Most of the Wilmington and Brandywine Valley attractions are easily clustered within a pleasant and often bucolic 15-minute drive of one another, so you can grab a map and plot what you would like to see and in what order. There are two visitor's centers: downtown Wilmington and on I-95, south of the city.

Among your first stops should be one of America's horticultural treasures, Longwood Gardens. Located in Kennett Square, PA, 12 miles from downtown Wilmington along U.S. Route 1, this 1,050 estate is larger than New York's Central Park and features 20 outdoor gardens, 16 indoor gardens and 11,000 types of plants and flowers. You are able to lose yourself in the splendor of Longwood's formal hedge- and stone-lined French and Italianate gardens.

In the spring, the Flower Garden Walk bursts with tulips and petunias, while Caryopteris Allee showcases double rows of blue carypoteris and white hibiscus in late summer. A 3.5-acre, glass-enclosed conservancy also offers year-round viewing with sections such as the Orchid House, the Banana House and the desert-themed Silver Garden.

Not to be missed at Longwood Gardens, is the estate's fountains (left). You will be transported to old Europe as you stand before the main fountain garden's 380 cascading fountains emerging from classic Italian limestone structures. The smaller Italian Water Garden is nestled back among the trees and features numerous fountains within five tiled pools. Fountains, ponds and even a 50-foot man-made waterfall can be found throughout Longwood which contains more fountains than any other garden in the United States and offers daily fountain shows choreographed to music. Longwood is open 365 days per year and admission ranges from $2 for children to $15. (In 2006, Longwood celebrates its centennial with a year of commemorative events).

Just a few miles from Longwood, you'll find the quintessential American country estate, Winterthur (left), a 175-room mansion that was the birthplace and inherited country estate of Henry Francis du Pont. Initially, the house served as Henry Francis' home and weekend entertaining space, where he would treat dozens of couples and weekend guests to the estate's grand mansion, golf course, tennis court and pool, in addition to hosting meticulously planned dinner parties. The estate also served as its own community, with is own gardens, a train station, a prize-winning dairy farm and enclaves of families who had worked for the du Pont family for generations. What has become the estate's greatest legacy, however, is Henry Francis' love of early American art and artifacts. He amassed a world-renowned collection of 85,000 early American antiques, artifacts and pieces of art, now displayed in Winterthur's main house and galleries.

The house is decorated with many of the artifacts in Henry Francis' collection including a set of six silver tankards made by Paul Revere, hand-painted Chinese silk curtains and a set of china owned and used by George and Martha Washington. The house is so large, in fact, numerous tours are required to see it all. Large galleries showcase period furniture and the tools used to create them. In addition, Winterthur has The Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens, showcasing more than 100 tureens and other soup-related items. Winterthur's many gardens feature tall conifers, an eight-acre Azalea Woods, as well as a beautiful, old-world stone-lined reflecting pool. A garden tram runs every half hour through the estate. Admission and tours range from $10 to $20 with a $5 charge for each additional tour.

As the 47,000-square-foot Nemours Mansion and Museum will be closed until 2007, you may want to round out your estate hopping with the original du Pont family home situated on what is now the 230-acre Hagley Museum and Library in Wilmington. This is the site along the Brandywine River where E.I. Du Pont opened his gunpowder factory in 1802 and began the du Pont family's long manufacturing history in the United States. The grounds include the original du Pont mansion, the first du Pont office and the ruins of the gunpowder mills. A visitor center also offers exhibitions chronicling the area's early history. You can tour Hagley's Powder Yard and learn about the water-powered manufacture of gunpowder or enter the world of a nineteenth century machine shop.

A restored barn also houses three of the automobiles produced by du Pont Motors, Inc. The life of the mill's many workers is also preserved at Hagley Museum with information about their social and family histories and the dangers of life at a gunpowder mill (there were 288 explosions, killing 234 people). In keeping with the du Pont family's penchant for landscaping, a beautiful flower, fruit and vegetable garden is also on site. A jitney is available to take you through the Hagley grounds. Admission is $11.

In nearby Chaddsford, PA, just a few miles from these estates, you'll also find at the Brandywine River Museum (left), one of the world's best collections of American art. The museum, a converted 19th-century grist mill is home to one of the largest collections of works by the Wyeth Family, including founder N.C., his son Andrew, and his son Jamie. Andrew's most recent work, End of the Road completed in 2005, is also on display. The non-profit museum, which has a glass-walled front and restaurant overlooking the Brandywine River, houses works by artists such as Winslow Homer, Howard Pyle and George Cope. In addition to the galleries, the Brandywine River Museum offers tours of the nearby N.C. Wyeth House and Studio and Kuerner Farm, which often served as the inspiration for paintings. The house, studio and farm tours are offered April through November and cost $5. Museum admission ranges from $5 to $8. Children under 6 are free.

Additional works of art can be found at the newly renovated Delaware Art Museum and the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, both in Wilmington. The Delaware Art Museum reopened in June 2005 after a three-year, $31 million renovation and expansion. The new space includes a sculpture garden and a mix of contemporary and regional works from the museum's 12,000-piece collection as well as the presentation of national traveling exhibitions. Admission ranges from $3 to $10 with children under 7 free. The Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts was founded by artists nearly 30 years ago and continues as a display space for emerging and nationally recognized contemporary artists. The center offers seven galleries and nearly 30 exhibits per year. A nomincal admission fee applies.

