Here’s an idea for a day trip or overnight that perhaps hasn’t crossed your mind. And it’s only about two hours away. I’m talking about Dover Delaware, the capital of the state in Kent County. Delaware only has three counties.
I had a delightful time there recently and can tell you there’s plenty to do for folks with a variety of preferences. If history is your thing, yes Dover has plenty of it. If attractions are what you like, yes, Dover has plenty of them. Read on dear readers.
Dover has been the capital since 1777. It was founded in 1683 by William Penn, yes the same dude who sits atop City Hall in Philadelphia. It was the first state to ratify the Constitution. It happened at the Golden Fleece Tavern, which was on the Public Square.
Dover Capital.
It is named for Dover in Kent England. It was once a ‘stop’ on the Underground Railroad because of its geographic location, which is on the Jones river in the Delaware River plain. It is however only 22.7 square miles. I would say one of the main intersections downtown is State and Loockerman.
When visiting your first stop should be the Welcome Center, 121 Martin Luther King Boulevard. Pick up brochures and plan your sightseeing route. I think you should head to an area known as The Green, South State Street. By the way, you park once and then walk.
This is basically the Historic District. The area is ringed with buildings, or at least replicas, of the city’s early days, including the Golden Fleece Tavern. One of the buildings is the John Bell House, Dover’s oldest structure.
The Green is situated within the First State Heritage Park, a partnership of state and city agencies. It is a park without boundaries. Admission to all sites is free. There are various programs offered to visitors and residents. For example, a Lantern Tour July 24 and August 14, Tales of Slavery and Freedom July 4 and July 25 and Stories of The Green July 18 and August 29.
Attractions outside downtown Dover, and I have been to all of them, include the Air Military Command Museum (1301 Heritage Road). Here you’ll find 28 retired aircraft, including Air Force 2. There is also an air traffic control tower open to the public. (amcmuseum.org)
Air Force 2
The Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company (1284 McD Drive). Beer is brewed here, over 30,000 barrels a year. Tours are offered on specific days, last about 45 minutes and are five dollars. (fordhambrewing.com)
While on The Green stop in the Biggs Museum of American Art (406 Federal Street). You’ll find about 25 galleries with about 2000 art work on display.
If you’re feeling lucky then by all means head to the Dover Downs Casino ) 1131 North Dupont Highway). Opened in 1995 it has 2400 slots, 42 table games, 11 restaurants and bars and year round promotions. While there I actually doubled my money. I took it out of my pocket, folded it, and put it back. (doverdowns.com)
I actually had better luck at dinner at one of their restaurants, Doc Magrogans. I had a very good seafood entree and the manager sent over a sample of their famous clams. You can watch them shuck. Dining is available in the main dining room, bar and the patio, which is just steps from the casino.(docmagrogans.com)
I should add there is a 500 room hotel attached. Also at this location is harness racing October through April and the very big Nascar race. That happens twice a year in the 100,000 seat track.
When it was time to rest my weary body I headed to The Fairfield Inn, 655 North Dupont Highway, less than a mile from the casino. It has 77 rooms, 19 of which are suites, an indoor pool, fitness center, free parking, laundry, full hot comp breakfast and fresh hot cookies. Rates this time of year average around $129.00. (marriott.com/dovfi)
There’s more to be had up this way. To find out what go to visitdover.com.
Eddie Applefeld is a Baltimore native and a graduate of Towson University. He has been in the broadcasting profession for over 30 years. Currently he is the Promotions Director of WCBM radio. Before that, he was part of the Rouse & Company show on WQSR, host of a cable TV show called Dining Out and adjunct instructor at Towson.
His past accomplishments include being named a finalist in Baltimore Tourism’s Employee of the Year Program and winner of Toastmaster’s Speaker of the Year contest. He was also twice a heartthrob for the American Heart Association’s gala fund raiser.
