dover, delaware
Dover is the capital city of Delaware. It is the second largest city in the state. The state government which is here is Delaware’s greatest employer. It is home to the Dover Speedway which hosts a NASCAR race every spring and has the Dover Airforce Base. There are some great little tourist activities and a great amount of amazing history. This quaint city is packed with fun things to do and to explore. Whether you make a full trip of it or are just passing through this city should be on your radar for sure.
getting to dover, delaware
There is no commercial airport in Dover. The closest large international airports include Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (85 miles 1 hour 40-minute drive) and Philadelphia International Airport (approximately 71 miles 1 hour 7-minute drive) There are two smaller regional airports including the Wicomico Regional Airport in Salisbury, Maryland, and the New Castle County Airport in Wilmington. The closest passenger railroad station is in Wilmington, Delaware. From there you an take the Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach. You can also take a bus to or from New York through Norfolk, Virginia on the Greyhound Lines. The easiest way and how we got there is by driving your own vehicle. If driving from Philadelphia it is about 82 miles 1 hour 20 minutes, Washington DC 93 miles 2 hours 8 minutes, Baltimore 109 miles 1 hour 35 minutes, Norfolk 192 miles and 3 hours 45 minutes.
getting around dover, delaware
The downtown area is very walkable. There is 2-hour street parking on most of the streets. There is no limit parking on Saturdays and Sundays. There are also paid lots downtown area. You can also park at the Welcome Center for free. The Welcome Center is open Mondays through Fridays. If you don’t have a car you can use the local bus. The DART First State goes out through Kent County from the Dover Transit Center in the downtown area. There are also seasonal buses that go to Lewes and Rehoboth Beaches.
top things to do dover
First State Heritage park
The First State Heritage Park is one of the oldest urban parks in Delaware. It is known for its first Saturday of the month activities. There is a free walking tour that leaves on the hour from John Bell House.
Spence’s Bazaar
One of the oldest markets of its kind in the state. If you love flea markets, you will get a total kick out of this place. Most things for sale are from artisans and Amish farmers. There is also an area of baked goods, ice cream, butchery shop and food to buy. It really is a unique place to check out.
Biggs Museum of American Art
Located downtown this art museum is a great place to spend a few hours. It is full of photojournalism, memorabilia, and regional art.
Air Command Museum
Air Command Museum is located on Heritage Road on the Dover Air Force Base and packed with aircraft and artifacts. If you are into aviation and history or just love historic planes this is for you. Admission and parking are free and open to public Wednesday through Sunday 9 AM-4 PM.
Dover Motor Speedway
The Dover Motor Speedway was constructed in 1969 but has been renovated over the years. It is home to some NASCAR races and has a mascot “Monster Mile”. You can go to an event, camp out for events or arrange to have a tour of the track. If you want to do a tour you must call to arrange at least 24 hours in advance, and it costs $10 per person.
John Dickinson Plantation
You can check out this amazing home and plantation of the lawyer John Dickinson. There are free tours of the house on the half hour and there is an informative film you can watch. It is a beautiful place to visit. Tours are offered Thursday through Saturday at 10:30AM, 11:30AM, 1:30PM, 2:30PM and 3:30 PM.
Old State House
Located in the Dover Green this building was built in the 1700s and was the original state capitol. You can take a free tour of the Old State House and get more of the history. This is a National Historic Landmark so don’t forget your National Parks Passport. Tours are offered Wednesday-Saturday at 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM and 3 PM.
Legislative Hall- Delaware State Capitol Building
Now acting State Capitol Building is open Monday through Friday and on the first Saturday of each month. Tours are free and offered between 10 AM and 1 PM. You will need a government issued ID to enter the building.
Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village
This museums mission statement is to promote agricultural education and awareness while also developing an appreciation for cultural heritage. There is a main exhibit hall and a 1890’s village. It is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM and costs $5 per adult, $3 children 6-17 and is free for children 5 and under.
where to stay
There are numerous classic hotels to choose from most of which align the route 13 road. The State Street Inn is the only bed and breakfast in Dover itself and is the closest accommodation to the downtown green area. In nearby Milford, which is about 20 miles south of Dover, there are three beautiful bed and breakfast places to choose from including the Causey Mansion B&B, The Towers B&B and Bank House B&B.
where to eat and drink
If you are in the downtown area, you can check out some of these top-rated places to eat or grab a drink or coffee. The House of Coffi, Grey Fox Grille and Public House, Cobblestone Café, The Brunch n Lunch, and the Golden Fleece Tavern. The top-rated restaurant in all of Dover is Restaurant 55 but that is 10-minute drive from the downtown.
Fordham and Dominion Brewing Company
There is one main brewery in town. It is the Fordham and Dominion Brewing Company. It is about 2.5 miles and a 7-minute drive from the downtown green. It has been open since 1995. The Taproom is open Wednesday and Thursday 3 PM-8Pm and Friday and Saturday 12 PM-9PM. Here you can get pints or flights to try the beer. There have been tours in the past but currently on hold. When active the cost was $10 and included a tour, tasting and Fordham & Dominion glass.
Pizzadili Winery
This winery was stated in 1993 by the Pizzadili family. They have over 12 different grape varieties so host a wide array of different wines to taste. It costs $10 for a choice of five wines from the list and you get a complimentary glass. They also have wine tasting with cheese, vegetable, and fruit trays. They are open Wednesday through Sunday. It is located 10 miles or a 16-minute drive from downtown Dover.
Blue Earl Brewing
Is located north of Dover in the town of Smyrna. It is about 16 miles or 23-minute drive from Dover. It is open daily and has food on site as well. They also like to host live music here.
Mispillion River Brewing
This brewery is in Milford, Delaware and it is about 20 miles south of Dover or about a 25-minute drive. It opened in 2013. It is open daily. There is a cool patio to hang out at. Food trucks frequent the area, or you can order food to be delivered on site.
Dover your next weekend getaway
This charming city is perfect for a day or weekend getaway. It is also perfect little stop if you are on a road trip. I was very pleasantly surprised by all this place had to offer and you will be too! Check out my one day itinerary of just what I did while visiting Dover here:
