Striped bass swim the waters of Chesapeake Bay! Barb found one for dinner!
APtravelnews–Wilmington, Del (February 2, 2016)…The arrival of spring signals the beginning of the festival season in Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley. There’s a lot to enjoy including a brand new OperaDelaware festival and three special events on Mother’s Day Weekend. Here’s a list of several festivals that warrant serious attention:
WilmFilm Festival (March 10-13) The city’s annual film festival showcases “movies that matter” with more than 30 screenings of independent, foreign and documentary films as well as “Delaware shorts” over four days at Penn Cinema IMAX Riverfront. www.wilmfilm.com
Celebrity Chefs’ Brunch (April 17) World renowned and award-winning chefs alongside local favorites demonstrate their culinary talents during the annual Celebrity Chefs’ Brunch. This popular event is held in the prestigious Hercules Plaza, a 12-story high-rise building in Downtown Wilmington overlooking beautiful Brandywine Park. From 11 AM until 2 PM on Sunday, enjoy exquisite cuisine complimented by fine wines and brunch cocktails and an exciting silent auction. Proceeds from this event benefit Meals on Wheels Delaware. www.mealsonwheelsde.org/celebrity-chefs-brunch/
Wildflower Celebration at Mt. Cuba Center (April 24) Mt. Cuba Center is one of the country’s premier native plant gardens and the annual Wildflower Celebration is an opportunity to experience the Mt. Cuba Center at its seasonal peak. Spectacular vistas, formal gardens, woodland paths, meadows and tranquil ponds grace this 600-acre property. On Sunday, April 24th, admission is free and visitors are treated to live music, family-friendly programming and a variety of informative gardening demonstrations from 10 AM to 4 PM. www.mtcubacenter.org
Wilmington Flower Market in Rockford Park (May 5-7) Highlights of this three-day event in Rockford Park include expansive plant sales, many of which are donations from local gardens, colorful hanging flower baskets, crafts, vendors, games, carnival rides, mouth-watering foods and plenty of live entertainment. Proceeds from the Flower Market have been supporting Delaware’s children for over 95 years. www.wilmingtonflowermarket.org
Wilmington Garden Day (May 7) Held rain or shine, Wilmington Garden Day is a one day, self-guided tour of some of the Brandywine Valley’s most distinctive homes and gardens. It’s the perfect way to get new decorating ideas—both inside and outside. www.wilmingtongardenday.org
Point-to-Point Steeplechase Races at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library(May 8) This annual event features exciting horse races, an antique carriage parade, lavish tailgate picnics, special demonstrations, pony rides and a variety of children’s games all in the setting of an American country estate. www.winterthur.org
2016 OperaDelaware Festival (May 14-May 22) OperaDelaware’s 72nd season culminates in a festival on consecutive weekends in May when OperaDelaware brings two full-scale productions to the stage at The Grand Opera House in Downtown Wilmington. The East Coast premiere of Franco Faccio’s lost opera Amleto(“Hamlet”), painstakingly reconstructed by Anthony Barrese after 145 years anddirected by E. Loren Meeker, is scheduled on May 14, May 20 and May 22. Verdi’s timeless Falstaff, conducted by Maestro Giovanni Reggioli and featuring baritone Steven Condy and internationally acclaimed sopranos Victoria Cannizzo and Sharin Apostolou, is scheduled on May 15 and May 21. www.operadelaware.org
Gran Fondo (May 17) Cycling enthusiasts return to Wilmington for the annual Gran Fondo. Both amateurs and professionals participate in Sunday’s Gran Fondo, Medio Fondo or Governor’s Ride over spectacular 62-, 30- or 15-mile courses mapped through the Brandywine Valley’s glorious chateau country. The Gran Fondo starts and finishes at the Delaware Art Museum where the after-party is held. www.wilmgrandprix.com
A Day in Old New Castle (May 21) This is the nation’s oldest, continuously running house and garden tour. Residents in the charming 350+-year-old town along the Delaware River open their homes and carefully tended gardens to the public. There’s also a full complement of historical re-enactments, military maneuvers and encampments, craft demonstrations, storytelling, period games, colonial dancing, music and even a beer garden. www.dayinoldnewcastle.org/
The Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization founded in 1978, chartered by the Governor of Delaware, the New Castle County Executive and the Mayor of Wilmington. Its mission is to serve as the community’s customer-focused destination marketing organization, generating economic growth through leisure travel and meetings development by aggressively marketing attractions, facilities, amenities and services for visitors. Lyn Lewis LynLewis@VisitWilmingtonDE.com
100 West 10th Street, Suite 20
Wilmington, DE 19801
P: 302-295-2212
F: 302-652-4726
VisitWilmingtonDE.com
The filet on a rice pillow surrounded by tasty grilled shrimp and scallops “gave me a “buzz.” It was “Oh, so good!” Barb and our table mates also fared very nicely with fish, chicken and a N.Y.strip steak.
Great shopping!
Talk about Greek salad!
