Bill and I love living near the beach, with its ample opportunities for outdoor activities and
lovely downtown areas in Milton, Lewes, and Rehoboth. But we’re also well aware of the many
things to see and do in the northernmost regions of the state, particularly around Wilmington.
One major draw of that area is the Riverfront District, which offers wonderful restaurants and
entertainment venues. Thanks to some very interesting coverage in the News Journal,
Delaware’s state newspaper, we learned that within a few years, that district will double in size.
Here are some particulars:
Creation of an expanded living and entertainment district is now underway.
The riverfront district has an east side and a west side. About 30 years ago, the west side was
a vast wasteland of brownfields, abandoned warehouses, and empty shipyards. Today it’s a
destination for folks who love city life and those who enjoy great restaurants, concerts, and live
theatre. Last year work began on the transformation of the east side of the district, but was halted
when developers faced doubts that previously-approved Federal funding would come through.
After almost a year without progress, the funding has come through, and the project has restarted.
In the first phase, utilities are being laid throughout the areas that have been cleared. Next, the
developers will lay out the primary roads. Following that, construction will begin on the
riverwalk promenade and parklands that will be integrated throughout the district.
We can expect to see noticeable progress in 2029, and when completed, the district will
encompass about 86 acres of housing, shopping, and entertainment venues. But there’s a lot
you can do around the riverfront right now. That includes restaurants for every taste and occasion,
from wonderful seafood at Big Fish Grill, and Banks Seafood Kitchen, to international offerings
at Del Pez Mexican Gastropub, and The Riverfront Asian Cuisine, to pub fare at Docklands and much
more. If you love theatre and concerts you can enjoy some wonderful offerings during the next two months.
Go to the City Theater Company for Fearless Improv on November 13th and 29th and December 5th,
and the fabulous musical Chicago several nights in December. Visit the Delaware Theatre Company with
your grandkids for Shrek the Musical from December 3rd through 21st, and plan ahead for great shows in
the spring of 2026. Go on a wildly creative ride at Opera Delaware, presenting the Opera Deathmatch –
a boxing ring style bout of competing divas – and Pagliacci’s Service Provider, a double bill of one-act operas
about fractured human relationships.
If you want to spend some peaceful or active time in a museum, check out The Delaware
Contemporary for a biennial exhibition exploring machine intelligence, with immersive experiences. It’s happening
now through December 28th. This museum is also a learning space, with creative educational opportunities for artists.