New Castle DelawareATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near New Castle, Delaware.
1. Battery Park
RIVERSIDE RELAXATION SPOT
Battery Park is a large recreational area along the Delaware River that offers visitors a peaceful place to walk and unwind. The park features scenic riverside views and is perfect for leisurely strolls or picnics with family and friends. Several restaurants are located nearby, making it convenient to enjoy a meal after spending time outdoors.
2. New Castle Farmer's Market
LOCAL BARGAIN HUNTING
New Castle Farmer's Market is a bustling marketplace where visitors can find a variety of goods from local vendors. It's a great destination for bargain hunters and those who appreciate authentic farmers market experiences. The market provides an interesting shopping environment with diverse offerings that appeal to locals and tourists alike.
3. Read House and Gardens
HISTORIC MANSION TOUR
The Read House and Gardens is a prominent historic site that offers guided tours of its well-preserved colonial-era architecture and landscaped grounds. Visitors can explore this magnificent property to gain insights into Delaware's rich historical past. The guided experience provides educational information about the house's significance and its former residents.
4. New Castle Court House
COLONIAL LEGAL LANDMARK
New Castle Court House is a significant historical building constructed in 1732 where Delaware approved the Declaration of Independence. As part of the First State National Historical Park, it serves as an important reminder of America's early legal and political development. The courthouse museum offers visitors a glimpse into the judicial processes of colonial America and Delaware's role in the nation's founding.
5. Dutch House Museum and Gardens
OLDEST STRUCTURE IN TOWN
Dutch House Museum and Gardens dates back to the late 1600s and is documented as the oldest structure in New Castle, making it the second oldest in the state. This rare example of early Colonial-era middle-class housing provides visitors with an authentic glimpse into life during Delaware's earliest settlement period. The preserved house and its gardens offer educational opportunities about colonial domestic life and architecture.
6. Amstel House Museum and Gardens
GEORGIAN COLONIAL ELEGANCE
Amstel House Museum and Gardens is a beautifully preserved Georgian colonial building that showcases early American architecture and lifestyle. Visitors can tour this historic house to experience the elegance of colonial living through its period furnishings and decor. The accompanying gardens feature traditional plantings that complement the historical setting of this important New Castle landmark.
7. Jessop's Tavern
COLONIAL FARE AND BREWS
Jessop's Tavern offers a quintessential Historic New Castle dining experience with a menu featuring colonial-inspired dishes such as pot pies, roasted duck, and pot roast. The tavern boasts an extensive beer selection ranging from fruited sours to malty German brews, making it a must-visit for beer enthusiasts. Its historic setting at 114 Delaware Street provides diners with an authentic atmosphere that complements the traditional cuisine.
8. Zollie's Jazz Cucina
LIVE JAZZ DINING
Zollie's Jazz Cucina combines fine dining with live jazz music, creating a unique entertainment experience in Historic New Castle. The restaurant serves West African and Caribbean-inspired cuisine in an elegant setting at 414 Delaware Street. Visitors can enjoy cocktails at the bar or reserve a table for dinner while listening to jazz performances that begin at 6 p.m. on designated jazz nights.
9. Mo'Zart Gallery
LOCAL ART BOUTIQUE
Mo'Zart Gallery is a boutique art space featuring works inspired by the charm and history of New Castle. The gallery showcases local artists who capture the essence of this historic Delaware town through various artistic mediums. Visitors can browse and purchase unique artwork that serves as a beautiful reminder of their time in New Castle.
10. Opera House Arts & Antiques
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Opera House Arts & Antiques is a delightful shop where visitors can explore a variety of antique treasures in Historic New Castle. The store offers a carefully curated selection of vintage items that appeal to collectors and casual browsers alike. Each visit provides an opportunity to discover unique pieces with historical significance and artistic value.
11. All Good Things
CURATED HOME DECOR
All Good Things is a specialty shop carrying a thoughtfully curated collection of home furnishings, housewares, and decor items. The store offers visitors a chance to find distinctive pieces that reflect the charm and character of Historic New Castle. Shopping here provides both locals and tourists with opportunities to bring a touch of Delaware's colonial elegance into their own homes.
12. Cabernet Candles
DIY CANDLE WORKSHOP
Cabernet Candles holds the distinction of being Delaware's first candle and craft cafe, offering a unique hands-on experience in Historic New Castle. Visitors can book experiences in advance to create their own personalized candles as special souvenirs of their visit. This interactive workshop provides a creative activity that results in a fragrant memento of time spent in this charming colonial town.
13. First State National Historical Park
DELAWARE'S NATIONAL TREASURE
First State National Historical Park encompasses several historic sites including the New Castle Court House Museum, celebrating Delaware's role as the first state to ratify the Constitution. The park preserves and interprets the early colonial history and cultural landscape of Delaware through its various properties. Visitors can experience authentic colonial architecture and learn about the significant events that shaped America's first state.
14. Historic New Castle Green
COLONIAL TOWN CENTER
The Historic New Castle Green serves as the central public space in one of Delaware's first settlements, surrounded by landmark colonial buildings. Visitors can take a walking tour of this well-preserved area to experience the authentic colonial atmosphere that makes New Castle second only to Williamsburg in terms of historic structures. The Green provides a perfect starting point for exploring the cobblestone streets and historic sites that make this town a living museum of early American architecture.
15. Old Library Museum
HISTORIC LITERARY LANDMARK
The Old Library Museum in New Castle preserves the town's literary heritage in a historic building managed by the New Castle Historical Society. Visitors can explore exhibits that showcase the intellectual and cultural development of this colonial settlement through its written records and artifacts. The museum provides educational insights into how books and learning shaped community life in early Delaware.