< Previousllion Lighthouse. A live-cam will allow the public an up close and personal view of shorebirds feeding and horseshoe crabs spawning during peak times. Exterior binoculars and scopes will provide viewing opportunities from dusk to dawn. Hours of operation are: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Wednesdays and Saturdays April 1st-April 30th, Tues.-Sat. May 1st-August 31st, 10 :00 a.m.- 4 p.m. Peak viewing times will determine additional weekend hours. High tides should be checked by visitors prior to coming to the center due to high levels of water possibly being on the road entering the center. Fifer Orchards’ Farm Store & Kitchen, 302-697-2141, www.fiferorchards.com. The store is open April -December, Monday – Saturday, closed Sunday. Located 1/2 mile west of Wyoming, 1919 Allabands Mill Rd, Grant Street Ext. (From Rts. 13 & 10 intersection, go west on Camden-Wyoming Ave. for 1 mile straight to the RR. Cross the tracks, take a right, and then an immediate left on Grant St. Go west 1/2 mi. into the country. Store is on right.) Take a quick trip to the country for the freshest, most nutritious sea- sonal fruits and vegetables around! Enjoy the scenery, visually ex- perience the activities of a fourth-generation working farm, and shop in Fi- Page 8 2024 Central Delaware Visitors Guide Central Delaware Attractions - from pg. 7 See CENTRAL DELAWARE ATTRACTIONS - Page 9 1919 Allabands Mill Rd. Camden-Wyoming, DE 302-697-2141 BEACH STORE Dewey Beach, DE FARM STORE local fruits & veggies, cider donuts, kettle corn OPEN FOR LUNCH s oups, sandwiches, burgers SWEET TREATS ice cream, slushies, shakes & more Subscribe Subscribe to our CSA to our CSA Farm Box Farm Box ProgramProgram! www.fiferorchards.com ALL YOUR FAVORITES ALSO AVAILABLE AT Tues.-Sat. 10-5 Sun. 12-4 Closed Holidays Proprietress Barb Gooden Kim Bomberger Simply CharmingSimply Charming S t y l is h ble ndofold & n ew ! These charming shops are located in a late 1800’s train station and Feed Mill, which feature a stylish blend of old and new. Voted Best of Delaware in 2019-20-21-22 for Antiques and Home Accessories. 2 S. Railroad Ave., Wyoming, DE 19934 • 302-697-7377 11 Mill St., Wyoming, DE 19934 • 302-697-6100 Follow us on Facebook ~ Email: SimplyCharmingbs@gmail.com Visit both, within a few blocks of each other to feel the “Charm” S pring F ling O pen H OuS e March 7 th thru 10 th A nniverSAry C elebrAtiOn April 12 th thru 13 th H OlidAy O pen H OuSe Nov. 7th thru 10th F All F All g AtHering g AtHering Sept. 6th & 7th v iSit u S d uring O ur S peCiAl e ventS v iSit u S d uring O ur S peCiAl e ventS It’s aIt’s a Shopping ExperienceShopping Experience S ip & S HOp Dec. 12th 5-7pm “Wonderful Get Away from it all”“Wonderful Get Away from it all” Fifer Orchards Farm Store known throughout motorsports as the “Monster Mile” for the punishing toll it takes on drivers and equipment. With 9 de- grees of banking in the front stretch and backstretch and 24 degrees in the turns, speeds can reach as high as almost 170 miles per hour on the concrete track. NASCAR Cup Series seats are reserved, while all other events are general admission. Visit DoverSpeedway.com or call 800- 441-RACE for tickets. Dover Mall, 302-678-4000, www.simon.com/mall/dover- mall Open Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Sunday, noon.-6 p.m. Located on US 13, 1365 North Dupont Highway, Dover, just north of Dover International Speedway. Enjoy tax-free shopping including Boscov’s, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Macy’s, Old Navy, JC Penney, and many others. This modern indoor mall also has restaurants, a food court, and an AMC movie theatre complex. The DuPont Nature Center, 302-422-1329, dnrec.alpha. delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/education-outreach/dupont-nature- center/ Horseshoe crab/shorebird interpretive center on the Delaware Bay located at Mispillion Harbor Reserve, 2992 Lighthouse Road, Milford. Owned and operated by the Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife, this center offers the hottest spot for viewing spawn- ing horseshoe crabs and migratory shorebirds on the planet. The interior of the nature center offers an array of educational exhibits, which have been funded in part by donations from the DuPont Corporation. Visitors can learn about horseshoe crabs, migratory shorebirds, the Delaware Estuary, waterfowl, as well as the history of Slaughter Beach and the famed Misipi-traps and two large putting greens located off of Rt. 13 south of Smyrna. G & R Campground, 302-398-8108, www.gandrcamp- ground.com, 4075 Gun and Rod Club Road, Houston. The family-owned campground has been a staple in the state of Delaware since 1967. Most of the campers return every year to create memories with family and friends, attend the annual June Jam music festival in June, or getaway for a quiet week- end visit. Reserve a Cabin, RV site, Tent site (primitive), or Glamping site at G&R today. Harness Racing at Bally’s Dover, 302-674-4600, www.do- verdowns.com/harness-racing/, 1131 N. Dupont Highway, Do- ver. Bally’s Dover has some of the fastest live harness racing in the country, open from late November through March, on the groomed track inside the concrete speedway oval. Regional horses and drivers compete for large prize purses here. Guests can place wagers on the races and watch tableside TV monitors while enjoying a buffet dinner in the Grandstand, or watch the action at ground level adjacent to the track. Bally’s Dover also offers daily simulcast wagering (off-track betting) year-round, featuring the top harness and thoroughbred tracks around the United States and Canada. Admission is free. Greater Harrington Historical Society Museums 302- 398-3698, ghhsociety.org. The Historical Society maintains 3 museum location that house over 50,000 artifacts, some dating back to the early 1700’s. Tours are available by appointment, with ample advance notice. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. The museums include the original St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Pauline Satterfield Annex and the Railroad Tower and Caboose. fer’s farm market. The store features jams, jellies, dressings, pickles, mixes, honey, apple butter, apple cider, candy, pies, cookies, and hand-dipped ice cream. U-Pick is available, in season, for strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apples, cut flow- ers, and pumpkins. Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch & ice cream at the farm kitchen and your family will enjoy the u-play area. First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries, 302-744-5055, history.delaware.gov/museums. Located on the first floor of the Delaware Public Archives building adjacent to Legislative Hall, the First State Heritage Park Welcome Cen- ter & Galleries serves as an entrance portal to the attractions of Delaware’s state capital and the historic city of Dover. The center is ideally situated for auto-borne visitation with easy highway access and plentiful free parking. Visitor services in- clude tours of the center’s exhibits, and extensive information on local and statewide attractions, events, and activities. The welcome center is located at 121 Martin Luther King Jr. Boule- vard North and open Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4:00 p.m. First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194 or 302-744-5055, www.destateparks.com/History/FirstStateHeritage. For those who love history and also for those looking for affordable, valuable and enjoyable family vacations, the First State Heri- tage Park is a site to visit. Established in 2004, the First State Heritage Park is the state’s first “park without boundaries” and links several dozen historical and cultural sites in Dover – the capital city of Delaware. Dover has two historic districts on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to what is considered by many to be one of the most beautifully preserved capitol complexes in the nation. The First State Heritage Park Welcome Center and Galleries is located at: 121 Martin Lu- ther King Jr. Boulevard. Hours are Mon. to Fri. 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Welcome Center is centrally-located, offering all- day free parking. Stepping back in time has never been easier. You may be surprised by the intimate feel and the remarkable history contained within one square mile. The First State Heritage Park brings 300 years of history to life through special program- ming. Free unreserved walking tours of Historic Dover led by historical interpreters in period clothing are offered Thursday- Saturday, every hour from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours last approxi- mately 45 minutes and leave from the John Bell House on The Green. For more information visit www.destateparks.com/His- tory/FirstStateHeritage Visit on the first Saturday of each month and enjoy “First Sat- urdays in the First State.” All First State Heritage Park sites are open. Admission to all sites and programs is free. For more information visit www.destateparks.com/History/FirstState- Heritage Garrison’s Lake Golf Club, 302-659-1206, www.garrison- slakegolf.com, 101 West Fairways Circle, Smyrna. An 18 hole, 7,028 yard, par 72 golf course with driving range, practice sand 2024 Central Delaware Visitors Guide Page 9 Central Delaware Attractions - from pg. 8 See CENTRAL DELAWARE ATTRACTIONS - Page 10 DartFirstState.com1-800-652-DART Dump The Pump and Go Green with DART! Pay with your phone using our DART validator! Download DART Free Mobile Apps DART Transit DART Pass First State Heritage Parkfrom noon - 5:00 p.m, and noon-8 p.m. on Fridays and Satur- days. Food trucks are on the property Fri.-Sun. Irish Rose Gift Shop, 42 N. Walnut St., downtown Milford, 302-491-4125, www.irishrosegiftshop.com/. The shop features great gift ideas from Ireland including sweaters, wool hats, or- naments, and heart jewelry. Open Tues. –Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sat. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Jonathan’s Landing, 302-697-8204, www.jonathansland- inggolf.com, south of the Dover Air Force Base, 1309 Pon- derosa Dr, Magnolia,. Jonathan’s Landing Golf Club is one of Delaware’s most frequently played public golf courses, with a distinctive marsh- land, links-style layout, undulating greens, subtle el- evation changes, and windswept views. Challeng- ing for more expe- rienced golfers yet still forgiving enough for intermediate golfers to enjoy, Jona- than’s Landing will quickly become a course you want to play again and again. The front nine offers many water hazards and a slightly longer layout, playing to over 3500 yards from the back tees. When golfers make the turn, the back nine shifts to more undulat- ing green complexes, a few target holes where driver may not be necessary, and strategically placed bunkers. Each hole is unique, with a great mix of par threes and par fours and fives that vary in length and difficulty.If you’ve never played Jona- than’s Landing, make your tee time today and see it for your- self! John Bell House, 302-739-9194. www.destateparks.com/ History/FirstStateHeritage Located at 43 at the historic Green in Dover. Open Thurs.