Best of Delaware: Fun and Leisure in 2024

When you're looking for ways to have fun and stay entertained in the First State, these Best of Delaware winners have you covered.

20th- & 21st-Century Fine Art

Editors: Somerville Manning Gallery

Greenville

Located in historic and picturesque Breck’s Mill, the gallery is a treasured resource for collectors of museum-quality art and expertise on such notables as N.C. Wyeth and other illustrators of the Brandywine School. Exhibitions are a 40-year tradition and a treat for visitors, showcasing the work of the region’s finest artists, including Jamie Wyeth, Jon Redmond and Mary Page Evans.

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Activities for Summer Nights

Editors: Hagley Museum & Library

Wilmington

From June through August, Hagley and Dogfish Head Brewing turn the museum grounds into a picnic and leisure destination each Wednesday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. (weather permitting). Visitors can ride bikes, walk their dogs or stroll for a beautiful mile along the Brandywine River. Bring your own repast or buy beer, Woodside Creamery ice cream or fare from food trucks. Admission is $5. Kids and Hagley members get in free.

Band to Make You Dance the Night Away

Editors: Jellyroll

Chadds Ford

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Don’t expect to see too many seats filled at a Jellyroll event—you’ll find most people on the dance floor. The premier wedding and dance band, which has been performing in the area since 1980, provides an unforgettable experience, blending old-school classics with the latest hits. Known for their infectious energy and interactive style, this dynamic ensemble is guaranteed to be the life of any party.

Community Theater

Downstate, Readers: Milton Theatre

Milton

Upstate, Readers: The Candlelight Theatre

Wilmington

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Cycling Route

Downstate, Readers: Gordons Pond Trail

Lewes

Upstate, Readers: Jack A. Markell Trail

Wilmington to New Castle

Golf Course (Public)

Downstate, Readers: Baywood Greens

Long Neck

Upstate, Readers: Deerfield Country Club

Newark

Hiking Spot

Downstate, Readers: Cape Henlopen State Park

Lewes

Upstate, Readers: White Clay Creek State Park

Newark

Hotel

Downstate, Readers: Boardwalk Plaza Hotel

Rehoboth Beach

Upstate, Readers: Hotel du Pont

Wilmington

Karaoke

Downstate, Readers: Purple Parrot

Rehoboth Beach

Upstate, Readers: Trolley Tap House

Wilmington

Kayaking/Canoeing/Paddleboarding

Downstate, Readers: Trap Pond State Park

Laurel

Upstate, Readers: Lums Pond State Park

Bear

Live Music Venue

Downstate, Readers: Freeman Arts Pavilion

Selbyville

Upstate, Readers: The Queen

Wilmington

The Queen
The Queen. Photo by Joe Del Tufo.

Mountain Bike Trail

Downstate, Readers: Cape Henlopen State Park

Lewes

Upstate, Readers: Brandywine Creek State Park

Wilmington

Place for a Picnic

Downstate, Readers: Cape Henlopen State Park

Lewes

Upstate, Readers: New Castle Battery Park

New Castle

Place to Discover Your Inner Artist

Editors: Glasshowes

Milford

At Glasshowes, visitors can buy handmade stained-glass art pieces, windows and mosaics, as well as learn how to make their own creations. Founder Malinda Howes worked in and taught stained glass artistry for 20 years in Bedford, Massachusetts, before relocating to the First State in 2010. Her studio also offers restoration services and studio time for established and ascendant artists.

Place to Get High

Editors: Delaware Rock Gym

Bear

Delaware may not be known for epic outdoor rock formations, but you can still get your climb on—and find a community of like-minded enthusiasts—without having to cross state lines. Open since 2007, the Delaware Rock Gym is still the only one of its kind in the area. Whether you’re into bouldering, top rope or lead climbing, you’ll find diverse terrain and routes for climbers of all levels. Owner Matt McCorquodale and his team keep things fresh by introducing new routes every week, plus they offer courses for beginners and intermediate climbers wanting to transition to sport climbing and the outdoors.

Delaware Rock Gym
Delaware Rock Gym. Photo by Justin Heyes.

Place to Talk to Ghosts

Editors: Rockwood Park and Museum

Wilmington

This 1800s rural Gothic Revival estate-turned-museum is said to be occupied by the family that built it—and died many years ago. Footsteps, frosty air and even apparitions commonly occur here, say staff, who have specifically identified 28 spirits. Paranormal experts offer tours to the public year-round, providing EMF meters, thermal cameras and talking-ghost boxes to communicate with the other side. Don’t worry; some are a little ornery, but none are mean-spirited.

Sports Venue

Downstate, Readers: Lefty’s Alley & Eats

Lewes

Upstate, Readers: Frawley Stadium

Wilmington

Frawley Stadium
Frawley Stadium. Photo by Joe Del Tufo.

Trivia Night

Downstate, Readers: Arena’s Deli & Bar

Multiple locations

Upstate, Readers: Timothy’s Riverfront Grill

Wilmington

Cold-Plunge Workshops

Editors: Bikram Yoga Chadds Ford

Chadds Ford

Health enthusiasts flock to Bikram Yoga Chadds Ford for their seasonal dynamic breathing and ice-bath events. Led by owner Megan van Riet, these spirited gatherings attract people of all kinds with the common goal of wellness. After taking an icy dip, participants typically hang out, nosh on light refreshments and trade notes—and the vibe is, well, chill.

Related: Here’s What to Do Around Delaware This Weekend

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