15 Best Things to Do in Edgemoor (DE)

As a suburb of Philadelphia, Edgemoor is in a strategic location that provides visitors with a central base that is close to a major city but also close to nature. With a population of only about 6,000 people, you can be assured of a quiet, relaxing escape with easy access to all the region’s best attractions.

Edgemoor is situated in a pretty location along the Delaware River in New Castle County. It’s known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, interesting history, and abundance of parks and green spaces.

When it comes to shopping, Fox Valley Shops and independence Mall are both located in nearby Wilmington. Several festivals and events occur in Edgemoor throughout the year, including Saint Helenas Carnival and the Ice Cream Festival.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Edgemoor.

1. Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant

After a long drive or flight, perhaps the first thing you want to do upon arrival in the Edgemoor area is kick back and relax with some delicious comfort food and a cold drink in a laid back atmosphere. The perfect place to do that is at the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant in nearby Wilmington. Award-winning craft beer is brewed right on-site, so you know you’re getting a quality, fresh product every time.

There are a variety of choices available when it comes to handcrafted beers, including the Iron Hill Light Lager and the Russian Imperial Stout. As for food to go along with your brew? Try one of the creative, made-from-scratch dishes from the extensive menu, including options such as a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers.

Happy Hour occurs Monday through Friday, and diners can enjoy their meal and drinks on the outdoor patio or inside, where they are surrounded by the beautiful murals painted by renowned artist Jeff Schaller.

2. Brandywine Creek State Park

For a relaxing day outdoors surrounded by nature, visitors head to Brandywine Creek State Park, where they can enjoy 933 acres of green space and bubbling streams. The property, which was once a dairy farm owned by the well-known du Pont family, features 14 miles of hiking trails and is the perfect spot for observing local wildlife.

3. Mo’zArt Gallery And Studio

Visitors wishing to see and learn more about local art can head to nearby New Castle and admire paintings by local artist Dennis Young. Many of the paintings are local scenes of Old New Castle and surrounding areas and are available to purchase.

4. Lums Pond State Park

Within this park, there’s 200 acres of space, where visitors can enjoy kayaking and disc golf.

At Go Ape Lums State Park, families with children over the age of ten can enjoy an afternoon of fun and fitness at the on-site Treetop Adventure Course. Some of the course attractions include zip lines, climbing ropes, and Tarzan swings across five separate areas that get higher above the canopy as you go along.

Experienced staff are always on-hand to enforce safety and assist with anything along the way.

5. Stroll Along the Wilmington Riverfront

After a long day of exploring Edgemoor and surrounding areas, a stroll along the Wilmington Riverfront is the perfect way to unwind. This riverfront pathway stretches for a mile along the Christina River.

Along the way, there are several places to grab a bite to eat, including Bank’s Seafood Kitchen. You will also come across a beer garden, mini-golf, and ice cream parlors.

6. The Delaware History Museum

Delaware Museum of Natural History — Delaware Museum Of Natural History

The best way to learn about any place is to visit a museum. At The Delaware History Museum, visitors can learn about the history and culture of Delaware during every important period since the colonial days. See exhibits about the Lenape people who once lived and thrived in the region, the industrial period, and Delaware in the Civil War and World Wars.

7. Set Sail on the Kalmar Nyckel

A visit to the Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard in Wilmington is more than just show and tell. Visitors of all ages are invited to take a leisurely cruise on a replica of the Kalmar Nyckel, which was a pioneering American tall ship that sailed the high seas during colonial times – until an ill-fated journey in the North Sea.

Children, in particular, love the hands-on experiences they can have on board, including ringing the bell, embarking on scavenger hunts, and steering the ship. Adults and children alike get an in-depth history lesson about a ship whose legendary story is not widely known.

8. Take a Scenic Drive Along the Brandywine Scenic Byway

While scenic drives are in no shortage in the area around Edgemoor, the Brandywine Scenic Byway is a popular scenic drive that never disappoints. The best way to experience this route is to start in Downtown Wilmington and follow the signs along the 12-mile route that will take you all the way to the Pennsylvania border.

Along the way, you will see beautiful forest areas, sprawling green fields, and inspiring country landscapes. Because this route is also part of the Brandywine Wine Trail, there are opportunities to stop for some food and drink.

9. Spend a Sunny Day at Rehoboth Beach

Rehoboth Beach is a favorite among locals and visitors in this region, and for many reasons. It’s more than just a plain old beach: it’s a family-friendly ocean escape along a quaint little seaside village. The main draw is the sandy shore, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

The other popular attraction is the boardwalk that runs along this beach. A leisurely stroll along this boardwalk reveals an assortment of attractions for all ages, including the amusements at Funland and the boutique galleries and outlet stores.

A variety of restaurants and cafes serve up a mix of traditional and modern dishes. If you are up for it, stick around for some drinks in the lively atmosphere that continues into the evening.

10. First State National Historical Park

Visitors can take a step back in history with a visit to First State National Historical Park. On-site are important historical buildings, including Woodlawn, The Green Dover, and the New Castle Court House.

During your wanderings, learn about important events in the history of the area, including the colonization of early Europeans, religious freedom acts, the Declaration of Independence, conservation, and the Underground Railroad.

11. Brandywine River Museum of Art

Art was in the Wyeth family, and a number of artworks by Andrew Wyeth and N.C. Wyeth can be admired at the Brandywine River Museum of Art in nearby Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The beautiful landscape that surrounds the museum is the very same setting that inspired these artists.

Visitors interested in American art will appreciate these beautiful works and several works by other Wyeth relatives and artists who had a special connection to the family. The museum also provides tours of N.C. Wyeth’s home and studio and Andrew Wyeth’s Studio.

12. Bellevue State Park

An entire day can be spent wandering the grounds of Bellevue State Park taking part in a wide variety of outdoor activities. This sprawling estate is situated in a scenic location along the Delaware River and features beautiful gardens and fields.

Also on-site is a walking track that loops around the fishing pond – which is stocked with bass, catfish, and sunfish – and a tennis center with eight courts. Several hiking trails allow even further exploration of the park, and there are paved and unpaved trails for bikers. Horseback riding lessons are offered at the on-site Wellspring Farm.

13. Sit Down to a Unique Meal at Cajun Kate’s

For a taste of New Orleans without actually traveling to New Orleans, visitors can head to Cajun Kate’s in Wilmington for authentic dishes that are hard to find anywhere else in the region. Some of the specialties on offer include jambalaya, gumbo, crawfish pie, praline, red beans and rice, and tasty desserts. Every single item is made from scratch, and meals are served at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

14. Altitude Trampoline Park

Rainy days are well-spent indoors when you head over to Altitude Trampoline Park in Wilmington. This modern, state-of-the-art facility is open all year round and features various amusements, including trampolines, a foam pit, a gymnastics area, basketball dunking lanes, and group fitness options across 40,000 square feet of space.

This unique entertainment option provides safe fun for the whole family.

15. Read House and Gardens

The historic Read House in New Castle is a stately mansion that was built in the early 1800s for well-known businessman George Read II. This National Historic Landmark has since been restored. Visitors can take a tour of the 14,000 square-foot home and see what life was like for the Read family in those times. Several beautiful gardens are also on site.