– Sat., 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. This recently restored mid-18th century building is the oldest frame structure in Dover. Free walking tours of Dover’s historic district leave from this location hourly from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Thurs. – Sat. John Dickinson Plantation 302-739-3277, history.delaware. Harrington Raceway and Casino 302-398-4920 or 888- 887-5687 www.harringtonraceway.com, 18500 S. DuPont Highway, Harrington. Enjoy the top destination for a good time on the Eastern Shore, and we can’t wait to welcome you to the party! Plan a weekend getaway to see everything offered, where you will find countless opportunities to have some fun with live entertainment, numerous in-house restaurants, sports betting, and casino slots in Harrington, DE. Test your luck atHarrington Raceway & Casinoto enjoy 1,300 slots, all of your favorite table games and a state-of-the-art simulcast par- lor, Harrington Raceway & Casino is the epicenter for gaming in Delaware.. Casino open 8 a.m. -4 a.m daily, Sun. – Thurs. and open 24 hours a day on Fri. & Sat. Closed Christmas & Easter. Harness Racing at Harrington Raceway 302-398-7223, www.harringtonraceway.com, 18500 S. DuPont Highway, Har- rington. Live harness racing April through early June, Monday through Wednesday with dates for the Fair in July and the sea- son resuming in August and ending in October. Simulcast har- ness and thoroughbred racing (off-track betting) is open daily, year-round, noon to midnight. Admission is free for harness racing and simulcast wagering. Call for a schedule of other live events and ticket prices. Located on US 13 at the Delaware State Fairgrounds, Harrington. Harvest Ridge Winery, 302-343-9437, www.harvestridgew- inery.com, 447 Westville Road, Marydel. A visit to Harvest Ridge Winery will have you feeling like you have stepped back in time – to a time when life was less frantic, more relaxed– simpler. Daily tastings are available Sunday through Thursday Page 102024 Central Delaware Visitors Guide Central Delaware Attractions - from pg. 9 See CENTRAL DELAWARE ATTRACTIONS - Page 12 Jonathan’s Landing Golf Harvest Ridge Winery Come get away from it all! 447 Westville Rd, Marydel, DE 19964 Events~ Live Music~ Pairings Food Truck Award Winning Wines Harvestridgewinery.com www.facebook.com/irishrosegiftshop Tues.-Fri. 10-5; Sat. 10-4; Closed Sun. & Mon. “The only Irish shop in Delaware” See CENTRAL DELAWARE ATTRACTIONS - Page 122024 Central Delaware Visitors Guide Page 11 Kent County Tourism is yourFREEResourceKent County Tourism is your FREEResource VisitDelawareVillages.comVisitDelawareVillages.com Trip Ideas & Itineraries Where to Stay Places to Eat Events & FestivalsGroup Planning Services Things to Do A Free Visitors Guide in Central Delaware!in Central Delaware! Questions about your trip? We're here to help!Questions about your trip? We're here to help! Visit our website today for...Visit our website today for... & so much more! Email Newsletter Form Contact Us Form for all things funfor all things fun Page 12 2024 Central Delaware Visitors Guide Central Delaware Attractions - from pg. 10 See CENTRAL DELAWARE ATTRACTIONS - Page 14 1121 Forrest Ave. Dover, DE 19904 302-734-1200 Visit our website: www.modern-maturity.org gov/museums. The plantation is currently open for tours Thurs. – Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Visitor’s Center is open Wed.-Sat. at 10 a.m,- 4 p.m., Sun. 1:30-4 p.m. Call 302-739-3277 for details. 340 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover is south of the Do- ver Air Force Base, via US 113 or Route 9. John Dickinson, known as the “Penman of the Revolution,” was one of Ameri- ca’s founding fathers who wrote of freedom and liberty for all while holding human beings in bondage. The John Dickinson Plantation was home to a variety of people. The stories of the tenant farmers, indentured servants, free and enslaved Black men, women, and children who lived, worked, and died on the plantation are all told. Johnson Victrola Museum, 302-739-3262, history.dela- ware.gov/museums The museum is currently open Wed. – Sat. from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Museum is located at the corner of Bank and New Streets, 375 S. New St. in downtown Dover. The Johnson Victrola Museum features an extensive collection of Victor Talking Machines (early record players) and memo- rabilia. The Victor Talking Machine Company was founded in 1901. Company founder and inventor Eldridge Reeves John- son, a native Delawarean, was a competitor of Thomas Edi- son. Museum exhibits include a 1920’s Victrola dealer’s store with a collection of talking machines, cabinet Victrolas, and early records. Recordings are regularly played on modern and antique equipment, and posters and memorabilia showcase Victor’s popular recording artists. Also featured is an original painting of ‘Nipper,’ the dog that became the trademark for RCA, known as “His Master’s Voice.” Ask to hear the music. Killens Pond State Park and Waterpark, 302-284-4526 Office, 302-284-3412 Campground, www.destateparks.com/ PondsRivers/ KillensPond The park is open dai- ly, 8 a.m.-sunset, year-round. Lo- cated off US 13 between Har- rington and Fel- ton at 5025 Kil- lens Pond Road, Felton. Park en- trance fees are charged daily between March 1st-November 30th. The water park is open Memorial Day Weekend thru Labor Day, The first and last two weeks of the season the waterpark will only be open on week- ends. From mid-June to mid-August the waterpark will be open daily. Enjoy the great outdoors, by boating, fishing, hiking, play- ing, and swimming at Killens Pond State Park. The park offers year-round camping and camping cabins in a wooded area near the shore of the picturesque 66-acre freshwater pond. Canoes, rowboats and pedal boats can be rented during the summer, and narrated pontoon boat tours circle the pond on summer week- ends and holidays. This diverse park also includes a water park with four 54 foot slides, 3 pools and kiddie slides, a nature center, athletic fields, miles of hiking trails, playgrounds, pa- vilions, and picnic areas. Legislative Hall Tours, The State Capitol, 302-739-9194 The Capitol