31 Things to Do in Delaware This July

1. Escape the heat

Channel your inner Sherlock Holmes or Jack Sparrow this summer at Exodus Escape Rooms. Each room has its own theme and mystery escape plan. 

284 E. Main St., Newark • 366-8250

Exodus Escape Rooms//Courtesy of Bill Wright

2. Revel in Delaware scenery 

Embark on a six-mile hike through Junction and Breakwater Trail, a scenic nature retreat. Time your outing so that you can watch the sunset as you make your way from Rehoboth to Lewes.

Wolfe Neck Road, Rehoboth Beach

3. Quench your thirst at a beer garden

Constitution Yards offers beer and food as cheap as $5. Indulge in cocktails and barbecue fare, and unwind with games like corn hole and Wiffle ball.

308 Justison St., Wilmington • 407-5192

4. Spend a rainy day at a local antique shop

Aunt Margaret’s is a two-story antique mall with more than 30 dealers. On July 7, 8 and 9, everything in the store is 20 percent off!

294 E. Main St., Newark • 454-8007

5. Visit an art gallery

The 30-year-old Somerville Manning Gallery, located in ones of Delaware’s national historic districts, specializes in 20th- and 21st-century art and sculpture. Painter Andrew Wyet work, spanning eight decades, will be on exhibit July 6 through July 29.

101 Stone Block Row, Greenville • 652-0271

6. Eat your way through Rehoboth

The only thing better than a food tasting? A three-hour culinary tour packed with local Rehoboth Beach history! Tours are held every Friday and Sunday in July.

The tour starts at 6 Christian St., Rehoboth • (888) 908-7115

Eating Rehoboth//Courtesy of Paul Cullen

7. Rediscover go-karting

Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix has weekly specials.

4060 North DuPont Hwy., New Castle • 656-5278

Go-Karting at Mid-Atlantic Grand Prix//Courtesy of Erin Powers

8. Cool down with a delicious cone

The Ice Cream Store in Rehoboth Beach has over 100 flavors—including bacon, beer and Pop Rocks. 

6 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth • 227-4609

9. Get in touch with nature

Plan a visit to the 80-year-old Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, which protects one of the largest tidal salt marshes in the mid-Atlantic area.

2591 Whitehall Neck Road, Smyrna • 653-6872

10. Channel your inner child

Sure, a regular old happy hour is always fun. But how about playing a classic arcade game as you throw back a beer or two? 1984‘s got a little something for everyone.

2511 W. 4th St., Wilmington • 384-6479

11. Stock up on fresh produce and special goods

Home to over 70 individually owned shops, the New Castle Farmers’ Market is the perfect place for all your summer shopping.

110 N. DuPont Hwy., New Castle • 328-4101

12. Treat yourself to a day of pampering

Toppers Spa/Salon—our editors’ 2016 pick for the best day spa downstate—offers facials, massages, nail services and more. You’ll unwind from a stressful workweek in no time.

1131 N. DuPont Hwy., Dover • 857-2020

Toppers spa/salon//Courtesy of Kali Biernbaum

13. Jump outside your comfort zone 

Let Skydive Delmarva take you on the adventure of a lifetime. Parties of more than five people get a $10 discount!

32524 Aero Drive, Laurel • 297-9707

14. Stop whining about the summer heat

Nassau Valley Vineyards offers self-guided tours and tastings for just $5 per person.

32165 Winery Way, Lewes • 645-6666

15. Spend a night under the stars

Lums Pond State Park‘s 68-site campground is equipped with showers, picnic tables and grills. Don’t leave without going fishing, boating and/or hiking.

1068 Howell School Road, Bear • 368-6989

16. Brush up on some history

The colonial-era Amstel House still has its original woodwork from 1730. Group tours are available by appointment year-round.

30 Market St., New Castle • 322-2794

17. Get dressed up for dinner and a show

Head to the Candlelight Theatre to enjoy a buffet-style dinner and a performance of “Barefoot in the Park,” which runs July 15 though August 27.

2208 Millers Road, Wilmington • 475-2313

18. Strive toward inner peace

Stretch out your tired muscles at Pure Yoga Pilates Studio.  

14 A Trolley Square, Wilmington • 225-YOGA

Pure Yoga Pilates Studio//Photo by Matt Gordon

19. Spend a lazy day in Millsboro

Bring a fishing rod and picnic lunch to Massey’s Landing.

Long Neck Road, Millsboro • 739-9200

20. Go zip-lining

Rally some friends and family members, and whiz through the forest for a few hours at Go Ape.

1042 Howell School Road, Bear • (800) 971-8271

21. Stop by an iconic spot

This summer at Winterthur, tour the house of Henry Francis du Pont, discover endless art galleries, and observe temporary exhibits. Head to Winterthur After Hours on Friday, July 28, for music, a beer garden and a sunset tram ride.

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur • (800) 448-3883

22. Indulge in a big Sunday brunch

Order an omelet and a rich cup of coffee from Drip Café, which partners with Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-Op, Ceremony Coffee Roasters and others to ensure a super-fresh brunch experience.

144 Lantana Drive, Hockessin • 234-4430

Drip CafÉ//Courtesy of Rhiannon Barlow

23. Savor some live music

The Ladybug Festival returns to downtown Wilmington on July 20 and 21. Headliners for the festival’s fifth anniversary include Larkin Poe, Jenny Leigh, Nadjah Nicole and June Divided.

211 N. Market St., Wilmington

Nadjah Nicole//Courtesy of Jeremy Hebbel

24. Improve your golf game

For 18 holes of fun, head to Back Creek Golf Club—the 2016 readers’ pick for best public golf course upstate. Prices start as low as $19.

101 Back Creek Drive, Middletown • 378-6499

25. Head to Harrington

Don’t miss the 98th Delaware State Fair (July 20–July 29). Country music trio Rascal Flatts performs July 25. 

18500 S. Dupont Hwy., Harrington • 398-3269

26. Sip on a SeaQuench Ale

Dogfish Head’s lowest-calorie beer to date is the perfect summer drink. (Also, check out the new Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats next time you’re in Rehoboth.)

320 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach • 226-2739

27. Dine al fresco

Grab pizza from Café Riviera or ribs from Uncle John’s BBQ when Rolling Revolution comes to Delaware Park on Friday, July 14, at 6 p.m. 

777 Delaware Park Boulevard, Wilmington • (800) 417-5687

28. Show some First State pride 

Buy tickets to a Blue Rocks game.

801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington • 777-5772

29. Whip up some new summer recipes

Get inspired at a Brandywine Culinary Arts cooking class. Classes cost $50 and generally last for one hour.

113 Parrish Lane, Wilmington • 479-0415

30. See a live performance 

Comedians John Mulaney and Tom Segura are visiting The Grand Opera House on July 23 and July 28, respectively.

818 N. Market St., Wilmington • 655-5577

31. Splurge on fresh seafood

Craving clams, crabs or lobster after a long day in the sun? Head to Henlopen City Oyster House, our editors’ 2016 pick for the best seafood downstate.

50 Wilmington Avenue, Rehoboth Beach • 260-9193