Ardencroft DelawareATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ardencroft, Delaware.
1. The Oddporium
UNIQUE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES
The Oddporium is Delaware's first and only oddity shop where visitors can explore strange items like a cycloptic pig and 19th-century medical tools. Opened by Ken and Beth Schuler, this quirky attraction showcases historical artifacts collected from abandoned buildings and dumpsters to preserve history. The collection includes X-rays of body parts, records, and photographs of psychiatric patients, making it a must-see for those who appreciate unusual historical treasures.
2. The Shakespeare Gild
HISTORIC OUTDOOR THEATRE
The Shakespeare Gild, located at 2126 The Highway, offers captivating live theatre performances in an enchanting outdoor setting. This historic venue has been putting on performances for over 100 years, making it a significant cultural landmark in the area. Visitors should check the schedule for shows during warm weather to experience this century-old theatrical tradition.
3. Labyrinth of the Ardens
PEACEFUL MEDITATION PATH
The Labyrinth of the Ardens, located along Millers Road, is a seven-circuit labyrinth created as a collective effort by the communities of Arden, Ardentown, and Ardencroft. This tranquil space offers visitors a chance to find peace while meandering through the paths toward the center and back out again. It is considered one of the most relaxing places in Delaware, perfect for meditation and connecting with nature.
4. Arden Gild Hall
COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER
Arden Gild Hall serves as the cultural center for the community, hosting a variety of concerts, plays, and artistic events throughout the year. The venue showcases local talent and brings in performers, creating a vibrant hub for arts and culture in the area. Visitors can enjoy everything from musical performances to theatrical productions in this historic community space.
5. Delaware Art Museum
AMERICAN ART SHOWCASE
The Delaware Art Museum showcases an impressive collection of American art, illustration, and renowned Pre-Raphaelite works. Located just 10 minutes from the Arden area, this cultural institution offers visitors the opportunity to explore diverse artistic traditions. The museum's extensive collections make it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts in the region.
6. Alapocas Run State Park
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Alapocas Run State Park offers scenic trails, natural rock climbing, and lush woodlands just 10 minutes from Arden. The park provides numerous recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, including hiking, climbing, and exploring the natural landscape. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of this preserved natural area while engaging in various outdoor activities.
7. The Grand Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Grand Opera House is a historic venue offering world-class performances in a beautifully restored 19th-century theater just 14 minutes from Arden. This architectural gem hosts a variety of events, including musical concerts, theater productions, and cultural performances throughout the year. Visitors can experience the grandeur of this historic building while enjoying high-quality entertainment in an elegant setting.
8. Brandywine Creek State Park
SCENIC NATURE RETREAT
Brandywine Creek State Park features rolling meadows, wooded trails, and the picturesque Brandywine Creek just 15 minutes from Arden. The park offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation in a beautiful natural setting. Visitors can explore the diverse ecosystems and enjoy the tranquility of this preserved natural area throughout the year.
9. Rockwood Park & Museum
HISTORIC ESTATE EXPERIENCE
Rockwood Park & Museum is a historic estate located just 8 minutes from the Arden area. The property features a Gothic Revival mansion surrounded by landscaped gardens and natural woodlands that visitors can explore. The museum showcases period furnishings and offers insights into the area's cultural and architectural history.
10. Hagley Museum and Library
INDUSTRIAL HISTORY SITE
Hagley Museum and Library, located 12 minutes from Arden, preserves and interprets the history of American enterprise and innovation. Set on 235 acres along the Brandywine River, the site features the original DuPont powder mills, estate, and gardens. Visitors can explore the birthplace of the DuPont Company and learn about early American industry through interactive exhibits and historic buildings.
11. Nemours Estate
ELEGANT MANSION GARDENS
Nemours Estate, just 13 minutes from Arden, is a 300-acre country estate with formal gardens and a 77-room mansion built in the late 18th-century French style. The property was created by Alfred I. duPont for his second wife, Alicia, featuring the largest formal French gardens in North America. Visitors can tour the opulent mansion, explore the meticulously maintained gardens, and learn about the duPont family legacy.
12. Café Sitaly
LOCAL ITALIAN CUISINE
Café Sitaly is a charming Italian restaurant located just 5 minutes from the Arden area. The restaurant offers authentic Italian cuisine in a warm, welcoming atmosphere that appeals to locals and visitors alike. Diners can enjoy a variety of traditional Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes.
13. El Diablo
VIBRANT MEXICAN EATERY
El Diablo is a popular Mexican restaurant located just 7 minutes from Arden, offering flavorful authentic cuisine. The eatery is known for its fresh ingredients, creative menu options, and vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of Mexican culinary traditions. Visitors can enjoy tacos, burritos, and other Mexican specialties in this lively dining establishment.
14. Columbus Inn
HISTORIC FINE DINING
Columbus Inn is a historic restaurant located 10 minutes from Arden, offering fine dining in an elegant, traditional setting. Established in 1798, this landmark establishment combines historic charm with contemporary culinary excellence, serving American cuisine with innovative touches. Guests can enjoy expertly prepared meals in a sophisticated atmosphere that reflects the venue's rich history.
15. Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library
PREMIER AMERICAN DECORATIVE ARTS
Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library is located 16 minutes from Arden and houses one of the most important collections of American decorative arts in the country. The 175-room mansion is set amidst 1,000 acres of rolling meadows, gardens, and woodlands designed by Henry Francis du Pont. Visitors can explore the museum's extensive collections, stroll through the naturalistic gardens, and learn about American craftsmanship and design from the early 17th to the early 20th centuries.