Viola DelawareATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Viola, Delaware.
1. Loblolly Acres
COUNTRY CHRISTMAS SHOPPING
Loblolly Acres is a charming gift shop in Viola offering rustic and country-themed Christmas decorations. The shop provides a unique shopping experience with a variety of seasonal items that capture the rural charm of Delaware. Visitors should note that parking can sometimes be muddy, especially during wet weather seasons.
2. Hagley Museum & Library
DU PONT HISTORIC SITE
Hagley Museum & Library showcases the rich history of du Pont family and American industrialism. Visitors can experience live demonstrations of hydraulic-powered manufacturing, gunpowder explosions, and cannon fire throughout the historic powder yard. The museum complex includes beautiful gardens and the du Pont house filled with historical artifacts, plus special exhibits highlighting American patents.
3. Dogfish Head Brewery
ICONIC CRAFT BEER EXPERIENCE
Dogfish Head Brewery is a nationally recognized craft brewery located in Sussex County, offering a complete beer tourism experience. Visitors can enjoy tasty brews, try craft cocktails made with spirits from the on-site distillery, or join daily tours to learn about the brewing process. The brewery has become a beloved craft beer hub and must-visit destination in Delaware.
4. Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
COASTAL ENTERTAINMENT HUB
Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is a vibrant coastal attraction offering shops, restaurants, and entertainment along Delaware's coastline. The mile-long promenade provides visitors with ocean views, beach access, and family-friendly activities throughout the year. It serves as the cultural and recreational center of one of Delaware's most popular beach destinations.
5. First State Heritage Park
DELAWARE'S HISTORIC CAPITAL
First State Heritage Park is an urban park connecting historical and cultural sites throughout Delaware's capital city. The park offers guided tours, special events, and educational programs highlighting Dover's rich colonial and early American history. Visitors can explore multiple historic buildings and museums within walking distance of each other in the heart of Dover.
6. Winterthur Museum
AMERICAN DECORATIVE ARTS
Winterthur Museum houses one of America's most important collections of American decorative arts in a magnificent 175-room mansion. The estate includes 1,000 acres of rolling meadows, woodlands, and gardens designed by du Pont family members. Visitors can explore the meticulously preserved interiors showcasing centuries of American craftsmanship and design spread across the historic property.
7. Nemours Estate
FRENCH-INSPIRED DU PONT MANSION
Nemours Estate is an early 20th-century mansion built by Alfred I. du Pont as a gift for his second wife. The 77-room mansion features the largest formal French gardens in North America, spanning 200 acres of scenic grounds. Inside the mansion, visitors can view rare antiques, fine artwork, and a unique collection of mechanical musical instruments.
8. Delaware Agricultural Museum
RURAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
Delaware Agricultural Museum preserves the agricultural heritage of the First State through extensive exhibits and a recreated 1890s rural village. The museum displays historic farm equipment, tools, and household items that tell the story of Delaware's farming communities. Visitors can experience the evolution of agricultural practices and rural life from the colonial period to the present day.
9. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
COASTAL WETLAND SANCTUARY
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge encompasses 16,000 acres of pristine coastal wetlands that serve as a vital habitat for migratory birds. The refuge features a 12-mile wildlife drive, five walking trails, and multiple observation platforms for wildlife viewing. Visitors can observe thousands of snow geese, ducks, and other waterfowl during peak migration seasons.
10. Johnson Victrola Museum
SOUND RECORDING HISTORY
Johnson Victrola Museum celebrates the life and achievements of Eldridge Reeves Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. The museum houses an extensive collection of phonographs, recordings, memorabilia, and artifacts related to the early sound recording industry. Visitors can enjoy demonstrations of historic Victrolas and learn about Delaware's contribution to recorded sound technology.
11. John Dickinson Plantation
FOUNDING FATHER'S HOME
John Dickinson Plantation is the historic home of one of America's founding fathers and drafters of the U.S. Constitution. The restored 18th-century plantation includes the original mansion, reconstructed outbuildings, and gardens representing the agricultural estate. Visitors can learn about colonial plantation life, slavery in Delaware, and Dickinson's influential political writings during guided tours.
12. Spence's Bazaar
ECLECTIC MARKET EXPERIENCE
Spence's Bazaar is a traditional country market operating since 1933 with a unique mix of Amish food vendors, antiques, and collectibles. The market features dozens of vendors selling everything from fresh baked goods and produce to vintage items and handcrafted goods. Visitors can experience this authentic piece of Delaware culture every Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the year.
13. Fifer Orchards
FARM FRESH DESTINATION
Fifer Orchards is a fourth-generation family farm offering fresh seasonal produce, homemade treats, and farm-to-table shopping experiences. The market features their own grown fruits and vegetables, including their famous peaches and apples, along with locally-sourced specialty foods. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities like u-pick experiences, fall festivals, and Christmas events depending on the time of year.
14. Harvest Ridge Winery
DELAWARE WINE COUNTRY
Harvest Ridge Winery sits on a unique property that straddles the Mason-Dixon Line, producing award-winning wines from their own vineyards. The winery offers tastings of their extensive wine portfolio in a rustic tasting room with views of the vineyard. Visitors can enjoy regular events including live music, food pairings, and seasonal festivals throughout the year.
15. Shady Lane Selections
COUNTRY CRAFTS AND ANTIQUES
Shady Lane Selections is a charming country store offering unique home decor, handcrafted gifts, and seasonal items near Viola. The shop specializes in primitive and farmhouse-style merchandise that captures the rural character of central Delaware. Visitors can discover an ever-changing inventory of antiques, collectibles, and locally-made products in a welcoming atmosphere.