Delaware's prettiest season has finally arrived and now that you've got your boots, your hooded sweater, your pumpkin spice latte and an arsenal of campfire stories, it's time to head out to a fabulous fall event. Here are our top picks from Delaware's exciting autumn calendar.
The Delaware Children's Theater is positioned in one of the most highly sought after locations in all of Delaware. Sitting just moments away from the breathtaking Wilmington waterfront, the stars at this kid friendly theatre really know how to put on a show. Enjoy a performance and support the kids, then top off the evening with a dinner by the sea at one of the many appetizing eateries along the river front.
See the famous Sea Witch on parade alongside all her costume clad cronies at Rehoboth Beach's for the annual Sea Witch Festival. There's tons of family fun in store at this one-of-a-kind maritime favorite where live bands, horse shows, competitions, games and a wide variety of delectable foods will all be available in abundance.
If you're already at the beach and you're delighted at the thought of running through a fright maze or playing zombie paintball, you'll definitely want to check out Georgetown Delaware's deliciously terrifying haunted attraction aptly titled Screams At The Beach. Six acres of oceanfront property and six ghoulish attractions await. It's sure to be a scream.
Delaware's innovative Hagley Museum and Library hosts this eclectic event each October at Hagley's Buck Road East entrance. Talented artisans from all over the mid-Atlantic are guaranteed to awe you with their wares at this seasonal show. Check out their unique selection of gourmet food, wearable art, handcrafted boxes and more.
Yet another Wilmington, Delaware museum known for showing off a spectacular fall calendar is the Winterthur Museum. At their Plein Air exhibition, the public is invited to view the works of a weeklong paint-a-thon wherein talented artists put their brushes to the canvas and attempt to recreate Delaware in all of its fall splendor. Any fan of fall foliage is guaranteed to be appeased by this creative showcase and in-depth look at landscape photography and as an added bonus, the autumnal artwork will also be for sale.
If you have tiny tots who like scavenger hunts, hayrides and mazes, you'll definitely want to head over to the Blackbird Creek Reserve for a sensationally delightful time. Admission into the Blackbird Creek Fall Festival is free of charge but remember to bring cash for the vendors. Attendees can try their hand at kayaking, canoeing or crafting or they can just sit back and enjoy the scene. Live music, guided habitat hikes and an introduction to the Native American landscape are all part of the package.
The Brandywine Zoo's got tricks and treats for your tiny tots in October. If you enjoy the idea of a safe and unique place for your kids to find candy in the dark, Boo at the Zoo's got your fix. Admission is just $5 for children aged three and up and members can participate for free.
Delaware's state park brings the 18th century to Dover every fall. If you're a fan of period clothing and merchandise you won't want to miss this free to enter festival featuring a wide variety of clothing, entertainment and wares inspired by the 1700s.
The Winterthur Museum and Library is beautiful regardless of the season but there's no denying its presence amidst the lush fall foliage. Visit the museum to explore its stunning collections of ceramics, glass, furniture, paintings and prints.
There's nothing quite like Rehoboth Beach when the weather gets a bit brisk and the roar of the ocean can finally be heard without the background noise of the summer. When you add to that steely grey sky the excitement of cinema the end result is nothing less than divine. The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival runs for the better half of October and it sets the stage for the whole season. Discover local art and local artists this year at this renowned event.
There's no better time to investigate paranormal activity then on a cool autumn night and Fort Delaware is exactly where you want to be if you choose to embark on such a journey. Throughout the entire month of October, this region of Delaware features three hour investigative tours where participants are encouraged to delve deeper into the world beyond and discover the mysteries of haunted Delaware. Should you dare to enter, you'll never look at Delaware State Park the same way again.
Grab hold of your sweetie and keep your iPhone camera near. Wilmington Delaware's Autumn Leaf Special is a journey into all things fall and Delaware. During the fall, a beautifully painted train leaves Green Bank Station. If you're fortunate enough to be on it, you'll get to travel all the way to Hockessin, taking in the sights of the countryside and the city. What a romantic way to look at the autumn landscape, through the window of a passing train. The coolest thing about this attraction is that it can appeal to anyone who has a passion for the season, regardless to their age and other tastes.