City Guide
Delaware
There are several interesting facts about the state of Delaware that make a trip there a memorable one year-round. It was one of the original Thirteen Colonies and is known as the ‘First State’, referring to the fact that it was the first to ratify the Articles of Confederation, the first legal document establishing the new American political entities as ‘states’. It is the second-smallest state in the United States. Last, but certainly not least; there is no sales tax in Delaware. Tax-free shopping…who can beat that?
Downtown Dover
The city of Dover was founded in 1683 by William Penn. In 1717, it was officially laid out over an area of 125 acres by a commission of the Delaware General Assembly. Today, it is a thriving and steadily growth city.
Dover seems like it’s close to everything. Dover is approximately 90 miles from major cities like Philadelphia and Washington, DC and is only an hour from several beautiful Atlantic Coast beaches.
There are two distinct historic areas in downtown Dover; one Colonial and one Victorian. Each is a quaint area with flowers, giant shading threes and brick walks. In addition, each has rich history, architecture and charming shops. Throughout downtown Dover, you will find specialty shops, neighborhood stores and restaurants.
Getting to Dover
While there are no airports in Dover, there are several within reach of the city. Below you will find a quick guide to area airports and some relevant facts about each:
Philadelphia International Airport (www.phl.org/index.html)
70 miles from Dover
Airlines: Air Tran Airways, America West / American Eagle, American Airlines, Continental / Continental Express, Delta Air Lines / Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Midwest Airlines, United Express, US Airways / US Airways Express, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines
Cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National
Baltimore Washington International Airport (www.bwiairport.com)
90 miles from Dover
Airlines: Air Tran, American, America West, Continental, Delta, Frontier Airlines, Midwest Airlines, North American Airlines, Northwest, Southwest, United, US Airways
Cars: Avis, Alamo, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty
Washington Ronald Reagan National Airport (www.metwashairports.com/national)
90 miles from Dover
Airlines: AirTran, Alaska Airlines, America West, American Airlines, American Eagle, ATA, Continental, Delta, Delta Connection, Frontier Airlines, Midwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United, US Airways Shuttle, US Airways Express
Cars: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, National, Thrifty, Enterprise
Harrisburg International Airport (www.flyhia.com)
120 miles from Dover
Airlines: Air Canada, American Eagle, Continental Airlines, Delta, Northwest Airlines, United, US Airways
Cars: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty
Allentown/Bethlehem/Easton (www.lvia.org)
130 miles from Dover
Airlines: Air Canada, Allegiant Air, Continental, Delta, Northwest, United, US Airways
Cars: Alamo/National, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, Thrifty
Driving to Dover
Dover is within easy driving distance of several cities in the northeast. Below are just a few samples:
Baltimore, MD; 110 miles
Bedford, PA; 220 miles
Denver, CO; 1,750 miles
Harrisburg, PA; 127 miles
New York, NY: 165 miles
Pittsburgh, PA; 325 miles
Richmond, VA; 200 miles
Roanoke, VA; 340 miles
Trenton, NJ; 110 miles
Virginia Beach, VA; 195 miles
Washington, DC; 90 miles
What to Do
Dover Air Force Base and the Air Mobility Command Museum (www.amcmuseum.org)
The Dover AFB is important to the country’s defense; it represents one-fourth of the nation’s strategic airlift capacity and is home to 36 giant C-5 Galaxy cargo planes. The AMC Museum houses a large collection of vintage and veteran Aircraft, plus historical artifacts since the beginning of the air base in 1941. The museum is located on the south side of the base in a historic top-secret rocket test center during WWII; where the military tested air-to-air and air-to-ground rockets. It houses several restored aircraft, including a D-Day veteran C-47, the first C-141 Starlifter, a B-17 Flying Fortress, the last C-133, an F-101 Voodoo Fighter, a P-51 Mustang, and a Berlin Airlift C-54M, plus many others.
There are also a variety of educational exhibits. Admission is Free. Tues-Sat 9-4pm. No special ID is required. 1301 Heritage Road, Dover AFB; 302-677-5938. Entrance is on De Route 9 one half mile from the intersection of US 113. Motor coach parking available on-site. Reservations suggested.
Biggs Museum of American Art (www.biggsmuseum.org)
The Biggs Museum of American Art is one of Delaware’s premier museums of antiques and fine arts. Highlights of the collection include beautiful landscape paintings, portraits, and marine scenes by famous artists such as Gilbert Stuart, Thomas Cole, and the Peale family. Other marvels include finely crafted furniture, silver, tall clocks, sculpture, and other decorative arts. Free admission for a self-guided tour. Located above the Delaware State Visitor Center in downtown Dover. Wed-Sat 10-4pm, Sun 1:30-4:30pm. 406 Federal Street, Dover; 302-674-2111. Motorcoach parking available on-site. Reservations required a minimum of two weeks in advance for guided tour or program, four weeks notice preferred.
Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village (www.agriculturalmuseum.org)
Museum visitors can virtually step back in time to see how a rural community looked at the turn of the century by taking a walk through the village of 21 buildings & structures behind the museum. The village includes a mill, blacksmith shop, church, school, farmhouse, barn, wagon shed, granary, hen house, barbershop, general store, Loockerman Landing’s train station and more.
