Day-tripper Alert: DE Fall Foliage Drives and Fresh Farm Markets are Fabulous!
Our state's Byways are perfect for Fall Foliage Drives to our fabulous Farmers Markets. Being an agricultural state, Delaware offers a bountiful harvest of fruit and vegetables and many Scenic Drives to somewhere and to nowhere, too. Why not take advantage of this years harvest while youre enjoying a drive through the autumn leaves.
We linked four of our favorite 1st state Byways highlighting a true taste of the states diverse geography!
For more 1st state scenic drives, visitdelaware.com has a comprehensive list of Delaware Byways and Scenic Drives, so go and get started exploring before the snow flies! Prime time for fall foliage driving in Delaware is from September through October.
Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway
Drive through the rolling hills of Delawares Chateau Country with gorgeous estates, educational museums and beautiful gardens. Trail stops to consider: Delaware History Museum; Delaware Art Museum; Nemours Mansion and Gardens; Hagley Museum and Library; Inn at Montchanin Village; Brandywine Creek State Park; Museum of Natural History and Winterthur.
Length: 12.25 miles, Drive time: 1 hour, Route: Take Rodney Square (Wilmington) traveling on Routes 52 and 100 to the Delaware-Pennsylvania State Line. http://www.visitdelaware.com/listings/Brandywine-Valley-National-Scenic-Byway/2030/673/
Route 9 Coastal Heritage Byway
Taking the Route 9 Coastal Heritage Byway, you will drive the two-lane road along the Delaware River and Bay Estuary and have an intimate experience with the largest preserved coastal marshland on the east coast. This drive provides great views of spring and fall bird migration. Trail stops to consider: Colonial Old New Castle, the Civil War prison at Fort Delaware, and the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Dover, the state capital.
Length: Approx. 50mi. Drive time: 1 hour, Route: Start at the Colonial Courthouse in the City of New Castle, traveling south on Route 9 to the John Dickinson Plantation, at the intersection of Routes 9 and 113 in Dover. http://www.visitdelaware.com/listings/Route-9-Coastal-Heritage-Byway/2032/673/
Nanticoke Heritage Byway
The rural landscapes of Western Sussex County include farm fields and tidy treelines, along with small towns, rich with history. Explore the natural beauty at the Nanticoke Wildlife Area and Trap Pond State Park. Trail stops to consider: the Woodland Ferry, the Ross Mansion and Plantation and the waterways rimmed by natural beauty, perfect for hiking, biking and boating.
Length: 35 mi., Drive time: 45 minutes Route: Follow several roads in western Sussex County, from the exit for Route 20 to Bridgeville Road on US 13, passing through Seaford, Bethel, Laurel then ending at the Trap Pond State Park. You will get to cross the beautiful Nanticoke River on the historic Woodland Ferry. http://www.visitdelaware.com/listings/Nanticoke-Heritage-Byway/2035/673/
The Lewes Byway
The Lewes Byway takes travelers to the First Town in First State with beautiful ocean and canalfront views and historical sites dating back to over 300 years ago. Historic Lewes and Cape Henlopen State Park are home to quaint shops, delicious restaurants and beautiful beaches.
Length: 12.35 miles Drive time: 1 hour Route: Located on the Delaware Bay, the Lewes Scenic and Historic Byway can be reached from New Jersey on the Cape May - Lewes Ferry, and from points west, north and south along Route 9 and Coastal Highway 1. Begin at the "Gateways from the Land" on Kings Highway, Savannah Road and New Road; and from the "Gateways from the Sea" on Pilottown Road, Neck Road and Cape Henlopen Drive. http://www.visitdelaware.com/listings/Lewes-Byway/2034/673/
Farmers Markets Are For All Local Lovers!
Agriculture drives Sussex Countys economy, so dine out on your drive and enjoy all Delawares Culinary Coast has to offer! At home chefs and foodies, take advantage of our fabulous farmers markets and stands. The abundant bounty of freshly-grown fruit and vegetables guarantees your dishes will be full of Delmarvelous flavor.
Southern Delaware Tourisms website posts a comprehensive list of farms and farmers markets. The site entices the traveler... If youve never been to an alpaca farm, a winery, or a lavender farm, or if you havent tried farm fresh ice cream, lavender chocolate, cherry cider, or bison burgers, visit our local farmers and nurserymen and expand your horizons. CLICK HERE to visit the site's page on Farm Adventures.
New Castle Farmers Market Fri Sat 9am - 9pm, year round at 110 N. Dupont Highway in New Castle
Newark Farmers Market Daily 9am-9pm at 2515 Kirkwood Hwy, Newark
Smyrna Farmers' Market Saturday through October from 9am-1pm at 27 South Market Street Plaza, Smyrna
Delaware State University Farmers Market Saturdays through September from 10am- 2pm at 1200 North DuPont Hwy., Dover (Federal/State government building grounds)
Dutch Country Farmers Market Thur: 9am-6pm, Fri: 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-4pm at 701 N Broad St, Middletown
Middletown Farmers Market Forest Presgyterian Church (parking lot), Middletown
Delaware Avenue Farmers Market Tuesdays 4-7:30pm through Sept. 30 at 1727 Delaware Ave. (corner of Delaware Avenue and Scott Street), Wilmington
Georgetown Farmers Market Wednesdays through September 24 from 3pm-6pm at Georgetown Town Park
Historic Lewes Farmers Market Saturdays through September 27 from 8am-12pm at the Lewes Historical Society Complex
Milton Farmers Market Fridays throough October 3 from 3pm 6pm in Downtown Milton at Union and Magnolia Streets
Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market Tuesdays through Fall 12pm 4pm in Grove Park, Rehoboth Beach
Riverwalk Farmers Market Saturdays through October 18 from 8am 12pm in Downtown Milford at North Walnut Street and Riverwalk Park
Western Sussex Farmers Market Saturdays through end of Summer from 8am 12pm at the Mears Health Campus, Seaford