The 8 Can't-Miss Towns In Delaware
Delaware may be the nation's second-smallest state, but it is packed with charm, history, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Beyond its beaches and tax-free shopping, Delaware is home to a collection of small towns that offer travelers a glimpse into its rich past, lively culture, and scenic beauty. From historic villages to welcoming communities, these eight towns showcase the heart of the First State and are must-see destinations for anyone looking to experience Delaware beyond the beaten path.
Newark
Known as the home of the University of Delaware, the town of Newark, with a population of about 30,000, has something for everyone. This New Castle County town shares a border with Maryland and is just a mile south of the Delaware Wedge (where Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania meet). It is just 15 miles from Wilmington and 46 miles from Philadelphia. Newark is known for its strong sense of community and abundance of outdoor activities as well.
The Glasgow Regional Park located nearby is an excellent place for outdoor lovers with its many trails over 230 acres of land. Another recreational venue is the Newark Reservoir, covering 112 acres of land and including a 1.8-mile paved walking trail around its perimeter. Newark's Main Street is famous for its eclectic shops such as Bloom for gifts and apparel and a mix of unique eateries including Grain Craft Bar & Kitchen.
Dover
The capital of Delaware, Dover, home to just over 40,000 people, is in Kent County. It lies around 82 miles south of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and 90 miles east of Washington, DC. Dover's city manager describes Dover as a small town with big city amenities, noting that Dover takes up a larger area than any other city on the Delmarva Peninsula.
The John W. Pitts Recreation Center in Dover is open to residents and non-residents and is a great recreational venue offering varities of sports activities and classes. During the spring and summer, Dover hosts a Performing Arts Series on the Green, with bands ranging from blues to country to jazz scheduled to perform. The Air Mobility Command Museum is a military aviation museum on the grounds of Dover Air Force Base that is open to the public and relays the history of Delaware's significance to air transport.
Middletown
Located in New Castle County, Middletown is home to almost 24,000 residents. It is 24 miles south of Wilmington and 25 miles from Dover. Middletown's name came from its position as a half-way point on the old cart road across the peninsula between the Appoquinimink Creek in Odessa and Bohemia Landing on the eastern branch of the Bohemia River in Maryland.
Charles E. Price Memorial Park in Middletown is a large, open recreational area with walking trails, a dog park, and solitude. The Dutch Country Farmers Market in Middletown features goods from Amish and locals and is open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Filasky's Produce and Farm Market is a great place to visit, not just for its home-grown produce but also for the tours of this family farm offered to children ages Pre K through third grade.
Smyrna
Smyrna is unique in that it is located in both New Castle and Kent Counties. About 13,000 live in the town, which was first settled before the American Revolution on the eastern bank of Duck Creek and was, at that time, named Salisbury. In 1806, the town was renamed Smyrna. Today, Smyrna is known for its unique and convenient location between Dover (15 miles away), Wilmington (37 miles away), and Newark (30 miles away), as well as bestowing upon its residents a high quality of life. According to the town officials, in recent years, Smyrna has become the fastest-growing municipality in Delaware.
Smyrna's historic downtown area, with almost 500 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, is fun to explore. The Smyrna Museum (housed in the Duck Creek Historical Society) tells the story of the area and is open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The Smyrna Opera House, also on South Main Street, serves as a theater and an art gallery. If you'd prefer to explore the outdoors in Smyrna, check out Blackbird Forest, open for camping, and hiking.
Milford
Another Delaware town that lies in two counties, this time Kent and Sussex, Milford is home to about 11,100 folks. It is just 45 minutes to Delaware's beaches from Milford, which is an attraction to many who relocate to this small town on the Mispillion River. Milford is about 23 miles south of Dover and 75 miles south of Wilmington.
The Mispillion Riverwalk offers scenic views and walking areas along the Mispillion River. Another popular walking trail along the river in Milford, Goat Island Trail, is a 0.75-mile loop that also includes a dog park. The Milford Museum is housed in Milford's original Post Office building and gives visitors a look inside the town's fascinating history. If you are hungry or thirsty after touring Milford, check out Milford Tavern on Walnut Street.
Seaford
Sitting along the Nanticoke River in Sussex County, Seaford is home to almost 8,000 residents. It was home to the first DuPont Nylon plant, the world's first Nylon plant established in 1939. Seaford is just 30 miles from Delaware's beaches and is famous for its rich history and natural resources.
The Governor Ross Mansion in Seaford is a rare, complete Victorian Italianate mansion built in the 1860s. It contains the only documented log slave quarter in Delaware, and was home to Governor William Henry Harrison Ross, who served from 1851 to 1855. The Woodland Ferry in Seaford was established in 1793 and still ferries passengers across the Nanticoke River. The Seaford Museum on High Street holds a growing collection of local artifacts that help to tell the story of the town's rich history.
Georgetown
The county seat of Sussex County, Georgetown is home to about 8,000 people. Delaware's beaches are about a half-hour's car ride away from Georgetown, which is 15 miles south of Milford and 36 miles south of Dover. The town of Georgetown was constructed around a circle, instead of the more traditional town square. At the circle today are the Town Hall, state and county buildings, and the historic Sussex County Courthouse.
The town's summer concert series takes place on Thursday nights at Sand Hill Fields. Wings and Wheels, an annual event in Georgetown, features fly-ins of vintage airplanes and a huge car show, and takes place each October. Hungry locals and visitors enjoy the fare at Georgetown Family Restaurant on East Market Street.
Elsmere
A small New Castle County town on the western border of the city of Wilmington, Elsmere is home to about 6,200 people. A sign proclaiming Elsmere's motto, "A Wonderful Place to Live," greets visitors as they drive into town. Elsmere was founded in the 1880s and enjoys a small-town atmosphere with the bigger-city Wilmington amenities right on its doorstep.
Fairgrounds Park in Elsmere was once the site of the Delaware State Fair. Today, it still hosts community events and houses playgrounds and ball fields. The Elsmere Dog Park on Dupont Rd. is another favorite gathering place for residents who are dog owners. The Elsmere Library on Spruce Avenue hosts events and activities for all ages. After hitting the library, check out Legal Grounds Cafe on Kirkwood Highway for coffee, food, and snacks.
Visit These Essential First State Finds
Check out one or all of the eight Delaware towns described here, and you will soon discover that the First State has much to offer. Whether you prefer a bustling college town like Newark, a quieter coastal experience in Seaford, or want to explore the state's rich history in Dover, traveling to any of these eight towns will leave you with a sense of fulfillment and a desire to return again soon.
