WHY GO: The romantic things to do in Dover Delaware and nearby Milford represent the yin and yang of quirky travel. Milford is a picturesque artsy town on the rise. Dover, the State of Delaware’s Capital, seat of Kent County, and site of Dover Air Force Base, provides a historic and military perspective.
While most people come this way for the Bally Dover Casino Resort and Dover Motor Speedway, the Getaway Mavens go deeper here – and will appeal to lovers of art and history, touched with a sense of fun.
Twenty miles from each other, it’s easy to experience both Dover and Milford on this unusual Getaway. Climb into Air Force Two, learn about the country’s first “murder-by-mail,” sleep comfy in mansions owned by former Delaware Governors, and, of course, eat well, on this Southern DE escape.
Milford and Dover are two of Delaware’s Quaint Villages, and the Getaway Mavens have not lost sight of the rest of those towns. You’ll find much more to do in “the heart of Delaware” on THIS POST, with a bunch of things to do in Smyrna, Bowers Beach, and Harrington.
Dover/Milford is on the roster of these 6 Romantic Getaways in Delaware. Check them out for more ideas.
Things to Do in Dover Delaware and Nearby Milford
TOUR: Delaware Public Archives, Dover
OK, I know what you’re thinking. Public Archives? How bor-ing. But I’m here to tell you that after taking the Delaware Public Archives tour, I cannot recommend it enough. Why? Because you’ll hear stories and see photos and learn things about how our government works that will astound.
The building itself is imposing: first built in 1939 by the WPA, with a glass 2005 addition. There’s a research library, and small museum with rotating exhibits.
The Public Archives was established in 1905 for several reasons:
- To Keep Official Records
- To Protect Citizen Rights
- As invitation to see the workings of government.
To that end, plan to join a tour here (by appointment only). An archivist will take guests on a behind the scenes look at the process by which documents are acquired, managed, and stored.
Take An Enlightening Tour
Black and white photos blanket the walls of a hallway crammed with dozens of cubic foot boxes, containing thousands of documents fetched from City and State agencies. One is a photo of a very young Amelia Earhart, standing next to Bellanca Aircraft pilot, Eleanor Smith. Earhart was eager to purchase a plane from this Delaware-based airplane manufacturer.
After her required flight test with Smith, Earhart’s request was turned down. The Bellanca Aircraft pilot concluded that Amelia did not have enough expertise at the time to buy her own plane.
The “high-tech humidification chamber”
In the “processing area,” some papers come in requiring “loving care.” Archivists first remove staples and metal clips to prevent rust marks. Next, tightly wound, brittle photos are sealed in a “high-tech humidification chamber” so that they can be safely unrolled. What is this “high-tech” contraption? It’s a giant rubber trash can sealed with wet sponges under a milk crate upon which documents are placed for several days. Works like a charm.
Most of the materials that come in are scanned and put online. Some, though, just can’t be. Younger school groups love the “Dead and Dying” artifacts: floppy discs, 8-track tapes, and the once cutting edge Sony Walkman, among other antiquated tech.
Oldest Artifacts
The document storage area is a hushed room, kept at 60 degree Fahrenheit. The oldest document is a 1795 New Castle County Court Document complete with quill pen. The oldest artifact, however, is a 1532 State Bible first used in the swearing in ceremony for Governor Thorpe in 1847 and in nearly every inauguration since (except in 1901 for Gov. Hunn, who was a Quaker).
You might see a bunch of court documents bundled together with the red ribbon used in olden times to indicate government papers. This is where the phrase “wrapped up in red tape” comes from.
Nearly half the visitors to the Delaware Archives come to the Mabel and Lloyd Ridgely Research Room for genealogy research. There are over 6,700 books, a self-service microfilm room, and programming. But you needn’t be a Delaware resident, or even have roots here to enjoy a visit. Exhibit area and research room open Mon-Fri. Check website for hours, and to sign up for an individual or group tour (when available).
