Six of the 30 public gardens that comprise America’s Garden Capital are located within Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, and all are within nine miles of each other. That is 3,054 acres of public gardens to explore! From Mt. Cuba Center, home to one of the most impressive collections of native and historic plants in the nation, to Winterthur’s wild flower fields to the formal gardens of Nemours inspired by Versailles, the region will impress both amateur and professional horticulturists.
Ready to take a trip off the beaten path? There’s really nothing like a leisurely drive through the back roads of the Brandywine Valley. The scenery is gorgeous at any time of the year. And – here’s a little-known fact – the region is home to three covered bridges, each with their own unique history. The short route pulled together (you can cover it in an afternoon) will take you through all three bridges with stops along the way at hidden treasures that, up until this point, were only known by us locals and a small group of seasoned Delaware adventurers.
Did you know that Delaware has been named the second most bike friendly state east of the Mississippi? Northern Delaware's varied landscape – ranging from flat terrain to gently rolling hills – is excellent for road biking. The uncrowded rural roads that run through the heart of Chateau Country cannot be beat. Cycle all or part of the Brandywine Valley National Scenic Byway, taking time to enjoy some of the attractions and restaurants on this route.