is located at 411 Legislative Avenue, Dover Legisla- tive Hall is Delaware’s current state capitol building, home to Delaware’s General Assembly. The Senate and House of Rep- resentatives Chambers are on the first floor. On the second floor, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor have ceremonial offices. Legislative Hall, affectionately called “Leg Hall” by locals, is filled with paintings and portraits of former governors and Delaware’s heroes of World War II. Visitors may observe Senators and Representatives in action when the Legislature is in session. The broad expanse of lawn in front of Legislative Hall is known as Legislative Mall. Shaded by lovely elm trees, the mall is the site of many festivals in Dover, including Dover Days in May, and July 4th Fireworks. Self-guided tours of the State Capitol building are available Mon. thru Fri. from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. excluding holidays. For group tours, please call (302) 739-9194. Guided tours available Thurs. & Fri. Visit destateparks.com/history/firststateheritage. Messick Agriculture Museum, Inc., 302-398-3729, www. taylormessick.com/messick-museum Open Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., during business hours. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Located behind Taylor & Messick, Inc., west Harrington (tractor sales). From US 13, take Route 14 into Harrington, turn left at the stop sign after the railroad tracks, and follow that road through town and around the bend. Taylor and Messick, Inc. will be on the right, located at 325 Walt Messick Road, Harrington. Antique John Deere tractors, a fence made of spoked wheels, and vintage bicycles are some of the wheeled wonders in this private collection. Stop at the Taylor and Messick Office for admission to the museum. Milford Chamber of Commerce Office & Visitor Center, Killens Pond State Park Waterpark2024 Central Delaware Visitors Guide Page 13 Feb. & March Events - from page 3 Discover Jonathan’s Landing! 18-Hole Championship Public Golf • Outings • Events To book your next outing or event, call (302) 697-8204, today! 1309 Ponderosa Drive | Magnolia, DE 19962 www.jonathanslandinggolf.com Jonathan’s Landing is the area’s premier location for your upcoming wedding, party, outing or special event, featuring the newly renovated Lighthouse Ballroom with a large dance area and wrap around deck overlooking the golf course. See MARCH & APRIL EVENTS - Page 15 together more than sixty works of art by three generations of artists. Paintings, drawings, and illustrations created by N.C. Wyeth, his son Andrew, his daughter Henriette, and his grand- son Jamie return home to Delaware for the first time since en- tering the Bank of America collection at the Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal St. in Dover. Visit www.biggs- museum.org or call 302-674-2111 for info. Now-March 28- Live Harness Racing at Bally’s Dover Ho- tel & Casino Resort. Post time for Live Harness Racing is 4:30 p.m. Mon.-Thurs. Call 302-674-4600 or visit www.ballys.com/ dover/ Feb. 23 & 24 - Central Delaware C of C Home & Garden Expo. The expo will be held in the Exhibit Hall at the Dela- ware State Fairgrounds in Harrington. Show hours are Feb. 23 from noon -6 p.m. and Feb. 24 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. For info visit www.cdcc.net/homeshow or call 302-734-7513. Feb. 24 & March 9 - Fifer Orchards Winter Pickups - Re- stock on your Fifer favorites online at www.fiferorchards.com and pickup at Fifer Orchards Country Store at 1919 Allabands Mill Road in Camden-Wyoming from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 697- 2141 or visit www.fiferorchards.com for info. Feb. 24 – Mind Reader Eric Dittelman at the Smyrna Op- era House. 7 p.m., 7 W. South St., Smyrna. Visit smyrnaopera- house.org. Feb. 24 – R & B singer Ginuwine at Bally’s Dover Hotel & Casino Resort. 7 p.m. Call 302-674-4600 or visit www.ballys. com/dover/ MARCH March 2 – 80’s Rewind Dinner Theater. An interactive Mur- der Mystery in the Magnolia Barn at Loblolly Acres, 5:15. 3893 Turkey Point Rd., Viola. Visit www.loblollyacres.com. March 2 - Delaware Sportsman’s Show. The show will be held at the Cheswold Volunteer Fire Co., 371 Main street in Cheswold from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. For info call 302-653-4090 or visit www.cheswoldvfc.com. March 2 - The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s (DBCC) Lights of Life Bond Gala for Breast Cancer Gala. 5-9:30 p.m.at Bally’s Casino, Dover. Call 302-778-1102 or visit de- breastcancer.org for info. March 7- 10 – Spring Fling Open House at Simply Charm- ing. Browse through the boutiques located throughout the stores to find spring décor and gifts. Located at 2 S. Railroad Avenue in Wyoming and at 11 Mill Street. Call 302-697-7377 for visit www.simplycharmingde.com for info. March 9 – Evening with the Arts. The Delaware ballet will perform different genres of dance with special musical guests at the Kent County Theater Guild. For info visit delawarebal- let.org or call 302-698-1340. March 9 – The Disapperance of Amelia Earhart. The Mil- ford Museum will present the program at the Milford Public Library at 1 p.m. Visit www.milforddemuseum.org/events/ for info. March 14 – July 7 – Horses & Other Creatures. New Works by Rebecca Raubacher. Exhibition at the Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal St., Dover. Call 302-674-2111 or visit www.biggsmuseum.org. March 16 – City of Dover St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Festi- val 2024. The City of Dover and Agape Body Piercings invites everyone out for a day of fun and sun. There will also be more food trucks. The parade starts at 1 p.m. at the corner of Page 14 2024 Central Delaware Visitors Guide Crafts • Housewares Wall Hangings • Toys & Gifts Shady Lane Selections Featuring Hand CraftedAmish Quilts A Large Variety In Stock – In Many Sizes & Colors Large Selection of Quilting Supplies and Fabrics Take a Trip to Amish Country and Visit Open: Mon. - Wed., 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Fri. 8 - 5; Sat. 8 - 5; Closed Thursday and Sunday 1121B Victory Chapel Road Dover, DE 19904 Conveniently located between Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Dover Downs Casino & Speedway off exit 114 of Route 1, on No. Dupont Blvd. 190 Stadium Street, Smyrna, DE 19977 Tel: 302-659-3635 • Fax 302-659-3638 choicehotels.com For Reservations Call: 1-888-764-4693 HOTEL AMENITIES • Continental Breakfast • Outdoor Pool* • Exercise Facility • Cable TV • Business Center • Free high speed Internet • AM/FM alarm clock, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, iron & ironing board • Fax & Copying services available *Pool is seasonal Smyrna Inn To Wilmington QI Smyrna Inn Central Delaware Attractions - from pg. 12 See CENTRAL DELAWARE ATTRACTIONS - Page 19 302-422-3344, www.milfordchamber.com/. The Visitor Center is located at 24 NW Front St. and open Mon.-Fri. Milford Mu- seum, 302-424-1080, www.milforddemuseum.org Open Tues- days through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Located at 121 S. Walnut Street, via Route 14 (N.E. Front Street) between US 113 and Route 1. The Milford Museum’s permanent exhibits tell the story of the city from its earliest beginnings on the Mispillion River. Exhibits include model ships representing Milford’s maritime past, Delaware’s state bug the ladybug and a salute to local service personnel. Mispillion Art League, 302-430-7646, www.mispillionarts. org/ The Mispillion Art League offers exciting classes and op- portunities to display and market area art at their gallery lo- cated at 5 N. Walnut St. in downtown Milford. Their members are involved in teaching, demonstrations, forums and family events such as Bug and Bud and Arts & Jazz Festivals, River- walk Freedom Festival as well as collaborative events with the Milford Historical Society and the Milford Museum. Mispillion River Brewing Company, 302-491-6623, mispil- lionriverbrewing.com. Visit the brewery at 255 Mullett Run St. in Milford. Tasting room hours are noon to 10 p.m. Mon. - Thurs., noon to 11 p.m. Fri. & Sat., and noon to 7 p.m. Sun- days. Modern Maturity Center, 302-734-1200, www.modern- maturity.org The center located at 1121 Forrest Ave, in Dover. The Modern Maturity Center has always aimed to serve the needs of all senior citizens in Kent County. It is a place where people have come to relax and enjoy themselves; a place where they have formed friendships and found solace and safe haven. The center also offers bus trips and tours. Visit the MMC at 1121 Forrest Ave, Dover. Painted Stave Distillery, 302-653-6834, www.paintedstave. com. Located at 106 W. Commerce St. in Smyrna, Painted Stave Distilling crafts premium spirits in small batches by uti- lizing only the best ingredients sourced from regional farms, and by blending traditions of the past with today’s creativity and state-of-the-art technology.Tastings room hours are 5 -9 p.m. Thursdays & Fridays, 2 to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. 106 W. Commerce St. in Smyrna. Parson Thorne Mansion, 302-422-3115 Located at 501 N.E. Front Street (Route 14), Milford, just east of US 113. The Parson Thorne Mansion, built between 1730 and 1735, was once home to Milford’s founder, Parson Sydenham Thorne, and also to John M. Clayton, noted Delaware statesman. The brick home is unusual, having undergone a transformation in architecture from Colonial, to Georgian, to Victorian during its history. Period antiques and reproductions reflect the changing styles as the home remained a focal point of Milford. Open by appointment and during special events. Quillen Arena 302-398-3269, www.delawarestatefair.com Located on the Delaware State Fairgrounds, on US 13, 18500 South DuPont Highway, south of Route 14 in Harrington. Fair- grounds open daily. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission to the fairgrounds is free, except during the Fair. Call for ticket prices for major events. The 80,500 square foot, covered arena features a new concert series, horse shows, livestock shows, rodeos, circuses, and auto shows, with seating for up to 2100 spectators. A support facil- ity, the Schabinger Pavilion next door, provides livestock stalls and care equipment. Riverfront Theatre, (800) 838-3006, www.secondstreet- players.com. Located on Walnut Street at the Mispillion River in Milford, the theatre is the home of a local performing arts group, the Second Street Players. Rose Valley Furniture, 302-678-3953. Open Monday through Saturday dawn to dusk. The furniture store is located at 462 Rose Valley Rd in Camden, south of Byler’s Store and features handcrafted heirloom furniture. Route 9 Coastal Heritage Scenic Byway, www.delaware- greenways.org/ The designated byway spans 52 miles on Route 9 from the New Castle County Court House to the John Dick-2024 Central Delaware Visitors Guide Page 15 March & April Events - from page 13 See MAY, JUNE & JULY EVENTS - Page 16 K-Cup Coffee Pods Pick Your Favorites! 