50 States of Wonder
6 Spots Where the World Comes to Delaware
Students of American history will know that Delaware is noteworthy for being the first state to ratify the Constitution of the United States, earning it the nickname “The First State.” But look beyond Delaware’s American roots, and you’ll find other cultural influences, tucked away where only the most enterprising of explorers will find them. From a Versailles-inspired palace to an English poet casually lounging in a garden, here are six places to help you travel the world without ever leaving the state.
1. Winterthur
Step inside this grand manor, and you’ll find an almost overwhelming assortment of artistic and antique treasures. The art collection is world-class, but be sure to admire the ornate architecture and interior design, which includes themed rooms like the Chinese parlor adorned with gorgeous chinoiserie-style wallpaper and Chinese-Chippendale-style furniture. When you’re done, step outside and wander through the Enchanted Woods—whimsical gardens that cover some of the 1,000 acres stretching across the property. (Read more.)
5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE 19807
2. Nemours Estate
The splendor of Versailles’s gardens springs to life at Wilmington’s Nemours Estate. The mansion draws on the opulent style of the French royal residence, with an interior that’s lavishly decorated with world-class paintings, tapestries, antique furniture, crystal chandeliers, carvings, faux finishes, and coffered ceilings. Try not to let your jaw drop as you wander the 47,000-square-foot house and its 10-acre expanse of gardens, which happen to be the largest French-style formal gardens in North America. (Read more.)
850 Alapocas Dr, Wilmington, DE 19803
3. Delaware Art Museum
The Delaware Art Museum is a must-see for fans of pre-Raphaelite art, which is often relegated to an obscure chapter in art history. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood was developed by young, 19th-century British painters, who balked at the Royal Academy's embrace of the genre paintings of Raphael and idolized the colorful, religious work of the late-medieval and early Renaissance periods. Unfortunately for the Brotherhood, they were forced to disband rather quickly, but fortunately for art-lovers, the Delaware Art Museum has been quietly collecting works from that period, making it the largest collection of pre-Raphaelite art outside the United Kingdom. (Read more.)
2301 Kentmere Pkwy, Wilmington, DE 19806
4. Hendrickson House Museum
This house is one of the oldest surviving Swedish-American homes in the United States. It was originally built in 1690 in Pennsylvania by a man who was born in the New Sweden colony that stood along the Delaware River from 1638 to 1655 before being conquered by the Dutch. In 1958, the house was moved to its current location in Wilmington, and now serves as a museum providing an insight into late-17th century life in America. (Read more.)
606 N Church St, Wilmington, DE 19801
5. Dressed John Milton Statue
You know who has great fashion sense? This John Milton statue, located along “The Governor’s Walk” in Milton, Delaware. Who dresses him? Who's to say? The life-sized statue of the English poet can be found dressed handsomely in seasonally appropriate clothing, updated throughout the year by anonymous donors. He’ll sport winter jackets in December, tropical clothing in July, and spring fashions in April. (Read more.)
114 Mulberry St, Milton, DE 19968
6. Zwaanendael Museum
With its stepped facade, intricately carved spiral stones, and decorated shutters, the Zwaanendael Museum—built to commemorate the 300th anniversary of Zwaanendael, the first Dutch colony in Delaware—is a well-preserved sliver of 17th-century Dutch architecture. Step inside to learn about local history and geography and see intriguing objects retrieved from around the coast, including an item known as the Fiji Merman. (Read more.)
102 Kings Hwy, Lewes, DE 19958
