The Color Purple is one of several spectacular performances at The Grand in downtown Wilmington./Photo courtesy of The Grand
Art Gallery/Exhibitions
Upstate, Readers: Delaware Art Museum
2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington; 571-9590; delart.org
Downstate, Readers: Sean Kelley Art & Friends
42 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 703-966-6520; seankelleyart.com
Bed and Breakfast
Upstate, Readers: The Inn at Montchanin
528 Montchanin Rd., Wilmington; 888-2133; montchanin.com
Downstate, Readers: Canalside Inn
34 6th St., Rehoboth Beach; 226-2006; thecanalsideinn.com
Camping
Editors: Trap Pond State Park
The main attraction? The giant baldcypress trees, visible from shore but even more spectacular up-close in a kayak. You’ll find 142 campsites here, most of which offer water and recreational hookups, but our coveted spot is one of the cabins beneath a canopy of trees— complete with comfy-ish bunks, an outdoor picnic area and a cozy fire pit. There are also two yurts that boast more of the comforts of home, plus a direct view of the water. 33587 Baldcypress Lane, Laurel; 875-5153; destateparks.com
Community Theater
Upstate, Readers: Wilmington Drama League
10 W. Lea Blvd., Wilmington; 764-3396; wilmingtondramaleague.org
Downstate, Readers: Clear Space Theater
20 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 227-2270; clearspacetheatre.org
Creative Workshops
Editors: Mt. Cuba Center
From flower photography to the art of planting perennials, Mt. Cuba Center offers single-session workshops and certificate programs for an array of interests. Taking root more than 80 years ago, this lush botanical garden, transformed from farmland, features a wealth of the region’s most stunning native plants. Driven by a mission to inspire an appreciation for the value and beauty of indigenous plants, Mt. Cuba Center is a place of education and purpose. 3120 Barley Mill Rd., Hockessin; 239-4244; mtcubacenter.org
Dog Park
Editors: Rockford Park
If your kids have four legs and fur, Rockford Park offers the perfect spot for playdates off the leash. North Wilmington’s historic park is a skip away from downtown, and features both sprawling meadows and woodlands that are ideal for shaded strolls or fetching a ball. Looking to mingle with other pups? Happy hour is when this grassy knoll is hopping.
Fitness Classes
Editors: Hockessin Athletic Club
HAC is any fitness enthusiast’s dream. Find five pools (including an outdoor pool, a lap pool and a pool for kiddos, complete with a super fun slide), personal trainers for all skill levels, and more than 175 classes offered per week (martial arts, hot yoga and aqua fitness, to name a few), and discover the very best workout for you. Afterward, hit the recovery realm, featuring HydroMassage chairs to ease sore muscles. 100 Fitness Way, Hockessin; 239-6688; hachealthclub.com
Gardens
Editors: Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
While grown-ups marvel at Winterthur’s magnificent gardens, youngsters enjoy the magic of the Enchanted Woods, a 3-acre wonderland where imaginations (and little legs) run wild. From the Faerie Cottage to a giant bird’s nest, it’s a place where the young—and young at heart—will love exploring. 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur; 888-4600; winterthur.org
Golf Course (Private)
Editors: White Clay Creek Country Club
White Clay Creek Country Club’s 18-hole course was created by renowned golf course designer Arthur Hills—whose work includes the LPGA International Legends in Daytona Beach, Florida—so it should come as no surprise that the par-72 course is both aesthetically spectacular and just the right level of challenging. Enjoy a round with friends or perfect your game with one of the club’s pros. 777 Delaware Park Blvd., Wilmington; 994-6700; whiteclaycreek.com
Golf Course (Public)
Upstate, Readers: Deerfield
507 Thompson Station Rd., Newark; 368-6640; deerfieldgolfclub.com
Downstate, Readers: Baywood Greens
32267 Clubhouse Way, Long Neck; 947-9800; baywoodgreens.com
Hiking
Upstate, Readers: White Clay Creek State Park
750 Thompson Station Rd., Newark; 368-6900; destateparks.com/WhiteClayCreek
Downstate, Readers: Cape Henlopen State Park
15099 Cape Henlopen Dr., Lewes; 645-8983; destateparks.com/Beaches/CapeHenlopen
View this post on Instagram
Hotel
Upstate, Readers: Hotel Du Pont
42 W. 11th St., Wilmington; 594-3100; hoteldupont.com
Downstate, Readers: Hyatt Place Dewey Beach
1301 Coastal Hwy., Dewey Beach; 864-9100; hyatt.com
Local Music Artist
Upstate, Readers: The Honey Badgers
Newark; honeybadgerfolk.com
Downstate, Readers: Bryan Scar
Harbeson; bryanscarmusic.com
Massage
Editors: Zen Spa
Melt away stress and pain with a 30-, 60- or 90-minute massage. Choose from traditional Swedish deep tissue or hot stones, or a specialty treatment like the Good Karma, which harnesses the power of CBD to reduce inflammation and acute pain, or the Bamboo Massage, which addresses overall well-being. 38857 Bennett Ave., West Fenwick; 988-1750; zenspafenwick.com
Place to Experience Nature
Upstate, Readers: Mt. Cuba Center
3120 Barley Mill Rd., Hockessin; 239-4244; mtcubacenter.org
Downstate, Readers: Delaware Botanic Garden
30220 Piney Neck Rd., Dagsboro; 321-9061; delawaregardens.org
Place to Return for Live Music!