112 Market St., 302 956-6984 Downtown Alley is a 6,000 sq. ft. store with a unique flair. Mix n Match K-Cups, Eagle Wingz Sauces, Local Honey, Dip Mixes, Bridgeville & Delaware Memorabilia, Baby Boutique, Alley Pets, Custom Ball Caps, Suzy Swede T-Shirts 18208 Sussex Hwy. 302 337-3137 Antique Alley of Bridgeville is a 20,000 sq. ft. shopping mall extravaganza on Rt 13. Easy access and plenty of parking. Two Unique Stores in One Small Town BridgevilleDelaware www.antiquealleyde.com OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK! Follow Follow us on us on FacebookFacebook Mark your calendars for our 2024 Special Shopping Events Jan. thru Aug. Fri., Jan 19 National Popcorn Day - Enjoy Popcorn while you shop Wed. Jan. 31 Nationa Hot Chocolate Day- Enjoy our hot cocoa bar Fri. Feb. 9 National Pizza Day - Enjoy a slice of pizza while you shop Wed. Feb. 14 Happy Valentines Day - Customers receive a treat Wed. Feb. 28 Soup Social at Antique Alley of Bridgeville Thurs. March 14 Pi Day - Enjoy a slice of pie with us Sun. March 17 Cabin Fever Scavenger Hunt at Antique Alley of Bridgeville Sun. March 31 CLOSED FOR EASTER Tues. April 30 Customer Appreciation Day - Storewide Discounts Sun. May 12 Mothers Day Special - Free Gift for Mom, while supplies last Sat. May 25 National Wine Day - Enjoy a glass of wine while you shop Fri. June 7 National Donut Day - Enjoy a Donut with us Sun. June 9 Summer Fun Scavenger Hunt at Downtown Alley Sun. June 16 Fathers Day - Free Gift for Dads, while supplies last Wed. July 10 National Pina Colada Day - Serving Pina Coladas July Christmas In July - Win a Christmas Gift Basket Aug. 16 - 31 Red Tag Sale - 50% Off Deals Fall and Christmas Events to be Announced Loockerman & Federal Streets. Bring your family, bring your lawn chairs, and bring your smiles to our beloved Downtown Dover District to help celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2024. For info, call 302-359-7060 or email TabbyAgapeBodyPiercings@ gmail.com. March 16 – 2024 Capital Bar Crawl. Destination Downtown Dover is presenting the first ever St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl following the Dover St. Patrick’s Day parade from 2-6 p.m. at area bars and eateries in Dover. For info visit square.link/u/ DyvrUMGY or Destination Dover on Facebook. March 16 – Annual St. Patrick’s Day “Toasting the Town” Pub Crawl. 5 p.m. til in Downtown Milford. For information, call 839-1180 or visit www.downtownmilford.org. March 17 - Smyrna/Clayton St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The Smyrna Clayton July 4th Foundation sponsors the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade beginning at 2 p.m. Parade will line up at 1 p.m. at St. Polycarps Church, Ransom Lane, Smyrna. If you are interested in being in the parade, please contact Stacey Hutson at hutsonstacet0@gmail.com or 302-670-0064. March 17 – Cabin Fever Scavenger Hunt at Antique Alley of Bridgeville. Visit antiquealleyde.com or call 302-337-3137. March 23 – Fifer Orchards Farm Store & Farm Kitchen re- opens for the season. Fifer’s re-opens for their 105th year at their location 1919 Allabands Rd. in Camden-Wyoming. They are open Mon-Sat. Call 302-697-2141 or visit www.fiferor- chards.com. March 23 - Dover Easter Egg Hunt. The City of Dover Parks & Recreation Division sponsors the annual Easter egg hunt at the Schutte Park, Dover for kids 10 and under beginning at noon. Kids bring your baskets and be ready to gather eggs left by the Schutte Park bunnies. This FREE annual event is a hop- ping good time for all kids 10 and under, registration is not necessary. The hunt starts promptly at NOON on the City of Dover softball fields in Schutte Park. Don’t be late, the hunt only lasts a few minutes!!Call 302 -674-7541 or visit www. cityofdover.com for info. March 24 - Irish Music & Dance Concert. 1-4 p.m. in Downtown Milford. For information, call 302-491-4125 or 302-839-1180 or visit www.irishrosegiftshop.com. March 28 - 13th Annual Milford Spring Community Expo at the Milford Elks Lodge, 18951 Elks Lodge Rd., free and open to the public from 5-7 p.m. Call 302- 422-3344 or visit www.milfordchamber.com. APRIL April – June & Aug.- Oct. Live Harness Racing at Har- rington Raceway & Casino. Post time for Live Harness Racing is 4:30 p.m. Call 888-887-5687 or visit www.harringtonrace- way.com/home/ for the 2022 race schedule. April 11 - The 23rd annual 55+ Active Adult Expo. The Expo will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bally’s Dover Hotel & Casino Resort® Rollins Center, 1131 N. Dupont Hwy., Do- ver. Visit www.cdcc.net/55plus for info. April 12-13 –Simply Charming Anniversary Celebration. Browse through the boutiques located throughout the stores to find specials, spring décor and gifts. Located at 2 S. Railroad Avenue in Wyoming and at 11 Mill Street. Call 302-697-7377 for visit www.simplycharmingde.com for info. April 12 & 13 - 2024 Food Truck Competition at Harvest Ridge Winery. Visit the winery for one of the region’s largest Page 16 2024 Central Delaware Visitors Guide April, May, & June Events - from pg 15 See SUMMER & FALL EVENTS- Page 17 food truck competitions. 25+ of the most talented and popular trucks in the area will be duking it out over two days to vie for your vote. In addition to wine, cider, and some of the best food around, there will also be live music and a Kid Zone – making this a fun activity for the whole family! A portion of proceeds benefits local veterans through the Hero Hunts Foundation. The winery is located at 447 Westville Road, Marydel. call 302-343-9437 or visit www.harvestridgewinery.com for info. April 19 & 20 – Outdoors Delmarva Expo. Join Delmarva Sports Network at the Delaware State Fairgrounds for the Out- doors Delmarva Expo! Both indoor and outdoor vendors will be on-site in the Delaware State Fair Dover Building, Kent & Schabinger Pavilions, and camping area showcasing every- thing outdoor – Boats, RV’s, Hot Tubs, Hunting & Fishing, & so much more! /For info visit wbocevents.com. April 20 – Dover Duathlon. 