Discover Dover, Delaware - Historic Charm Meets Modern Excitement

• Morning (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM) Begin your exploration at The Green, the historic heart of Dover and Delaware’s seat of government. Start with a visit to The Old State House (25 The Green, Dover, DE 19901), the second oldest state house in the nation. Immerse yourselves in its colonial and early state history with a free self-guided tour or by joining a park ranger for deeper insights. Allow approximately 1 to 1.5 hours. From The Old State House, take a moment to view the exterior of the historic Kent County Courthouse and Legislative Hall, both facing The Green. If time and interest allow, consider a visit to the Biggs Museum of American Art (406 Federal St, Dover, DE 19901), located adjacent to The Green. It houses a significant collection of American fine and decorative arts, often with a Delaware connection. Admission is $8 per adult ($16 for two). Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
  • Practical Tips: Park once near The Green; metered street parking and some public lots are available (e.g., behind the Dover Public Library at 100 S State St). All morning attractions are within easy walking distance.
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) For lunch, head to Governor’s Cafe (144 S State St, Dover, DE 19901), a local favorite just a block from The Green, offering casual American fare, sandwiches, and salads in a cozy setting. Expect to spend $30-$40 for two. After lunch, continue your historical journey with a visit to the John Bell House (43 The Green, Dover, DE 19901), one of Delaware’s oldest surviving frame houses. Admission is free, and interpreters often provide insights into 18th-century life. Allow 45 minutes to 1 hour. Next, walk approximately 5 minutes to the Johnson Victrola Museum (375 S New St, Dover, DE 19901), dedicated to Eldridge Reeves Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. Admission is $5 per adult ($10 for two). Allow 1 to 1.5 hours. Conclude your afternoon at the Delaware Public Archives (121 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd N, Dover, DE 19901), a 5-7 minute walk from the Victrola Museum. Explore fascinating exhibits on Delaware’s history and view original historical documents. Admission is free. Allow 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Evening (5:30 PM onwards) For dinner, enjoy a meal at Grey Fox Grille & Public House (140 S State St, Dover, DE 19901), conveniently located very close to The Green. This restaurant offers a warm atmosphere and a menu featuring American pub fare with some refined options. Expect to spend $60-$70 for two. After dinner, take a relaxing stroll around The Green to appreciate the historic architecture under the evening lights, reflecting on Dover’s rich past.
  • Estimated Total Cost for Two: Biggs Museum ($16, optional) + Johnson Victrola Museum ($10) + Lunch ($40) + Dinner ($70) = $136. This leaves room for snacks or souvenirs within your $150 budget.

Day 1: Historic Heart & Aviation Heroes

• Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM) Begin your Dover adventure by stepping back in time within the First State Heritage Park. Park near the Old State House (free street parking or nearby lots available). Start with a self-guided tour of the Old State House (25 The Green, Dover, DE), the second oldest state house in the nation, rich with history and original artifacts. (Allow 1 hour, Free). From there, it’s a short 2-minute walk (0.1 miles) to Legislative Hall, Delaware’s current State Capitol building. Take a free guided tour to learn about the state’s legislative process and admire the architecture. (Allow 1 hour, Free). Conclude your historical walk with a visit to the John Bell House (43 The Green, Dover, DE), Dover’s oldest frame house, offering a glimpse into 18th-century life. (Allow 30 minutes, Free).
• Afternoon (12:30 PM - 5:00 PM) Enjoy a casual lunch at Governors Cafe (144 Kings Hwy SW, Dover, DE), known for its sandwiches and salads, conveniently located a 5-minute walk (0.2 miles) from The Green. (Approx. Cost: $30-40 for two). After lunch, immerse yourselves in art at the Biggs Museum of American Art (406 Federal St, Dover, DE), just a 5-minute walk (0.3 miles) from the cafe. Explore its impressive collection of American art, including regional works. (Allow 2 hours, Admission: $10 per person, $20 total). Next, drive approximately 15 minutes (5 miles) to the Air Mobility Command Museum (1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB, DE). This incredible, free museum showcases a vast collection of restored military aircraft and exhibits on the history of air mobility. It’s a fantastic, family-friendly experience. (Allow 1.5-2 hours, Free).
• Evening (6:30 PM onwards) For dinner, savor American comfort food in a historic setting at the Grey Fox Grille & Public House (140 S State St, Dover, DE). Enjoy their delicious entrees and local charm. (Approx. Cost: $60-75 for two). After dinner, if energy permits, a quiet stroll through downtown Dover or back around The Green can be a pleasant end to the day.

Day 2: Nature’s Embrace & Rural Charms

• Morning (9:30 AM - 1:00 PM) Start your day with a scenic drive approximately 25 minutes south (15 miles) to Killens Pond State Park (5025 Killens Pond Rd, Felton, DE). Spend the morning enjoying the park’s natural beauty. Choose from various hiking trails like the Pondside Trail (2.6 miles loop) or the Woods Trail (3 miles loop) to spot local wildlife and enjoy the tranquility. You could also rent a canoe or kayak seasonally for a paddle on the pond (additional cost, check availability). (Allow 2.5-3 hours, Park Entrance Fee: $5 DE plates / $10 out-of-state plates per vehicle).
• Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM) Head back towards Dover for a casual lunch. Consider Fraizer’s Restaurant (864 N DuPont Hwy, Dover, DE), a local favorite for classic American fare, about a 15-minute drive from Killens Pond. (Approx. Cost: $30-40 for two). In the afternoon, explore a different facet of Delaware’s history at the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village (866 N DuPont Hwy, Dover, DE), conveniently located next door to Fraizer’s. Wander through the museum’s exhibits detailing rural life and agricultural practices, and explore the recreated 1890s village. (Allow 1.5-2 hours, Admission: $10 per person, $20 total). This concludes your “Capital City Charm & Beyond” trip, offering a blend of history, nature, and unique local experiences.