The 8 Friendliest Little Towns In Delaware
Delaware, the first among the Thirteen Colonies to formally endorse the US Constitution, is a sublimely attractive Mid-Atlantic state situated on the northeastern part of the Delmarva Peninsula. Despite being one of the top favorite vacation spots on the Eastern Seaboard, ‘The First State’ is oftentimes overlooked in place of the adjoining grand states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Punctuating the 2,489 sq. mi. area of the state is a treasure trove of friendly towns reputed for their welcoming vibes, good-natured townsfolk, and community culture.
Milton
Initially christened ‘Head of Broadkiln’ and later relabeled ‘Milton’ by the Delaware Legislature as a tribute to the English poet John Milton, this teeny town in southern Delaware’s Sussex County sits on the Delmarva Peninsula by the headwaters of the Broadkill River. The Milton Historic District’s nonpareil colonial structures perfectly reflect the rich maritime legacy of the town, in keeping with the waterfront location as well as a constituent of the expeditiously flourishing Cape Region.
Whilst on a holiday in Milton, take note of the exhibits at the Lydia Black Cannon Museum, try out some of your favorite craft beers at the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, drop by the Milton Theatre, a premier performing arts theater, and hang out at the Milton Memorial Park.
New Castle
The Blue Hen State’s first capital, New Castle, is a small town commanding the Delaware River and situated precisely 6 miles south of Wilmington. Making up a part of the Philadelphia Metropolitan Area, New Castle offers globetrotters public tours of the Colonial-era structures lining the New Castle Historic District’s cobblestone streets.
Conjointly, survey the Amstel House Museum and Gardens (currently home to the New Castle Historical Society), and the New Castle Court House Museum (one of the US’ oldest courthouses), plus partaking in free time activities at Battery Park’s 3.7-mile-long paved trail.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach, an appealing holiday destination for the wealthy denizens who have roots in Washington, DC, Philly, and Baltimore, is located by the Delaware Beaches in Sussex County’s eastern portion. Summer tourists in large numbers crowd to “The Nation’s Summer Capital,” charmed by the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, the spotless beaches, recreation venues like the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, stylish hotel restaurants like The Blue Hen, and outdoor spaces like the Stockley Street Park.
Free time from your packed schedules to show up at Grove Park for the Rehoboth Arts Festival, jointly presented by the Rehoboth Art League and the City of Rehoboth Beach.
Millsboro
About a 30-minute drive from Bethany Beach, Millsboro is a pretty Sussex County town that subtly melds small-town enchantments with modern-day amenities. Apart from showing off a bewitching downtown area, where shoppers get a matchless shopping experience, thrill-seekers here take advantage of Millsboro’s location along the Indian River headwaters and occupy themselves with plentiful water-based recreations. Moreover, outdoorsy types can spend quality time at Millsboro Cupola Park and the Bullseye-Ferry Landing Preserve.
Lewes
Pridefully asserting itself as “The First Town in The First State,” Lewes is situated at the mouth of Delaware Bay in Sussex County within the Salisbury, MD Metropolitan Statistical Area. Interposed therebetween the expansive coastal wetlands of the Great Marsh Preserve and Cape Henlopen State Park’s immaculate beaches, this 3,303-inhabitant town (as per the 2020 US Census) has abundant historically important buildings, of which the 1680-built Ryves Holt House, reportedly Delaware’s oldest surviving house, is the most noteworthy.
Likewise, find out about the good old days at Zwaanendael Museum, inspect the downtown shops like Lewes Mercantile Antique Gallery, and join the Lewes Historical Society’s annual Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival in June.
Odessa
Founded in the 17th century as Cantwell’s Bridge and rebaptized in the 19th century after the Ukrainian port city of Odesa, this laid-back New Castle County town is located by the Appoquinimink River. Home to only 366 residents, Odessa invites history connoisseurs to explore its National Register-listed historic district that contains multiple contributing properties, including the Old St. Paul’s Methodist Episcopal Church and Appoquinimink Friends Meetinghouse, all of which contribute significantly to Odessa’s vintage charm.
Chill out at the Odessa Memorial Park, and turn up at the Historic Odessa Foundation’s annual Odessa Brewfest.
Bethany Beach
Occupying the Atlantic coast between Indian River Bay and Miller Creek, Bethany Beach forms a portion of the Salisbury, MD-DE Metropolitan Statistical Area. Colloquially termed ‘The Quiet Resorts’ alongside two adjacent coastal hamlets, this tranquil Sussex County town, limited by the Delaware Seashore State Park, offers unhindered seaside access, limitless beach activities, and indescribable vistas from the Bethany Beach Boardwalk.
Additionally, visit the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, browse souvenir stores like Blue Room Gallery & Gift Shop, savor the seafood-centric dishes and handcrafted cocktails at Bluecoast Seafood Grill & Raw Bar Bethany, and attend the annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival.
Delaware City
A quaint waterfront settlement fittingly endorsing its motto: “Port of History,” Delaware City sits on the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal’s eastern margin in New Castle County of northern Delaware. Travelers visiting this town, which acts as an entryway to the sundry natural wonders and time-honored assets this settlement has, must journey by ferry to Fort Delaware State Park on Pea Patch Island and catch a glimpse of the historic Fort Delaware overlooking the Delaware River.
Correspondingly, pay attention to the architectural treasures in the Delaware City Historic District, drop round to see the Fort DuPont State Park, the Diamond State Base Ball Club’s domestic field, relish the lip-smacking seafood served by Crabby Dick’s, and be present at Battery Park for the yearly Delaware City Day Celebrations.
From the lionized Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes to the fabulous beach getaways of Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach, the pleasant small towns in the 2nd smallest and 6th least populous state of the nation capture the attention of every visitor. If you so desire to experience for yourself the fantastic state parks and wildlife refuges, the undefiled sun-kissed sand beaches, hypnotizing sightseeing spots, entertaining neighborhood celebrations, and indefatigable open-air activities, then seek no further than these friendliest little towns in The Diamond State.