1.5 mile run, 13.5 mile bike ride, 1.5 mile run at Schutte Park, 10 Electric Ave., Dover. Visit runsignup.com/Race/DE/Dover/DELAWARESPRINT- DUATHLON April 24 – The Central Delaware Chamber Mini Masters. Put together a team to compete in the annual miniature golf tournament sponsored by the Central Delaware Chamber at Tre Sorelle Dolce Ice Cream & Mini Golf, 27 S. Railroad St., Wyoming from 4-7 p.m. Call 302-734-7513 or email cfriese@ cdcc.net for info. April 25 - 28 – 28th annual Delmarva Spring Birding Week- end, throughout the peninsula including Bombay Hook, Du- Pont Nature Center, Prime Hook, Redden State Forest and many other locations. Celebrating the migration of hundreds of warblers, shorebirds and waterfowl. Canoe, kayak, boat trips and guided walks, as well as several receptions. For info, visit delmarvabirding.com April 26 - 28 - NASCAR Weekend at Dover. Speed into Dover’s NASCAR Cup race weekend at Dover International Speedway for three days of action-packed racing. April 26th General Tire 150 ARCA Menards Series Race, April 27th A- Game 200, NASCAR Xfinity Series Race, April 28th Wurth 400, NASCAR Cup Series race. For Ticket availability call 800-441-RACE or visit www.doverspeedway.com April 27 – Annual Bug and Bud Festival. The annual event is sponsored by Downtown Milford Inc and celebrates the state insect the ladybug. 9 a.m.-=4 p.m. in downtown Milford. For info on this year’s event and other Milford events, call 302- 839-1180 or visit www.downtownmilford.org. April 30 – Customer Appreciation Day at Antique Alley of Bridgeville. Storewide discounts! Visit antiquealleyde.com or call 302-337-3137. MAY May -Bluesuiters Golf tournament- The purpose of this tournament is to promote the wonderful relationship between the Dover Community and the Dover Air Force Base. Each team is made up of two community members and two Airmen. Thistournament is for golfers of every skill level! Call 302- 734-7513 or visit cdcc.net for info. May – Oct. – Milford Riverwalk Farmers Market. Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Riverwalk Park, downtown Milford. For information, call 302-839-1180 or visit www. downtownmilford.org May 3 - 12th annual Girls Night Out at the Milford Senior Center. 111 Park Ave., Milford from 6 -10 p.m. Call 302-422- 3344 or visit www.milfordchamber.com. May 3 & 4 – 91st Dover Days Festival & Parade - TheAn- nual Dover Days Festival, is one of Delaware’s largest and longest-running free events, is entirely dedicated to promot- ing our state’s heritage and culture. Dover Days is easily the biggest parade in Kent County, with Delaware’s Governor serving as Grand Marshal. Each year’s Dover Days activities showcase our state’s history and heritage, as well as highlights from more contemporary times such as the parade,traditional Maypole Dancing, games, tethered hot air balloon rides, moon bounce village, over 100craft and food vendors, music, colo- nial artisans’ village and historic re-enactment groups for the Revolutionary War, WW II and the Civil War. Free festival admission which is held on Legislative Mall, The Green and in Downtown Dover, free parking. This year’s festival will kick off with fireworks on Friday, May 3rd. For more info visit www.doverdaysfestival.com. May 5 – Wedding & Event Expo. Noon-4 p.m. at the Dela- ware Agricultural Museum & Village, 866 N. DuPont Hwy., Dover. Call 302-734-1618 or visit www.agriculturalmuseum. org. May 15 - The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition’s (DBCC) 26th Annual Breast Cancer Update. The 26th Annual Breast Cancer Update will be held virtually via Zoom from 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Please visit debreastcancer.org/breastcancerupdate/ May 18 -19 - 2024 First State Air Show and Open House at Dover Air Force Base. The U.S. Air Force F-35A Air Dem- onstration Squadron, the US Army Golden Knights, and C-17 Demo team are scheduled to headline. Admission and parking will be free and open to the public. Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the open house. Visit www.dover. af.mil/First-State-Airshow-2024/ for info. May 18 – Murder at the Long Branch Saloon Dinner Theater. An interactive Murder Mystery in the Magnolia Barn at Lob- lolly Acres, 5:15. 3893 Turkey Point Rd., Viola. Visit www. loblollyacres.com. May 25 & 26- 12th Annual Bowers Beach Buccaneer Bash. Pirates invading Bowers Beach Delaware for a weekend of fun and games, plundering and pillaging, pirating and buccaneer- ing. This family friendly event will include demonstrations, pirate battles, cannon and musket firing, sword fighting, pirate costume contests for children and adults, skits, period and craft vendors, great food, story-telling, live period music and boat rides on Sunday. Daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. For info call 302- 222-6341 or visit bowersbeach.delaware.gov/museum/ or their facebook page. The City of Harrington Memorial Day Parade- The Parade honors those that have given their lives for our freedom. Cur- rent and former members of the military are invited to join the parade and festivities that day, allowing the community to show our thanks to all that have served our country in all branches of the military. Call 302-398-3530 or visit harrington. delaware.gov for info. JUNE June – The annual African American Festival “Positively Dover”. The annual festival on Legislative Mall in Dover is regularly held on the fourth Saturday in June. For info on this year’s event, call 302-736-0101 or visit www.icclarts.org. June 1 – Farm to Table Dinner Fundraiser. The Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village, 5 -7:30 p.m., 866 N. DuPont Hwy., Dover. Call 302-734-1618 or visit www.agriculturalmu- seum.org.June 1 -2024 Delaware Pride Festival. This event is AD- MISSION FREE and open to the public to attend/watch at Legislative Hall, 411 Legislative Ave., Dover. For info www. delawarepride.org or call 302-265-3020. June 1 – 2024 Townsend Town Fair & Parade. The day will include prizes, food, vendors, a strawberry pie contest, Lil miss and mister strawberry contest and more. Edgar Road, Townsend. Call 302-378-8082 or townhall@townsend.dela- ware.gov. June 7-9 - 1st