TOUR: John Dickinson Plantation National Historic Park, Dover
This Plantation, the boyhood home of John Dickinson, was Delaware’s first place to be listed as a National Historic Landmark. Dickinson stood out as the only Founding Father who refused to sign the Declaration of Independence. You’ll discover why at his “Homeplace” outside of downtown Dover.
Begin in the Visitor’s Center, built in the 1980’s with reclaimed PA barn wood. Watch a 15-minute video before moving along to the main house, a 5-minute walk through a grove of trees.
In 1738, John’s family moved to Delaware from their tobacco farm in Virginia to grow the staples of corn and wheat. From an elite family, Dickinson was sent to England to study law. He practiced in Philadelphia, married a Quaker, Mary Norris, and owned land in both Pennsylvania and Delaware.
The “Penman of the Revolution”
While serving in the Assembly of both states, Dickinson wrote a series of screeds, called “The Farmers Letters.” These letters stated his opposition to the Townsend Acts – the British mandates to tax the American colonies from afar. He also wrote “The Liberty Song,” – a popular ditty sung in every Colonial tavern to raise funds for the cause. For all these reasons, Dickinson was considered by his contemporaries to be the “Penman of the Revolution.”
In 1774, John Adams wrote that Dickinson was a modest, agreeable man. A man, however, who distinguished himself by abstaining when it came to sign the Declaration of Independence. Dickinson pressed for a more “United States,” with a Central Government, rather than a collection of 13 self-governed states. His reasons were sound, and proven valid 11 years later, when the U.S. Constitution replaced the Articles of Confederation.
But Dickinson supported the Declaration once it was signed. And, a patriot, he took up arms in the Revolutionary War. In 1787, Dickinson signed the US Constitution.
Freaky Lifelike Mannequins
A tour through the Plantation house is a peek into Dickinson’s personal life. Though my guide did “trigger” warn me that we’d encounter lifelike mannequins in several rooms. The mustard yellow shutters and vibrantly green front door were most likely the same as when Dickinson lived here as a child and again during the Revolutionary War.
Rooms are designed for a family of means. A desk that belonged to neighbor, Caesar Rodney, sits in a corner of the parlor. The Grandfather Clock in the well-stocked “Book Room” still works. Dickinson himself chose interior colors of the main floor: Straw yellow with red trim, and an almost neon green in the dining room. “John was a bit flashy,” noted the guide.
The interpretation of Dickinson’s home life does not shrink from slavery. In the basement office, there’s a depiction of Dickinson and his free Black tenant farmer, John Furby, in the process of signing a contract. Also on display is a copy of Dickinson’s 1786 manumission document, freeing the last of the 57 slaves that he hadn’t already freed. Check website for days and hours, and entry fees.
VISIT: The Biggs Museum of American Art, Dover
Founded by Sewell C. Biggs, just 26 years ago (1993), The Biggs Museum of Art focuses on Decorative and Fine Art from the Mid Atlantic, New York, and New Jersey.
Galleries on three floors are bright and delightfully arranged into parlors and living rooms. Creating interesting vignettes, landscape and portrait art is juxtaposed with period furniture.
Discover American Baroque from 1720 – 1750, the Federal Mid-1700’s, American Empire, Late 19th Century after the Civil War, through each era’s clothing, crafts, folk art, furniture, Grandfather Clocks, and paintings.
Don’t miss the “Father of Hudson River School of Art”, Thomas Cole’s, Summer Sunset. And make sure to climb the ornate cast-iron staircase between the 2nd and 3rd floors. Before leaving, check out the great gift shop, Delaware By Hand, featuring only DE artisans. Check website for days and hours open. Free admission on select days – see website for general admission.
TOUR: Air Mobility Command Museum @ Dover AFB, Dover
If you’ve watched the news and have seen coffins of dead military men and women removed solemnly from airplanes, you’ve seen Dover AFB. With the only Port Mortuary in the military complex, Dover has the sad distinction of being the first US destination for any soldier who dies in combat overseas.
But Dover is also home to one of the best military museums in the country- the Air Mobility Command Museum. What is Air Mobility, you ask? Anything to do with the movement of troops, food and equipment, or, as tour guide Jon Andrews quips, “You call, we haul.” It’s the only museum in the USA dedicated to airlift and refueling history.
