< PreviousPage 18 2025 Central Delaware Vacation Planner Fall & Holiday Events - from page 17 See HOLIDAY EVENTS - Page 20 302-674-2111 for info. Oct. 12 – Bowers Beach Heritage Day. The day will feature early crafts & skills, modern craft vendors, lots of food vendors including oysters! from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Bowers Beach Maritime Museum. The 5k begins at 9 a.m. For info about this year’s event call 302-222-6341 or visit bowersbeach.delaware. gov/museum/ or their facebook page. Register for the 5k at rac- es2run.com. Oct. 15 - Milford Autumn Spooktacular Community Pa- rade, 6:30 p.m., downtown Milford. Call 302-422-6949 or visit www.milfordparade.com/ Oct. 17-18– 34th annual Delmarva Folk Festival. Two days of music, vendors, workshops, camping & family fun at G & R campground, 4075 Gun & Rod Club Rd., Houston. Visit www. gandrcampground.com for camping info. For more info, call 302-992-8080 or visit www.delfolk.org/store for tickets. Oct. 18 – Free Hot Dog Day at Downtown Alley of Brid- geville. 112 Market St., Bridgeville. Call 302-337-3137 or visit antiquealleyde.com. Oct. 18 - 16th Annual Monster Mile Walk for a Cause ben- efiting the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, Homestead Gardens, 5580 Dupont Hwy, Smyrna. Visit de- breastcancer.org/events/ Oct. 17 & 18 – 41st annual Delaware Amish Parochial School sale. Friday night from 5-8 p.m. & Sat. from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m., 764 Winding Creek Rd., Dover. Benefit auction to raise money for the Amish Parochial Schools. Cash only. Oct. 28 – First Responders Day at Antique Alley of Brid- geville and Downtown Alley of Bridgeville. Call 302-337- 3137 or visit antiquealleyde.com. Oct. 29 – 23rd Annual CDCC Holiday Gift Auction. 5-8:30 p.m. Visit CDCC.net or call 302-734-7513 for more info. NOVEMBER Nov. – A Farmer’s Christmas at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover. Young and old can enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village as it is transformed into a Christmas wonderland. In the main building, young visitors can try their hand at a va- riety of holiday crafts & they can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. After enjoying all of the activities inside the Museum, visitors can take a stroll down the “Avenue of Trees” (consist- ing of over 40 decorated trees).1-5 p.m. Call 302-734-1618 or visit www.agriculturalmuseum.org for info on this year’s event. Nov. 1 - 8th Annual Run for the Arts. Pre-registration at 8 a.m. Run starts at 9 a.m. An out and back course starting and ending at Memorial Park in Milford and around Goat Island. 5K run and a 1 mile fun walk. Awards ceremony hosted by The Park Place. Results produced by the Seashore Striders using the Chronotrack B Chip. Register at seashorestriders.com or call 302-228-4270. Nov. – Dec. 31– 4th annual Gift of Lights event at Dover Motor Speedway. The drive thru event will have more than 60 scenes and 3 million lights set up along a 1.5-mile pathway. Visit GiftofLightsDover.com for this year’s dates. Nov. 6-9 – Holiday Open House at Simply Charming. Browse through the boutiques located throughout the stores to find the perfect Holiday décor and gifts. Located at 2 S. Rail- road Avenue in Wyoming and at 11 Mill Street. Call 302-697- 7377 or visit www.simplycharmingde.com for info. Nov. 8 – Christmas Open House at Antique Alley of Brid- geville and Downtown Alley of Bridgeville. Discounts, door prizes & more. Visit antiquealleyde.com or call 302-337-3137. Nov. 8 - Harvest Hustle 5k Run/Walk - Enjoy a relaxing 3.1 mile jog/run/walk on a flat road course with views of apple or- chards, peach orchards, fall scenery and other Fifer farmlands. Benefits: The American Cancer Society - In Memory of Pat Vincent. Call 302-697-2141 or visit www.fiferorchards.com. Nov. 8 - Annual Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Showcase. A showcase of craft producers found on the Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail. Presented by Delaware on Tap. Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village, 866 N DuPont Hwy, Dover from 4-7:30 p.m. Call 302-734-1618 or visit debeerwinespirits. com or www.agriculturalmuseum.org. Nov. 20 – 19th Annual Holiday Auction & Tastes of Milford. Milford Elks Lodge, 18951 Elks Lodge Rd., Milford from 6-9 p.m. Visit www.milfordchamber.com. Nov. 29 - Small Business Saturday, statewide. Kick off the Holiday season by visiting local shops throughout Delaware for Holiday specials, personal service and unique gift ideas. Nov. 29 –Dec. 20 – Donuts with Santa, Saturdays at Fifer Orchards, 1919 Allabands Mill Rd., Camden Wyoming. Call 302-697-2141 or visit www.fiferorchards.com for info on this year’s events. Nov. 29 -Santa Arrives in downtown Milford -Elf & Sugar- plum Parade. Visit Santa in Downtown Milford 11-11:15 a.m. Milford’s Santa’s House, Walnut St. & Mispillion River. For info on this year’s Santa appearances, visit the downtown Mil- ford Santa facebook page or call 302-839-1180. Nov. 29- Dec. 21 – Visit Santa in Downtown Milford, Mil- ford’s Santa’s House, Walnut St. & Mispillion River, Fri., Sat. & Sun. Visit downtownmilford.org or the downtown Milford Santa facebook page or call 302-839-1180 for hours. DECEMBER Dec. - Christmas in Clayton – The day usually begins with breakfast with Santa at the Clayton Fire Hall, followed by out- door vendors and hay rides with Santa from 2 p.m. til 4 p.m. The Smyrna/Clayton Christmas Parade will take place at 5 p.m. and the Memorial Tree Lighting and begins at 6 p.m. For up- dates visit claytonhistoricalsociety.org. Dec. – The Delaware Ballet performances of the Nutcracker. The performances will be held at the Schwartz Center for the Arts in downtown Dover. For tickets visit delawareballet.org or call 302-698-1340. Dec. – Town of Felton’s 3rd annual Christmas Parade. 7 p.m., followed by visits with Santa at Odd Fellows Park af- ter the parade. Visit felton.delaware.gov for this year’s parade date. Dec.- City of Harrington Christmas Tree Lighting- The an- nual Christmas Tree lighting ceremony is usually held at the Norman Barlow Pavilion, beginning at 6 p.m. Call 398-3530 or visit harrington.delaware.gov for more info on this year’s tree lighting. Dec.- City of Harrington Christmas Parade. Lights, floats, bands, and the jolly old elf himself, Santa, all come together to bring joy and warm to the holiday season. Call 398-3530 or visit harrington.delaware.gov for updates. Dec. 4 - Capital Holiday Celebration. Kick off the Holiday Season in Downtown Dover! Caroling with local school chil- dren and dignitaries by City Hall, tree lighting ceremony with the Mayor of Dover, children’s craft area in the Dover Pub- lic Library, free hot chocolate and cookies, a visit from Santa Claus and more. 5-8 p.m. Shop Local—Downtown Merchants will be open until 8:00 p.m. Visit www.cdcc.net, www.down- towndoverpartnership.com or call 302-678-2940 for info. Dec. 6 – Milford’s Annual Holiday Stroll & Christmas Market. Visit downtown Milford to enjoy live entertainment throughout the streets, visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, and much more from 3-8 p.m. For info call 302-839-1180 or visit www.2025 Central Delaware Vacation PlannerPage 19 Central DE Attractions - from page 14 See CENTRAL DELAWARE ATTRACTIONS - Page 20 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 Cen- ter, 302-422-3344, www.milfordchamber.com/. The Visitor Center is located at 24 NW Front St. and open Mon.-Fri. Milford Museum, 302-424-1080, www.milforddemuse- um.org. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Sundays, Mondays and major holidays. Admis- sion 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.mispillion- arts.org/ The Mispillion Art League offers exciting classes and opportunities to display and market area art at their gal- lery located at 5 N. Walnut St. open Tuesday-Saturday in downtown Milford. Their members are involved in teaching, demonstrations, forums and family events such as Bug and Bud and Arts & Jazz Festivals, Riverwalk Freedom Festival as well as collaborative events with the Milford Historical Society and the Milford Museum. Mispillion River Brewing Company, 302-491-6623, mispillionriverbrewing.com. Visit the brewery at 255 Mul- lett 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. Sundays. Modern Maturity Center , 302-734-1200, www.modern- maturity.org The center located at 1121 Forrest Ave, in Do- ver. 