APtravelnews–Wilmington, Del (May 14, 2015)…Wilmington welcomes more than 100 festivals each year and the fun continues through Spring and doesn’t end as the summer draws to its conclusion. Here’s a round-up of some of the hottest events—both old and new: Annual Peoples’ Festival 4PEACE &Tribute to Bob Marley (July 25) This ever-popular, one-day festival is a tribute to former Wilmington resident and reggae legend, Bob Marley. The festival is held in Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park, which is conveniently located across the street from the Wilmington Amtrak Train Station. From noon until 10PM, enjoy live reggae music on two stages. Other highlights include the Children’s Village, International Food Court, Bamboo Rain Hut, Red Stripe Beer Garden and the International Market Place with arts and crafts from around the world. www.peoplesfestival.comPennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen Fine Craft Fair (July 25 & 26) The Brandywine Valley’s largest premier fine craft fair returns to the Chase Center on the Riverfront. Described as an indoor shopping experience, the show features an unparalleled collection of beautiful items all of which are handmade in America. Find one-of-a-kind clothing, jewelry, ceramics, glass, sculpture and fine furniture and meet the artisans who craft them. www.pacrafts.orgAmerica On Tap Craft Beer Festival (August 15) Fifty of the country’s finest craft breweries will showcase their new releases in Wilmington’s Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park on Saturday from 2:30 until 6PM. Sample more than 100 exceptional beers in an atmosphere filled with live music, food and an assortment of great vendors. Tickets to this open air event can be purchased online at a discounted price or at the gate on the day of the event for $35.00. www.americaontap.com/delaware-on-tapAugust Quarterly (August 23-30) The August Quarterly—or Big Quarterly—has the distinction of being the country’s longest-running African American heritage festival. The festival has evolved from a one-day meeting into a week-long celebration of religious freedom commemorating the founding of the Union Church of African Members by Peter Spencer in 1813. This year’s celebration climaxes on August 30 with a 9AM Sunday service at the Chase Center on the Riverfront and afternoon festivities in Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park from 2 until 9PM. www.augustquarterly.orgArden Fair (September 5; Rain date is September 6) The Arden Fair is a time honored tradition in the Brandywine Valley. Held on the Saturday before Labor Day on the Arden Gild Hall property in North Wilmington, it draws over one hundred twenty vendors offering hand-made crafts and jewelry and fifty antique and flea market dealers. The day-long event runs from 10 until 6PM and features music in the grove, food, drink, amusement rides and children’s games. www.ardenclub.org/about/arden-fair/Riverfront Blues Festival (July 31-August 2) This three-day event in Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park features a stellar team of top blues artists. This year’s exciting lineup includes Brandon Santini, Lil Ed & The Blues Imperials, Mississippi Heat and Low Rider band. The fun kicks off on Friday afternoon at 4PM and continues through Sunday. www.riverfrontbluesfestde.com
Brandywine Festival of the Arts(September 12 & 13) The Brandywine Festival of the Arts has been a perennial favorite for over fifty years. Typically listed among the top one hundred national shows, this annual event in Josephine Gardens in Wilmington’s Brandywine Park attracts hundreds of visiting artists and craftspeople from the East Coast and beyond. Although the show is juried for quality, it is not pretentious. Remarkable, one-of-a-kind pieces in a wide variety of media are available at an equally broad range of price points. In fact, the festival is considered to be one of the foremost places in Delaware to purchase original pieces of art that are sure to satisfy both the casual consumer and the avid collector. Live music, a food court and free admission to the Brandywine Zoo are added bonuses. Admission is $5.00 and children under 12 are free. www.brandywinearts.com
The Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization founded in 1978, chartered by the Governor of Delaware, the New Castle County Executive and the Mayor of Wilmington. Its mission is to serve as the community’s customer-focused destination marketing organization, generating economic growth through leisure travel and meetings development by aggressively marketing attractions, facilities, amenities and services for visitors.
