There is something so delightful about a town or city on the water; not only the ocean, but also rivers and lakes. Any place – from Hong Kong to Waco TX – gets an extra kick of magic from the juxtaposition of urban energy and soothing nature.
In my first-ever trip to Wilmington, Delaware, to speak at a tourism event, my hosts booked me into the Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront the night before. I’ll admit, my first thought was, “What riverfront?”
This demonstrates my complete lack of knowledge about Wilmington… and about Delaware, for that matter.
I raced up from another conference in Richmond VA to get to Wilmington before sunset. It was worth the manic drive to find this lovely redeveloped downtown area. It used to be a post-industrial wasteland and is now part of an ambitious plan to revitalize the whole riverfront.
I saw families wandering about, runners, skateboarders, and people like me simply walking along and gazing at both the water and the downtown buildings rising beyond it.
It was a great way to end a rather stressful day, plus it’s always fun to experience something for the first time, with absolutely no knowledge or expectations, and be so impressed that you’re quickly trying to figure out how to travel there again.
My Hyatt hotel room also looked out over the river, so I could enjoy the vibe even when I wasn’t actually out there on it.
After a pleasant dinner and local lager at nearby Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, I strolled around some more. There was a rowdy bunch of younger folks out walking as well, and when one challenged the others to a foot race, I stopped and cheered the winner.
Hey, go ahead, young Padawans. I’d pull a hamstring if I tried that now. Enjoy spontaneous races while you can!
There were two industrial cranes left along the waterfront, from the days when they were used to build amphibious landing craft during World War II, if my Googling serves me correctly.
As a former Navy amphibious Sailor who also served on logistics ships with cranes, this was one of my favorite discoveries along the River Walk. I only wish there were some explanatory placards that could help others to understand what they are looking at with these behemoths.
The Wilmington Riverfront complex also includes a minor league baseball stadium, a children’s museum, event center, more restaurants, and a mini-golf place.
A big Thank You to those with the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware for their vision and energy to bring a project like this to fruition, to the benefit of both locals and visitors like me.
Have you been to Wilmington DE? What are your must-see suggestions for when I go back to see more of the city? Let me know in the comments.
All photos by the author
If you like this post, please consider subscribing to the blog via RSS feed or by email – the email signup box is toward the top of the right sidebar. Thanks!
Glad to see this, Sheila, and glad you had the chance to enjoy it, however briefly. Wilmington redevelopment is one of the stories Dar Williams speaks about in her book What I Found in a Thousnand Towns, which I wrote about here: https://perceptivetravel.com/blog/2018/04/23/small-towns-big-ideas-welcome-postive-proximity-dar-williams/
Ah, thanks Kerry, I have Dar’s book but hadn’t gotten to that part yet!
You will enjoy that part all the more now, I’m thinking, having seen for yourself how things are going along.
We just stayed there last month. Loved it. Wouldn’t stay anywhere else especially the Hilton one next door.
Isn’t it great?!
I love this piece about my city. I live in the high rise on the East side of the river. They are starting to redevelop/build on that side as well. It just can’t get any better than that. Thank You!
So glad you enjoyed it, Alice. I did read a little about development plans for the other side of the river, too. Look forward to seeing it someday. ?