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. NASCAR Racing Experience at Dover Motor Speedway , 704-886-2400, www.nascarracingexperience.com. Experi- ence the thrill of driving a real NASCAR race car on Dover Motor Speedway, a 1-mile oval race track with 24 degree banking in the turns. After a driver’s meeting with training and instruction, you’ll set off for timed racing sessions, solo in the car. No lead car, no instructor by your side—just you, the track, and one-on-one guidance from a spotter over in- car radio. Limited Space is available. Painted Stave Distillery, 302-653-6834, www.painted- stave.com. Located at 106 W. Commerce St. in Smyrna, Painted Stave Distilling crafts premium spirits in small batches by utilizing 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. Com- merce 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 Syden- ham 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 repro- ductions reflect the changing styles as the home remained a focal point of Milford. Open by appointment and during special events. Rail Haus, 92 N. West. St, Dover, 302-450-3523,railhaus. com. An extraordinary gathering place for beer enthusiasts, families, and four-legged friends alike. With a strong com- mitment to community, diversity, and inclusivity, we’re proud to have both veteran and minority owners at the helm. 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 perform- ing arts group, the Second Street Players. Rose Valley Furniture , 302-678-3953. Open Monday through Saturday dawn to dusk. The furniture store is lo- cated 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 Dickinson Plantation at the intersection of Routes 9 and 113 below the Dover Air Force Base in Kent County. Look for signs designated the byway. The route offers a lei- surely and scenic alternative to Route 13 and the Route 1 Bypass. Shady Lane Selections, No phone available. 1121B Victo- ry Chapel Road, Dover, 302-674-3623, fiberartscenter.com/ member/shady-lane-selections-llc/. Open Monday-Wednes- day, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Closed Thursday and Sunday. Shady Lane Selections offers sewing supplies, fabric, and of course, wonderful handmade Amish quilts in a variety of styles and prices. Past Byler’s Country Store on Route 8W, go to Vic- tory Chapel Rd.; turn right onto Victory Chapel Rd. and go 1.2 miles. The quilt shop will be on the left. Simply Charming Gift Shops, 302-697-7377. The shops are currently open Tues- Sat. 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. noon -4 p.m. They are located in a late 1800’s train station and in an 1800’s feed mill both in Wyoming. The shops were voted Best of Delaware in 2010 & 2011 for antiques and home ac- cessories. Browse through the boutiques located throughout the stores to find the perfect gift. Located at 2 S. Railroad Avenue and at 11 Mill Street both in Wyoming. Call 302- 697-7377 for info. Smyrna Museum Complex , 302-653-1320, www.smyrna. delaware.gov/365/Smyrna-Museum. Open Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Located at 11 S. Main Street off US 13 (or via Route 6) in downtown Smyrna. Most of the furnishings give evidence of the changing social periods from early Federal to late Victo- rian and are on loan to the Society by members of the Smyr- na community. The Historical Society gained possession of the Plank House, which is now located behind the museum. Page 20 2025 Central Delaware Vacation Planner Central DE Attractions - from pg. 19 Holiday Events - from page 18 downtownmilford.org. Dec. 11 – Holiday Sip & Shop at Simply Charming. Browse through the boutiques located throughout the stores and enjoy some beverages to find the perfect Holiday décor and gifts. Located at 2 S. Railroad Avenue in Wyoming and at 11 Mill Street. Call 302-697-7377 or visit www.simplycharmingde. com for info. Dec. 12 – Ladies Night Out at Antique Alley of Bridgeville. Door prizes, wine and snacks from 6-8 p.m. Visit antiqueal- leyde.com or call 302-337-3137. Dec. 13 – Dashing through Downtown Dover Parade. The Parade usually marches down Loockerman Street in Down- town Dover beginning at 6:00 p.m. For more info on this year’s parade visit www.facebook.com/dashingthroughdover/. Dec. 20 – Mingle & Jingle brunch at Downtown Alley of Bridgeville. 