Historic New Castle Visitors' Guide

Historic New Castle Visitors’ Guide 2024

Welcome To The City of New Castle

On behalf of the 5,500 residents of the City of New Castle, it is our pleasure to welcome you to our city! I hope you will visit our museums and parks, restaurants and shops, or attend our historic or cultural events.

We take great pride in the role our city played in the earliest origins of our country and state, and we are adding to that history every year. You are part of our effort to preserve that history and grow our future. We appreciate presence here today.

Enjoy your visit and come back often!

The New Castle Community Partnership, Sponsor

www.HistoricNewCastle.com

A Bit of New Castle History

Founded in 1651 by Peter Stuyvesant, Fort Casimir, as New Castle was first called, gave the Dutch command of all traffic on the Delaware River. Nearby Swedes considered this a threat to their claims of the area and were anxious to protect their river position. The Swedes captured the fort in 1654, renaming it Fort Trinity (Trefaldighet). A little more than a year later, the Dutch regained the fort and it became New Amstel. In 1664 the English seized all Dutch possessions including New Amstel and renamed the town New Castle. New Castle remained under English rule for the remainder of the colonial period.

In 1682 William Penn received ownership of the three lower counties of Pennsylvania consisting of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex from James, Duke of York. Penn soon found the counties determined to rule themselves. In 1704, Delaware was granted a separate legislature.

In 1701, the northern curved border of the state of Delaware was drawn from a 12-mile arc fixed at the Broad Dyke in New Castle. New Castle became the colonial capital and later the first state capital.

In 1777 the state capital was moved to Dover, but this did not diminish New Castle’s importance as a colonial river port. Due to the port’s central location, many of the most important people of the late 18th and early 19th centuries passed through New Castle.

Packet boats bought goods from Philadelphia where they were then shipped by stage and continued by boat up the Elk River to Baltimore and Annapolis. New Castle also boasted one of the first railroads known as the New Castle and Frenchtown railroad. The original ticket office survives to this day on the battery.

As Wilmington and Philadelphia grew, New Castle began to decline in importance. This was fortunate for New Castle; instead of tearing down and replacing historic buildings with modern structures, the residents renovated old homes and buildings.

Today New Castle is home to many thriving businesses and several large industries. The historic district, thanks to the stewardship of the community, is a popular destination for movie, television and documentary production companies. Beloved, Dead Poet’s Society, and most recently The Abolitionists, were all filmed in and around the historic district.

Annual Events In New Castle

Please note, all annual events and dates are subject to cancellation and/or change.

•Fourth Friday Art Loops: Each month on the 4th Friday. 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Sip & snack as you walk through local galleries and shops.

•Late February: Restaurant Week. Participating locations offer a threecourse dinner for a fixed price. Reservations are highly recommended! www.historicnewcastle.com.

•Saturday, March 2nd: 10th Annual Attack Addiction 5K Run/Walk. www.attackaddiction.org.

•Saturday, March 30th: New Castle Presbyterian Church Easter Fair. www.newcastlepreschurch.org.

•Sunday, March 31st: 6:30 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service on the Wharf. 1:00 p.m. NC Lions Club Easter Parade on the Green.

•Friday and Saturday, May 3rd & 4th: Arasapha Garden Club’s May Market. www.arasapha.org.

•Saturday, May 18th: A Day in Old New Castle: A New Castle tradition; America’s oldest home & garden tour. Featuring the Kalmar Nyckel and may other activities. Go to www.historicnewcastle.com.

•Friday & Saturday, June 7th & 8th: Separation Day Celebration and Vintage Market. This unique event celebrates Delaware’s Birthday, when we “separated” from Great Britain and Pennsylvania on June 15th, 1776. Start the day with a parade in the morning, vintage market, music, and rides in Battery Park, with our signature fireworks at 9:30 p.m. by the Delaware River. www.separationdayde.com

•Sunday, June 9th: St. Anthony’s Day Celebration.

•June -August: Wednesday Night Concerts in Battery Park. www.historicnewcastle.com.

• Dining in the Street: Benefits the New Castle Senior Center. Check the NC Senior Center website for information on this event. www.newcastleseniorcenter.com.

