/biz/world-cafe-live-at-the-queen-wilmington

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