112 Market St., Bridgeville. Call 302-337-3137 or visit antiquealleyde.com. JANUARY 2026 Jan. 2026- Fire & Ice Dover. Downtown Dover will trans- form into a dazzling winter spectacle with stunning ice sculp- tures, glowing fire displays, and activities for all ages. Visit fireandiceDover.com The Plank House is completely restored and is one of the finest examples of a local structure from the early 1700’s. Smyrna Opera House , 302-653-4236, 7 W. South St.,Smyrna, www.smyrnaoperahouse.org. Restored historic performing arts venue for events, theater, music, educational activities and entertainment. Smyrna Rest Area & Information Center , 302-659-6750. Open 24 hours. Admission is free. Located on US 13, 5500 N. Dupont Hwy. north of Smyrna. Accessible via US 13 and Route 1 bypass. This lovely visitor center and rest area of- fers lots of travel information, the Delaware memorial Gar- den, modern rest rooms, picnic and playground areas, and vending machines. Spence’s Amish Bazaar and Auction , 302-734-3441, 550 S. New Street, downtown Dover. Open Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays only, early morning until late afternoon. Auc- tions held every Tuesday and Friday at 12:30 p.m. Admis- sion is free. Group tours available. Stop by Spence’s Bazaar to browse the open-air and enclosed auction and flea market. This popular community bazaar is the place to meet a vari- ety of local residents and area farmers selling their fresh pro- duce. Lots of great food is available from the Amish com- munity, including homemade sausages, meats and cheeses, breads, pies, baked goods and preserves, kettle potato chips, ice cream, and delicious roasted pork or turkey sandwiches. St. Jones Reserve , 818 Kitts Hummock Road, Dover, 302- 739-6377, The St. Jones Reserve features a two-mile nature trail, a part of the St. Jones Greenway, with a quarter-mile boardwalk over the salt marsh that connects the Reserve with the adjacent Ted Harvey Wildlife Management Area. The Visitor Center open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m. features interactive activities and programs. The grounds are open 7 days a week dawn to dusk. The Green and Golden Fleece Tavern, 1 The Green, Dover, archives.delaware.gospence. The Green, a public area designated by William Penn in 1683, is the heart and spirit of Delaware’s “Constitution Place” historic district. At the site of the former Golden Fleece Tavern on The Green, Delaware’s constitutional delegates met on December 7, 1787 and were the first to officially ratify the newly penned Constitution of the United States. This bold action made Delaware “The First State” – the state that started a nation. A tavern sign and bronze plaque mark the site of this historic event. The Green has been important to Delaware since early colonial times. In 1776, the Declaration of Independence was read to the public here, sparking off a celebration that witnessed the public burning of King George’s portrait. It was on this soil that Delaware’s Continental Regiment was mustered for service in the American Revolution. Numer- ous important trials were held at the State House facing The Green. Now the site of Dover Days and summer outdoor performances, The Green is even said to have a few resident ghosts! The Old State House, 302-744-5054, history.delaware. gov/museums. Guided tours of The Old State House are available Wed. – Sat. at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. The Old State House is located on 25 The Green, on State Street, Dover. Group tours available by appointment. Built in 1791, the Old State House served as Delaware’s capitol during the United States’ critical early years as a na- tion. With additions and modifications, the building contin- ued to serve as the state capitol until 1933. The