• Saturday, September 28th: Annual Art on the Green in Battery Park. Come to Battery Park for this 512-year-old tradition hosted by the New Castle Lions Club. www.artonthegreende.net

•Saturday, September 28th Annual Belgian Beer Fest. . www.historicnewcastle.com.

• Saturday, October 5th: River Towns Ride & Festival. www.rivertownsfestival.com

•Fall Date to be determined: New Castle Sailing Club Beach Clean Up. www.newcastlesailingclub.org

•Last Week of October: New Castle Lions Club Halloween Parade 6:30 p.m. Date to be determined.

•Fridays and Saturdays in October: Haunted History Tours. For additional information contact the New Castle Historical Society at 302-322-2794 or visit their website www.newcastlehistory.org.

•Saturday, November 29th – December th: Small Business Month www.historicnewcastle.com

•Saturday, December 19th: Spirit of Christmas & A Dickens Experience.

Places to Shop, Dine, and Relax

Historic New Castle, born of the river, home to tall ships and cobbled streets; a refuge reached by land or water. These business are listed coming West from the wharf

#1 Jessop’s Tavern

114 Delaware Street

302-322-6111

www.Jessops-Tavern.com

Mon-Thurs: 11:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Fri-Sat: 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Sun: 11:30 a.m. – 8:00

The building housing Jessop’s Tavern was originally built in 1674. The dishes echo American food history, reflecting the English, Dutch, and Swedish presence in this region. The beer selection has 300+ Belgium bottled beers, 21 draft offerings.

#2 Nora Lees

124 Delaware Street

302-322-7675

www.noralees.com

Tues –Thurs: 12:00 –9:00 p.m.

Fri – Sat: 12:00 – 10:00 p.m.

Sun: Noon - 8.00 p.m.

Quaint New Orleans–inspired bar and eatery, supplying Cajun and Creole classics in a festive atmosphere.

#3 Mo’zArt Gallery

1 E. 2nd Street

(302)753-5386

@dmymd47

Monday 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Thur. – Sat. 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Artist Dennis Young set up his charming gallery in the heart of Historic New Castle. His works are wide-ranging and include a selection of town scenes.

#4 The Mercury Café and Teahouse

206 Delaware Street. Sit, Sip and Relax

www.themercurynewcastle.com Wed. –Sat. 12:00 – 8:00 p.m. Sin. 12:00 –6:00 p.m. (check their website for special hours.)

Café and Teahouse located in the heart of Historic New Castle. Featuring locally roasted coffee, teas, herbal blends, delicious cocktails, craft beer, wine and vegetarian/vegan fare.

#5 Jolt Vintage

206 Delaware Street behind the Mercury Cafe and teahouse. Your next great outfit is here! @ joltvintage

#6 Fresh Faced Skin Care.

204 A Delaware St.

302-689-3223

Tues: 10-8.00. Sat: 9.30 – 2.00. Sun: 10-4.00

www.FreshFacedSkinCare.com

Advanced facial treatments and products created by research scientist and licensed skin care specialist Erica Suppa. Specializing in the treatment of acne and aging.

#7 The Weekly

203 Delaware Street.

302-328-6005

Admin@TheWeekly.Press Mon., Tues., Thurs. 10 - 3:00 Website: TheWeekly.Press

A weekly newspaper, over 35 years old, serving New Castle County from the Old Town Hall.

#8 Wheelys Farmacy

203 Delaware Street. wheelysfarmacy.com

Farm-Direct and ArtisanCrafted CBD Capsules, Tinctures, Teas, and Lotions

#9 Oaxaca Bar & Grill (Margarita garden)

222 Delaware Street

Bringing you all the delicious flavors of Mexico!

#10 Opera House Antiques

304/306 Delaware Street

(302)525-3000

Open 7 days a week

@OperaHouseArtsAntiques

Open Mon. – Sat 10:00 a.m. – 5: p.m.(closed Tuesday’s) Sun. 12:00 –4:00 p.m.

Opera House Antiques has a diverse mix of artists and vendors. Antique store, art gallery, picture framing, interior design, jewelry repair, and trunk repair & restoration. Stop in for unique finds.

