PLACES TO GO, PEOPLE TO KNOW

Alternative Live Music

Editors, upstate: Quirky Oddity Bar received national attention last summer when it appeared in singer-songwriter Kesha’s music video for her song “Woman,” which also featured plenty of Oddity patrons—proof that the place draws crowds from near and far for live music Thursday through Saturday. Regulars on stage include The Bullets, who have been blasting the rockabilly in Delaware for 30 year,s and Cadillac Riot, a mix of rock and blues backed by the power of punk.

500 Greenhill Ave., Wilmington, 668-1078

Art Sale

Editors, upstate: An end-of-summer tradition, the Brandywine Festival of the Arts is better than ever, with plenty of live music and great food and drink vendors in beautiful Brandywine Park. But it’s the quality of artists and crafters, such as local photographers Jennifer Beers and Keith Mosher and beloved painter Larry Anderson, that keeps people coming back year after year. This year’s event takes places Sept. 8-9.

Brandywine Park, 1001 N. Park Drive, Wilmington, 690-5555

B&B

Readers, upstate: Blue Hen Bed & Breakfast

1202 Nottingham Road, Newark, 737-9504

WJBR morning deejay Michael Waite and cohost Jessie Micchelli hold a post-show review at Brew HaHa! in Greenville.//Photo by Leslie Barbaro

Photograph courtesy of Kategory 5

Band to Watch

Readers, upstate: Kategory 5 • Check out the band’s all-time top 10 tunes.

Newark, 423-5364

Camping

Editors, upstate: New Castle County’s Sleep Under the Stars in October ain’t exactly a wilderness experience, but it is a ton of fun, with hundreds of families camped around the ponds and pastures of Carousel Park & Equestrian Center. There are food trucks, stage shows, inflatable amusements and bonfires everywhere, and when the sun starts to sink, kids start trick-or-treating from tent to tent. And it’s all free.

3700 Limestone Road, Wilmington, 995-7670

Gala-Fundraising Festival

Readers, upstate: Delaware Burger Battle at Cauffiel House

1016 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, 533-8336

Golf Course (Private)

Readers, upstate: Wilmington Country Club

4825 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, 655-6171

Golf Course (Public)

Readers, upstate: Back Creek Golf Club

101 Back Creek Drive, Middletown, 378-6499

Hot Rod Shop

Editors, upstate: Take one glance at a roadster that’s passed through the giant doors of One Off Rod & Custom and it’s obvious just how talented the folks there are. Owner Gary Corkell is the heart and soul of this custom fabrication company, and he surrounds himself with people who possess a similar passion. One Off’s projects are often featured in top hot rod magazines, and the company is respected throughout the industry, having been named a Detroit Autorama Ridler Great 8 Finalist with its 1941 Ford pickup project called The Gold Standard. Take it from us—it was a sick build.

118 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Middletown, 449-1489

Iteration of an Andrew Wyeth Exhibition

Editors, upstate: Will we ever tire of the Wyeths? Not when the Delaware Art Museum can spin out new exhibitions such as “Eye on Nature,” which compares the work of Andrew Wyeth with nature painter John Ruskin, a Brit 100 years his senior. Times may change, and art may change with them, but “Eye” captured something timeless and transcendent in the styles of both men. As with all exhibitions at the museum, we can’t wait to see what the curators will do next.

2301 Kentmere Pkwy., Wilmington, 571-9590

Local Sports Hero

Donte DiVincenzo • Read more about the athlete who’s been dubbed Delaware’s Michael Jordan. 

Nightspot

Readers, upstate: Grain Craft Bar + Kitchen

270 E. Main St., Newark, 737-2931

Outdoor Lunch Break

Editors, upstate: An easy walk from almost any office building in downtown Wilmington, Rodney Square is large and bright, with a constant parade of humanity that never gets boring. Bring your brown bag, pick up something on the way, or visit on Wednesdays for the farmers market, then relax with a fresh meal under a shaded table.

Wilmington

Party Band

Editors, over the line: What else can we say about Jelly Roll? They rock. They jam. They have horns—really good ones. And they’ve played the White House. This high-energy party band is well versed in R&B, pop and rock favorites and never fails to get people on the dance floor and keep them there all night. Keep on funkin’.

Chadds Ford, (610) 624-2109

Place for Live Music

Readers, upstate: The Queen

500 N. Market St., Wilmington, (202) 730-3331

Radio Deejay

Readers, upstate: Michael Waite at 99.5 WJBR-FM • See how the morning deejay spends an ideal day.

