Day 2 of my getaway weekend to Delaware started bright and early with a vegan breakfast burrito from Fresh Thymes restaurant (Fresh Thymes Restaurant). The really tasty sandwich was made with vegan sausage, guacamole, spinach, and tomato.

I headed over to the Wilmington Riverwalk, a short stroll from my lovely Westin Riverfront Hotel. A spunky little rabbit apparently was going on a morning walk himself!

A sign along the Riverwalk asking visitors “how many veggies they have eaten today” is a pleasing sight to any vegan.

Along the Riverwalk path, I saw a panoramic view of the distant downtown skyscrapers, an interesting sculpture of a family doing what appears to be a fast paced jaunt, and an oldtime steamboat.

On the opposite side of the path, several cafes and restaurants offered food for the weary runner or those taking a stroll along the river.

Artistic and whimsical dinosaur sculptures dotted the area, as well. One was all decked out in business attire.

The next stop of my day’s itinerary was the Russell W. Peterson Urban Refuge, along the riverfront. Mr. Peterson, a former Delaware governor was quite the environmentalist. This urban refuge park was named in his honor.

A winding wooden boardwalk makes it easy to safely stroll around the park.

Upon entrance, visitors are greeted with a sign stating “Adopt a Wetland”, stressing the eco-friendliness of the region.

The vast refuge contains ponds, streams, tall grasses, various plants and shrubs, trees, and several varieties of colorful flowers.

Occasionally, birds would land and perch themselves on a tree branch and stay a while, observing the view.

The flowers displayed in vibrant hues of purple, yellow, red, and white.

I spent a splendid hour at the urban refuge park enjoying and appreciating all that nature has to offer. What a wonderful idea it was that Wilmington, Delaware created this peaceful and scenic refuge within the city landscape!

My host from “Visit Wilmington” arrived shortly after my time at the refuge. We then proceeded to Hagley Museum on the outskirts of Wilmington, Delaware. Hagley House is the first American home of E.I. DuPont, who founded the DuPont company. It is located on the property of E.I. DuPont’s powder mills founded in the year 1802. The 235 acre site is located along the scenic Brandywine River. The restored mills, the DuPonts home and gardens, and a worker’s community is housed on these grounds.

I commenced my visit by spending some in the visitor’s center checking out the exhibits from the early day’s of the company. Mill equipment displayed with descriptive signs explaining its history and function in the DuPont company.

A shuttle bus took guests around the property making a few stops for those who wish to stop and visit other areas of the property. We enjoyed a fabulous view of the beautiful Brandywine River along our drive.

Several small and medium size stone powder mills appear as we make our way towards the home. Tourists may spend time at the mills to hear a presentation and view an actual demonstration of the powder making process.

A waterwheel between the mills provides power.

The DuPonts were fond of flowers, so some lovely gardens reside on the property containing many colorful species and plants.

We reach our destination within a few minutes time. The Hagley Estate also contains the first offices of the DuPont company. A small stone building contained the office of the accountant and bookkeeper for the first fifty years.

The Hagley home itself is a Georgian style house containing many of the family’s personal belongings.

The living rooms and bedrooms reflect the taste of the five generations of DuPonts who lived there, especially of the last family member who lived there. She decorated the home with china and statues from her world travels.

Children’s toys like a rocking rooster are found throughout the house.

E.I.’s bedroom is quite spacious and decorated in a pleasant light blue shade.

Our return shuttle went by the DuPont Worker’s Community on the hill. Worker housing, church, and school provided exceptional care for DuPont employees.

After my interesting visit to the DuPont home, I headed back to the Visitor’s Center. I spent some time on the upper level of museum, viewing exhibits of more modern 20th century DuPont inventions, such as Kevlar space suits and race cars.

It was a wonderful day learning about the DuPont family and their company’s beginnings. My schedule allotted me just enough time to grab some lunch before my weekend trip had to come to an end. Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant (Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant ) offers a couple of vegan-friendly items on their menu. I opted for the large red quinoa salad containing quinoa, spiced pecans, mandarin oranges, dried cranberries, granny smith apples, green onion, orange vanilla-bean vinaigrette, and green apple-ginger puree. It was filling and delicious. Each of the sweet and savory ingredients contributed nicely to the flavorful entree.

As my bus was leaving Delaware and the Brandywine area, I reminisced about all of the beautiful and interesting places that I had visited this past weekend. From the impressive DuPont estates and company mills to the charming historic village of New Castle, from the picturesque Peterson Refuge to the Riverwalk and evening cruise, I enjoyed my visit immensely! Vegan meal options were available and pleasing. I recommend that any traveler with a thirst for history and nature do visit this region for a great vacation!

Note – I was a guest of Visit Wilmington for accommodations, lunch, and Hagley Museum tour. All opinions stated are my own.