202 Corridor

Concord Pike, north from I-95 to Naaman's Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803

Description: Concord Pike, often referred to as "202" as a destination in itself, is the major corridor for "big brand" stores, several shopping centers and hotels. Independence Mall, near I-95, resembling Independence Hall in Philly, has small ethnic restaurants, salons and services. Fairfax is a haven of local shops including a custom chocolate boutique, gift house and cupcake shop. Corcord Mall features national anchor stores and retailers, a sports-themed restaurant with big screen viewing, and several eateries. Brandywine Town Center features Target, a movie theater, and major names in arts and crafts, sports, home and garden ­ all the usual suspects. Surrounding strip malls feature a favorite organic market, bread and sandwich eatery, Japanese steak house, and various convenience, furniture and specialty stores. On both sides of the road, 202 is a restaurant row of familiar awnings, arches and drive-throughs.

Centreville Village

Kennett Pike (Rt 52) & Centre Meeting Rd, Centreville, DE 19807

Description: CENTREVILLE. The village of Centreville, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, offers a cluster of charming galleries and boutiques to explore just north of Greenville on Kennett Pike (Route 52). Named for the Quaker Friends Centre Meeting House nearby, the town has a vibrant civic spirit. Within a two-block area, browse an art gallery of local Brandywine artists, pottery and sculpture; an American Indian Art Gallery featuring contemporary Indian pottery, sculpture and jewelry; wine store, stylish florist, an upscale ladies resale shop, flyfishing outfitter, and fine antique dealers. A concierge service here assists clients with any special service from parties to pet-sitting. Restaurants offer respite and refreshment. In season on Thursdays, a farmers' market sells fresh produce, flowers and breads in the village park. Hours vary by shop with most being closed on Sundays.
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Greenville

Kennett Pike (Rt 52) & Buck Rd, Greenville, DE 19807

Description: GREENVILLE. Along Kennett Pike in the heart of Greenville and "Chateau Country," this area offers a mix of luxury shopping and daily essentials. Residents and school children, business associates and seniors cross paths in these blocks. A few national retailers have opened up, but most businesses are locally owned boutiques in four clustered centers. Browse through shops of apparel, shoes, furs, men's suits and children's togs; European home furnishings; luxury linens; designer cosmetics; wines and gourmet groceries. Pick up sundries at the neighborhood drug store and hardware. Dining options range from local coffee houses, casual pub or upscale Italian, to sandwich and salad bar service and gelato in the family run Janssen's grocery. The morning traffic goes south, the evening rush goes north; but usually not without a stop somewhere in Greenville. Except for the restaurants, Greenville shops close early; and on Sunday are deserted.

Newark Main Street

Main St, Newark, DE 19711

Description: NEWARK. Historic Main Street is the heart of Newark and the hub of activity for area residents and the University of Delaware which it borders. Old meets new along this strip of restored buildings and new construction. Shops and eateries catering to college students, university staff, office workers and residents are busy year round. Pedestrian traffic fills the area and has the right-of-way in marked crosswalks; parking is on meters or public lots. Deer Park Tavern, a restored historic inn now restaurant and nightlife spot, with its iconic wrap-around porch anchors the district. On the street, bookstores, gift galleries, jewelry stores, restaurants and natural food stores do business beside Bing's Bakery (founded in the 1940s) and an independent National 5 & 10 variety store. Closed periodically for annual "Newark Nite" and Halloween block parties, Main Street America is alive and well in Newark.

Village of Hockessin

Lancaster Pike and Yorklyn Rd, Hockessin, DE 19707

Description: HOCKESSIN. The Village of Hockessin is a bustling crossroads with locally owned shops and businesses. The area features gift boutiques and artists' gallery, organic market, wild bird store, Liz Marden's Custom Cakes, Rita's Water Ice, pizza, a restaurant and tavern, public library, coffee shops, custom meat markets, interior design and garden centers, and more. Lancaster Pike (Route 41) is the main thoroughfare with access to most of the small shopping areas, but Old Lancaster Pike, set back a block, is another lane of shops and the entrance to the Shops of Hockessin Corner.

Village of Trolley Square

Delaware Ave and N DuPont St, Wilmington, DE 19806

Description: TROLLEY SQUARE. Along the streets of Delaware Avenue, Trolley Square offers unique urban shopping opportunities. A friendly pedestrian neighborhood of Irish heritage centered around a cluster of shops has attracted young professionals and families to this established area of gingerbread town homes. Independently owned galleries, gift shops, pet bakery, jewelers and womens dress shops provide many choices for finding that special something. The villages many eating options include coffee houses, pubs, and favorite Ciao's pizza shop in Wilmington's own "flatiron" building. Moore Brothers Wine Shop specializes in smaller French wineries, is known for its popular wine-tasting events and celebrating affordable fine wines. This area is a favorite for the late-night scene with bars and live music.
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