Attractions

The major museums of Dover, as well as Legislative Hall and the state archives, have been designated the First State Heritage Park at Dover. A "park without boundaries," the various sites, nevertheless, have varying hours. They all participate in First Saturday programs. Check the visitor center for details.

Start your visit at the green, where Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution in 1787. Most of Dover's historic sites, government buildings, and museums are located around or within walking distance of here. From Route 13, follow signs for the historic district and take State Street, which goes right through the center of the green.

Other attractions, along with Dover's hotels and motels, are concentrated east of the historic district, along Route 13, also known as DuPont Highway. You'll need your car to get around this strip, which is home to Dover Downs, the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village, and the Dover Air Force Base.

Welcome Back, Bill of Rights

Delaware's copy of the Bill of Rights is back on display in the Delaware Public Archives, 121 Duke of York St. (tel. 302/744-5000; www.state.de.us/sos/dpa or www.dovermuseums.org), for the first time since 1789. It's one of only seven extant from the first official imprint. It is on exhibit from December 7 (Delaware Day) to July 4th; the rest of the year, it returns to its permanent home in the National Archives for conservation work. In an agreement with the National Archives, the Bill of Rights will return to Delaware annually for the next 25 years. The archives are open Monday through Saturday from 8am to 4:30pm, until 8pm Wednesday and Thursday.

Christmas in Odessa

The quiet town of Odessa comes to life on the first Saturday of December, when 30 historic houses spanning 3 centuries open for Christmas in Odessa (tel. 302/378-4900; www.christmasinodessa.com). Public buildings and private homes are open for daytime and candlelight tours. Music, carriage rides, food, and a crafts and greens shop are also available. Tickets are sold that day at the Old Academy, at Fourth and Main streets.

Even if it's not Christmas, you can still visit Historic Houses of Odessa (tel. 302/378-4119), four buildings that were once the property of Winterthur; they were recently reopened by the nonprofit Historic Odessa Foundation. All but one of the buildings date back to the 18th century. Start at the visitor center, in the Historic Odessa Bank, 201 Main St. The houses are open Thursday through Saturday from 10am to 4pm (closed Jan-Feb). Admission is $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, students, and kids 12 and over.

Odessa is 23 miles north of Dover and 22 miles south of Wilmington. To get here, take Route 13 and follow the signs to the historic district.