Once every four years, we all get a gift—a gift of time. This year, leap day is on a Monday, but don’t let that get you down. Make the most out of your extra day and maybe tackle some of those New Year’s resolutions or spend time with family. Feeling stumped? Our list should provide plenty of inspiration.
1. Orchid Extravaganza at Longwood Gardens. Orchids abound at Longwood during their winter celebration of flowers. On Feb. 29, the gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reserve your ticket here.
2. Watch live music at the World Café Live at The Queen in Wilmington. Musical legend and Louisiana native Buckwheat Zydeco is performing on Leap Day at the Queen. He’s a Grammy-nominated performer and is known for bringing Louisiana’s zydeco music to the main stage. He appeared on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” and played with the Roots. Tickets start at $18 for standing room only and $26 for a seat. For more information, head here.
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3. Volunteer at the Food Bank of Delaware. Pop into one of their l in Newark and Milford to lend a hand. Visit www.fbd.org for more information.
4. Learn some strange and spooky history about Lewes. The Lewes Legends Tour takes you through historic Lewes with a paranormal twist. Starting from the Ryves Holt House, the 90-minute tour walks you through all of Lewes’s strange past, including a stop at one of the most haunted places in the state, the Cannonball House. The tour is $10 per person. Call 645-7670 to reserve your spot.
5. Work your way through the Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail. Drink your way through the state—or at least part of it—for Leap Day. The Delaware Tourism Office put together a Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail passport so you don’t miss any of the important stops. Highlights include the Iron Hill Brewery and Nassau Valley Vineyards. Download your passport here.
6. Clean out your closet. Get a jumpstart on spring cleaning and give back at the same time. Donate your new or lightly worn clothing to the Salvation Army or Goodwill at a number of locations around the state.
7. Go meatless at Nage. Known for its creative dishes, Nage offers vegetarian and vegan specials every Monday. Step outside your comfort zone and try something new (and healthy). www.nagerb.com.
8. Explore Dover. You may have driven through Dover a dozen times, but what do you really know about its rich history? Join a guided tour around the Old State House, the John Bell House or Legislative Hall for a peek into Delaware’s historical past and political present.
9. Give blood. More than 79,000 blood donations are needed in this area each year for about 20,000 patients across the Delmarva Peninsula. Take some time this Leap Day and give blood at any of the convenient locations throughout the state. Find a location nearest you here.
10. Grab dinner and a movie (at the same time). TV dinners no more! AMC Painters Crossing Theatre in West Chester has the perfect solution. Located just over the Delaware border, Painters Crossing offers a dine-in menu with more than just buttered popcorn. Enjoy a juicy burger or a sandwich with your movie and even order a cocktail. Check out the menu and see what’s playing here.
11. Check out the Women of Rehoboth exhibit at the Rehoboth Beach Museum. Bravery and empowerment take center stage in the Rehoboth Beach Museum’s current exhibit about the women of Rehoboth. Read true stories and get inspired. Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
12. Cook up something creative. Sure, we all have our tried-and-true recipes—but Leap Day is a good time to reinvent yourself in the kitchen. It could be as easy as adding papaya or passion fruit to a basic fruit salad or as skillful as serving up fresh spring rolls or an Indian curry dish. The 7-Day Farmers Market in Wilmington is like taking a trip around the globe—soon you’ll have a shopping cart full of diverse tastes ready to be transformed into a world-class dish. 7-Day Farmers Market, 3901 Lancaster Pike, Wilmington, 476-8924.
