8 Of The Quietest Delaware Towns
Delaware was admitted to the Union in 1787, the first to do so, making it one of the most historically significant places in America. Beyond its history, however, the 鈥淔irst State鈥� is also celebrated for its stunning Atlantic Ocean coastline and wonderful charm that permeates both the larger cities and smaller towns alike. While the major urban centers of Wilmington and Dover still attract most of the attention, Delaware鈥檚 smaller communities are also worthy of exploration. Here, quiet ambiances, beautiful natural surroundings, historical attractions, and loads of inviting hospitality come together to create a holiday experience perfect for the entire family. A wonderful destination of discovery, Delaware is a unique component of the northeastern United States, and through a journey to these wonderfully quiet and relaxing towns, a special set of memories will be sure to follow close behind!
Delaware City
Once known as Newbold鈥檚 Landing, Delaware City was established in the early 1800s along the beautiful Delaware River. Today, near the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, a humble population of just over 1,800 residents call this pretty community home. As a charming tourist destination, guests can get a feeling of the 19th century through explorations of the town's historic district, where up to 250 landmarks transport guests back to the 1800s. Featuring such architectural styles as Greek Revival and Romantic, many of these buildings are even included on the National Register of Historic Places. Amongst those of note include the Central Hotel (1835) and the Christ Episcopal Church (1849).
Meanwhile, at the Fort Dupont State Park, further immersion into the past comes easily with this living history museum, which is also situated along the aforementioned Canal. And do not forget about the scenic Pea Patch Island, which can be accessed by a very special ferry ride across the Delaware River! Indeed, the natural and historic beauty of Delaware City is one of a kind, and a most delightful vacation experience awaits anyone who sojourns here.
Wyoming
Part of the Dover metropolitan area in central Delaware, the town of Wyoming can trace its foundational roots to the 1850s when it was named for the Wyoming Valley in Pennsylvania. Home to a modern population of just around 1,700 inhabitants, this quiet community features hot summer and cool winter temperatures, and natural beauty and cultural fun are never far away. Visit the beloved Fifer Orchards and its rich collection of delicious and fresh fruits and vegetables, while the August Peach Festival and its fine products (including peach-flavored ice cream) need no further explanation.
Additionally, Wyoming鈥檚 historic allure is in plain sight, and time spent in the Historic District will be sure to create a time travel-like sensation. Featuring noted landmarks like the Railroad Station and the First National Bank from the 1870s, these and other sites on the National Register of Historic Places highlight such styles as Victorian and Classical Revival. There is never a shortage of awesome photo and video opportunities. Add in cute shops like Simply Charming at the Mill and eateries like Mike & Mel鈥檚 Family Restaurant, and a welcoming sampling of Americana is always ready.
Bethany Beach
One of the most popular beach destinations in Delaware, the splendid town of Bethany Beach is indeed a veritable treasure of the 鈥淔irst State.鈥� Home to just over 900 residents, many thousands more visit annually to enjoy awesome vistas of the Atlantic Ocean and a pretty and welcoming beachside that all ages can enjoy. Go swimming, sunbathing, and sailing while a cute assortment of local shops and seafood diners populate the most charming boardwalk area. These include the Cottage Caf茅 and Off the Hook, while further quiet relaxation is on hand at the nearby Delaware Seashore State Park. In addition to lounging on the beach and swimming, one can even try surfing here! And keep a lookout for some marine wildlife, which makes for quite a special photo snapshot! From dolphins, sand sharks, and perhaps even whales, photogenic moments are certainly never far away when in Bethany Beach.
Laurel
A most relaxing and quiet place of reflection, Laurel is a lovely town in Sussex County with a population of roughly 4,300 inhabitants. With a modern history dating to the 18th century and named for the Laurel brush, this charming community features a delightful assortment of green spaces, quaint ponds, and inviting public park areas. A simply beautiful place to enjoy the outdoors, spending time at local attractions like the Tussock and Chipman Ponds is a nice way to enjoy an afternoon. Featuring picnic areas and scenic little waterfalls, there is perhaps no better place to unwind.