The museum also houses a variety of antique tractors and farm equipment. Children can milk a “cow” and play in the Touch of History “House” and “School” plus enjoy other fun activities throughout the exhibits. Adults $5; Seniors & Student $3; Children under 6 Free. Tues-Sat 10-4pm, Sun 1-4pm. 866 N. Dupont Highway, Dover (on US 13 just south of Delaware State Univ); 302-734-1618. Motorcoach parking available on-site. Reservations required a minimum of three weeks in advance.
Harrington Museum and Railroad Museum
The Harrington Railroad Museum includes a 1926 Pennsylvania Railroad caboose that visitors walk through to see how the train crews lived and the tools that they used on the job. One giant crowbar must have taken several men to use. Visitors can also see a watchman’s tower with equipment to switch the tracks, lanterns, old phones, and a “message stick,” used to grab messages off poles as the train sped along. Some other fun items include a vintage soda fountain, Jehu Camper folk art carvings, and a wooden model of the town. Free admission. Mon-Fri 11-3pm and the third Sun of each month, 2-4pm. 108-110 Fleming Street, Harrington, DE; 302-398-3698. Located at the railroad tracks along Route 14 in downtown Harrington. Just past the Railroad Museum, curve to the right onto Fleming Street for the Harrington Museum. Motorcoach parking available behind museum.
John Dickinson Plantation (www.destatemuseums.org)
The plantation is the boyhood home and farm of John Dickinson (1732-1808), who is known as the “Penman of the Revolution” for his articles debating whether the colonies should break from England and form their own government. He was also a signer of the Federal Constitution.
The 18-acre site features the furnished 1740 colonial brick home. Guides in reproduction historical clothing demonstrate aspects of seasonal plantation life, such as hearth cooking, gardening, farming, and shingle splitting. The lives of slaves, free blacks, and tenant farmers are included in tours at the John Dickinson plantation. Free admission. Tues-Sat 10-3:30pm, Sun 1:30-4:30pm. 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover (located south of the Dover Air Force Base, via US 113 or Route 9); 302-739-3277. Motorcoach parking available. Reservations required a minimum of two weeks in advance.
The State House (www.destatemuseums.org)
Built in 1792, Delaware’s State House is the second oldest in continuous use. Located in the heart of colonial Dover, it once housed both state government and Kent County offices. The restored geometrical staircase is a beautiful feature of the interior. Paintings of George Washington, Commodore Jacob Jones, and Commodore Thomas Macdonough are on display. The restored courtroom, legislative chambers and offices, plus objects, paintings, architectural details, and reproductions help guests understand how early State and County government impacted the lives of men, women, children, slaves, and free blacks 200 years ago. Free admission. Fri 10-4:30pm, Sat 9-5pm, Sun 1:30-4:30pm. 406 Federal Street, Dover (located in downtown Dover’s colonial district); 302-739-4266.
Old New Castle
Located about 50 minutes north of Dover via US 13, Route 1 or Route 9, New Castle is one of the oldest towns in Delaware, founded on the Delaware River as Fort Casimir by the Dutch in 1651. This historic town is filled with wonderful architecture and is steeped in history. William Penn first landed in the New World at The Strand near the waterfront. Cobblestone streets, a colonial commons, churches, shops, restaurants, and a riverside park all contribute to the charm. Attractions include the 1732 New Castle Courthouse, The George Read II House and Gardens, Amstel House Museum, Old Dutch House, and Old Library Museum.
Shopping
Dover Mall (www.dovermall.com)
Dover Mall features over one hundred different retailers including; Macy's, Boscov's, Sears and JCPenney, as well as regional favorites such as Old Navy, PacSun, Victoria's Secret, FYE and American Eagle Outfitters. Enjoy tax-free shopping. Located at 1365 North Dupont Hwy, Dover; 302-734-0415. Mon-Sat 10-9pm, Sun 11-6pm.
Clothing
Ben’s Men’s and Shoe Store, 140 W. Loockerman Street, 730-1773
Karen’s High Fashion, 239 W. Loockerman Street, 734-3342
Needful Things, 217 W. Loockerman Street, 678-4402
Nu Generation, 237 W. Loockerman Street, 678-9776
Signature Stitches, 29 W. Loockerman Street, 736-6500
Specialty Shops
Bell, Book and Candle (www.bellbookandcandle.biz), 115 W. Loockerman Street, 678-4545
Beyond Dimensions (www.beyonddimensionstoo.com), 59 S. Governors Avenue, 674-9070
Delaware Made General Store, 214 S. State Street, 736-1419
Emanuel’s Religious Gifts, 147 S. Governors Avenue, 674-4334
Forney’s Too (www.forneystoo.com), 102 W. Loockerman Street, 734-2425
Jewelry
Dover Jewelry & Broker, 109 W. Loockerman Street, 674-3767
Forney’s Ltd. (www.forneysjewelers.com), 106 W. Loockerman Street, 734-3425
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