It’s this hauling that is so compelling here – from small aircraft to some of the largest flying “trains” in the world. People come from all over the world specifically for this museum because they can actually get into the cockpits central to some of the greatest airlifts in history.
Both inside a historic hangar and outside on the tarmac, you’ll see dozens of these workhorses – like the C45 that dropped 19 paratroopers onto the beach at Normandy on D-Day, and a C9-A Nightingale flying hospital that served injured troops from the 70’s to early 2000’s.
Air Force Two
Time your visit to step inside Air Force Two – used mostly by Vice Presidents and First Ladies. Michelle Obama was the last First Lady to fly on this now decommissioned DC-9, which also carried four presidents; Carter, Regan, Bush and Clinton. Andrews points out the “very fancy” coffee maker in the galley – Mr. Coffee. “Good enough for VIP’s!”
Perhaps the most impressive airship is the C5A Galaxy. One of the largest military aircrafts in the world, it’s longer than the Wright Brother’s first flight. At 121 feet, the cargo hold could carry 2 Abrams Tanks, 9 aircraft or 6 ½ fuel tanker trucks at one time, secured by chains and clips engineered to restrain up to 25,000 pounds.
In 1974, this plane launched an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile in the Pacific (the only time an ICBM was launched from the air), in a demonstration of US capabilities during the Cold War. Plan to stay one or two hours here, though you’ll most likely stay longer. Check website for days and hours open. Parking and admission is free.
The Air Mobility Museum is one of the Perfect Places to Pop the Question in Delaware.
TOUR: Dover Green, “First State” Heritage Park
A section of Dover most overlooked by tourists, the Dover Green is ringed by the Old State House, clubs, taverns and historic homes. You’d be well served to take a narrated hour-plus walking tour of Heritage Park. A museum without walls, local history certainly comes alive here.
Anyone who’s got a beef with the US Constitution can take it up with Delaware, which was the first state in the Union to ratify the Document in 1787. Delaware’s delegates met at The Golden Fleece Tavern – known locally as Battell’s Tavern – (and yes, on the tour) to vote on ratification.
Begin at the The 1740’s John Bell House
A very entertaining overview of the Dover Green begins at the The 1740’s John Bell House. You’ll hear stories of those who worked, lived, and even murdered, here!
Then part of Pennsylvania, and midpoint between Philadelphia and the Port of Lewes, William Penn established Dover as a Court Town in 1683. Entrepreneurs, like tavern-keeper, John Bell, set up shop downstairs from the courtroom.
His inn changed names from Bell Tavern to King George’s Tavern to George Washington Tavern as the country’s alliances shifted.
You’ll hear about the merchant who imported uniforms from England to clothe Washington’s troops. Next, you’ll pass by Declaration of Independence signer, Cesar Rodney’s, house. And you’ll learn about The Century Club – established here in 1897 as a Women’s Philanthropic group, but was actually a front for political action.
1919 election for the Women’s Vote
In 1919, the election for the Women’s Vote was held in Dover. Suffragists from the Century Club stood on the Green handing out yellow roses. Those who opposed suffrage handed out red roses. This method of persuasion was coined “The War of the Roses” in national media. Women did not win the right to vote until the following year, in Tennessee, where a letter from the mother of an official changed a deadlocked vote.
First “Murder By Mail”
Perhaps the most sensationalistic story here, though, revolves around the country’s first “Murder By Mail” in 1898. Thought the crime originated in San Francisco, the victims lived right here on the Dover Green.
The case involved a philandering Delaware husband on a newspaper assignment in San Francisco (John Dunning), the spurned San Fran side piece (Cordelia Botkin), and a Delaware society wife (Elizabeth Pennington Dunning) and her sister, Ida.
In a fit of jealousy over her man, Botkin sent a box of poisoned chocolates from S.F. to Elizabeth in Delaware. Elizabeth, believing it was from another friend in California, ate the chocolates. But not before sharing a few with neighbors and her sister.
