Sunday, April 28, 2024

Delaware Children’s Theatre: Community Performing Arts

The Delaware Children’s Theatre began as a program to bring the joys of theater to schools, and has grown over three decades to become one of the finest family entertainment venues in the area. Located in an historic building, the Delaware Children’s Theatre has consistently presented outstanding theatrical productions. And best of all, it’s a real community undertaking. Kids and adults can take acting workshops, and there is also a summer camp for kids. If you have the acting bug, you are welcome to audition. Who knows, you might just be a local star! Join the dedicated volunteer corps and help out behind the scenes. Or just show your support by coming to one of the Delaware Children’s Theatre’s shows and events throughout the year. You can call the box office or order your tickets online.

Delaware Children’s Theatre
1014 Delaware Avenue
Wilmington, DE 19806
(302) 655-1014
www.dechildrenstheatre.org
www.yelp.com/biz/delaware-childrens-theatre-wilmington

Highland Orchards Farm Market: Local Food in Wilmington

Situated right in the middle of a quaint neighborhood in the city of Wilmington, the Highland Orchards Farm Market offers fresh local produce. With over 200 acres of farmland in the city, Highland Orchards offers you the opportunity to pick your own fruits and vegetables in season during the summer and early fall. Or go to the Farm Market where fresh picked produce is already displayed for sale. Open every day in the Summer and Fall, the Farm Market backs community supported agriculture. Get a CSA card and subscription, and get great deals on fruit, vegetables, eggs, dairy products, honey, and preserves, all produced locally from area farms. Don’t miss going to the bakery, where apply cider doughnuts are available year-round. There are outstanding artisan breads and don’t leave without picking up a fresh-baked pie!

Highland Orchards Farm Market
1431 Foulk Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 478-4042
www.highlandorchardsfarmmarket.com
www.yelp.com/biz/highland-orchards-farm-market-wilmington

Catch an Action Flick in 3D at Penn Cinema IMAX

Instead of standing in a winding line at the box office, moviegoers at Penn Cinema IMAX step right up to one of four kiosks that dispense tickets. The system is much faster and more efficient than your typical movie theater, a fact that many Yelpers are quick to point out in their glowing reviews of the theater. Grabbing tickets quickly isn't the only reason locals choose Penn Cinema IMAX, though.

They also appreciate the all-encompassing experience of seeing a movie in one of the massive IMAX theaters. Lean back in one of the large, comfy chairs in the stadium-style auditorium and allow yourself to get completely swept away in the action. The high-energy flicks that are screened in the IMAX theaters typically include some 3D action, so grab a pair of glasses before you head inside. You also might want to pick up a few snacks, first. Locals like the pretzel bites, but you can't go wrong with standard popcorn and soda, either.

Penn Cinema IMAX
401 S. Madison Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
(302) 656-4314
www.penncinema.com
www.yelp.com/biz/penn-cinema-riverfront-imax-wilmington

New Candlelight Theatre: Where Dinner Theater Thrives

Dinner theater is alive and well in Wilmington at the New Candlelight Theatre. Located in the neighborhood of Arden, the New Candlelight Theatre literally began as a barn where they put on shows. But it has evolved into a place where great dining and entertainment come together. And oh, what entertainment there is! The calendar always has a great selection of popular musicals and plays. And once a month, the Candlelight turns into a comedy club. All tickets include a buffet dinner, so make your reservations and be prepared to enjoy a tasty meal that includes favorites like ribs, Swedish meatballs, fish filet, and peel and eat shrimp. There’s also a nice wine list to complement your meal, and if you’re celebrating a special occasion, cakes are available. Check the website for a calendar of upcoming shows and more information.

New Candlelight Theatre
2208 Millers Road
Ardentown, DE 19810
(302) 475-2313
www.nctstage.org
www.yelp.com/biz/new-candlelight-theatre-wilmington

Ride and Hike at Carousel Park and Equestrian Center

Whether you're just looking to go for a hike or want to learn how to ride a horse, you can accomplish your goal at Carousel Park and Equestrian Center. The Wilmington park sprawls across 217 acres of flourishing nature, filled with emerald meadows and sparkling blue ponds. Miles and miles of paths wind throughout the woods, offering a serene spot to collect your thoughts or chat with a friend.

If you're interested in the equestrian part of the park, head to the center and take a horseback-riding lesson or just go for a tour of the barn. You can also BYOhorse and set out on the cross-country trail, which will teach your steed how to safely navigate different types of terrain. The Equestrian Center even hosts "pony parties" every autumn Saturday and Sunday, when your little ones can come take a spin on a smaller steed.

Carousel Park and Equestrian Center
3700 Limestone Road
Wilmington, DE 19808
(302) 995-7670
www.nccde.org/425/Carousel-Park-Equestrian-Center
www.yelp.com/biz/carousel-park-new-castle-county-equestrian-center-wilmington

Picnic, Bird-Watch or Fish at Brandywine Creek State Park

At an impressive 933 acres, it's no wonder that Brandywine Creek State Park plays host to such a huge spectrum of activities. Some of the activities are simple, like enjoying the sights and aromas in the Tulip Tree Woods. One of Delaware's first nature preserves, this grove of tulip poplar dates back nearly 200 years. So does the Freshwater Marsh, where bluebirds flit to and fro and wildflowers thrive.

You can also go bird-watching at the park, which is home to more than bluebirds. Many types of hawks soar overhead, so keep an eye out. If you're interested in fishing, Brandywine Creek teems with bluegill, crappie, and small mouth bass, while Wilsons Run has trout. Near the lakes there are 14 miles' worth of trails. They're an ideal spot to go for a run or a hike, or to capture a special photograph. Once you're done, spread out a blanket on one of the lawns and read a book, fly a kite, or have a picnic.

Brandywine Creek State Park
41 Adams Dam Road
Wilmington, DE 19807
(302) 577-3534
www.destateparks.com/park/brandywine-creek
www.yelp.com/biz/brandywine-creek-state-park-greenville

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

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