Meanwhile, the historic character of Laurel also adds to its charm, and visiting the downtown district will bring visitors back in time. Stop by such landmarks as the Spring Garden Home (1782), the Old Christ Church (1772), Chipman鈥檚 Mill (1884), and many others in the Laurel Historic District that are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Finish off the day browsing through the goods at charming local businesses like the This-N-That Country Store, while the Laurel Pizzeria is a fine place to enjoy the company of friends and family in a welcoming ambiance.
Bethel
Established a shipbuilding center in the late 1700s, today the town of Bethel maintains a humble ambience and just 240 permanent residents call it home. But for what it may lack in size, this quiet community compensates with loads of fascinating American history and genuine welcoming charm for guests of all ages. Spend time along the scenic Nanticoke River and then learn more about Bethel鈥檚 shipbuilding past at the Historic District. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, visitors can explore the Bethel Maritime Museum in the District, which features such exhibits as recreated 1800s ships, tugboats, and other instruments used for life on the sea. And with several houses and buildings reflecting styles like Victorian, there is a definite feeling of stepping back in time. Finally, drop by the Bethel Market convenience store for some treats while classic hot meals like the American hamburger are made fresh to order!
Lewes
Situated along the Delaware Bay, Lewes was settled by Dutch colonists way back in the mid-1600s, making it one of the oldest towns in the United States. Known as the 鈥淔irst Town in the First State鈥�, today just over 3,300 reside here, where stunning views and pretty beaches are never in short supply. A popular place to simply enjoy the outdoors and a quieter pace of life, hot summers and warm winters characterize Lewes鈥� climate, and attractions like the Cape Henlopen State Park are always popular. Here, swimming, sailing, sunbathing, hiking, cycling, and even frisbee golf entertain visitors, while Lewes Beach is great for those looking for even more solitude. And do not forget about Lewes鈥� lighthouses like the Lightship Overfalls and the Harbor of Refuge Light, which are postcard-perfect destinations that the young and old can appreciate.
Additionally, several Dutch-style buildings remain in town, like the Zwaanendael Museum. This museum commemorates Lewes鈥� Dutch history and its status as a maritime center. Over three hundred years of history are presented here in a building featuring typical 17th-century-style architecture.
Odessa
Odessa was founded in the early 1700s as a shipping port with the name of Cantwell鈥檚 Bridge before being renamed after the Ukrainian port city in the 19th century. With a modest populace of only some 366 residents (according to the 2020 census), the New Castle County community is a true time machine destination. Explore the Historic District where landmarks like the Wilson Warner House (1769), Cantwell鈥檚 Tavern (1822), and the Collins Sharp House (1700), highlight such architectural styles like Italianate, Victorian, and Greek Revival.
Listed entirely on the National Register of Historic Places, this pretty place is accentuated by its close vicinity to the Appoquinimink River and its pleasant summer and winter climate. And make sure to enjoy a meal at the previously mentioned Cantwell鈥檚 Tavern for a unique experience and a tasty and varied menu of American and international favorites.
Townsend
Founded in the 1880s, Townsend is home to a modern population of just 3,000 residents, and it remains a wonderful example of a quiet and charming small-town America. Enjoy relaxing afternoons at the Wiggins Mill Park, where hiking, biking, and picnicking are always popular, while fishing and kayaking continue to attract guests of all ages at the Wiggins Mill Pond. Furthermore, at the Townsend Historic District, upwards of 200 buildings and landmarks from the 19th and early 20th centuries can be explored. Including Winfield Cottage (1870) and the Lattamus Store (1851), amongst others on the National Register of Historic Places, the calm ambiance of the District adds nicely to its fascinating living history. With tasty dining options like The Grille, everyone can enjoy a meal and fellowship in a most friendly community.
A key component of the American East Coast, the 鈥淔irst State鈥� of Delaware is both a historically rich and naturally splendid destination. Featuring scenic Atlantic Ocean vistas, fascinating stories of Colonial America, and tons of small-town charm, visiting Delaware will surely have tourists of all ages waiting to plan their return trip. Though major urban centers will always dominate attention, the smaller and quieter communities of any place are often just as intriguing and fun as their larger counterparts. Delaware is certainly no different, and an exploration of some of its delightful towns will surely create a most positive and lasting impression. So do not wait and come see the great State of Delaware and pass through these quiet and welcoming towns, where something for everyone is never far away!
