Six Hours in Wilmington

Marooned Pirate

It’s fair to say that Wilmington is often overlooked in the circle of cities around Chestertown. Normally, locals use it for tax-free shopping at Christiana Mall or to pick up relatives at the convenient Amtrak station in downtown — but rarely make the fifty-minute drive to enjoy the metropolitan life of Delaware’s largest city.

The Chestertown Spy feels that neglected Wilmington should get a second look. Our recent visit gave us hints the city is edging out of the shadows of its big brother Philadelphia and its own boring “bank town” persona. We were delighted by its ethic food offerings, its fine regional art museum, and it’s many good small stores.

Our guide for all things Wilmington was Heather Coyle, Curator of American Art, at the Delaware Art Museum:

Visit the Delaware Art Museum. This excellent small museum, nestled in a lovely residential area just west of I-95, is the perfect venue to stimulate interest in the visual arts. While the DAM does have a good eye for challenging contempoary art, a considerable part of the collection is devoted to the 20th century art, and in particular the great urban paintings of Ashcan School artist John Sloan. Another treat is the permanent collection of massive illustrations by Howard Pyle and N.C. Wyeth (Andy’s father).

Do have Lunch (or afternoon drink): at Catherine Rooney’s (Irish pub) with a nice deck; or Toscana (an Italian bistro). There’s also Toscana to Go, if you want to buy food for a picnic or light snack: great salads, homemade pasta, fresh bread and desserts.

Shopping: Next door to Toscana is Moore Brothers, a world class wine shop, where they excel at recommending interesting, delightful wines under $25 (or much higher if you like) to go with any food. Perfect sparkling wine to go with smoked salmon appetizer? Got it. The right wine to pair with asparagus risotto? Got it. Ask them to recommend a wine to go with bacon, and the Dolcetto they suggest is just right, and $17. They sell mixed cases which come with tasting notes.

Also there are some cute boutiques and galleries in Trolley Square (same neighborhood as both restaurants and very close to the Museum): Blue Streak, Cherishables, Flirt, Pistachio.

Finish the day with a elegant afternoon tea or classic martini at the Hotel Dupont. This is a 10-minute drive from Museum/Trolley Square and puts you in the fine dining neighborhood downtown.