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Adobe Stock | Ratthaphon Bunmi
If you want to avoid the crowded beaches this Memorial Day weekend, there’s plenty to do around Northern Delaware to embrace the start of the warm season.
With Memorial Day weekend comes tourist season at the Delaware beaches. While the economy and local business owners benefit from the summer season, many Delawareans would rather avoid the crowds and traffic of Southern Delaware during the busiest time of the year. If you’re trying to keep it laid back this Memorial Day, here are things to do in Northern Delaware that allow you to skip the throngs of beach-goers and still enjoy the summer vibes.
Listen to Live Music at Autumn Arch Beer Project
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Autumn Arch is a craft brewery in Newark specializing in bold flavor profiles. If you love craft beer, this brewery is a must-try! Plus, enjoy live music and good vibes to start your holiday weekend off on a high note.
Friday, May 26 | 810 Pencader Drive, Newark
Check out the Beer Garden at Whitehall
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Enjoy live music by the Peter McCarthy Trio and all the summer vibes at this Middletown beer garden. Spend your Friday indulging in great food, local craft beer, outdoor yard games and time with friends and family. It’s the perfect way to start Memorial Day weekend.
Friday, May 26 | 801 Mapleton Avenue, Middletown
Indulge in Old-Fashioned Ice Cream & Get Lost in the Stars
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Woodside Farm Creamery’s telescope-viewing nights are fun for the whole family. With high-powered telescopes to look at the night sky and delicious old-fashioned ice cream from Woodside Farm, it’s the perfect way to spend an evening.
Friday, May 26 | 1310 Little Baltimore Road, Hockessin
Go to the Philly Faire
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Just over the line in Philadelphia, enjoy the Philadelphia Renaissance Faire from Saturday to Monday. The three days will be filled with fantasy, fun and family entertainment. Spend your Memorial Day weekend watching performances like juggling, folk singing, magic shows and more. Enjoy delicious food and drinks, including a number of Renaissance-themed options. Plus, test your skills at fun activities like knife throwing, archery and more.
Saturday, May 27 – Monday, May 29 | Fort Mifflin, Philadelphia
Enjoy the First Sips of Summer at Franks Wine
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Join Frank’s Wine to taste the first sips of summer on Sunday. This outdoor party takes place in the parking lot of Franks Wine. The First Sips of Summer event is complete with food trucks, live music and a wide variety of beer, wine and spirits to taste. Tickets for this 21+ event are $50 per person and must be purchased online in advance.
Sunday, May 28 | 1206 North Union Street, Wilmington
Have a Delicious Sunday Brunch at Harvest Ridge Winery
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Harvest Ridge Winery’s brunch is a great way to spend any Sunday morning, including Memorial Day weekend. It’s just far enough north that you won’t run into the beach crowds, but, for residents of Kent and Sussex counties, it’s an easy drive. Fields of Dreams will be serving up delicious brunch classics like omelets, sandwiches, pancakes, French toast and more. The $10 tickets secure your seat for brunch and include one specialty cocktail and a delicious start to your Sunday.
Sunday, May 28 | 447 Westville Road, Marydel
Go to the Wilmington Memorial Day Parade
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Held every year on May 30, the Wilmington Memorial Day Parade is the oldest continuous parade in the nation. Join the City of Wilmington as it reminds the public of the importance of Memorial Day. This year, the parade will take place at Delaware and Woodlawn Avenues at 6 p.m. before making its way to the Soldiers and Sailors monument.
Tuesday, May 30 | Delaware Avenue, Wilmington
Related: 10 Great Beer Gardens and Outdoor Lounges in Delaware