The First State makes for a scenic, historic, and memorable road trip. From gourmet coffee to seafood on the beach and scenic views, fall attractions are never far away. So plan your perfect fall road trip in Delaware today and find out more about a state famous for both NASCAR and a food called “scrapple.”
This classic order-at-the-bar java spot offers sandwiches and ala carte breakfast menu items, plus French Press coffee, espresso, lattes, and more. Get breakfast and lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients and enjoy your meal knowing that Drip uses sustainable products whenever possible. Through partnerships with Farmart, Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-Op, Ceremony Coffee Roasters, and PT’s Coffee Roasting Company, you’ll find the best coffee in Delaware right here.
View this post on Instagram
When you have had your fill of morning Joe, move on down the road to Delaware City where you will find Fort Delaware. You have got to take a ferry to access this historic site, though, because is located on Pea Patch Island, in the middle of the Delaware River. A Union fortress dating to 1859, Fort Delaware once housed Confederate prisoners of war and was originally built to protect the ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia.
After taking in a bit of history, you are sure to be a little peckish so hop on over to Dover and try a little place called the Brunch ‘N Lunch. Even though the eatery is only in its second year, as the name suggests, they know a thing or two about lunch. Chef Domonique Williams and his team boast a youthful, sometimes playful, vision of food service that shows through in dishes like the Cajun-style spicy chicken with “Hella Hot Sauce” and a chocolate Guinness waffle.
Next, Cape Henlopen State Park features beaches and open spaces on 5,193 acres. Swim and sunbathe on the designated beach area, or play a round of 18-hole disc golf for fun. Plus, don’t miss hiking or biking along the three-mile paved loop around the park, the six miles of coastline, or the Pinelands Nature Trail. Maybe you would rather break off the trail and explore World War II Observation Tower, offering 360-degree views.
After your hike, you will want a snack. So head over the border and into Maryland to Blades Orchard for you-pick Mutsu, Jona Gold, Grimes Gold, Ginger Gold, and Red Delicious. Then make your way to the tasting room for some hard cider or something from the distillery. Also, don’t miss peaches you-pick pumpkins, hayrides and a cornucopia of vegetables.
As the sun set, you head to Georgetown and mist slowly creeps in. Something strange staggers out of the woods ahead of you and then disappear into the darkness. You begin to think, “we are not in Kansas, anymore…” And you are right! You are in Delaware… at the award-winning “scream” park founded in 2011. Screams at the Beach features nine different attractions, including haunted houses & trails, escape rooms, “Zombie Paintball,” cemetery walks, and more.
View this post on Instagram
The Starboard is a bit of an institution around these parts. Founded in the 1960s, this award-winning restaurant is famous for its Bloody Mary cocktails (you can even build your own!) and a mixology concoction named the “Bull Shark” (a mix of flavored vodkas, champagne, juices, and Red Bull). And it's playfully named, handmade menu items will hit the spot. Try the “Surf ‘n Turf Burger,” the “Scott Van Melt,” or the “Sand Pile.”
In this historic Victorian hotel overlooking the Delaware Bay, you will find old world style and modern amenities. Located on the boardwalk, you can amble along the water’s edge for the day and then return in the afternoon for tea or to enjoy the rooftop spa amenities. You will also appreciate the complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, private baths, and the mini fridges to keep leftovers cold. Also, don’t forget about live evening music, morning yoga, and more.
When you wake up, you are going to be hungry. Boasting New-York style bagels made from scratch daily, as well as the freshest available ingredients, Surf Bagel does one thing and does it better than anyone else. Build your own breakfast sandwich on a bagel or burrito and take it to go. Or if you are there for lunch, check out the cheesesteak menu.
There are few better ways to end your trip than a walk through Trap Pond State Park, a 3,653-acre that contains one of the largest surviving fragments of what was once an extensive wetland in the southwestern part of the state. The area is known as the northernmost point for bald cypress trees in the country. Explore hiking trails that surround the park, or watch for the great blue heron, owls, hummingbirds, warblers, and bald eagles.
