delaware I frances j. folsom
Smyrna packs big wallop with more than 400 historic buildings Smyrna, Del., settled in 1716 as Duck Creek, is today part of metropolitan Dover. But, even with its proximity to the bigger city, the small town clings to its 18th-century historic roots. And, National Geographic Traveler has named Smyrna to its top 50 places to live in the United States. Although small, Smyrna — which is approximately two hours from the Baltimore/Washington, D.C., area — packs a wallop in what it has to offer visitors. Spending time in this charming pre-Revolutionary War town, with more than 400 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, is sure to be a delightful experience.
History and performances Inside a beautiful 1790s Georgian style house is the Smyrna Museum, where the Duck Creek Historical Society shows the town’s history through exhibits. The Civil War in Smyrna is on display through May. Also on the property is the fully restored 18th-century Plank House. Belmont Hall, built in 1773, is another stately Georgian house filled with Federal style furniture. The house and gardens are open for tours on Saturdays. The Smyrna Opera House has been an icon on South and Main streets since 1870. Over the years it has been the town offices, a theater, a jail, and a lodge hall. Today, extensive restorations have returned it to its original role as a theater that hosts live performances year-round. The upstairs gallery is filled with art by area artisans.
For a detailed birding brochure, visit fws.gov/ refuge/bombay_hook/visit/birding.html.
Refreshments and lodging After a day of sightseeing, take a break and sip some spirits at Painted Stave Distillery, where the Time Warp Vodka is infused with espresso. On the lighter side is the Candy Manor Gin with lavender, goldenrod, and lemon balm. Old Cooch’s Corn Whiskey is pure corn, a nod to the hooch made in the hidden stills in the area many years ago. At the Smyrna Diner, the emphasis is on simple, good food. Chicken croquettes, grilled liver and onions, and turkey dinners with all the fixings are just a few of the choices.
Housed in a 19th-century building, the Odd Fellows Café is a shot in the arm for the downtown restaurant scene. Everything here is prepared daily from scratch. The cafe’s choices range from a smoked bacon and tomato crab melt to a Szechuan steak salad wrap to an amaretto custard for dessert. The Best Western Smyrna Inn is close to downtown and major attractions. Amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a complimentary continental breakfast.
For more information Kent County Tourism: visitdover.com
Tim Wilson
Natural beauty Whether you choose to see the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge by driving the 12-mile wildlife route or walking the trails that crisscross its 16,000 acres, you will encounter beautiful vistas, salt marshes, and waterfowl. Insider tip: The refuge is a bird paradise, with 278 identified species.
Sunset at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a time of quiet beauty.
Discover Mainstreet Charm ... Eat, Drink, Shop & Enjoy Slow down, get comfy and explore historic Downtown Smyrna, Delaware. Boutiques, award-winning eateries, museums, theater, distillery, lodging and attractions. Everything for a delightful visit!
T
EE
S.
TR
AI M
ES
RC
E MM
N
CO
ET
RE ST
W.
TH
U SO
ET
RE
ST
www.VisitDover.com 800-233-5368
1. Painted Stave Distillery — Located in a retrofitted theater featuring craft distilled spirits, tours and tastings. 106 W. Commerce St., 302-653-6834, www.paintedstave.com. 2. Smyrna Opera House — Beautifully restored opera house hosts events and live performances. 7 W. South St., 302-653-4236, www.smyrnaoperahouse.org 3. Odd Fellows Café — Located in a cozy atmosphere named after the charitable organization once housed there, open for lunch and dinner with an eclectic menu. 34 S. Main St., 302-514-9008. 4. Royal Treatments — Specializing in unique decorating accents, custom draperies, bedding and gifts. 714 S. Main St. , 302-722-6733,
www.royal-treatments.com. 5. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge — One of the largest remaining expanses of tidal salt marsh in the Mid-Atlantic Region featuring a visitor center, events, walking and driving trails. One of the most popular birding locations on the East Coast. 2591 Whitehall Neck Rd., 302-653-9345. www.fws.gov/refuge/Bombay_Hook. 6. Belmont Hall — A Georgian mansion built in 1773 open for tours and events. 713 SmyrnaLeipsic Rd., 302-264-9048, www.belmonthall.org. 7. Smyrna Museum — Current exhibition is Civil War in Smyrna; coming soon, life and culture in Smyrna and Clayton from 19001920. 11 S. Main St., 302-653-1320, www.smyrnamuseum.com.
Delaware’s Capital Region ...
just a heartbeat away for your weekend stay.
Call for your Free Visitors Guide Today!
recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 5