Downtown Lewes, Delaware. Image credit Harrison Keely via Wikimedia Commons

The Best Small Town In Delaware For A 3-Day Weekend

Lewes is located on Cape Henlopen, where the Atlantic Ocean meets Delaware Bay. A visit to Lewes means enjoying the sun, sand, and sea in this town rich in historical heritage, with a walkable downtown full of great restaurants, unique shopping experiences, luxurious accommodation options, and much more. Take a closer look at Lewes and see if it has everything you need to make it the best small town in Delaware for a three-day weekend.

Boutique Hotels in Lewes

The aerial view of Lewes, Delaware. Image credit Khairil Azhar Junos via Shutterstock.com

Hotel Rodney is a boutique hotel located in the center of Lewes’ historic downtown district. The hotel was originally built in 1926 and has since remained a key feature of the town and a major contribution to its charm. The hotel itself has comforting amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, a spacious lobby area with worktables, sofas, and a fireplace, and a fully equipped fitness center. The hotel houses 20 guest rooms and four suites, each offering modern comfort and historic atmosphere, decorated with restored antique furniture, hardwood floors, and flat-screen televisions.

Hotel Blue is a luxury accommodation option that is regarded as Delaware’s first boutique hotel, offering stunning views of the Lewes Canal. Each guest room comes with a queen-sized bed, in-room coffee-making facilities, flatscreen televisions, and original artworks by local artists. There are also suites adjacent to the beach. Other amenities of the hotel include a rooftop pool, which is open seasonally, and an indoor dry sauna.

Downtown Destinations

Purple house on Savannah Road in Lewes, Delaware.

For an authentic taste of East Coast fare, stop by Lewes Oyster House, which is reminiscent of oyster houses from Colonial America, which were gathering spaces for the consumption of oysters and seafood by the upper class. Today, Lewes Oyster House has recreated this casual experience based around the oyster in every way: raw, grilled, fire-roasted, in cocktails, sidecars, and towers. Although oysters are their signature item, they serve a full lunch and dinner menu featuring mid-Atlantic comfort foods, paired with a plethora of world beers, classic and signature cocktails, and a small yet succinct wine list with varietals from around the world.

View of downtown Lewes, Delaware, from a bridge overlooking the canal.

Other stops in downtown Lewes include the Peninsula Gallery is one of the largest fine art galleries in Delaware, displaying works from over 30 resident artists at a local, regional, and international level. Additionally, there are themed monthly exhibits between February and December. The Brush Factory on Kings is known for its quirky selection of products, including art, vintage pieces, sea glass, and more.

Maritime History

Cannonball House is on Front Street in Lewes, Delaware. Image credit Nolabob via Wikimedia Commons

The Cannonball House is a notable landmark in Lewes, as it is the only structure that survived damage from the Bombardment of Lewes during the War of 1812. For 22 hours, the British Royal Navy launched an attack on Lewes’ small forts. During its time, it has operated as a home, a sewing notions shop, a bank, city offices, a printing shop, a laundromat, and much more. Today, it houses the Lewes Historical Society's maritime museum, which displays maritime art and memorabilia. The Cannonball House is conveniently located in downtown Lewes, making it accessible on foot, and although admission is free, a suggested donation of $5 is welcome and appreciated.

Enjoy the Atlantic Coast

The scenic coastline of Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, Delaware.

Cape Henlopen State Park comprises 5,000 acres and features six miles of shoreline, maritime forests, and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation such as fishing from the jetty or hiking and biking the park’s trails. There are many popular destinations within the park, such as Herring Point, known for spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean, which is popular among photographers, fishers, and surfers. The park is open daily year-round from 8 am until sunset, making the best time to visit down to your personal preference. The summer is perfect for beach activities, swimming, and recreation on the water, whereas fall and spring have milder weather, which is better for hiking and birdwatching, and finally, winter is quieter, making for a more peaceful experience.

Silhouette of the lighthouse and wild birds during the sunset at Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, Delaware — Silhouette of the lighthouse at Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, Delaware

1812 Memorial Park is located just a few blocks away from downtown Lewes. It was established to commemorate the city’s defense against a two-day attack launched by the British Navy in April 1813. Many cannonballs from the bombardment were collected by residents and preserved within the park, along with cannons placed throughout the park. The park features benches, walking paths, and lush landscaping, with many different types of flower beds planted. It is open year-round, all day, and is free to use for anyone.

Natural Wonders in DelawareDelaware is one of the smallest states in the US, but it has a ton to offer

Three Days in Lewes, Delaware

Lewes has everything you need to enjoy a weekend break: luxurious boutique hotel options that provide personalized service, a bustling downtown area loaded with dining options and unique shopping experiences, a rich maritime history, and opportunities to relax in the outdoors, whether that means a town park or venturing further out of town. Whatever the itinerary of your trip consists of, rest assured that Lewes has everything you need. This is the best small town in Delaware for a three-day weekend.

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