The neighbors became ill, but Elizabeth and Ida both died. Botkin was tried, found guilty and sent to San Quentin where she died of “softening of the brain,” a euphemism for syphilis.
Free walking tours Wed-Sat, 11am & 2pm, led by historical interpreters begin at the John Bell House. For “First Saturdays” of Each Month programming, and other events throughout the year, check the website.
TOUR: Old State House, Dover
No longer the Legislative House (that’s behind the Green now), the Old State House first opened in 1791. It fell into disrepair, was slated for demolition and saved, nearly singlehandedly, by society matron Mabel Lloyd Ridgely (who lived next door).
In 1912, the exterior was renovated, followed by the first interior redo in the 1970’s and another one to correct the color palate in 2007.
As originally contrived, the State House served as courthouse. It was a noisy place, as the public was allowed to trot in and out during proceedings.
As per the English Court System, three judges oversaw trials, during which witnesses were asked to stand in an enclosure at the front during testimony. (Hence the term “witness stand”). Check website for hours.
TOUR: Delaware State Capitol aka Legislative Hall
You can also tour Delaware’s working Capitol building. Check website for hours and tour times.
VISIT: Johnson Victrola Museum, Dover
Did you know that the saying “put a sock in it” derived from the only way that Victor Talking Machine users could dampen the volume of its horn-shaped speaker?
You’ll discover this and tons more at the esoteric, hugely entertaining Johnson Victrola Museum, covering the world’s first popular record player. A self-guided tour takes you through a 20’s era store to listen to music on original Victrola’s, and then on to comprehensive exhibits about its history.
Put A Sock in It
In 1879, Thomas Edison was first to record sound and play it back. Early machines were rudimentary tin foil cylinders that had to be cranked by hand. Eldredge Reeves Johnson, considered “too stupid for college,” became a machinist, and in the late 1800’s, developed a motor that would drive a hand-cranked gramophone.
Johnson was the winner – or in this case, the “Victor” – in a series of lawsuits termed “The Patent War.” Johnson, in a bit of a gloat, named his new enterprise the Victor Talking Machine Company in 1901. He sold it to RCA in 1928.
It was a time when adding “ola” to the end of a word – Crayola, Coca Cola – conferred marketing cred. So, when the speaker was placed inside a cabinet, the “Victor Talking Machine” became the Victrola.
Nipper the Dog
The Victrola went on to make Johnson very wealthy, and one dog, Nipper, a household name. The mixed breed Terrier from England was the subject of a painting called “His Master’s Voice.” It portrayed the pup staring quizzically into a gramophone horn. The picture went “viral,” and Nipper became an instant icon. His story is told in an exhibit on the second floor.
This little RCA-Victor dog is now one of the world’s most recognizable trademarks. And the giant Nipper statue, in Albany NY, is now one of Upstate New York’s quirkiest roadside attractions. Check website for hours and entry fees.
GO: Spence’s Bazaar & Amish Market, Dover
If you’re into it, pick through Spence’s Bazaar & Amish Market tables for knickknacks and cheap bargains inside and outside this massive barn. But definitely go into the market building where Mennonite and Amish girls in bonnets scoop ice cream, roll dough, and dispense meats and food to hundreds of eager eaters.
VISIT: Milford Museum, Milford
This glass-case Milford Museum, in the original Milford Post Office, celebrates the idiosyncrasies of a small town. There’s a Civil War Room, an exhibit on shipbuilding – once the town’s principal industry – a World War II display featuring a Japanese Battle Flag from Iwa Jima, and a whole room devoted to Ladybugs, the “State Bug.”
Milford was well known for its baseball team: old photos from the late 1800’s line several walls. Currently, Milford players participate in in the National Vintage Team, which uses 1864 rules and period dress and equipment. Check website for days and hours open.
WALK: Mispillion Riverwalk, Milford
In the 18th and 19th centuries, seven shipbuilding companies stood along the Mispillion River, which runs about 15 miles to the Delaware Bay. Young artists have provided a fresh take on this history, fashioning 18 decorative replicas of the classic yacht, Augusta, that line the landscaped brick walkway through town. In the summer, the river comes alive with kayakers and canoes. But the Mispillion Riverwalk is a wonderful stroll any time of year.