Grundy Insurance Mid-Atlantic Nationals. It’s time this seasonfor the first ever Mid-Atlantic Nationals at Dover Speedway. For info call 800-441-RACE or visit www. doverspeedway.com June 8 -Dover Comic Con. Dover Comic Con 2023 is aFREE, family-friendly, indoor/outdoor pop-culture festival with over a hundred vendors, artists & artisans, authors, a co- splay competition, fan groups, pop-culture cars, food vendors, and panel discussions throughout the day. It is produced by the Daily State News with the support of many local businesses, the Dover Public Library and the City of Dover, The event has quickly grown into one of Dover’s best-loved community events. For more info visit delmarvaevents.net. June 8 - Delaware Leap Frog Bicycle Tour. Enjoy one of two rides – either a 1/2 metric century (32 miles) – which will challenge beginners and intermediate riders, or the full metric century (about 64 miles) for more experienced cyclists. Lake Forest Central Middle School, Felton. Visit www.ddsr.org to register or for more info. June 15 - The 46th annual JUNE JAM Music Festival. G & R campground, located at 1475 Gun And Rod Club Road in Houston. Visit www.junejam.com. June 29 – 2024 Doublecross Bike Ride. The metric century ride is laid out on a figure eight pattern, beginning and ending at Smyrna High School. First go east to Woodland Beach on the Delaware Bay, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, then pass through the fishing town of Leipsic, before returning to Smyrna to complete a 31 mile ride. Enjoy the Smyrna High School rest stop for a long as you want until you are ready to head west on a second 31 mile loop taking you to Millington Wildlife Demonstration Area in Maryland and the Blackiston Wildlife Area before circling back to the Smyrna High School one last time to finish the 62 mile Doublecross! Visit whiteclay- bicycleclub.org for info. JULY July 4 - Smyrna/Clayton July 4th celebration. The 4th of July celebration starts with a parade beginning at 9:30 a.m. A carnival, vendors, and activities are usually held at Municipal Park in Smyrna. After dusk, the day concludes with a spectacu- lar fireworks display. The Smyrna Clayton July 4th Foundation and Parade is the oldest July 4th Parade held annually in the State of Delaware. Email skip4515@yahoo.com or visit the Smyrna/Clayton July 4th Foundation on facebook or visit clay- tonhistoricalsociety.org. July 4 –Dover 4th of July Celebration – Dover’s annual Fourth of July celebration takes place in downtown Dover with tours and activities and the city’s museums and historical sites, a patriotic parade, children’s activities, musical entertainment, and, of course, fireworks. Here are just a few of the day’s high- lights: The day’s events include tours of the Old State House lead- ing into the national bell ringing ceremony at 2 p.m. followed 2024 Central Delaware Visitors Guide Page 17 Summer & Fall Events - from page 16 See FALL & HOLIDAY EVENTS - Page 18 by the Reading of the Declaration of Independence. Food and craft vendors from 4-8:45, free children’s activities from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and the parade beginning at 6 p.m. The Old Fashioned July Fourth Parade organized by American Legion Walter L. Fox Post #2 will launch on Park Drive, head west on Loockerman Street, turn left on State Street, and terminate at Water Street. Opening remarks at 8 p.m. leading into the fireworks at 9:15 p.m. over Legislative Mall. Visit www.dover- 4thofjuly.com or on Facebook or call 302-674-7579 for more info. July 13 – Family Day. Free event from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village, 866 N DuPont Hwy, Dover. Call 302-734-1618 or visit www.agriculturalmu- seum.org. July 13 – 44th annual Great Wyoming Buffalo Stampede 5k,10k Run & 5kWalk Starting and ending at Wyoming Park, the route will take participants through orchards and on coun- try roads. Water is available throughout the course. As partici- pants round the corner to the finish line, they will be greeted with cold towels and spray tents. Water is available in the park, along with peaches and watermelon, courtesy of Fifer Orchards and Camden Wyoming Market. Start time-7:30 a.m. To register, visit www.ddsr.org. July 18 - July 27 – 105th annual Delaware State Fair. A Del- aware tradition for over 100 years, the fair takes place at the Delaware State Fairgrounds, US 13, Harrington. All the tradi- tional excitement of the fair - com- petitions, enter- tainment, con- certs, food and rides. Call 302- 398-3269 or visit www.Delawares- tatefair.com. July 18 - 30th Annual Mil- ford Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic. Southern Delaware Golf Course, Milford. Shotgun start at 1 p.m. Call 302- 422-3344 or visit www.milfordchamber.com. July 25 – Sept. 22 – Circle of Truth. Exhibition at the Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal St., Dover. Call 302- 674-2111 or visit www.biggsmuseum.org. AUGUST Aug. - Oct. - Live Harness Racing at Harrington Raceway & Casino. Post time for Live Harness Racing is 4:30 p.m. Call 888-887-5687 or visit www.harringtonraceway.com for the fall racing schedule. Aug. 3 - Get Peachy at the Wyoming Peach Festival. The festival will run until 3:00 p.m. and includes live entertain- ment, craft booths, community organization booths, food booths, and a peach dessert contest. Shuttles will be available from two convenient parking areas, W.B. Simpson Elemen- tary School parking lot on Old North Road and the Wyoming United Methodist Church parking lot on Wyoming Mill Road, 302-697-3587 or wyoming.delaware.gov/peach-festival/ Aug. 10 – Shorefire Century. Ride beautiful, scenic routes (35, 65, and 100 miles) taking you through flat to gently rolling farmland in central Delaware as the route follows lesser trav- 104th Delaware State FairNext >