Hi!

I'm living in Baltimore Maryland now and wanted to go somewhere different for a DAY TRIP. (Been to DC, Richmond and Philly.) I enjoy checking out different cities and seeing what they're all about.

With Wilmington Delaware only one stop (less than an hour) away on Amtrak, I thought going there might be an interesting day trip. Lonely Planet has a walking tour of the city that begins from Wilmington's Amtrak train station and goes to Market Place Square, purportedly a pedestrian-only walking area. I thought I might check out the Delaware History Museum which is on Market St.

Does anyone here know Wilmington and think this trip is worth doing?

Thanks! Dan

There is a wonderful new museum (whose name escapes me) in Wilmington that worth visiting. Also, I'm sure there are tours available to Longwood Gardens(www.longwoodgardens.com; 800-388-1000) and other sites in Brandywine Valley.
You might want to check with the Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau (302-652-4088). They also publish a very good visitors guide that you should request.

Hi!

I'll ask about a new museum (do you remember the genre?) when I phone the visitors bureau...

Thanks so much, Howard!

Dan.

Dan, I lived in Delaware for eight years and I can say that personally, I don't find the city itself at all exciting. I just went back last week and they have refurbished the riverfront area with a few outlet stores, a park and a new building that holds all sorts of exhibits (the original exhibit being a huge display of Russian artifacts). I second the recommendation for Longwood Gardens, a beautiful and huge collection of gardens in West Chester, PA; and also Winterthur, a former DuPont mansion which is located north of the city, which holds one of the largest collections of 18th century furniture anywhere. It has gorgeous gardens as well. Also fun is a trip to the college town of Newark (that's pronounced New-ARK - like Noah's) to see the University of Delaware and visit Main Street with its collection of little shops and cafes. Try a Capriotti's Bobbie sub for a unique Delaware treat. Also yummy is Rita's Water Ice. Delaware was my home for a long time, and while I was happy there, I generally don't think of Wilmington as a major tourist destination. But I too like to check out the cities around me. Whatever you do have a great time!

Thanks Andrea for all the help!

I too had never thought of Wilmington as a tourist destination, even for day trippers (which is possibly part of its appeal to me??). Passing by on the Amtrak train from Washington to New York, it had never looked appealing enough for me to stop there one day. However, since I've moved to Baltimore (I'm car-less), I've been looking for fun day trips to do on a pretty day and Wilmington due to its accessibility seemed like a possibility.

Honestly, I hadn't expected much excitement in Wilmington...just a pleasant excursion really. Possibly a nice park and a few museums maybe. Possibly a chance to educate myself on Delaware and its history. And, as you say, to check out the cities around me, to see what they're all about. Generally, I prefer visiting large cities and foreign cultures...but with my job, I have so little time to travel (something I love to do).

Thanks again for all your suggestions. I appreciate your thoughtful insights.

(I think I WILL go one of these days...I'll make sure to give a trip report.)

Back to work! DAN

First of all, Daniel, I'm not sure what the musem's genre, because we went there to see the magnificent exhibit on artifacts of the Czars which, I believe, was the museum's debut exhibit and took up a good part of the gallery space. You might as the visitor's bureau what the current exhibit there is.
The previous poster is correct in saying that there's not that much to see in Wilmington proper, but there's so much in the nearby Brandywine Valley! We spent weekend there and didn't come close to seeing everything.
In addition to the previously mentioned Longwood Gardens and Winterthur, there'a also the Hagley Museum, the Nemours Mansion, etc., etc., etc. Some (such as Longwood Gardens and Winterthur) will keep you occupied and interested easily for a half-day each.
However, you might want to wait until next Monday when the flowers are really in bloom before your visit. (Again, check this out with the visitor's bureau, which can also probably give you info of tours to the sites.)