Old State House faces The Green, a public area designated by William Penn in 1683. Tre Sorelle Dolce Ice Cream & Mini Golf, 302-363- 1909, www.tresorelledolcedelaware.com, Located at 27 S. Railroad Ave. on the Railroad tracks in Wyoming. They have outdoor seating and serve Hershey’s ice cream and Italian ice, sundaes, milk shakes, breakfasts an outdoor 18 hole miniature golf course and an ice skating rink Nov. – March. Southern Delaware Golf Club, 302-653-1212, 6182 S. Rehoboth Blvd., Milford, southerndelawaregolfclub.com. The course formerly known as Rookery North reopened last year under new ownership, with a new name, new restau- rant, and grounds and is a challenging yet fair course which has been completely renovated featuring brand new bunkers and greens sure to delight golfers of all ages and abilities. The course is also home to the Big Oyster Brewery with in- door and outdoor seating, craft beer brewery and local fare. Willey Farms Village, 302-378-8441, www.willeyfarms- de.com. Willey Farms, located at 4092 Dupont Parkway (Rt 13) in Townsend. Willey’s Market is open Mon. –Sat. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Willey Farms Garden Cen- ter & greenhouses, the Old Barn, Mercantile and Willey’s On a Roll Food Truck are open mid-March thru December. Follow them on Facebook for updates on their reopening of- ferings. Woodburn, The Governor’s Residence, 302-739-5656, www.woodburn.delaware.gov. Tours of Woodburn are open to the public Mon. through Fri., 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., by appointment only. Woodburn is located at 151 Kings High- way, via Division Street (Route 8) off US 13.WELCOME TO BRIGHT MINDS, CARING HEARTS AND TOTAL COMMITMENT. There is a place where you don’t have to choose quality over convenience. Where you don’t have to choose outstanding medical care over being cared about. Where a team of people have chosen to make health care more of what you want it to be, so that you can choose to have it all.2025 Spring and Summer Vacation Planner • Accommodations • Attractions • Festivals & Events • Homes Southern Delaware Enjoy the Outdoors in Southern DelawareEnjoy the Outdoors in Southern Delaware View this issue online atSouthernDelawareVacationPlanner.com Fun at Southern Fun at Southern Delaware FarmsDelaware Farms Spring EventsSpring Events Scan with your phone to view this issue Butch Comegys Summer EventsSummer Events Explorer Explorer Southern DelawareSouthern Delaware Enjoy Ice Sculptures & A Weekend of Fun at the Enjoy Ice Sculptures & A Weekend of Fun at the 8th Quiet Resorts Fire & Ice Festival8th Quiet Resorts Fire & Ice Festival VOL. 30 NO. 1 - February 2025COMPLIMENTARY Attractions and Events MagazineAttractions and Events Magazine Now Featuring Southern Delaware Real Estate Use your phone photo app to read this issue ShoppingShoppingAntiques Area Map Events Real EstateAntiques Area Map Events Real Estate 34th Polar Bear Plunge34th Polar Bear Plunge Winter Fun at DE Winter Fun at DE State Park ProgramsState Park Programs 29 th Year Highlighting Southern Delaware’s Treasures Valentine’s DayValentine’s Day Gift IdeasGift Ideas Southern Delaware 2025 Spring & Summer Vacation Planner Is Now Available at www.SouthernDelawareVacationPlanner.com CLICK TO VIEW the most recent issue of CLICK TO VIEW the most recent issue of Southern Delaware EXPLOREREXPLORER Like or Follow Our Facebook Page at facebook. comSouthernDelawareExplorerMagazine to view our latest posts highlighting information between our issues Accommodations • Attractions • 2025 Events Calendar 20252025 Vacation Planner Vacation Planner View this Vacation Planner at CentralDelawareVisitorsGuide.comView this Vacation Planner at CentralDelawareVisitorsGuide.com SpringSpringSummerSummer E vEnts E vEnts DiscoverDiscover Central Delaware’s OutdoorsCentral Delaware’s Outdoors FallFall E vEnts E vEnts EventsEvents Central DelawareCentral Delaware Central DelawareCentral Delaware www.CentralDelawarevisitorsguide.com CLICK TO VIEW the most recent issue of Central Delaware 2025 Vacation Planner Available online at Now Featuring Southern Delaware HomesNext >