What we Love Locally!

What we Love Locally!
 
 
 
New Castle County
 
Parks such as Carousel Park in Pike Creek that even offers a dog park section in their 200 plus acres. Delcastle Park is another amazing park featuring 400 acres that includes tennis courts, golf, walking trail and more. Something a bit more smaller and still a hidden gem is the Old Paper Mill Road Park and the Newark Reservoir. 
 
Restaurants that will raise the bar for exquisite cuisine must include such local places as Snuff Mill in Independence Mall or The House of William and Merry in Hockessin and Bardea Food and Drink on Market Street downtown Wilmington. Such incredible talented Chefs! We must mentioned one of the oldest establishments in our area which would be Jessop's Tavern. Located in historic New Castle the building itself was built around 1674! Granted, Jessop's establishment (as in the name) started in the mid 90's. The name signifies the family who owned the establishment back in the early 1700's; Abraham Jessop, who was a barrel maker. Enjoy the fish & chips or the Shepard's pie and if you are into Belgium beer you could have a different one every day for almost a year! One other place comes to mind thinking of beer; Dew Point Brewing located in Hockessin with their craft microbrew beers. In addition they do offer live music both inside and out. Check their schedules and enjoy the local surroundings at their picnic tables with perhaps a visit of a local food truck. Bring a chair or blanket to relax also just in case.
 
Visit family owned restaurants such as Valle Cucina in Pike Creek Shopping Center or The Perfect Cup in Hockessin. 
 
Shopping, of course tax free is varied from a grand scale of Christiana Mall to smaller stores such as Casual Marketplace to find that perfect outdoor setting. Maybe you need equestrian supplies from Dover Saddlery in Hockessin. 
 
Supporting local business is an awareness and pleasure. Prime example would be the third generation operating Hawkins and Sons in Elsmere.
 
There are several other companies that we would suggest and recommend that covers a broad range of services. Our goal is to make those connections for you!
 
 
 
Kent County
 
Parks in Kent I immediately think of Bombay Hook. Touring around the park by car with ample of opportunities to park and hike with the abundance of wildlife is worth it. Many times, I am here taking photographs of the bird migration that comes through these wetlands. Purchase an annual pass and visit often. 
 
Restaurants and perhaps I should add breweries and distilleries because you have a handful! Smyrna has a few that needs to be mentioned. Sheridan's Irish Pub is terrific and keep on eye on their special events. Brick Works Brewing and Eats is a great way to start tasting beer. Last time I checked they have 12 different types. Getting into the local breweries you have the Blue Earl Brewing and Painted Stave Distilling in Smyrna. Head to Dover for Fordham and Dominion for more beer tasting. Typically about 7 year round and then seasonal offerings per the calendar year. A bit further south in Milford is Mispillion River Brewing where you should be able to find perhaps over a dozen styles of beer. Too much beer? Then head to Felton for some wine at Pizzadili Winery which may have about 20 different wines ranging from a sweet style then progress to semi sweet to a dry format. There are a handful of fruit wines to sample! Craving Amish food? Head over to Spence's Bazaar & Auction in Dover. Take advantage of this region since there are many farms. 4th Generation Fifer's Orchards in Camden Wyoming allows you to pick your own fruit like blueberries and fresh flowers. Special events for an authentic "Farm to Table" occur here so check their schedule.
 
 
 
Sussex County 
 
Parks in lower Delaware are truly a delight and surprise many whom are from out of State. We must of course mention our fabulous beaches. Historical Lewes Beach with a quaint downtown consisting of restaurants and shops is all within an easy drive anywhere in Delaware. Heading further south you have the boardwalk and a huge variety of restaurants in Rehoboth Beach. From there you can adventure to Dewey Beach for live music and more outdoor style bars and restaurants. Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island are closer to the southern border of Delaware and still offer so much for everyone!
 
Restaurants in this region is enormous. Thus, very hard to make a few selections to highlight. But here it goes... If you adventure a tad further south from the Delaware beaches make a reservation to this unique place in Maryland. You Must pay in cash! The Grove Market Smokehouse Restaurant!!! No web site but all plenty of information on the internet. Address is 12402 St Martins Neck Rd, Bishopville, MD. Speaking of unique places... here is another in Lewes, DE called Paul's (Cullen) Kitchen Market & Brunch. This Brunch is only on Saturday and Sunday. Check out his web site Paul Cullen for many features like - Special guests with small intimate concerts at "The Room" is always intriguing. But it doesn't stop there! Paul Cullen has trips planned that you can join or even hire him for a dinner and show. Now that I have breakfast on my mind, try Egg in Rehoboth on Rehoboth Ave. Personal favorite is Sriracha Bacon Candy. Now my mind is racing... another fabulous place is DiFebo's in Bethany. Their sauce for the pasta dishes are addicting! We always take some home to go by the quart. Here is a test, count how many monkeys are in the bar at Nantucket's in Fenwick. In the meantime, enjoy the cuisine and your beverage of choice. Take time out to discover the opportunity for fresh produce and meats like at Parsons Farm Produce in Dagsboro. Check out HSEN Organic Farm in Selbyville!
 
Shopping here in Sussex feels almost limitless. Of course this is beyond the Outlet shopping found in Rehoboth. The list for antique places is lengthy! Looking for that nautical store to add to your decor? Sure, there are a variety of options from interior to exterior. Of course your typical beach needs from bathing suits or chairs to toys can be easily found. Specialty boutique shops for clothing and jewelry are accessible in each town. Don't forget the classics to satisfy your craving for ice cream! But one special treat has been around since 1937! Yes, it is Fisher's Popcorn. Before you return home, make sure to buy some for yourself and friends.
 
 
We haven't even mentioned The Grand, The Queen, Firefly, Freeman Arts Pavilion, Schwartz Center for the Arts or Milton Theatre for music just to name a few. You want history? Bellanca Airfield, Nemours Estate, Hagley Museum, Fort Delaware,  Air Mobility Command Museum, or Zwaanendael Museum. Just visit old New Castle to step back in time!