Why Wilmington should be your summer weekend escape

Philadelphia is a fun spot to be in the summer, but everyone could use a weekend escape from the city… and that’s where Wilmington, Delaware comes in. 

The quaint destination is just less than an hour from Philly (with no traffic), and it offers a lot more than just proximity to beaches. It also offers a personalized much-needed vacation for those who really crave it, or, a bonding trip with family, friends or your significant other.

First up, there has got to be some prime locations to sit down and eat—a weekend vacation just wouldn’t be the same without it. 

Some highlighted destinations include Le Cav, an approachable French brasserie from local Chef Tyler Akin (who made his mark in Philly previously with Stock and Res Ipsa) and Bardea Food and Drink, a JBFA-nominated spot from Antimo DiMeo and Scott Stein. At Le Cav, diners can expect some fan-favorite classics like Steak Frites, but also some French-inspired upgrades such as the “Le Big Cav,” aka Akin’s play on the Big Mac. At Bardea however, diners can sift through a menu chock full of gourmet pasta, snacks, pizza and shareable sized portions for the table. 

Wilmington is also home to Wilma’s Duck Pin bowling, which opened last winter and dons some New Orleans styled-fare. The bowling is played “Duck-Pin” style, aka the ball and pins are small and light, compared to a game of 10-pin—but the game concept is still the same. On the food side however, the upscale dining experience offers brunch, lunch and dinner options including sweet potato hash, andouille sausage gravy, a Cajun charcuterie board, smoked oysters and much more. 

Downtown Wilmington itself however has grown immensely in recent times thanks to The Buccini/ Pollen Group. For over two decades (since 2000) the organization has led the charge on revitalizing downtown Wilmington, with involvement in each of the aforementioned concepts and by investing $1.5 billion into the area, and Philadelphians can check it out for themselves this summer. 

When looking for a stay, the Hotel Du Pont also serves as destination delivering timeless luxury with 217 guest rooms and spacious suites. The hotel is also in a centralized location for many different categories including family-fun (spots like the Enchanted Woods, Brandywine Zoo and Delaware Children’s Museum are close by), food (most of the spots listed above are also close in proximity) and even theater shows with the Playhouse on Rodney Square and Grand Opera House just a short drive away. 

The Hotel also debuted new guest experiences recently, including: An exclusive Before-Hours Tour of the  Hagley Museum & Library, the first family home of the du Pont family in the U.S.; ways for guests to train like Olympians by working with Anthuan Maybank, an Olympic Gold Medalist; and ways to check out an initiative titled “Spa Time Self Care, an Aromatherapy Massage, Spa & Sauna,” featuring a 90 minute massage and sauna experience at the popular Currie Salon & Spa. 

Whatever the reason may be, if you need to get away, you’ll likely find whatever it is that you’re looking for in Wilmington. So, vacation time is much closer than you think. 

For information about Wilmington and what it offers, visit wilmingtonde.gov