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Things To Do
Make Learning About Southern Delaware an Active Event. Here Are a Few Tips on How:
Information on Regional Tours
Free Museums, Cultural Events and Other Places of Interest
Are you more interested in cultural experiences than physical activity? Why not combine the two- keep track of the number of steps it takes you to see an entire museum, take the stairs whenever possible, walk around for 30 minutes when visiting art and craft shows, concerts or the Riverwalk.
Museums
- Indian River Lifesaving Station Museum Visitors are introduced to one of the oldest life-saving stations in the country, which is now beautifully restored to the 1905 time period. Museum Interpreters teach and entertain visitors with the thrilling accounts of courageous rescues and haunting coastal lore surrounding the many shipwrecks that occurred along our coastline.
- Nanticoke Indian Museum The museum features artifacts and exhibits that tell the rich history of the Delaware Nanticoke Indian Tribe and others nationwide, with an extensive Native American library. The community holds its annual two-day Powwow in September, with ceremonial dancing and music, storytelling, Native American crafts and food. Located at Routes 24 and 5, east of Millsboro near the village of Oak Orchard.
- Nutter D. Marvel Carriage Museum A collection of local structures, including barns, a school, church, and blacksmith shop, is the setting for a display of memorabilia and photographs of old Georgetown and Sussex County. Twenty antique horse-drawn carriages, assembled by Mr. Marvel and donated to the Town of Georgetown after his death in 1988, are on display. The Georgetown Historical Society operates the museum. Located on South Bedford Street, about 1 mile south of The Circle. Open for tours the first Sunday of each month from 1 to 4 p.m. 302-855-9660.
- Zwaanendael Museum Exhibits at Zwaanendael Museum depict the history of Sussex County and Lewes, Delaware, settled by the Dutch in 1631.
Places of Interest
- Stately Treasures -- Trees of the States Arboretum Originated in 1976 during the bicentennial celebration, the "Trees of the States" exhibit is a self-guided walking tour of the official state tree from each of the United States. Each tree is identified with a marker noting its scientific classification and state of origin. A walking tour brochure is available. Located on the campus of Delaware Technical and Community College, Route 18, Georgetown. Open during regular college hours. Free admission. Call for Group Tour information. 302-856-5400.
Cultural Events
- The Arts in Delaware The Delaware Division of the Arts maintains the Arts in Delaware web site, a state agency committed to promoting and supporting the arts in Delaware. Includes links to arts and cultural organizations, as well as an arts calendar of events.
- Delaware Humanities Forum The Forum fulfills its mission by sponsoring humanities programs and activities and by providing financial and other support to non-profit groups so that they can sponsor their own humanities programs for Delaware audiences. Web site includes calendar of events.
- Rehoboth Art League The Rehoboth Art League is an art gallery and membership-based arts organization that promotes and encourages artists, art education and collaboration among arts organizations, offering over 50 art classes and a dozen individual and members' exhibitions a year.
Museums, Cultural Events and Other Places of Interest for a Fee
Are you more interested in cultural experiences than physical activity? Why not combine the two- keep track of the number of steps it takes you to see an entire museum, take the stairs whenever possible, walk around for 30 minutes when visiting art and craft shows, concerts or the Riverwalk.
Museums
- DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum Dedicated to preserving maritime heritage with changing exhibits about local shipwreck history. Also features a theater showing maritime films.
- Treasures of the Sea A maritime exhibit at Delaware Technical and Community College (Jack F. Owens Campus). Over $4,000,000 in artifacts, including silver ingots and coins, bronze cannons, gold coins and chains, silver artifacts, deep green emeralds from South America, and religious articles are featured in the permanent display housed in the college library building.
Places of Interest
- Governor Ross Mansion and Plantation The Governor Ross Mansion north of Seaford on North Pine Street is a brick Italian Villa style structure featuring a three-story center entry. Built in 1859, the plantation includes rebuilt log slave quarters that are the only remaining slave quarters as far north as Delaware. Owned and operated by the Seaford Historical Society, it is open for tours the fourth Sunday of each month from 1-4 p.m. or by reservation other times.
Parks, Trails, Nature Centers and Wildlife Refugees
Parks and Trails
- Rails to Trails Walking, biking, skating paths by state
- Delaware Greenways Web site features a directory of greenways ideal for hiking and bicycling. Greenways are linear corridors of open space that can be used for either conservation or recreation. The greenway trail provides a safe and enjoyable place to hike and bike.
- Delaware State Parks Includes directory of parks, including recreational activities available at each, as well as a calendar of events search engine.
- Edward H. McCabe Preserve & Greenway Trail The Edward H. McCabe preserve consists of 143 acres and approximately one mile of river frontage along the banks of the Broadkill River in rural east-central Sussex County near the town of Milton. A canoe trail links the historic town of Milton with The Nature Conservancy's Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve. The Milton-McCabe Preserve Greenway is a peaceful two-mile stretch of the Broadkill River meandering through dense forests and lush marshes. At the preserve, the canoe trail joins a three-mile hiking trail system that passes through the diversity of habitats on the preserve.
- Governor's Walk Greenway A brick path, linking Wagamon's Pond to Memorial Park along the Broadkill River, commemorates Milton as the hometown of five former governors. 302-684-1101.
Nature Centers and Wildlife Refuges
- Abbott's Mill Nature Center Home of the Delaware Nature Society, this environmental education complex is clustered around a preserved gristmill that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The complex includes two modern nature center buildings, a barn, a nature trail with observation tower, and a boat ramp on Abbott's Pond. Facilities are available for community use and retreats. Located on Sussex Route 620, south of Route 36 near Milford. Open Monday through Friday. Tours are free, but programs are by fee. 302-422-0847.
- Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge Bombay Hook NWR, located on the western shore of Delaware Bay 8 miles southeast of Smyrna, Delaware, was established in 1937 to provide habitat for migratory waterfowl. Objectives have since broadened to include other migratory birds, a diversity of other native wildlife species and wildlife-oriented public use. Recreational activities include biking, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing.
- Delaware Nature Society Founded in 1964, the Delaware Nature Society, a private, non-profit membership organization, fosters understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the natural world through education; preserves ecologically significant areas; and advocates stewardship and conservation of natural resources. Web site includes listing of programs offered, as well as a calendar of events.
Beaches
When visiting the beach, don't just lie around in the sun, it's the perfect place to enjoy being active! Here are a few ideas:
- Walk in the sand looking for seashells
- Pick a point in the distance and see how long it takes you to reach it
- Play volleyball in the sand
- Swim, surf, or ski
- Throw a Frisbee or football with friends
Here are some links for more ideas.
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