Wilmington, Delaware Gift Baskets

Visiting Wilmington, Delaware - Located mid-way between Washington, D.C. and New York City, Wilmington, DE is often the place of choice for meetings, vacations, reunions, business conferences and even weddings!

Wilmington, DE is ideal for those wanting to get away from the big city to relax or for those who want to stop by for some sight-seeing while traveling. There are many attractions within just a 10-mile radius including museums, mansions, gardens, golf courses, horse race tracks, and more.

Wilmington, Delaware is located in New Castle County as the county seat and is situated near where the Christina River and Delaware River join. Nearby cities include Newport, Elsmere, Greenville, Edgemoor, and Bellefonte. Wilmington, DE is the largest city in the state of Delaware and is also a center for shipping and industry, chemical production, steel foundries, and machinery. Its nickname ÏChemical Capital of the WorldÓ fits very well. WilmingtonÌs population was estimated at 73,069 as of July 2009.

Brief History of Wilmington, DE

The area was settled by Swedish pioneers led by Peter Minuit in 1638. Early industries were fur trading and agriculture. In 1731, Thomas Willing laid out a plan for what he called ÏWillingtownÓ along the Christina River, but other settlers challenged him and the town was chartered by King George II and was named ÏWilmingtonÓ for Spencer Compton, Earl of Wilmington. Delaware declared independence from England in 1776, thus, becoming the first state in the Union.

During the 1780s and 1790s, cotton and paper mills were built in the area. During the 1830s, the area became known for the production of railway passenger cars. Today, Wilmington, Delaware is home to many Fortune 500 corporations as well as electronic banking companies and other popular industries.

Tourism in Wilmington, DE

At Riverfront Wilmington, visitors can enjoy a variety of outlet stores, restaurants, art on public display, or even learn about the history of the Underground Railroad. A river taxi is available for sight-seeing with guided tours. At the Riverwalk and Overlook Pavillion, tourists can walk along the Riverwalk while enjoying nature, paintings, and attractions.

Those who long for the downtown scene will also enjoy Market Street Mall. The mall has six blocks of walking area lined with retail shops, restaurants, a library, the Grand Opera House, and more.

Explore History in Wilmington, DE

At Fort Christina, guests can see the first permanent settlement in Delaware Valley. The fort honors the New Sweden colony dating back to 1638! Another interesting site is Old Town Hall on Market Street. ItÌs a landmark that served as a center for politics in the areaÌs early days. To see 18th-century houses, tourists can visit Wilmington Square at the Market Street Mall. Other historic sites include Old Swedes Church, Kalmar Nyckel Ship, and Nemours Mansion and Garden.

Wilmington, DE offers several museums including the Delaware History Museum, the Delaware Museum of Natural History, the Hagley Museum and Library, and the Rockwood Mansion Park. Those who enjoy viewing art can visit the Delaware Art Museum to see amazing collections of artwork by Howard Pyle, Wyeth, and Bancroft.

Brandywine Zoo in Wilmington, DE

As the only zoo in Delaware, the Brandywine Zoo offers 12 acres featuring more than 120 animals such as tigers, monkeys, snakes, condors, and more. The zoo also has family and educational programs as well as special events throughout the year.

Those visiting Wilmington, DE are sure to fall in love with the place and people. More information about Wilmington, Delaware USA can be found at the cityÌs official website.