Set in a valley filled with America's castles, Wilmington celebrates its industrial side at Riverfront. A work in progress, it's a lovely 1 1/3-mile walk along the Christina River, dotted with warehouses and other industrial sites reborn as a market, shops, restaurants, offices, and museums. In a whimsical touch, gaily colored cranes hover above.
Though not as flashy as Baltimore's Inner Harbor, visitors will enjoy spending a few hours walking from the train station through the Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park to the Shipyard Shops and the urban nature preserve.
Wilmington is known for its museums, theater, restaurants, and well-appointed hotels, including the luxurious Hotel du Pont. Business-oriented Wilmington has full hotels during the week, but on weekends look for great deals: rooms at about half price as well as cheap parking. Come and spend the day in Wilmington's museums or Riverfront; head to New Castle's historic district or the Brandywine Valley's mansions and gardens; and return to the city for a delicious meal and a good night's sleep.
