Ashland Nature Center, Delaware Nature Society

3511 Barley Mill Rd, at Brackenville Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707 302-239-2334

Description: HOCKESSIN. Winding narrow roads and few signs, but don't give up ­ Ashland is worth finding! Follow the scenic Red Clay Creek to Ashland Nature Center by the Ashland covered bridge. Only miles from the city, it is a world apart. Here it is easy to see the characteristics of the Piedmont landscape typical of northern Delaware: rolling wooded hills slope to meadows and water, granite blue rocks and jutting stones line creeks that are gentle one day and a torrent the next. Songbirds, hawks and wildlife are abundant here. Headquarters for the Delaware Nature Society, a visitors' center offers educational exhibits for all ages. Many activities and guided hikes offer interpretive walks, bird watching and discovery days. Ashland preserves more than 80 acres to wander on several self-guided trails. Weekdays, Ashland is a popular school field trip destination. The society is a membership organization committed to educating the public and conserving the state's natural resources. Check the website to register for events or explore on your own and discover why Delaware is called "the Small Wonder." About a mile away on Way Road is Coverdale Farm, the DNS educational historic farm open Wednesdays and Thursdays, noon-2:30pm, April-November.
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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 Art Museum

2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806 302-571-9590

Description: ROCKFORD PARK. Located along the residential tree-lined boulevards of Kentmere Parkway, the Delaware Art Museum has a rich tradition integral to the Wilmington community. Founded in 1912, the museum's original collections were Delaware artist Howard Pyle's work and famous illustrations, including many of Pyle's famous pirate paintings. The museum's collections feature four main galleries: Howard Pyle & American Illustration; the country's largest collection of British Pre-Raphaelite Art; John Sloan; and American Art, 1757 - Present. With a major expansion and reopening in 2005, artist studios, sculpture garden, new galleries, children's interactive area, restaurant and gift shop were added. The Museum's annual Holiday House Tour provides access into distinctive Wilmington homes each December. Check website for details. Free admission on Sundays.
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Longwood Gardens

1001 Longwood Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348 610-388-1000

Description: One of the state's true gems, Longwood can trace its history back to 1906, when Pierre du Pont purchased a farm from a Quaker family named Pierce in order to realize his life-long fascination with gardening and landscaping. His dream was to create a lavish estate garden, not unlike those he'd encountered while touring Europe. The result, of course, was Longwood, whose stunning collection of annual, perennial and evergreen gardens make it a true horticultural showplace.
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Nemours Mansion & Gardens

1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803 302-651-6912

Description: Nemours, the 300-acre estate home of industrialist and philanthropist Alfred I. duPont, is a treasure hidden behind a long expanse of stone wall. Built in 1910 and named for the duPont's ancestral home in France, the chateau and gardens are designed in the elegant style of Louis XVI and Versailles. Nemours completed a $39 million renovation and reopened May 2008. The mansion, with more than 47,000 square feet, is furnished with an eclectic collection of antiques, rugs and art. Beautiful manicured gardens, mazes, sculptures, fountains, lanes and vistas stretch in every direction. Open by guided tour only. Extensive walking is required; handicap accessible. Tours book far in advance and are in high demand. Nearby on the property is another great treasure and duPont legacy: The Nemours A.I. duPont Children's Hospital. This world-renowned hospital for ill and disabled children was created by The Nemours Foundation, funded by duPont's estate.
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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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