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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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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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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