Gardens, Mansions, & More!
Though the city of Wilmington, Deleware, may not be at the top of your travel list, we’re here to argue that maybe it should be! There are plenty of great things to do in Wilmington, including visiting the exquisite Nemours Mansion & Gardens.
Though perhaps most notable in recent years as the home of current US President Joe Biden, Wilmington has a long and storied history and altogether is a fantastic place to visit. It’s located in the Brandywine Valley, known for its lush rolling hills, beautiful country estates, and rambling rivers. It’s also a city easily reached from most major metropolitan areas in the Mid-Atlantic.
Given that Wilmington, DE, is so close to so many things, it really does make for a wonderful and charming weekend getaway. There are more things to do in Wilmington, DE, than you might think, which is why it’s on our radar as one of those hidden gem destinations this year.
When it comes to finding great lodging in the Wilmington area, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better than the local Select Registry Bed and Breakfast, which is located in a historic suburb on the outskirts of Wilmington. From here, top attractions like the Nemours Mansion & Gardens, not to mention historic downtown Wilmington itself, are just minutes away.
Fifty years of exceptional hospitality stands behind the Select Registry Brand, which means when you choose to Stay Select, you’re choosing to stay at the best property in every destination. This spring, it’s time to see why our properties stand out far above the rest. Book your getaway to one of the best places to stay in Wilmington, DE, today!
Visit the Nemours Mansion & Garden
Though there are plenty of wonderful things to do in Wilmington, DE, one of the top attractions in the city is the Nemours Mansion & Gardens. The stunning Nemours Mansion & Gardens is a pristine example of a French Neoclassical mansion built to resemble the famed chateaus of the French countryside.
The Nemours Mansion & Gardens was built by Alfred du Pont in the early 1900s and is named after the du Pont ancestral home in central France. The 77 exquisite rooms of the Nemours Mansion & Gardens reopen for the season on April 1, 2022. Inside the house, you’ll find a beautiful collection of rare 18th-century French furniture, in addition to an eclectic collection of notable antiques, works of art, and tapestries.
Surrounding the mansion are 200 acres of magnificent gardens, wooded areas, lawns, and meadows. It’s actually the most extensive formal French garden in North America. This magnificent garden is designed after Versailles’ gardens. It features a variety of beautiful plants, fountains, pools, a carillon tower, statuary, and a pavilion, all surrounded by beautifully wooded areas and meadows.
Visits to Nemours Mansion & Gardens are self-guided, though the interpretive staff is located throughout to guide visitors, share information, and answer questions as they arise. The Nemours Mansion & Gardens is open to the public from Tuesday to Sunday during the regular season.
More Things to do in Wilmington, DE
Though a visit to the stunning Nemours Mansion & Gardens is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon, there are many more things to do in Wilmington, DE. From visiting the colonial hamlets of Old New Castle and Historic Odessa to exploring six grand gardens in America’s Garden Capital, you’re sure to discover a wonderful weekend getaway in the charming city of Wilmington, DE.
We’d love nothing more than to share these beautiful spaces with you this spring. Keep reading to find out ten of our favorite things to do in Wilmington, DE, aside from visiting the magnificent Nemours Mansion & Gardens.
- Longwood Gardens is hailed as one of the most remarkable gardens in the world, and it features 1,100 acres of meadows, gardens, and woodlands, including a 4-acre Conservatory. It’s truly a paradise for gardeners and anyone who appreciates nature.
- The Nemours Mansion & Gardens isn’t the only interesting piece of du Pont family history in Wilmington, DE. You also don’t want to miss the Hagley Museum & Library. It was the family’s first home in America and also houses the original Du Pont Company powder mills.
- In keeping with other magnificent gardens in the area, the Mt. Cuba Center has been hailed as one of the top botanical gardens in the country.
- One of the most popular things to do in Wilmington, DE, is to walk along the riverfront, where you’ll find a fantastic array of attractions, food, entertainment, and shopping.
- Head to the Brandywine River Museum of Art and explore the incredible collection of American art, all of which is housed in a 19th-century mill overlooking the banks of the Brandywine River.
- Consider the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway if you’re looking for a scenic drive through beautiful rural countryside.
- Deleware was a critical part of the Underground Railroad. You can explore that part of this area’s history along The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, visiting historic sites that played a role during this time period.
- When you need a break, consider visiting one of the many great breweries, wineries, and distilleries in the area.
- There are many exceptional golf courses in the Wilmington area, including some of the most elite private courses and clubs on the east coast.
- Learn about the history of Wilmington, dating back to the Revolutionary War.
After you’ve enjoyed the many wonderful things to do in Deleware, from the Nemours Mansion & Estate to the coastal beaches and riverways nearby, it’s time to relax and unwind. There’s no better place to do that than at our Select Registry Bed and Breakfast in this charmingly historic city. Book your getaway, and learn more about one of the Mid-Atlantic’s best-kept secrets.
