Chateau Country & America's Byway: Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway

Rt 52 & Rt 100 from downtown Wilmington to PA state line, Wilmington, DE 19807

Description: Northwest of Wilmington, a beautiful scenic route through what is known as "Chateau Country," is the first Delaware route to be recognized as a national "America's Byway" by the US Department of Transportation. The Brandywine Valley Scenic Byway includes Routes 52 (Kennett Pike) and 100, and is one of about 125 byways in the National Scenic Byways program which preserves routes of significant beauty, history and culture. Stretching north in a "y" shape from downtown, the byway traces the legacy of the du Pont family and their impact on the landscape and history of the Brandywine Valley. The byway passes through rolling open spaces and by historic du Pont mansions, gardens, museums, villages, state parks and farms. Sites along the way include Hagley, Winterthur, Montchanin Village, Centreville Village, and Brandywine Creek State Park.
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Delaware History Museum

504 N Market St, Wilmington, DE 19801 302-656-0637

Description: DOWNTOWN. The Delaware History Museum uses hands-on displays and educational presentations to interpret Delaware's history. "Grandma's Attic Kids Museum" offers games, toys, an old-fashioned corner store, and stations to learn by doing. Located on Market Street in a renovated Woolworth's store, it is easy walking distance to Willingtown Square, a small historic park of 18th-19th century homes.
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Hagley Museum and Library

200 Hagley Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807 302-658-2400

Description: GREENVILLE. Here in 1802, on a quiet hillside that slopes to the Brandywine River, E. I. du Pont founded his family estate, Eleutherian Mills, and blackpowder factory ­ what would become the DuPont Company. The serene setting does not prepare visitors for the power of the mills and the significant scientific discoveries that began here with the first du Pont mill. About 235 acres of the original property along the Brandywine River are preserved along with the Georgian-style family home and French-design gardens. Interpretive and living history demonstrations depict a restored workers village, school, machine shop, and the operating Eagle Roll Mill. Year-round, the museum hosts numerous special events, seminars and lectures including the Invention Convention, Hagley Car Show, Bike and Hike days and Yuletide tours. An onsite restaurant is open for lunch and refreshments. See website for complete list and details. Winter weekdays offer one guided tour at 1:30pm.
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Old New Castle and New Castle Court House Museum

211 Delaware St, New Castle, DE 19720 302-323-4453

Description: NEW CASTLE. Just a few minutes south of downtown Wilmington, a residential colonial town thrives on the shores of the Delaware River where William Penn landed. Old New Castle's historic lanes are preserved along with homes and buildings dating to 1700s and before. Founded in 1651, and the center of colonial government, the town still has important structures within easy walking, including the George Read II House and Gardens, the Dutch House, and the New Castle Court House ­ the centerpoint of the 12-mile circle marking Delaware's northern border and part of the Mason-Dixon Line. The city is not an "attraction"; it is the real deal, where people live their modern lives on the old cobblestone streets and paths along the town Green. Shopkeepers, attorneys, bed & breakfast houses, and businesses hang their old-style shingles by their doors. Shops, taverns and restaurants cater to residents and visitors; Jessop's Tavern offers colonial ambiance and a cozy fireplace. Battery Park along the river offers walking paths and a playground. Once a year, in May, the city hosts its town-wide festival and garden tour, A Day in Old New Castle.
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Old Swedes Church

606 Church St, Wilmington, DE 19801 302-652-5629

Description: Constructed by the early settlers of the Swedish Colony in 1698, the Old Swedes church is an active congregation and the oldest church building still in use in the country. Inside, its furnishings are preserved with pews, herringbone bricks, and black walnut pulpit and canopy. The Swedish traditions are preserved, too. A highlight of the year is the annual Santa Lucia celebration in December when young ladies process in white robes and crowns of candles.
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Wilmington & Western Railroad

2201 Newport Gap Pike, Greenbank Station, Wilmington, DE 19808 302-998-1930

Description: PRICES CORNER. To see the beauty of the back roads of the Wilmington area ­ without getting lost ­ climb aboard the historic Wilmington & Western Railroad. The vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives and cars carry passengers along the wooded Red Clay Creek Valley, across bridges, past mills, scenic vistas and historic homes. This is a rare opportunity to ride trains of the Golden Age in an unspoiled setting. Operated by a non-profit organization and volunteers, the railroad is a great source of community pride. Themed seasonal tours, restaurant runs, rides with Santa, fall foliage and picnic tours and more are offered. Board at Greenbank Station near Prices Corner (Route 41, 1/4 mile north of Route 2).
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Winterthur Museum & Country Estate

5105 Kennett Pike, Rt 52, Winterthur, DE 19735 302-888-4600

Description: In the heart of "chateau country" only minutes from downtown, Winterthur Museum & Country Estate is the former home of Henry Francis du Pont. Surrounded by acres of naturalized gardens and forests, the mansion now houses du Pont's priceless collection of 17th-19th century American furniture and decorative arts. Several guided tours through the period rooms are offered. Visitors should allow plenty of time to explore the gardens; marked walking paths and a tram bus take guests to every corner. A children's Enchanted Woods is a garden of whimsy and play with hollowed trees, "serpentine path," stone cottage with thatched-roof, and May Pole green. In the galleries, a "Touch-it Room" offers a special exhibit providing hands-on learning for all ages. The museum's famous research, conservation studios and library are also onsite. Winterthur hosts special events throughout the year including Point-to-Point Steeplechase and Yuletide tours. The onsite restaurant offers meals, refreshments and a popular Sunday brunch.
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