Editors: Tie: Rusty Rudder and Freeman Arts Pavilion
Even before Memorial Day, the Rusty Rudder was open seven days a week and hosting three acts a day on the bayside deck. (Headliners typically appear Thursday through Saturday.) This year, the Rudder received a colorful makeover with brightly painted stools and new deck tables and chairs. Disappearing glass walls and windows bring the outside into the space. The Freeman Stage already changed its name to the Freeman Arts Pavilion, but the second act will be the real showstopper: a $27 million expanded venue that will make the stage a prime arts destination in the mid-Atlantic. 113 Dickinson St., Dewey Beach; 277-3888; rustyrudderdewey.com .
Private Social Club
Editors: DuPont Country Club
In the wake of a major makeover, this century-old club has re-established itself as a pre-eminent social club. Situated on 525 acres, DCC offers tennis, golf (play any course in the world with high-tech Trackman technology ranges), and a brand-new swimming pool and fitness center, plus a beautiful clubhouse for catching up with friends. Linger into the evening for cocktails and stunning sunset views over the expansive grounds. The best part? The new-age country club comes with a super old-school price tag—so you don’t have to be a millionaire to join. 1001 Rockland Rd., Wilmington; 654-4435; dupontcountryclub.com
River Tubing
Editors: Brandywine River
Just downstream of Smith Bridge, where the creek and river meet, a tiny beach beckons tubers to anchor down and stay a while. The Delaware State Park site is dotted with barbecue pits, where in summertime the air is always filled with woodsmoke and the aroma of grilled burgers, as well as festive music booming from the frequent multicultural parties at the beach. It’s also a perfect spot for little ones, who can wade in the shallow water, collect rocks and make new friends. destateparks.com
Sailing
Editors: Rehoboth Bay
With moderate depths, robust sea breezes and gentle currents, Rehoboth Bay, just south of Dewey Beach, is a top—and safe—spot for consistent, small-craft sailing action. Stop by the Rehoboth Bay Sailing Association (38767 Rehoboth Bay Sailing Assoc. Lane, Dewey Beach, 227-9008, www.rbsa.org) to rent a craft (and some lessons) or launch your own and catch some wind in the 3-mile-wide bay.
Skateboarding
Editors: 7th St. Skatepark
On a quiet peninsula where the Brandywine meets the Christina, DIY skaters carved out a small slice of gnarly heaven. 7th St. Skatepark (1180 E. 7th St., Wilmington) features a smooth surface for picking up steam to attempt one of the graffiti-covered quarter-pipes, the A-frame rail, a big bank-to-ledge or clamshell dip. The former forgotten parking lot is a secluded and spacious spot for beginners or expert grinders alike.
Skimboarding
Editors: Dewey Beach
To devotees of the sport, Dewey Beach is the skimboarding mecca of the East Coast. With soft sand and small linear waves that break right along the beach, Dewey is our little go-to destination that attracts skimboarders from around the globe. The town has even hosted the Zap Pro/Am World Championships of Skimboarding with hundreds of sandy spectators. Experts prefer the less-crowded northern stretch of beach, where the small jetty that separates Dewey from Rehoboth provides excellent waves, especially during high tide.
View this post on Instagram
Spa Experience
Editors: Currie Hair, Skin & Nails (at Hotel DuPont)
The salon’s fifth and latest location, which opened earlier this year in the historic Hotel DuPont, partners with L’Oréal Paris to offer a fully immersive experience from the moment guests step inside. Begin with a cup of herbal tea alongside the living wall, then relax into one of several spa treatments, including a deep-tissue massage, hydrating facial and infrared sauna—said to soothe everything from stress to tired skin. Even a color and cut gets a boost when you add on an aromatherapy steam—15 minutes of pure bliss as essential oils repair your scalp and your mood. 111 W. 10th St., Wilmington; 442-6568; curriedayspa.com
Stage Performances
Editors: The Grand and The Playhouse on Rodney Square
We’ve all missed a night at the theater, but thankfully, Wilmington’s arts scene is coming back stronger than ever. The Grand experience, encompassing Copeland Hall, The Baby Grand and The Playhouse, has created a way for guests to watch a variety of programming safely. Shows include children’s theater, drive-in movies, comedy and more. 1007 N. Market St., Wilmington; 888-0200; thegrandwilmington.org
Surfing
Editors: Indian River Inlet
Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean, Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay, the Indian River Inlet produces some of the toughest waves Delaware has to offer. The rock jetties on both the north and south side of the inlet help create the ideal surfing conditions by amplifying the 4-foot swells and sending them crashing with intensity.
Walking Trails
Editors: Rockwood Park and Museum
Need a new spot to reset and rewind? Stroll more than 2 miles of lit walking trails that wind through this 72-acre park. (For longer treks, continue through the Delaware Greenway System). Marvel at the rural gothic architecture of the mansion that Joseph Shipley built in the 1880s, a Quaker merchant banker. Seek shade under the canopies of trees and inhale the aromas of numerous flowering shrubs and plants. Don’t you feel calmer already?4651 Washington St. Ext., Wilmington; 761-4340; nccde.org/431/Rockwood-Park-Museum
RELATED:Â These Are Our Best of Delaware Award Winners in 2021
