Delaware’s Ultimate Fall Road Trip
The First State makes for a scenic, historic, and memorable road trip. From gourmet coffee to seafood on the beach and scenic views, fall attractions are never far away. So plan your perfect fall road trip in Delaware today and find out more about a state famous for both NASCAR and a food called “scrapple.”
Drip Cafe, Hockessin, DE
This classic order-at-the-bar java spot offers sandwiches and ala carte breakfast menu items, plus French Press coffee, espresso, lattes, and more. Get breakfast and lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients and enjoy your meal knowing that Drip uses sustainable products whenever possible. Through partnerships with Farmart, Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-Op, Ceremony Coffee Roasters, and PT’s Coffee Roasting Company, you’ll find the best coffee in Delaware right here.
Alapocas Run State Park, Wilmington, DE
Alapocas Run State Park is a beautiful mixture of nature and culture. Explore the majestic Blue Rock cliff--now home to Delaware's only natural rock-climbing wall--or walk the grounds of the Blue Ball Barn, a historic event space and former dairy barn built to support A.I. DuPont's Nemours estate. Enjoy the best of nature and culture at Alapocas Run!
Columbus Inn, Wilmington, DE
Columbus Inn is an oasis of old-style charm and modern-day flavor! With a fantastic selection of wines, craft beers, quality spirits, cocktails, and seasonally inspired, fresh food, Columbus Inn is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a truly unique dining experience. Rediscover a classic and explore something new today.
Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE
Next, Cape Henlopen State Park features beaches and open spaces on 5,193 acres. Swim and sunbathe on the designated beach area, or play a round of 18-hole disc golf for fun. Plus, don’t miss hiking or biking along the three-mile paved loop around the park, the six miles of coastline, or the Pinelands Nature Trail. Maybe you would rather break off the trail and explore World War II Observation Tower, offering 360-degree views.
Blades Orchards, Federalsburg, MD
After your hike, you will want a snack. So head over the border and into Maryland to Blades Orchard for you-pick Mutsu, Jona Gold, Grimes Gold, Ginger Gold, and Red Delicious. Then make your way to the tasting room for some hard cider or something from the distillery. Also, don’t miss peaches you-pick pumpkins, hayrides and a cornucopia of vegetables.
The Starboard, Dewey Beach, DE
The Starboard is a bit of an institution around these parts. Founded in the 1960s, this award-winning restaurant is famous for its Bloody Mary cocktails (you can even build your own!) and a mixology concoction named the “Bull Shark” (a mix of flavored vodkas, champagne, juices, and Red Bull). And it's playfully named, handmade menu items will hit the spot. Try the “Surf ‘n Turf Burger,” the “Scott Van Melt,” or the “Sand Pile.”
The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, Rehoboth Beach, DE
In this historic Victorian hotel overlooking the Delaware Bay, you will find old world style and modern amenities. Located on the boardwalk, you can amble along the water’s edge for the day and then return in the afternoon for tea or to enjoy the rooftop spa amenities. You will also appreciate the complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, private baths, and the mini fridges to keep leftovers cold. Also, don’t forget about live evening music, morning yoga, and more.
Surf Bagel, Lewes, DE
When you wake up, you are going to be hungry. Boasting New-York style bagels made from scratch daily, as well as the freshest available ingredients, Surf Bagel does one thing and does it better than anyone else. Build your own breakfast sandwich on a bagel or burrito and take it to go. Or if you are there for lunch, check out the cheesesteak menu.
Trap Pond State Park, Laurel, DE
There are few better ways to end your trip than a walk through Trap Pond State Park, a 3,653-acre that contains one of the largest surviving fragments of what was once an extensive wetland in the southwestern part of the state. The area is known as the northernmost point for bald cypress trees in the country. Explore hiking trails that surround the park, or watch for the great blue heron, owls, hummingbirds, warblers, and bald eagles.
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Key Insights at a Glance
- Delaware offers a scenic, historic, and memorable road trip experience.
- From gourmet coffee to seafood on the beach, fall attractions are abundant.
- Delaware is famous for NASCAR and a food called “scrapple.”
- Drip Cafe in Hockessin offers locally sourced ingredients and sustainable products.
- Alapocas Run State Park in Wilmington combines nature and culture.
- Columbus Inn in Wilmington provides a unique dining experience.
- Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes features beaches, disc golf, and hiking trails.
- Blades Orchard in Maryland offers you-pick fruits and a tasting room for hard cider.
- The Starboard in Dewey Beach is known for its cocktails and handmade menu items.
- The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel in Rehoboth Beach offers old world style and modern amenities.
- Surf Bagel in Lewes serves New-York style bagels and breakfast sandwiches.
- Trap Pond State Park in Laurel is a great spot for kayaking and nature exploration.