History buffs should not miss the Brandywine Battlefield Park located in Chadds Ford, PA or The Kennett Underground Railroad Center in Kennett Square, PA. The battlefield park is the site of the Sept. 11, 1777 battle between George Washington's forces and those of Sir William Howe. It was the war's largest single-day battle and involved 26,000 soldiers. Visitors to the battlefield can see The Benjamin Ring House which served as Washington's headquarters. The visitor center also features a video explaining the battle. The Kennett Underground Railroad Center / History Station is an interactive center that educates the public about the Brandywine Valley's role in the pre-Civil War Underground Railroad. The center tells the story of the area's many Underground Railroad stations. Admission is free.

After a long, satisfying day of art and Americana, it might be time to take a stroll along Wilmington's Riverwalk with its many restaurants and cafes. The 1.2-mile Riverwalk begins at Tubman-Garrett Riverfront Park where you can gaze at a replica of the Kalmar Nyckel, the ornate ship that brought the region's first settlers in 1638. The ship, which looks like something from the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie, offers tours and three-hour voyages when in Wilmington. Cruises range from $25 to $55. Continue strolling past the park along the Christina River and you'll find a series of restaurants and bars with outdoor seating and views of the water.

Toward the end of the Riverwalk you'll also discover approximately 100,000 square feet of discount outlet shopping at the Shipyard Shops, including stores such as LL Bean, Coldwater Creek, Hanes and Dress Barn. A river taxi is also available for a four-mile cruise along the river's shopping and restaurant district.

It's worth a short drive south along Interstate-95 to the historic colonial town of New Castle, DE. Stepping onto New Castle's "green" (town square) one feels transported back to the 1700's. Quaint shops and inns as well as one of the county's oldest courthouses flank the road leading to the Delaware River. The Historic New Castle Courthouse was built in 1732, roughly midway through New Castle's 1704 to 1777 reign as Delaware's capital. Courthouse tours are available at no charge.

Finish your tour of New Castle with a stroll through the cobblestone streets. Feel the breeze off the water as you visit three centuries of historic houses such as Read House and Gardens, the Dutch House and the Amstel House. Nominal admission fees apply.

Ready to get out on the water? Rent a canoe, tube or kayak from Wilderness Canoe Trips or book a charter with the Christina River Boat Company, both in Wilmington. How about taking a leisurely one hour round-trip through the lower Red Clay Valley, past scenic vistas behind a steam engine on the Wilmington & Western Railroad?

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Located in the heart of downtown Wilmington, you'll find few places like the classic Hotel du Pont (left). The hotel opened in 1913, conceived by Pierre S. du Pont who envisioned a grand space rivaling the finest hotels of Europe. Rich woods, chandeliers and soaring spaces as well as large suites with separate sitting areas and deep soaking tubs await the weary traveler. Though fully appointed with all of today's business and travel amenities, the rich history and style of Hotel du Pont will take you to a different era. Weekday stays range from $299 to $399 with weekend nights from $179 to $209.

The charming Inn at Montchanin Village is located in the heart of Brandywine Valley, close to many of the region's major attractions. The village is made up of 11 carefully restored homes of former du Pont mill workers, offering a total of 28 unique guest suites. Each suite is decorated in period and reproduction furniture and offers many luxuries. Landscaped gardens, terraces and walkways add to the village feel. Basic suites range from $159 to $199 with luxury suites from $239 to $375 per night.

If convenience, comfort and low cost are what you are looking for you may want to try the the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana in Newark or the Best Western Brandywine Valley Inn in North Wilmington. The Best Western is located along busy Concord Pike, which allows easy access to numerous shopping centers and the region's attractions. The Inn offers cutting edge amenities such as high-speed internet access, flat-screen televisions and video conferencing. A large outdoor pool and work out room are also available. Rooms range from $99 to $129.

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In historic New Castle you may want to try The Arsenal at Olde New Castle (left). This elegant restaurant features period artwork by local artists and each dining room represents a different period in history. The food is outstanding and includes such fare as General Sherman's Salmon and Vicksburg Veal. Prices range from $4.25 for soup to $24.95 for Madison's Mignon.

Just across New Castle's main square you'll find the hearty Jessop's Tavern. Dark woods, old metal plates on the walls and a friendly vibe make you think you've stepped into and old colonial pub. The menu includes unique offerings such as Sweet Potato Cakes with maple scallion sour cream, Pieters Rib of Pork seasoned with Jessop's gorgonzola and apple sourdough stuffing with an applejack brandy demi. Prices range from $5.99 to $21.99.

