It's no secret that Delaware is full of old, storied buildings. In fact, there are dozens of surviving structures here that are older than the country itself! Plan a trip to see the oldest building in Delaware - the 354-year-old Ryves Holt House - and you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. You'll fall in love with one of our most charming and historic towns, and this iconic home is beautiful all year old.
Lewes is well known for being the "First City in the First State," and history buffs love visiting this seaside town.
Philip Russell, a cupbearer to William Penn, ran the Inn for some time upon settling in the area. Eventually a Sussex County justice named Ryves Holt purchased the building.
Holt lived here for years, and after his death, the house continued to be occupied and changed hands many times. Finally, the home was acquired by the Lewes Historical Society.
The Ryves Holt House is now the Lewes Historical Society Visitor's Center, and it's so worth stopping by to see it up close. Visit the Society's website, here, for hours and information.
Are you looking for a way to get to know the history of Delaware? Well, visit the Arc Corner Monument in Newark, DE, and you can not only learn about Delaware's past, but also stand in two states at the same time! Delaware's border with Pennsylvania has a complicated story, but it's fascinating once we see it for ourselves.
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The history of the Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania border is quite complicated. Surveyors and politicians set the border along a 12-mile arc centered on the New Castle Courthouse. Unfortunately, there were conflicts for years.
Eventually, the border dispute was settled, and today, you can actually stand in Pennsylvania and Delaware at the same time whenever you visit the Arc Corner Monument.
This monument is located between White Clay Creek State Park in Delaware and White Clay Creek Preserve in Pennsylvania. It's an easy hike from either park or from the road.
You'll be able to stand in "The First State" and the "Keystone State" at once when you visit this surveyor's stone. With one foot on either side, you're technically in two different states at the same exact time.
Visit today to see the beautiful White Clay Creek region of Delaware and stand in two different states at once. It's truly a unique experience that's sure to teach you a little about your home state's history.
Have you ever visited the Arc Corner Monument in Newark, Delaware? If so, what did you think about it? Feel free to reach out and let us know about your experience. If you've ever wondered, "Where can I stand in two states at the same time?" now you know where to go to be in two places at once! You can find a trail map and additional information on visiting this piece of Delaware history on AllTrails.
Delaware is full of amazing secrets - it's obvious why the state's slogan is "Endless Discoveries." There are so many underrated, overlooked Delaware hidden gems in the First State that you wouldn't know were hiding right in plain sight. Check these out this spring and get to know the best hidden gems in Delaware.
Lots of Delawareans have been to Winterthur to explore the estate and 1,000 acres of ornate garden. But did you know there's also an amazing fairy garden hiding here? The Enchanted Woods will take you on a journey through a magical forest - it's perfect for children and adults alike. Bring your imagination, and whatever you do, don't step into a Fairy Ring! Take a whimsical walk through Winterthur:
This little-known spot is great for a quick evening stroll when you want some solitude in busy Newark. The waterfront views are something you wouldn't expect from the middle of the state! This is a photographer's paradise.
The Biggs Museum is one of the best displays of American Art on the East Coast. This spring, they're displaying original Ansel Adams photographs - so get in touch with the American West right here in Dover, Delaware!
Enjoy the fresh smell of Lavender, beautiful rolling acres, and the legendary Soap Fairy at Lavender Fields in Milton, where you can stroll the fields and pick up luxurious handmade soap and fragrances.
The Lightship Overfalls is kind of a secret Delaware spot hiding in plain sight! Many people pass by the Lightship every year, only to forget about it when looking for something to do. The floating museum here is amazing and absolutely worth the trip. You'll learn about the history of the Lightship program and all of the stories behind the Overfalls' legendary career. Get a closer look at The Lightship Overfalls:
I can't tell you too much about this secret Delaware spot - but you'll need a password to get in. If the lantern is lit next to Catherine Rooney's, this speakeasy is open and serving up prohibition-era cocktails. Come dressed in your best, because they'll turn you away if you don't fit the scene.
The Marian Coffin Gardens were recently restored and are now open to the public! Delaware is certainly blessed with some amazing landscape architecture, and the Coffin Gardens at Gibraltar are no exception. Take a magical stroll through these lovely gardens:
This little-known tract of public land is great for paddling and picnicking! Drop in anywhere and enjoy the public land. There's no park office or visitor's center, so you're on your own for a solitary paddle.
3 Palms Zoo is the coolest little animal sanctuary in Delaware! Meet their rescued alligators, Tick-Tock, Wendy Darling, and Mr. Smee and make friends with Dominick the Donkey. 3 Palms quickly becomes a favorite of everyone who visits.
The Russell W. Peterson Refuge is the first urban wildlife refuge in the area, and it's a wonderful escape from busy Wilmington life. Enjoy the waterfront critters that hang out here and get to know your state a little better at the Visitor's Center. This is a great quick trip from anywhere in New Castle County.
How many of these hidden gems in Delaware have you been to? Let us know about your experiences in the comments. Beautiful nature preserves and stunning museums aren't all that's hiding in the First State! The best way to explore this state is by car, and we have some wonderful itineraries for road trips in Delaware for you to explore.