Wilmington, 765-1160

Radio Station for Music   

Readers, upstate: 93.7 WSTW-FM

Wilmington, 478-2700

Radio Station for News

Readers, upstate: 1150 WDEL and 101.7 WDEL

Wilmington, 478-2700

Radio Station for Sports

Readers, upstate: 1150 WDEL and 101.7 WDEL

Wilmington, 478-2700

Radio Talk Show Host

Readers, upstate (tie): Rick Jensen at 1150 WDEL and 101.7 WDEL • Susan Monday at 1150 WDEL and 101.7 WDEL • Wilmington, 478-2700

Reason to Get Dressed Up

Editors, upstate: The Grand Gala draws the who’s-who downtown for The Grand Opera House’s largest fundraiser of the year. For 41 years, 1,000 people have donned their fanciest formalwear for this lively December event, which raises money for the theater’s arts education programs. Attendees enjoy an A-list concert (past performers have included Tony Bennett and Bonnie Raitt) and a posh after-party at the Hotel du Pont. Insider tip: Pack a pair of flats, because this party goes into the wee hours.

Wilmington, 658-7897

Skateboard Park

Editors, upstate: At your age, there is no way you attempt to do this, but the runs and bowls at Glasgow Regional Park will take you right back to 1977 and the birth of vert. Street skaters find their thrills via rails and boxes. Tempted as you may be, leave it to the kids.

2275 Pulaski Hwy., Newark, 395-5606

Staycation

Editors, upstate: If your ideal vacation day begins with blissful quiet and maybe the Times crossword, a stay at the Hotel du Pont gets you out of the house without wandering too far from home. It’s a luxurious launch to Brandywine Valley attractions such as Winterthur, and its downtown location puts you in the neighborhood of a charming bakery, great restaurants, The Grand, The Queen and, right on-site, The Playhouse on Rodney Square. That’s not to mention white-glove dining in The Green Room.

42 W. 11th St., Wilmington, 594-3162

Place to Take Your Out-of-Town Guests

Editors, upstate: Nothing says Chateau Country like Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library. Show your visitors a quintessential Brandywine Valley landscape, as well as that famous collection of American decorative objects and furniture. We love the architectural follies currently on display on the property, as well as “Dining by Design: Nature Displayed on the Dinner Table.” Young visitors will love the Enchanted Garden. And everyone will love feeling like American royalty for a few hours.

5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, 888-4600

Tattoo Artist/Shop

Readers, upstate: Poppycock Tattoo

115 W. Eighth St., Wilmington, 231-1685

Theater Group

Editors, upstate: On the eve of its 25th season, City Theatre Company continues to be on the cutting edge. From its humble beginning with “Three Short Plays (See How They Run): 73 Minutes of Uncertain Behavior” at the old O’Friel’s Irish Pub in May 1994, CTC moved onto more complex shows, only to become the eccentric company that we know and love today. We can’t wait to see what the season brings.

4 S. Poplar St., Wilmington, 220-8285

TV Personality

Readers, upstate: Tim Furlong at NBC 10 Philadelphia

(610) 668-5705

FOR THE BRIDE-TO-BE

Bridal Boutique

Readers, upstate: Louis Marie Bridal

3 E. Main St., Middletown, 378-7800

Gifts for the Bride-to-be

Readers, upstate: Everything but the Kitchen Sink

425 Hockessin Corner, Hockessin, 239-7066

Wedding Planner

Readers, upstate: Secretariat Wedding & Event Planning

P.O. Box 359, Wilmington, 654-4479

Wedding Reception Site

Readers, upstate (tie): The Farmhouse • 5600 Old Capitol Trail, Wilmington, 999-8477 • The Waterfall • 3416 Philadelphia Pike, Claymont, 792-2600 • Hilton Wilmington/Christiana • 100 Continental Drive, Newark, 454-1500

FASHIONABLE FIRST STATE

Consignment

Readers, upstate: Designer Consigner

7185 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 239-4034

Kids’ Clothes

Readers, upstate: First & Little

25 W. Main St., Middletown, 562-8976

Lingerie, Intimate Apparel

Readers, upstate: Bare Essentials

4009 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 477-4888

Men’s Business Attire

Readers, upstate: Wright & Simon

911 N. Market St., Wilmington, 658-7345

Men’s Casual Clothing

Readers, upstate: Wilmington Country Store

4013 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 656-4409

Women’s Business Attire

Readers, upstate: Claire’s Fashions

312 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, 798-1312

Women’s Casual Clothing

Readers, upstate: Nicole J Boutique

17 Wood St., Middletown, 376-7393

Women’s Evening Attire

Readers, upstate: Claire’s Fashions

1312 Philadelphia Pike, Wilmington, 798-1312

HOMESTYLE

Furniture and Home Accessories

Readers, upstate: Somethings Unique

3834 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 426-1950

Garden Center

Readers, upstate: Gateway Garden Center

7277 Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 239-2727

Home Decor

Editors, upstate: Looking for a cute centerpiece, a cozy throw or an eclectic pair of end tables? Shish Interiors has it all. Owner Sally Guare Hunsinger’s petite shop is packed with goodies, ranging from candles and cheeseboards to tables and chairs. If she doesn’t have what you’re looking for, she knows exactly who to call to have it made. She also sells crafts from local artists, including whimsical pillows from Pillowtalk Design Studio and hand-forged dishes and fine art from Chadds Ford artist Katee Boyle.

