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Top Ten Romantic Getaways

Romantic Getaways

1. New Candlelight Theatre
2. Hotel DuPont
3. DuPont Theatre
4. Grand Opera House
5. Milton
6. Dover Downs Hotel
7. Rehoboth Beach
8. Lewes
9. Packard Reath Gallery
10. Nassau Valley Vineyards

A message from Delaware Governor, Ruth Ann Minner

There is no place quite like Delaware.  Escape to “Chateau Country” for riveting landscapes made famous by Andrew Wyeth’s paintings. Watch the sun rise over the ocean at the Great Dune near Lewes and a great blue heron as it takes flight from the marshlands of Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge. This year, retrace history along the Nanticoke and Broad Creek rivers with the Captain John Smith Reenactment Voyage.

Our state capital, Dover, is home to one of the most beautifully preserved capitol complexes in the nation, captured by the First State Heritage Park. Old New Castle is a charming town to visit with its original cobblestone streets, colonial homes and guided historical tours. And don’t forget the coastal town of Lewes, which tells the story of Delaware’s seafaring past that dates back to the 1600s.

Enjoy the best opera, dance, drama and music or get inspired by a showcase of galleries featuring our state’s finest artists. Shop tax-free at Delaware’s brand name outlet stores, boutiques and antique shops.

We invite you to experience the wonder and diversity the First State has to offer. Delaware, it’s good being first.

Capital Square/Legislative Mall
Located in the center of Delaware's state capitol and featuring the state's replica of the Liberty Bell. Open space hosts many festivals and special events.

Pond Ice Arena, The
'The Coolest Place in Delaware.' Public skating Fri., Sat., Sun. Learn-to-skate programs. National and Olympic coaches and skaters. Free style, pairs and dance sessions. Synchronized skating. Hockey 101, open hockey, stick and puck. Youth and adult hockey programs. Two ice surfaces. Pro shop. Off-ice training facility.

The Schwartz Center for the Arts
The Schwartz Center for the Arts was originally constructed in 1904 and known as The Dover Opera House. George M. Schwartz expanded it into a movie theater in 1923 and tabbed it The Capital Theater. For years the Theater flourished but in the 1970s fell into a state of disrepair and in 1982 the doors were closed. After an extensive statewide fundraising campaign spearheaded by Board Chair Frank Fantini (then Vice President of Independent Newspapers) led to extensive modernization and expansion, the beautiful $8.3 million facility reopened in October, 2001 as the Schwartz Center for the Arts. In 2004, under the leadership of Board Chair Dr. Scott D. Miller (President of Wesley College), a strategic alliance was formed to partner the resources of Wesley College, Delaware State University, The Grand Opera House and The Friends of the Capital Theater, to maximize usage and position the historic treasure as the premiere performing arts center south of Wilmington

White Clay Creek State Park
A Relaxing Oasis The lush greenery and sparkling streams of White Clay Creek State Park offer a refreshing change of pace from the encroaching urban development of New Castle County. Whether it's an activity at the Carpenter Recreation Area, a retreat into the pristine White Clay Creek Preserve, a hike along the peaceful trails of Possum Hill, or just a few hours of fishing in the creek, visitors of all ages will enjoy the natural beauty of the White Clay Valley. White Clay Creek State Park was created in 1968 when the state purchased 24 acres of land. The park has since grown to 3384 scenic acres in the continuing effort to preserve and protect the natural resources of the valley. Scenic Trails Of the many activities available at the park, hiking is one of the most popular. Thirty-seven miles of trails lead explorers to scenic vistas overlooking lush valleys and impressive rock outcrops. Hikers and mountain bike riders can travel two miles by trail from the Judge Morris Estate, through the county-owned Middle Run Valley Natural Area, to Possum Hill. Follow the Lifecourse Fitness Trail in Carpenter Recreation Area to help stay physically fit, or hike the former rail line, now the Pomeroy Rail-Trail, to the pedestrian bridge over White Clay Creek. Hikers can also stroll through history at this beautiful park. The Twin Valley Trail leads hikers to the Arc Corner Monument, which marks one end of the curved boundary between Pennsylvania and Delaware. The monument in the Possum Hill section of the park replaces a lost wooden post that Mason & Dixon called "Post Marked West (PMW)." From there, the famous survey team ran a line due west that stretched over 200 miles. The section that lies west of the Maryland-Delaware boundary, is the Maryland-Pennsylvania boundary that is better known as known as the Mason-Dixon Line. Activities White Clay Creek State Park offers a variety of other activities throughout the year. The Nature Center hosts a number of interesting and educational interpretive programs. Many outdoor activities are also available at the park, including birdwatching (Delaware Birdlist) and disc golf. A large picnic area and pavilion afford a special place for a barbecue with family and friends. Evening concerts and other special events provide entertainment throughout the summer. Sledding and cross-country skiing are among the many wintertime activities available at the park.

Trap Pond State Park
Freshwater wetlands once covered a large portion of southwestern Sussex County. Trap Pond State Park retains a part of the swamp's original beauty and mystery, and features the northernmost natural stand of baldcypress trees in the United States. The pond was created in the late 1700's to power a sawmill during the harvest of large baldcypress from the area. The Federal Government later purchased the pond and surrounding farmland during the 1930's and the Civilian Conservation Corps began to develop the area for recreation. Trap Pond became one of Delaware's first state parks in 1951. Visitors have many opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the wetland forest. Hiking trails surround the pond, providing opportunities to glimpse native animal species and many flowering plants. Birdwatching is a popular activity and the observant hiker may spot a Great Blue Heron, owl, hummingbird, warbler, Bald Eagle or the elusive Pileated Woodpecker.