For a cold pint and a hearty dinner after a long day of sightseeing, it's hard to beat the Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant located on Wilmington's Riverwalk. The restaurant features an upstairs deck and downstairs patio, both overlooking the water. The beer menu consists only of Iron Hill's award winning micro-brews. Soup, sandwiches and appetizers range from $5.95 for a bowl of French Onion soup to $9.50 for the Black Pepper Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops. (Jumbo nachos are $9.95). Entrees range from $13.95 for the Penne Carbonara to $21.95 for the Jumbo Lump Crab and Shrimp Cakes. Iron Hill is open seven days a week for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch.

Also, along Wilmington's Riverwalk is the upscale, but casual Harry's Seafood Grill. The grill has a large outdoor seating area and covered outdoor bar, just steps from the river. Soup, appetizers and sandwiches range from $5.99 to $16.99 with dinners such as Mojo Short Ribs and Surf and Turf with filet mignon and lobster tail range from $17.99 to $35.99. Landry Joe's Crab Shack is also located along the Riverwalk and offers a big fried fish, shrimp and crab menu.

Locals praise Downtown Wilmington for its many outstanding restaurants including the Green Room at the Hotel du Pont, Deep Blue Bar & Grill, 821 Market Street Bistro, National, and Costa's.

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Music, sports, theatre, dancing – Wilmington has it all! Among the most noted of Wilmington's nightspots is a sophisticated, upscale lounge called The Red Room, (left) which offers cutting edge DJs, a range of martinis and a tapas menu. Located just off the Riverwalk, The Red Room was voted best lounge in Delaware in 2003 by the readers of Delaware Today Magazine.

For something a little more casual, you may want to head over to The Big Kahuna. This live music venue, known as Kahunaville, has an outdoor stage directly on the Riverwalk and offers live music nearly every night with such national acts as David Lee Roth and Delaware favorites like "Love Seed Mama Jump."

Just a couple hundred yards back from the water you can also catch a minor league Wilmington Blue Rocks baseball game at the Daniel S. Frawley Stadium. Locals praise The Delaware Sports Museum & Hall of Fame for high-quality exhibits about this small state's national and international athletes. Nearby, you can catch a professional theatre performance at The Delaware Theatre Company.

There are many restaurants that transform into popular nightspots including the Volare Lounge, Toscana Bar + Kitchen, 1717 Restaurant, Catherine Rooney's, Kelly's Logan House Cafe, Kid Shelleen's Saloon, Pan Thai, and the Del Rose Cafe in or near the Trolley Square area. In the downtown area, there is 4W5 Cafe (where David Bromberg often jams) and Deep Blue Bar & Grill. (See restaurant section for listings.)

Wilmington also has a thriving art and music scene with festivals and performances throughout the year.

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AIR:

The Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) is 20 minutes away and the Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) is 90 minutes away. From either you can take an airport shuttle to Wilmington.

TAXI:

There are several cab companies in Wilmington. One of those is the Yellow Cab Company, 302-656-8151.

CAR:

Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley is easily accessible by I-95, from Pennsylvania or Maryland and points south, or via I-295 or the New Jersey Turnpike from New Jersey and New England via the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Travel time from Philadelphia - 30 minutes; travel time from Washington D.C. - 1 hour 45 minutes; travel time from New York City - 2 hours; travel time from Baltimore - 90 minutes; travel time from Atlantic City - 90 minutes.

For Wilmington, DE from New York: Take I-95 south. Merge onto the New Jersey Turnpike. Follow the NJ Turnpike for approximately 104 miles. The NJ Turnpike becomes I-295 south. Merge onto I-95 North toward Wilmington. For Downtown Wilmington, take Exit 7 to Route 52 / Delaware Ave. Turn right and follow Route 52 into Wilmington.

For Wilmington, DE from Washington, D.C.: Take MD-295 north toward Baltimore. Merge onto Harbor Tunnel / I-895 north. I-895 north becomes I-95 north. Follow for approximately 64 miles. For Downtown Wilmington, take Exit 7 to Roue 52 / Delaware Ave. Turn right and follow Route 52 into Wilmington.

Be prepared to pay tolls.


CAR RENTAL:

Budget Car and Truck Rental located in the Wilmington Amtrak station, offers local and one-way rentals. Call 302-652-0629.

TRAIN:

All Amtrak Northeast Corridor trains, including the high-speed Acela Express, stop in Wilmington. SEPTA commuter trains - the R-2 line north to/from Philadelphia and south to/from Newark, Delaware - also serve Wilmington, for a total of over 70 trains daily. The train station is located at Martin Luther King Blvd. and French Street. Amtrak tickets range from $48 to $93 each way. 1-800-USA-RAIL. Special Amtrak discounts for Wilmington are available.

Travel Time: Varies on the train you choose. Typical time from NYC: 1.5 hours; from Washington, DC: 2 hours.

BUS:

Approximately 10 Greyhound buses leave daily from New York and Washington, D.C., for Wilmingington, DE. Bus fares range from $21.50 to $34.50. 1-800-GO-GREYHOUND.

Travel time: Ranges from 2.5 to 4.5 hours

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Tolls are charged on your way to and from Wilmington (roads, bridges, tunnels). And once you arrive, research your various attractions as each has programs and events that vary with dates and seasons.

http://www.VisitDelaware.com - Delaware State Tourism Office website

For a detailed map of Wilmington, DE & Brandywine Valley, click here