This Delaware Downtown Is Made For Strolling
Downtown Newark is a lovely, walkable district centered on the University of Delaware, ideal for strolling. Standing amid the classic brick commercial structures and staring at the church steeples transforms the modern scene into a page from the past or a Norman Rockwell painting. The scene invites its visitors to explore its storefronts and green spaces, including the Newark Reservoir.
The lively local scene features more than 80 boutiques and award-winning restaurants, including Hamilton's on Main, and a collegiate vibe around its performance theatres, such as the Resident Ensemble Players. The eclectic mix of shopping options, eateries, and cultural highlights, along with friendly locals, makes it the best downtown in the region for strolling.
Main Street Newark
Main Street runs parallel to Delaware Avenue in the downtown area and houses most of the shops, restaurants, and venues. The one-mile thoroughfare provides direct access to the university's campus, making it another great walking destination while touring the grounds. Detour to the Old College Hall to view artwork at the Old College Gallery or visit Mechanical Hall for engineering exhibits.
Within walking distance of Main Street are Orchard Road and Creek View Road, both worth a detour. If you are staying overnight, take in a show at Chapel Street Players on Orchard or the Resident Ensemble Players on Creek View. The Thompson Theatre at Roselle Center for the Arts is on the same street, bringing creative flair to the area and perfectly suited to this college town.
Downtown Shopping and Dining
Main Street is packed with boutiques and restaurants, each adding its own flavor to the area, making it ideal for window shopping. As you stroll along, you will notice Bloom, Rooted on Main, and other local merchants that offer a detour to break up the day. The boutiques have high ratings and high-end fashion pieces that are distinctly Delaware and worth stopping for.
The hallmark of any walkable commercial district is its restaurants, and Main Street and the surrounding roads are no exception. For smaller bites, check out Peach Blossom Eatery, a boutique breakfast-and-lunch spot with distinctive items such as the Greek Freak baguette sandwich. The owner also owns the Little Goat Coffee Roasting Company in town, which anchors her breakfast and coffee shops around the university campus and downtown.
Green Spaces
Another factor that makes downtown Newark so walkable is its abundance of green spaces, which complement the commercial and academic setting. The Newark Reservoir is on the north end, just outside downtown, and features a 1.8-mile paved walking trail that provides an optimal way to get outdoors, only minutes from the city hub.
At the end of Main Street on the university campus is The Green, the central green space for students. It appeals to many for its proximity to the heart of Main Street. Lewis Park, nearby on Academy Avenue, showcases the neighborhood's affinity for soaking in beautiful New England afternoons.
Museums and Galleries
It comes as no surprise that there are many museums and galleries in the downtown area of a college town. The Delaware Academy of Science focuses on regional natural history. The gallery also operates the Iron Hill Museum, underscoring the region's academic character and providing wonderful spaces to spend an afternoon. Another educational option is the Newark History Museum on College Avenue. The gallery is housed in the 1877 Pennsylvania Railroad Station, which provides a historic ambience for exhibits that tell Newark's story from 1758 to the present.
Similar Downtowns Nearby
New Castle and Milford are two other small towns in Delaware with extraordinary entertainment and commercial districts designed for strolling. Delaware Street in New Castle is the place to be for traditional New England architecture and historical sites such as the New Castle Court House Museum. The gallery explores the city's role in Delaware's history, its separation from Pennsylvania in 1776, and other pivotal moments. Stopping at Battery Park on the banks of the Delaware River is a great way to see the district's commercial and natural sides come together, making it one of the best districts in the state.
Downtown Milford is a compact, walkable area lined with classic brick storefronts and cobblestone pathways along the Mispillon River. Main Street crosses Walnut Street along the waterfront for an unforgettable view. It is here that you will find the Milford Museum and Mispillion Art Gallery, each offering a different cultural reflection on the region, well worth seeing. Afterward, head to River Lights Cafe for a waterfront lunch to see firsthand how the river and history have shaped this small hamlet.
Newark is Made for Strolling
Newark's one-mile Main Street is ideal for strolling, relaxing, and window-shopping at the many boutiques, such as Bloom. On one end of the main drag is the University of Delaware, another walkable area filled with green spaces and charming museums. Green spaces are not only a unique feature of the district but also underscore the community's love of the outdoors, and Main Street embodies this with its open spaces and comfortable atmosphere.
Main Street runs parallel to Delaware Avenue, with many side roads connecting the two. The side roads make interesting detours from the primary road, so there is always something fun to discover. Along the way, there are many restaurants and coffee shops for brief respite, such as the Peach Blossom Eatery. Main Street Newark offers much, with its compact layout and numerous attractions, making it one of the best walking districts in the state.