1012 N. Lincoln St., Wilmington, 540-9843

Landscaper

Readers, upstate: Borsello Landscaping

720 Yorklyn Road, Suite 5, Hockessin, 472-2600

New Home Store

Editors, upstate: The Vintage Pantry Co. is a small but mighty shop that houses a highly curated mix of vintage decor and contemporary artisan-made items. The mother-daughter owner team is warm, gracious and even quick to recommend other local spots if they don’t have exactly what you’re hunting for.

1731 Marsh Road, Wilmington, 884-7575

Table Settings

Editors, upstate: If you’re searching for dinnerware and decor that will make cooking and entertaining fun again, Adorn Goods is where it’s at. Owners Aubree Wellons and Jennifer Steiner have curated a collection of items anyone would covet, including vibrant Zafferano glassware, Laura Zindel ceramic dishes and woven placemats by Calaisio. The shop hosts cooking classes, too. Start planning your next dinner party now.

5712 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, 575-9657

LOOKING GOOD

Day Spa

Readers, upstate: Beauty Bar by Saiko

1310 Old Lancaster Pike, Hockessin, 234-1400

Gym/Fitness Studio

Readers, upstate: Hockessin Athletic Club

100 Fitness Way, Hockessin, 766-7482

Organic Beauty Products

Editors, upstate: Kindred Skincare Co. founder and creator Frances Thrasher is a former materials science engineer who started making her own beauty products after she developed allergies to additives and thickeners, so the apothecary bottles in her shop are filled with all-natural ingredients such as aloe vera and coconut oil. Kindred products have become cult favorites of locals, as well as celebrities like Alicia Silverstone and Martha Stewart. Check out Thrasher’s latest creations, especially the Organic Lip Plump, and the super-hydrating Under Eye Treat.

5714 Kennett Pike, Suite N, Wilmington, 516-7726

Salon for Women

Readers, upstate: Sherif Zaki Salon & Oasis Spa

4001 Kennett Pike, Suite 232, Wilmington, 652-4902

Salon-Barber for Men

Readers, upstate: Delaware Hair & Co.

276 E. Main St., Suite 101, Newark, 266-4401

MORE RETAIL FUN

Antiques Shop

Readers, upstate: Aunt Margaret’s Antique Mall

294 E. Main St., Newark, 454-8007

Art Gallery

Readers, upstate: Sommerville Manning Gallery

101 Stone Block Row, Greenville, 652-0271

Florist

Readers, upstate: Flowers by Yukie

916 N. Union St., Wilmington, 658-8292

Gift Store

Readers, upstate: Heart and Home

230 Peoples Plaza, Newark, 392-8980; 108 E. Main St., Newark, 737-8980, 4770 Limestone Road, Wilmington, 999-8980

Pet Store

Readers, upstate: Concord Pet Foods & Supplies

326 Fox Hunt Drive, Bear, 838-4300; 697 Yorklyn Road, Hockessin, 234-9112; 340 E. Main St., Middletown, 376-1616; 1450 Kirkwood Hwy., Newark, 737-8982; 2818 Pulaski Hwy., Newark, 836-5787; 312 Suburban Drive, Newark, 368-2959; 287 Christiana Road, New Castle, 324-0502; 2800 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 478-8966; 1720 Faulkland Road, Wilmington, 995-2255; 1722 Marsh Road, Wilmington, 477-1995

Toy Store

Readers, upstate: Oranges & Lemons

3856 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 427-0323

Window Display

Editors, upstate: The SoHo-esque Peter Kate boutique is definitely turning heads with creative displays. The mother-daughter duo of owners Kathy Savage and Sissy Aerenson recently moved the upscale women’s store from Greenville to a much larger space in Fairfax Shopping Center, where designer/merchandiser Mary Elizabeth Grant Walls assembled a fun and flirty butterfly motif for the grand opening. The window dazzled with big black and white butterflies dangling among wood-slatted doors, bare branches and mannequins dressed in eye-catching lavender and black.

2303 Concord Pike, Wilmington, 656-7463