#11 Oak Knoll Books and Oak

Knoll Press

310 Delaware Street

302-328-7232

www.oakknoll.com

Oak Knoll Books specializes in books about the production and distribution of books, examples of fine printing, and Delaware history. Member: Antiquarian Bookseller’s.

#12 Bridgewater Jewelers

318 Delaware St

302-328-2101

Tues – Fri: 10 am - 6 pm. Sat: 10 am -3 pm

www.bridgewaterjewelers.com For more than 130 years, the foundation of Bridgewater Jewelers has always been a focus on superior business ethics, quality, service and fairness.

#13 All Good Dogs

316 Delaware Street. All the best stuff for your good dog! Instagram/allgooddogsmc

#13 Cabernet Candles

410 Delaware Street (908)800-2026

www.cabernetcandles.com (Check their website for times)

A luxury candle making and wine experience that will keep you coming back. Blend your own scents of unique essential oils, in beautiful take home vessels, while sipping your favorite wine.

#14 Zollies Jazz Cucina

414 Delaware Street (302)570-7419

www.zolliesjazzcucina.com

Wed. & Thur. 3:00 – 9:00 p.m. Sat. 3:00 –10:00 p.m. Sun. 11:00 a.m. –3:00 p.m.

Zollie’s fusion kitchen! Indulge in a menagerie of flavors from the Americas and the Caribbean blended in perfect harmony at Zollie’s.

#15 Taqueria El Centenario

625 Delaware Street. Open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Delicious Mexican Take Out. Eat in, or take out.

#16 Fort Casimir Honey Company

Chestnut street, New Castle, DE. (302)293-6723 twlunt@gmail.com

All the great things that come from our local bees - honey, soaps, candles and much more. Find their products at The Mercury Cafe, Opera House Antiques and Visitors Center.

#17 Garrison Deli

501 W. 7th Street (in the Garrison Apartments) (302)501-5300

www.garrison-deli.business.site

Mon. – Fri. 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. Sat. & Sun. 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. In the mood for a deli sandwich? The Garrison Deli is the place to go; they also offer breakfast.

#18 Buyrite Liquors

427 W. 7th Street

302-328-8300

#19 Porto-Fino Pizza & Restaurant

River Plaza 730, Ferry Cutoff Street

302-322-3330

Sunday: Noon-10:00pm

Mon. 11:00 am-10:00pm

Tues, - Sat: 11am. – 11:00 p.m.

www.portofinopizzarestaurant.com Since 1984, Porto-Fino’s has been a landmark in the heart of Old New Castle where friends meet to enjoy the best Italian food.

#20 China East River Plaza

726 Ferry Cut Off Street (302)325-9913

#22 New Castle Spirits

738 Ferry Cut Off Street 302-322-6691

#21 3 Countries Pizzeria 202 E.6th Street (302)322-2611

www.threecountriespizzeria.com

Mon. – Thurs. 10:00 a.m. – 8:15 p.m. Fri & Sat. 10:00 a.m. – 9:15 p.m.

3 Countries is a family run business that features selections from Mexican, Italian, and American cuisine. They have it all!

#22 Dunkin’ Donuts

905 E. Basin Road (302)328-2259 dunkindonuts.com

#23 Wheelys Farmstand Café

791 Frenchtown Road (302)547-9438

facebook.com\wheelysnewcastle

www.wheelysnewcastle.com

www.wheelysfarmacy.com Thurs.

–Mon 9am – 2pm. Wheelys Farmstand Café offers Coffee, Lemonade, Waffles, Bacon, Fried Chicken, and much more.

#24 Domino’s Pizza

1202 Delaware Street (302)323-1515

www.dominos.com

#25New Castle Farmer’s Market

110 N. Dupont Highway (302)328-4101

www.newcastlefarmersmarket.com

Thurs.. 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Fri. & Sat. 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Sun. 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

The New Castle Farmers Market has been a New Castle tradition since 1954, the New Castle Farmer’s Market offers over 70 shops and restaurants.

#26 Parivaar Supermarket

148 Sunset Blvd, (302)276-7905

www.dominos.com

Library

New Castle Public Library, 424 Delaware Street

Churches

•Immanuel Episcopal Church on the Green, 50 Market Street

• Saint Peter the Apostle Church 521 Harmony Street

•New Castle United Methodist Church, 510 Delaware St.