Lyn LewisLynLewis@VisitWilmingtonDE.com 100 West 10th Street, Suite 20 Wilmington, DE 19801 P: 302-295-2212 F: 302-652-4726 VisitWilmingtonDE.com
APtravelnews- Wilmington, DEL 4/19/15…Big time Broadway is back at The Playhouse on Rodney Square. Previously known as the DuPont Theatre, The Playhouse on Rodney Square’s 2015-2016 production schedule has just been unveiled. It features six high profile Broadway favorites. The season begins with the ever popular Annie (Dec. 1-6) followed by “Chicago – The Musical” (Jan. 2-17), “Mama Mia!” (Mar. 4-6), “Blue Man Group” (Mar. 17-20), “Forty-Second Street” (Apr. 19-24) and concludes with the riveting “Jersey Boys” (May 10-15). The Playhouse on Rodney Square is now being managed by the Grand Opera House which is also located in Wilmington less than two blocks from The Playhouse. Steve Bailey, the Managing Director of Programming at both the Grand and The Playhouse on Rodney Square said “We recognize the Playhouse on Rodney Square as a community asset that we are managing on their (DuPont’s) behalf.” Executive Director Mark Fields points out that “The former 102-year-old DuPont Theatre is the longest continuously operating Broadway touring house in the country. It’s also one of the smallest.” According to Fields, this presents a serious challenge for The Playhouse on Rodney Square. Therefore the budget for the new season represents a 25 percent increase over last year’s expenditures when DuPont was at the helm and the new theatre leadership has teamed up with Innovation Arts & Entertainment, an innovative Chicago-based company, to ensure the success of their commitment to book the best that Broadway has to offer. Fields said Adam Epstein, the firm’s head, “…has the connections, and quite frankly, the clout to deliver a Broadway series in Wilmington that you (theatre patrons) want and that we think you deserve.”Season tickets are now on sale at www.theplayhousede.org, by calling 302-888-0200 and at the box office. Packages range from $140 for a four-show package to $590 for premium weekend seats for all six shows. Individual show tickets will go on sale in late summer or early fall.In addition to the six Broadway plays, Bailey says the 1,240-seat Playhouse will also serve as an alternate venue for concerts. If the 1,208-seat Grand is not available, event sponsors now have the option to book at The Playhouse. Lyn Lewis LynLewis@VisitWilmingtonDE.com
100 West 10th Street, Suite 20
Wilmington, DE 19801
P: 302-295-2212
F: 302-652-4726 VisitWilmingtonDE.comThe Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization founded in 1978, chartered by the Governor of Delaware, the New Castle County Executive and the Mayor of Wilmington. Its mission is to serve as the community’s customer-focused destination marketing organization, generating economic growth through leisure travel and meetings development by aggressively marketing attractions, facilities, amenities and services for visitors.
APtravelnews- August 13th, the following events are coming up starting in September. This is from:The Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE…
Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest (September 19-September 21, 2014) Enjoy three days of authentic German entertainment and cuisine at the Delaware Saengerbund in Newark, Delaware, just minutes south of the city of Wilmington. Continuous entertainment including performances by a Bavarian dance group dressed in traditional costumes and live music plus an awesome selection of food and beverages make this ethnic celebration very special. For more information, call 302-366-9454 or go to www.visitwilmingtonde.com.
Taste of Newark (September 28, 2014) This annual culinary festival is held on the picturesque Old College Lawn on the University of Delaware’s Main Campus in Newark, Delaware from 12 Noon to 3 PM. Fifty of the area’s finest restaurants will be joined by more than 30 wine and beer distributors. For more information, go to www.enjoydowntownnewark.com/events.
Rivertowns Ride & Festival (October 4, 2014) This one-day community festival and cycling event is held simultaneously in two of Delaware’s waterfront towns: Delaware City and Historic New Castle. The 10-mile cycling event along the Route 9 corridor which connects the two towns attracts both competitive cyclists and recreational bikers. Cycling time trials start at 11 AM from Historic New Castle to Delaware City and the recreational bike rides begin at 12 Noon. Both towns host simultaneous family festivals and craft beer festivals. For more information, go to www.rivertownsfestival.com
Vendemmia Wine Festival (October 12, 2014; Rain Date is October 19, 2014) This festival is Wilmington’s biggest fall party. Over 3,000 wine enthusiasts gather in Tubman-Garrett Park on the Wilmington Riverfront to celebrate the Harvest of the Grapes. From 2 PM to 6 PM, sample fine wines from every region in Italy and delicacies prepared by 25 of the area’s best restaurants and bakeries. Festivities include live music by four bands, homemade wine and gravy contests and a silent auction. For more information, go to www.societadavinci.com orwww.visitwilmingtonde.com.
Chrysanthemum Festival (October 25-November 23, 2014) Chrysanthemums take center stage at Longwood Gardens. More than 200,000 blooming chrysanthemums are arranged in amazing configurations inside Longwood’s four-acre indoor Conservatory. Of particular note is the magnificent Thousand Bloom Mum with more than 1,100 perfect yellow blooms. Outside, chrysanthemums, gourds and giant pumpkins decorate the grounds. For more information, go towww.longwoodgardens.org or www.visitwilmingtonde.com.
Wilmington Beer Week (November 1-November 8, 2014) This weeklong celebration of craft beer features Greater Wilmington’s premier craft beer restaurants. Special events include prix-fixe menus, tap takeovers, opportunities to meet the brewers and firkin parties. For more information, go towww.wilmingtonbeerweek.com.
Fringe Festival: Live (November 19-November 23, 2014) This five-day celebration of unconventional and experimental art returns with a twist; the festival will be staged three times during the year starting in November and returning in February and May. Live Fringe, the November segment, showcases edgy performances by local regional and national artists and features improvisation, dance, comedy, clown, magic, drama and musical theatre in a variety of venues throughout Wilmington. For more information go to www.fringede.org.
Bob and Barb “On The Road Again” in Delaware this weekend!
