A quaint coastal town for history buffs, craft beer enthusiasts, international foodies, and nature lovers, Lewes has something for everyone. But its place in American history is what really sets it apart. Lewes was established in 1631 as the first European settlement in Delaware, making it the first town in the first state. Its location on the Delaware Bay made it an important maritime hub and stop on the Underground Railroad. The town embraces its place in history with museums, buildings, monuments, and accommodations that highlight its heritage. This story is part of our May Battle of the Beaches issue. Check back as we break down our favorite beaches in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey.
Where to Learn
Dive into maritime and military history at the free Zwaanendael Museum, which was created to commemorate the original Dutch settlement. The intricate Dutch-inspired architecture of the building models the former City Hall in Hoorn, the Netherlands. Book a Historic Lewes Walking Tour catered to your interests — the Revolutionary Lewes tour travels to buildings associated with the Revolutionary War, while a Lewes Legends evening tour breaks down the paranormal presences said to haunt the town. Step back in time at the Historic Lewes Town Campus, where nine buildings have been restored to showcase different elements of local life in the 1700s and 1800s; there’s a school, a coffeehouse, a country store, and more. The Fort Miles Museum at Cape Henlopen State Park was once a WWII military bunker. It’s been transformed into a 15,000-square-foot museum that tells the stories of the fort’s role as a vital coastal defense center. Want to see a cannonball from the War of 1812? The relic is displayed in the Cannonball House Maritime Museum.
Where to Play
The 5,000-acre Cape Henlopen State Park at the intersection of Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean is a must for stunning nature views and activities. Walk the 3-mile Gordons Pond Trail to an elevated boardwalk for salt marsh and beach views. Or climb the WWII Observation Tower for panoramic views. If visiting in the fall, take a cranberry bog hike with the family. See sunsets and dolphins on a guided tour with Quest Adventures. Prefer more urban pastimes? Spend time shopping in the cookie-cutter cute downtown. Snag a new vinyl record or vintage denim jacket at The Vintage Underground, stationery and cards at Lewes Lettering Co., and browse for literary gifts at Biblion Used Books & Rare Finds. Take in some live music while tasting local brews at Crooked Hammock Brewery or Big Oyster Brewery. Or visit the Rocking the Docks outdoor summer concert series, which is timed for enjoying sunsets on the water at the ferry grounds.
Where to Eat
Start the day with a fresh brew and pastry at Notting Hill Coffee Roastery, where there are more than 80 flavors of coffee to choose from. For a casual atmosphere and reliably fresh seafood, Lewes Oyster House is a good bet. Get the oysters, obviously, and the smoked fish dip. Indian and pan-Asian cuisine, including a large vegan and vegetarian selection, is on the menu at Raas. For a romantic atmosphere in a historic home, Bramble & Brine has elevated comfort food like beef Wellington for lunch or dinner, and it also offers brunch. James Beard Award–nominated Heirloom, another popular restaurant in a Victorian home, is known for its seasonal menus with farm- and garden-fresh ingredients.
Where to Stay
Active travelers looking for modern aesthetics will appreciate Dogfish Inn. The retro-inspired boutique hotel is owned by the folks behind Dogfish Head Brewery in nearby Milton. The property’s recently expanded “Gear Shed” offers guests the use of binoculars, hammocks, beach chairs, beach cruisers, e-bikes, and cornhole boards.
For convenience to the historic district and bed-and-breakfast charm, The Savannah is a good option. It’s located in a 1914 Victorian home that was restored in 2004 and offers an impressive French-style breakfast buffet and evening happy hour.
Feature image of Zwaanendael Museum courtesy VisitDelaware.com
This story originally ran in our May Issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
