A local’s guide around Delaware: where to eat, where to drink, and more
One of the best ways to truly experience a place is to get to know it through a local’s eye. It makes sense. Locals live there and so they must know all the hidden gems and all the must-sees in the place. As much as we love going to what tour brochures point to, those places can get pretty crowded. Sometimes, they can be pretty overhyped, too.
So here is a Locals Travel Guide to Delaware that breaks down what is worth seeing and what is worth skipping.
Kelly’s Tavern
The best way to get to know a place is through food. And the best way to get to know their food culture is to eat where the locals like to eat. Kelly’s Tavern would probably be one of those places. Kelly’s Tavern can be found by the Waterman’s village of Port Penn on the Delaware River.
After a long day of kayaking and hiking, you can eat here and eat some great local crabcakes, shrimp, and clam sausage soup.
Iron Hill Brewery
Yet another place to eat. This is where the locals would most likely point you to if you are looking for great food and some great beer. The food is delicious and the menu is inventive — but not too much to the point of intimidating. They sure have the classics like sandwiches, wood-fired pizzas, and potato fries.
from https://www.ironhillbrewery.com/wilmington-de
The reason why people go here though is its award winning beers. Still, as good as the beer is, try to drink within limits.
White Clay Creek State Park
https://www.destateparks.com/
Delaware may be small but it is generous with open and green spaces for the locals and the tourists to enjoy. There are a lot of beautiful spots in the state but one of the locals’ favorites is White Clay. It is a creek valley located right at the edge of the Appalachian Piedmont. It is filled with old, towering trees, sprawling with trails to bike, hike, or trek through.
The park makes for a great day trip for sure.
Cape Henlopen
Cape Henlopen has been said to be one of the most beautiful places on the entire East Coast. It does sound like a stretch until you get there and see all the bayberry-covered dunes and woods of loblolly pine.
It can get pretty crowded in summer so it is best to visit on a weekday to really enjoy the place.
The Grand Opera House
Not everyone may be a fan of theater and musical performances, but locals are particularly proud of this one. The Grand Opera House was pristinely restored from what it looked like in the 18th century. You could see its gloriousness from the details: from the murals, moldings, and world-class acoustics inside.
Even if you are not planning to see a show, dropping by to see the structure in of itself would be worth it. Or you can also just dine across the street at Chelsea Tavern to make it even more worth it.
Still can’t get enough of Delaware? Check out our Adventure Guide: Five Things to do in Delaware
