7 Quirkiest Delaware Towns You Didn't Know Existed

Way back in 1787, Delaware was the first state to join the US, yet fewer than a million people currently call the state home. That is primarily because it is compact, under a hundred miles long, yet it has the diversity any traveler would need to keep their curiosity piqued: a short but lively stretch of ocean coastline, impressive state parks with dazzling sunset views, and intriguing little towns abound. In a state packed with hundreds of years of history, there is no shortage of quirky and interesting places to be explored.

Arden

This tiny little town near the Pennsylvania border should not easily be overlooked by anyone wanting to visit a place that truly embodies the word "quirky," because Arden is home to a diverse array of delightful people. One of the local businesses, Oddporium, a store whose signage explains that they are "The Gallery of the Peculiar and the Bizarre, Delaware's first and only gallery and shop for needful things," contains all sorts of fascinating things, from unique art pieces, to antique medical equipment, to preserved animal specimens in jars.

Once you are done shopping tax-free (which you can do throughout the entire state of Delaware, by the way), a cool show or concert will most likely be scheduled at the local community center, The Arden Club, where their Gild Hall maintains a fully booked schedule of events from Shakespeare plays to performances by local musicians and poets. If you enjoy that kind of entertainment, as well as eccentric art and craft vendors, plan your visit for Labor Day weekend, when the annual Arden Fair has been held for the last 116 years.

Delaware City

Another unusual spot is Delaware City, most notably home to Fort Delaware State Park. There are multiple scenic areas to relax here, such as the Delaware City Marina, Battery Park, or the Michael N. Castle Trail. If you want to learn more about Delaware's military history, Delaware City is also the perfect location for that; take a ferry across the Delaware River to Pea Patch Island and embark on a guided historical tour of the Civil War era fort, which was originally built in 1859 and subsequently used as a Prisoner of War containment camp for Confederate soldiers, many of whom were detained after the notorious Battle of Gettysburg. At one point in its history, the fort housed over 13,000 soldiers, and not in the best conditions.

For the more eccentric of travelers, it may be of interest that it is said that the fort is haunted. If you make your way to Delaware City in October, ghost tours of Fort Delaware are avaible and led by a professional paranormal investigation team, equipped with an array of modern ghost-hunting technology to give you the full experience.

Milton

After a long night of ghost hunting, a cold beer might be in order, and there is a decidedly quirky spot to indulge in that craving in Milton. Like many other First State towns, there is an attractive downtown in Milton packed with Victorian buildings which have stood the test of time. These include local favorites King's Ice Cream Parlor, which has been open for over forty years, and the Milton Theatre, which has been a cultural and artistic hub for the community for over a century.

Since many landmarks in Milton are historic, Dogfish Head Brewery's Steampunk Treehouse sculpture is a very exotic sight to behold. Guests at the brewery can check out the futuristic, functional artwork, which stands over forty feet tall, while drinking a delicious beer or having a snack. If this kind of artwork inspires you, there happens to be a second piece of equally weird, retro architectural art located in Milton. If you visit the Eagles Crest-Hudson Airport, you will drive by a rare Futuro House, a UFO-shaped residence that a tenant actually occupies. Compared to the Victorian homes in residential Milton, this one, shaped like an alien flying saucer, which looks like it landed on the edge of the airfield, is certainly an oddity.

Wyoming

If you are looking for a different sort of Delaware pit stop that you can bring your kids along to, this strangely named little town is perfect to add to your itinerary. Wyoming was originally built along the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1850's. Once called West Camden, it has experienced many population surges since then, but has maintained its small town feel, despite receiving many visitors to its most engaging local attraction, Fifer Orchards.

A quirky fun fact about Delaware is that, in addition to being the First State, it is also commonly known as the Peach State, since historically the peach has been a significant contributing factor to the state's economic success. Today, Wyoming is home to the staple peach farm in the state, where thousands of families flock every year during warm months to the lovely family-owned farm. At Fifer Orchards, you can cultivate an enchanting memory for your family by picking your own produce, including peaches, of course, as well as strawberries, blueberries, apples, and other seasonal treats. The orchard also hosts a Fall Festival and Spring Festival every year, and Wyoming itself offers an annual Peach Festival, the first Saturday of every August.

Lewes

Often referenced as the first town in the First State, Lewes was settled in the 1630s by Dutch immigrants who established a whaling and trading post they called Swanendael. One of several local history museums, Zwaanendael Museum, is named after the old settlement and is an important exhibition of the area's legacy going back hundreds of years. The museum is home to many fascinating and educational displays, but its arguably most quirky permanent resident is a mermaid, or as close to one as you may ever see. The Zwaanendael Mermaid is a "Fiji mermaid," which means it is more than likely a cleverly combined taxidermy specimen of both a monkey and a fish.

For more, probably less weird history, you can visit the Lewes Historical Society or the Lewes Maritime Museum at the Cannonball House. Alternatively, if you would like to see what nature has to offer in the town, grab an ice cream cone at the iconic Hopkins Farm Creamery and wander on down to the Cape Henlopen State Park to see the beautiful lighthouse there. You can even take a Pirate Expedition Tour down the canal!

Old New Castle

The historic side of the town of New Castle, this area is known for its original 18th-century architecture and picturesque riverfront park. A stop in this neighborhood is like taking a leap into a time travel portal, whisking you back to the 1700s. Take a walking tour down the cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks to be truly immersed in the experience of early America. It is a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

Just a few essential stops in this ancient town include The Amstel House, built in 1738, which has been restored and maintained throughout the centuries to remain intact. It is now a museum rich in local history, where you will be genuinely immersed in prerevolutionary culture. Similarly, visit Jessop's Tavern, a restaurant and bar inside a building that was originally constructed in 1674 and has held onto its old-world charm. For some fresh air and history intertwined, exploring the riverfront Battery Park and the First State National Historical Park is a must.

Millsboro

It is impossible to discuss US history without acknowledging the Native Americans who were there long before any European settlements, and Millsboro is unique in the state of Delaware for offering the state's only dedicated museum centered around Native American history. The Nanticoke Indian Museum houses a collection of Native American artifacts not specific to, but mostly donated by, the Nanticoke Tribe, who were originally known as the Kuskarawaok Tribe and were local to the Chesapeake Bay area. The museum aims to educate locals and tourists alike about the Nanticoke Tribe as well as general Native American cultural history in the Northeastern region of the US. The museum has a gift shop where you can contribute to their good cause by purchasing handmade and original Native crafts and jewelry. You can also explore the nearby Indian River and the Bay, which shares its name, both of which were likely named for the tribes who exclusively called the area home prior to the 1680s.

If handmade crafts intrigue you, another local spot may pique your interest. This one, 2nd Time Designs, is less cultural and more quirky. Owned by a local couple, this small art gallery is focused on using recycled materials to create new and beautiful art pieces. The gallery doubles as a shop where you can purchase handmade pieces to use as unique decorations for your yard or home.

Delaware might be a small state, but it is not to be underestimated when it comes to variety and diverse expeditions. Here you can find alluring architecture, everything from 1800s Victorian to futuristic steampunk and alien dominions. You can expand your historical knowledge by visiting museums covering an array of compelling topics while sharing space with supernatural inhabitants like Civil War spirits and mermaids. With something for truly every hobby, the First State should certainly not be last on your travel list.