•New Castle Presbyterian Church 25 E. 2nd Street

•Mt. Salem Church & Cemetery 140 E. 4th Street

Museums

1.Delaware Street between Market and East 3rd Streets. New Castle Court House Museum. The old courthouse served as the meeting place for Delaware’s colonial state assembly from 1732 to 1777 when New Castle was Delaware’s capital.

2.42 The Strand. The Read House & Gardens. Built between 1801 and 1803 for lawyer George Read II, the Read House represented the height of Philadelphia neoclassical architecture. Inside, spacious and ornate parlors represent the lifestyles of the Read family. Third owners Philip and Lydia Laird first opened the Read House for A Day in Old New Castle in the 1920s; the Laird dining room depicts their early twentieth century style. See “Garden” descriptions.

3.19 East 3rd Street. Dutch House & Gardens. The charming Dutch House is one of the earliest buildings in the Delaware Valley. Built between 1690 and 1710, the Dutch House is furnished to reflect the Dutch heritage of New Castle’s colonial period. The gardens include a Colonial Revival garden, a Dutch kitchen garden, and the Arasapha Native Plant Garden. See “Garden” descriptions.

4.40 East 3rd Street. Old Library Museum Garden. The 1892 Old Library Museum, is in transition and not currently open to the public. The gardens are open for the tour, however.

5.East 4th and Delaware Streets. Amstel House & Gardens. As New Castle’s earliest Georgian mansion, the 1738 Amstel House reflects the lifestyle of the city’s elite, like Governor Nicholas Van Dyke, in the late 18th century. The house is furnished with many original family and New Castle artifacts. The 1930s Colonial Revival Garden was designed by prominent landscape architect Charles Gillette.

6.Friends of Bellanca Airfield, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving the history of the Bellanca airfield and aircraft manufacturing in New Castle. Giuseppe Mario Bellanca immigrated from Italy in 1911 and continued his passion for aircraft design here in the US. His aircraft Columbia was Charles Lindbergh’s first choice for a Trans-Atlantic crossing. Lindbergh was unable to secure the plane, but 2 weeks after that first Trans-Atlantic flight Columbia was flown non-stop from New York to Berlin (3,911 miles). Rte 273 & Centerpoint Blvd. New Castle. friendsofbellanca.org.

Public Parking Lot

Bike Repair Station

The Jack A. Markell Trail

The Jack A. Markell Trail completes a long-awaited connection between the city of Wilmington (including the Amtrak Station) and New Castle Battery Park. That connection consists of an off-road elevated boardwalk and paved pathways, the Wilmington Riverwalk, and one on-road section through Historic New Castle, totaling 7.9 miles.

Named after former Governor Jack A. Markell, the 5.5 mile “JAM” trail connects the Wilmington Riverfront with the City of New Castle. The $26 million trail completed in September 2018 converted an abandoned freight rail line to a shared-use pedestrian and bicycle path.

Visiting Ideas

There’s lot to see and do in Historic New Castle. Here are some ideas depending on your time and interest:

Getting to know us:

The best place to start is the Visitor Center at The Arsenal. There you can enjoy an 8 minute video introducing you to Historic New Castle.

A Quick Sample:

Walking tours to the Dutch House and the Amstel House start at the Visitor Center.

A Closer Look

After visiting the Amstel House, you can begin a 2 ½ hour audio tour of the Historic Area on your own phone in the Amstel House garden.

Other Options

Independence and High Society - Both the New Castle Court House Museum and the George Read Junior House offer one hour tours.

Colonial Churches – Both the New Castle Presbyterian Church and Immanuel Church and Cemetery are open to visitors.

The River Walk - Enjoy a walk along the river. Start at the Wharf and continue along the 3.7 mile (round trip) paved trail.

Wayside Walk – For something entirely different, explore the six different sites explained by colorful interpretive panels. These include Fort Casimir, the Wharf (2), the Frenchtown Railroad, The Courthouse Museum, and the Sheriff’s House.

Whatever tour you choose, we hope you enjoy our many shops and restaurants.

Senator Nicole Poore

Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown

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