SHOP: Gallery 37, Milford
Marcia Reed taught art at a private school in Western MA for 35 years. She then relocated in Milford to open Gallery 37, a visually exciting arts and crafts gallery. Reed shows both her own work and that of high-end, super creative crafts-people who fashion the likes of inner tube/marine vinyl handbags, eclectic lamps, ceramic horseshoe crabs, and other whimsical treasures.
Gallery 37 was voted “Best Gallery Downstate” by Delaware Today Magazine. It draws patrons from Washington DC and other surrounding cities to this sleepy town. Reed handpicks the painters, furniture craftsmen, sculptors, ceramists, fiber artists and jewelry makers herself. “This is not tourist trade stuff,” she states.
SEE/SHOW: Riverfront Theater, Milford
This Southern Delaware town has its own spunky little theater open all year long. Run by the Second Street Players, the Riverfront Theater features everything from A Christmas Story to Fiddler on the Roof.
Restaurants in Dover and Milford DE
EAT/DRINK/MILFORD: Locals love
Milford
Try Benvenuto for “great Italian food and wine.” My Sister’s Fault for breakfast and brunch. West Side Restaurant for burgers. The beautifully river-set River Lights Cafe for Tex-Mex (Del-Mex?) breakfast and Aunt Mary’s Kitchen for soul food. Locals and visitors alike make a beeline to Mispillion River Brewery for the newest IPA, Ale or Porter on tap in the tasting room.
Dover
Grey Fox Grille for the bar pub grub. Tasty Crab House for casual seafood. Veronica’s for brick oven pizza.
Where to Stay in Dover and Milford DE
STAY/DOVER: State Street Inn, Dover
The State Street Inn, a pretty Tudor Revival home on the corner of a residential street, was once the home of Delaware’s 8th Governor. On the National Register of Historic Homes, it stands among other stately Victorian homes in this leafy residential neighborhood, a ten-minute walk from Dover’s historic downtown.
Owned since 2023 by Bruce and Kiya Johnson, and their daughter Amelia, (who modernized the rooms), this four room bed and breakfast is the place to stay for anyone seeking an upscale homey overnight in Delaware’s Capital city.
A made to order breakfast and baked treats are included with the room. Check website for rates and availability.
STAY/MILFORD: Causey Mansion B&B
Once occupied by Governor Peter Causey (in the mid 1800’s), the Causey Mansion is a stunner. Owners Jan and Joe have put their own stamp on this spectacular inn. The couple collects Asian antiques, and you, the guest, are the beneficiary of their good taste.
The mansion, sitting on a rise on the edge of downtown, is a grand Georgian, Neo-Classic Colonial, with high ceilings, big windows, expansive gardens and welcoming patios and statuary.
Inside, the inn appears to be an exotic and eclectic emporium of Chinese and Japanese ceramics, furniture and woodblock prints, “Even Louis” (14th and 16th) pieces, an 1840 room-dividing screen from the Iran Embassy in DC, and a cornucopia of other antiques. It makes an antique aficionado’s heart sing.
The Causey Mansion made it on the Getaway Mavens Best Romantic Hotels in Delaware list.
Lavish Rooms
Each of three lavish rooms is a showpiece.
Honeymooning couples ask for antique-filled Sussex Room, with an extravagant clawfoot-tub bath.
Breakfast is a lavish affair, served on a large table in the dining room. Joe whips up quiche, pierogis and other delights for breakfast. Check website for room rates. All include breakfast, parking, and wifi.
We have a giant Nipper statue on top of what used to be the tallest building in Albany, NY. I can see now that I MUST visit Dover to learn more about Nipper’s history!
I’ve been looking at record players, so I’ve seen Nipper several times, but didn’t knew anything about him. And now, that story on the museum’s second floor is intriguing and making me want to visit Dover.
Hi Chris – the folks in Dover would be so happy to hear that! That museum is only one of the great reasons to visit that town! Thanks for reading and commenting. Malerie