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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.

Kalmar Nyckel, The Tall Ship of Delaware
Re-creation of the Dutch-built, Swedish-flagged ship that brought the first permanent European settlers to Delaware Valley. The ship spends July sailing out of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal and visits various other ports along the East Coast. The ship is available for public tours, sailing events, receptions and charter sails.

Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve
A 143-acre refuge maintained by the Nature Conservatory along the banks of the Broadkill River. Features native flora and fauna, including rare plants and more than 100 bird species. Several distinct habitats represented, such as upland forest, tidal marsh and swamp forest. Two-mile canoe trail linked to historic Milton.

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.

Killens Pond State Park
Natural and recreational opportunities abound at Killens Pond State Park, centrally located in the heart of Kent County. The park's centerpiece is the 66-acre millpond which features boating and fishing. The all new Killens Pond Water Park offers resort entertainment in a serene, natural setting. Only about an 1½ hour drive from either the northern or southern boundary, Killens Pond makes a perfect home base for exploring the First State. Open year-round, the park's campground and cozy cabins are popular retreats no matter what the season. The millpond was established in the late 1700's. Prior to the pond's creation, the Murderkill River and surrounding hardwood forest were sites of several Native American homes and hunting camps. According to legend, the river's unusual name refers to a local tribe's massacre of a Dutch trading party at the mouth of the river in 1648. Now a peaceful oasis, Killens Pond became a state park in 1965.

Nanticoke Indian Museum
Rich in history of the Nanticoke people. Displays demonstrate the traditional ways of our tribe, stone artifacts, carvings, pottery, traditional clothing, tools and implements. Houses a large collection of Native American books, photographs and videos. Our gift shop has something for everyone.