The Brandywine region of northern Delaware is known for it’s rural estates, magnificent gardens, and quaint historic villages. Delaware Park and Brandywine Park provide spectacular trails for walking or hiking. The region’s scenic beauty is matched only by its superb museum and art scene. A weekend trip was in store for me to finally visit this area. My two days in Wilmington, Delaware provided just enough time for me to get a good taste of what the region has to offer.

A very vegan-friendly restaurant “Fresh Thymes” (Fresh Thymes Restaurant) is a popular, local breakfast spot in Wilmington, Delaware. For my breakfast that day, I opted for the tofu and veggie scramble. Black beans, veggies, squash, peppers, guacamole, and tofu were topped with a wonderful green tomatillo sauce. The scramble was accompanied by a large rolled up wheat tortilla. My meal was really delicious and reasonably priced.

For my am beverage, I chose a smoothie with almond milk, cacao nibs, banana, apples, berries, tumeric, and chia seeds. Diners select the base milk, the fruits and veggies, and any add-ons such as seeds or nuts. It was quite good!

The casual cafe also offers some vegan baked goods. I purchased a yummy chocolate cupcake with vanilla frosting as a takeaway snack for later that day.

I also purchased a takeaway breakfast item for the following day to eat on the go, since my tours would commence early. The vegan breakfast burrito would make a tasty meal the next morning.

My fantastic host Lyn, from the Visit Wilmington Visitor’s Bureau, met me at the Greyhound bus station station in Wilmington and transported to me to Nemours Mansion; the first stop on my day’s itinerary. Alfred I. DuPont, of the prominent DuPont family, built this spectacular home for his second wife Alicia, whom he loved to shower with lavish gifts. He was the great-great -grandson of Pierre S. DuPont who immigrated to the United States from France in 1837. Pierre’s son E.I. started the DuPont company in 1802 as a gunpowder company. Visitor’s are escorted by shuttle bus to the visitor’s center where the tour begins. As we pulled up beside the main gate, we noticed the contemporary looking, glass building of the DuPont Children’s Hospital in the distance. The DuPont family’s foundation provides low income families with free hospital care for their really ill kids. A pink flower bed greeted us as the bus parked right outside the gates.

We entered the premises through the ornate black and gold Russian gates protecting the mansion.

The magnificent early 20th century residence was designed in the late 18th century French style that was admired by his second wife Alicia. Named after the French town that his great-great-grandfather represented in the General Assembly, the home contains many modern amenities and his own inventions.

The estate is surrounded by lush and colorful gardens. Flowers, trees, plants, and water fountains grace the home’s perimeter.

As the tour bus made its way across the property, our guide pointed out several spots along the drive.

We proceeded on our drive within the property and arrived at the DuPont garages. This building contained classic autos owned by the DuPont family during the 1930s through the 1960s.

Upon completion of the classic autos tour, we headed back to the mansion for a tour of its interior. Though photos are not allowed, I can assure you that each and every room was magnificent and ornate! Sculptures, vases, painting, and exquisite furniture graced the bedrooms, parlors, and dining areas. DuPont inventions are found throughout the well-equipped home.

The “Long Walk” starts at the mansion itself and runs through the lengthy, well-manicured lawn down to the Reflecting Pool. The path is lined with pink flowering Japanese trees. A stone gateway with tall pillars separates the mansion from the vast grassy fields containing additional flower beds and sculptures.

A 23 carat gold leaf statue named “Achievemment” is located in the gardens beyond the Reflecting Pool. Perched on a marble vase overlooking the vast gardens and surrounded by brilliant red flowers, this is the central focus point of the vast property.

After the lovely tour, it was time for some lunch! My host Lyn brought me to Drop Squad Kitchen (Drop Squad Kitchen) in Wilmington, Delaware. The all vegan restaurant is oacted on the scenic Riverwalk. The casual restaurant is located inside of Molly’s Ice Cream Shop. The casual space contians old school photos of classic tv ads and characters on its walls.

I started off with a refreshing hibiscus ice tea.

For my lunch, I selected the DSX Deluxe sandwich. This is a breaded house made ChickUN Seitan with their special creamy cashew sauce, pickles, lettuce, onion, & tomato on a Whole Grain Kaiser Bun. A side of homemade sweet potato chips accompanied it. The meal was really good. Again, the prices were reasonable.

Dessert was a mixed berry ice cream. What a tasty treat! I highly recommend that vegans visiting the area do pay a visit for some ice cream.

Our next stop on the itinerary was the picturesque town of old New Castle. This charming historic village dates back to the 17th century. We strolled the tree lined quiet streets, lined with old brick-faced homes, taverns, restaurants, and government buildings. This was originally the capital of Delaware.

Emmanuel Episcopal Church built in the early 1700s is also located along the Green.

New Castle’s “Town Green” is a grassy park where locals would gather for social events or political discussions. Government buildings are housed nearby.

A school academy built in the year 1789 is found along the Green.

Read House in the center of the old town, was built for George Read II, a signer of both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The home is designed in the Federal period style. Archaeological digs on the property discover findings from Delaware’s earliest setters. During the mid-19th century, gardens were added.

Across the street is the Old Library Museum. Built in 1892, the hexagonal brick building contains the literature and documents from the New Castle Library Company.

The small Dutch House was built during the late 1700s, when the earliest Dutch, English, Swedish, and Finnish settlers arrived in town. Original belongings from this time period are preserved in the home.

New Castle was the original landing spot of William Penn in the late 17th century, as noted by this sign.

A statue of Mr. Penn graces the lawn behind the Old Court House.

The Old Courthouse was Delaware’s first court. This site was also known to be part of the underground railroad, hiding runaway slaves seeking their freedom. It is now a museum.

A Presbyterian church, originally built as the town’s meetinghouse, was erected in the year 1707.

Amstel House is one of New Caste’s oldest surviving homes. Built in the 1730s by wealthy landowner Dr. John Finney, the home was visited by George Washington, as well as signers of the Declaration of Independence. The elegant Georgian style residence boasts of superb architecture and an open hearth.

After a wonderful afternoon strolling about the cobblestone streets of historic New Castle, we headed back to Wilmington. My accommodations for the weekend were at the superb Westin Wilmington Hotel(Westin Hotel Wilmington) on the Riverfront. The distinctive and elegant lobby is sure to impress.

The spacious and stylish rooms provide many amenities for tourists. Terry cloth bath robes, a fridge, comfy beds, and an attentive staff assure that guests are taken care of and appreciated.

I decided to board the final River Taxi of the evening at 7pm for a narrated tour along the Christina River.

In the distance, the view of Wilmington’s downtown skyscrapers met the horizon.

Our guide and captain mentioned several shipbuilding companies that boomed along the river in their heyday. Harlan & Hollingsworth possessed waterfront land here. Between 1836 and 1927, they build more than 500 ships, including a steamboat, merchant ships, ferries, and US torpedo destroyers.

Our boat’s captain noted that Harriet Tubman assisted slaves escaping across a bridge here along the Christina River.

Nature is a lovely sight to behold! We sailed by lush wooded areas with trees and rocky shores, spanning old bridges, a river steamboat, and a large naval ship.

A spectacular sunset peered through the trees along the river.

A gleaming white egret bird flew above the trees hugging the shore.

WE even noticed a cute little tugboat anchored peacefully in place.

As the dark of night was befalling, our river taxi headed back to dock. The one hour cruise along the river was enjoyable. Tourists in town will also relish this scenic, relaxing, and informative introduction to the city.

For my evening meal, I dined at River Rock Kitchen(River Rock Kitchen) in the Westin Hotel. I chose their vegan pho option for dinner. It consisted of soy marinated tofu, jalapeno, cilantro, mint, basil, rice noodles, and vegan broth. I enjoyed the delicious pho.

Day one of my weekend getaway had concluded. My tours of Nemours Mansion, historic New Castle, and the Christina River cruise were spectacular. The vegan meals in town had pleased me also. I went to sleep eagerly anticipating the following day’s tour of DuPont family’s original home at Hagley, as well as my upcoming hike through the Russell Peterson Urban Refuge Park.
I was a guest of “Visit Wilmington” who provided my tours, lunch, and accommodations. However, all opinions expressed here are my own.