As many social drinkers participate in Dry January to start off the new year, it can be a challenge to change up the routine. If you’re used to hitting the bars or a local brewery for happy hour after work, you may be looking for a new place to hang out this month. While plenty of bars offer mocktails, and you can always hit your favorite brewpub for a no-drinks lunch or dinner, some would rather avoid the temptation altogether.
Here are a few ways to spend a weekend, afternoon, or evening around Delaware—no drinks necessary!
Check out a Local Cafe
If you want the experience of sipping on a creative drink, local coffee shops are the perfect substitute for the bar. Delaware is home to many creative coffee houses that offer so much more than just coffee. Scout Cafe has a coffee flight for the perfect Dry January tasting experience. Flavors rotate seasonally, so enjoy warming winter flavors. Cafeneo in Newark makes a traditional Greek coffee in hot sand. kaffé KARMA‘s menu is filled with unique options like the blue matcha latte, turmeric latte, and plenty of loose-leaf tea varieties.
kaffé KARMA | 342 Buckley Mill Road, Greenville
Scout Cafe | 2316 Baynard Boulevard, Wilmington
Cafeneo | 139 Sourth Main Street, Newark
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See a Show
Local venues across Delaware provide plenty of Dry January entertainment. The Queen is home to several rock shows this January. The Grand’s lineup includes Ms. Lisa Fischer, Masters of the Telecaster, and a tribute to Harry Chapin. Down south, Clear Space Theatre Company presents “Dial M for Murder” from January 24 to February 9.
The Queen | 500 North Market Street, Wilmington
The Grand Opera House | 818 North Market Street, Wilmington
Clear Space Theatre Company | 20 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach
Dine and Play
Wilma’s offers great entertainment during Dry January. Grab a group of friends and go duckpin bowling! Plus, with menu items like upscale burgers, Cajun nachos, crab cakes, and more, it’s a one-stop shop for entertainment and a meal. Similarly, Lefty’s Alley & Eats in Lewes provides activities like private karaoke rooms, bowling, axe throwing, and a full arcade. The menu includes sandwiches, salads, and pizza, to name a few options.
Wilma’s | 900 North Market Street, Wilmington
Lefty’s Alley & Eats | 36450 Plaza Boulevard, Lewes
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Dive Into the World of Tabletop Gaming
If you’re curious about fantasy games like Dungeons and Dragons or just want to find unique board or card games, The Days of Knights in Newark is a great place to start. With nights dedicated to board-game playing, Magic: The Gathering card nights, and a diverse stock of card games, board games, tabletop game supplies, and puzzles, it’s a great spot to find something fun to do. Host a game night with your friends and enjoy learning a new game or playing old favorites this Dry January.
The Days of Knights | 173 East Main Street, Newark
See a Local Exhibit
January is a great month for Delaware’s art museums. At the Delaware Art Museum, the “Jazz Age Illustration” exhibition is a must-see collection that runs through January 26. At the Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover, “Rozeal.: Want Not” immerses visitors in the world of Japanese folklore, geisha, and samurai imagery infused with hip-hop references and African American culture. At the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science, “Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs” takes visitors on a journey back to Pangea to learn about the Permian period through visuals, animatronics, artist renderings, fossils, and more.
Delaware Art Museum | 2301 Kentmere Parkway, Wilmington
Biggs Museum of American Art | 406 Federal Street, Dover
Delaware Museum of Nature & Science | 4840 Kennett Pike, Wilmington
Take a Hike
The great thing about mild winter weather is you can take advantage of all the great fall hiking throughout the frosty season as well. Delaware’s state parks like White Clay Creek, Cape Henlopen, and Brandywine Creek offer plenty of views to enjoy. Getting out and active is a great way to further take advantage of the health benefits of Dry January. Cutting back on drinking and boosting your exercise and time outdoors is sure to create the perfect start to 2025.
Delaware State Parks
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Go to the Zoo
Until the end of February, the Brandywine Zoo is free! While there’s limited visibility for certain animals, there’s still plenty to see. Take a stroll and enjoy learning about different species from places like Asia, Madagascar, and South America.
Brandywine Zoo | 1001 North Park Drive, Wilmington
Go on a Seal-Watching Tour
Cape Water Tours are a great way to enjoy the Delaware Bay during the off-season. We have visitors from the north that can be safely and respectfully observed up-close on a seal-watching tour. Register for a 10 a.m. or noon tour departing from Lewes. Tickets cost $38. Binoculars and all types of camera are encouraged to capture the moment!
Cape Water Tours and Taxi | 213 Angler Road, Lewes
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Attend a Dry January Event
Dry January is an increasingly popular movement. As people search for nonalcoholic fun, local restaurants, bars, and other businesses are answering the call. On January 4, FranksWine hosts a Zero Proof tasting and book signing event with Meg Geisewite, the author of Intoxicating Lies. Scout Cafe will host a tea and chocolate pairing for the ultimate nonalcoholic tasting experience on January 17. At Liquid Alchemy Beverages, learn how to make nonalcoholic drinks that are sure to impress at a mocktail class on January 19. These mocktails can easily be made into mead cocktails for those not participating in Dry January, so the event is ideal for mixed groups.
FranksWine | 1206 North Union Street, Wilmington
Scout Cafe | 2316 Baynard Boulevard, Wilmington
Liquid Alchemy | 28 Brookside Drive, Wilmington
