This Quiet Delaware City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Delaware boasts some of the most adorable towns and cities in the country, where history often collides with coastal allure and thriving art scenes to deliver maximum satisfaction. One small city has remained hidden in plain sight. Located on a historic river, which was once at the center of a thriving shipbuilding industry, this town is nothing short of amazing, with its historic downtown and enchanting natural attractions. More than an excellent destination for a relaxing getaway, this quiet Delaware city is a great place to live and retire, as it boasts a tight-knit community, highly-rated food establishments, several events, and easy access to preserves teeming with birds, insects, and other wildlife. Located in the Dover metropolitan area, a few minutes from Delaware Bay, Milford is a true hidden gem worth discovering.
Milford: An Overlooked Gem
Milford is a peaceful town on the Mispillion River that punches more than its weight. Historically, this town dates to 1680, when it was first settled, making it one of Delaware’s oldest towns, although it was incorporated much later in 1807. Notably, the area became a hub for shipbuilding in the 1770s, where hundreds of ships were built, leading to a period of prosperity that lasted through World War I. Today, the Milford Museum preserves the town’s history, including the crucial role it played during the Civil War and World Wars. Spread across the nine-square-mile town are also pockets of landmarks reflecting its long history, including the Parson Thorne Mansion. This 1730s red brick mansion has served as the home of some of the town’s most famous residents, including William Burton, Delaware’s 31st Governor, whose tenure lasted from 1859 to 1863.
Beyond the history, Milford’s sense of community is strong, and is best experienced at some of its events, one of which is the Bug & Bud Festival. This event is held every spring to celebrate the town’s nature and the naming of the ladybug as Delaware’s official insect, an act pushed by a local second-grade class in 1974. The event features food trucks, local vendors, music, and an exciting parade that includes pets and people dressed as bugs, flowers, and other natural things. During winter, the town also hosts events like the Annual Holiday Stroll & Christmas Market in December, which ushers everyone into the Christmas season with beautifully decorated shops, holiday music, and delicious food all in the downtown area.
Furthermore, Milford boasts a growing art scene, with a mix of visual and performing arts establishments. At 2 South Walnut Street, one will find the Riverfront Theatre, which hosts interesting shows year-round in an intimate setting. Elsewhere in the historic downtown, the Gallery 37: A Destination for Artful Living will delight visual art lovers with a variety of artworks, from paintings and sculpture to ceramics, and more.
A Quiet Delaware City
While its history is a significant asset, Milford’s most appealing attribute is its natural beauty and outdoor attractions. The town is situated on the Mispillion River, where it features one of the most scenic riverwalks in Delaware. Known as the Mispillion Riverwalk, this linear park runs along the river and through several points of interest, including a beautiful bridge and the Bicentennial Park, which is a cool spot to picnic or soak in natural scenery. The riverwalk eventually ends at Goat Island Nature Area, where a 0.75-mile loop offers a peaceful hike through wooded areas around the river.
Meanwhile, Abbott’s Mill Nature Center is just a few miles outside town and is an amazing site to relax and hike. This sanctuary features peaceful picnic areas, trails, and a boardwalk that meanders along a stream and through lush woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Additionally, the preserve is a great place to watch birds, plus it is home to a pond ideal for paddling and fishing, alongside a well-preserved 200-year-old grist mill, and a visitor center with live animal exhibits.
As if that’s not enough, Milford is also near the 110-acre Marvel Saltmarsh Preserve, another fantastic spot to enjoy the area’s natural splendor. This preserve is lovely and teeming with wildlife, including blue crabs, mollusks, and a diverse array of birds, such as Ospreys, which often nest in the area. Thankfully, the Marvel Scenic Byway Boardwalk provides opportunities to enjoy the preserve and its wildlife.
Milford: Hiding in Plain Sight
Milford’s charming mix of history, nature, arts, and entertainment is a compelling reason to visit. Additionally, the town is serene and uncrowded, with a population of just 11,000. Moreover, it hosts reputable food establishments that are sure to leave lasting memories. The Westside Restaurant, for one, serves a variety of delicious meals, including pancakes, burgers, and fried chicken, in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The Arena’s Milford on Front Street takes things further with sumptuous meals and delicious drinks with live music at its Riverside Stage. Without doubt, Milford is an exciting place that should be bustling with people year-round, but the town remains a gem hiding in plain sight, waiting to be discovered by those seeking unique experiences.
