Location: Dover
Top Things to do in Dover
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What to do and see in Dover, Delaware (DE): The Best Things to do Good for Couples
With NASCAR at the Speedway, harness racing at Dover Downs, 10 nationally recognized museums, plus historical attractions galore, it's easy to see why the capital of Delaware is a great weekend destination. Check out the world's largest cargo plane, stationed at Dover Air Force Base, or explore the beginnings of recorded sound at the Johnson Victrola Museum. It's the perfect time to visit the Biggs Museum of Art, which is running a special exhibition to celebrate its 10th anniversary. "Artful Living: the Legacy of Sewell C. Biggs" features fine and decorative art gems from the private collection of the local patron and museum namesake. Also worth a visit: the Delaware Agricultural Museum and the John Dickinson Plantation, where staff, dressed in period costume, explain and reenact life in the late 18th and 19th centuries. Round out the day with a meander around Green and Loockerman Streets downtown. Lined with historic Colonial and Victorian buildings, plus specialty book, candle and jewelry stores, it's a great place to shop or sample the local fare at a neighborhood cafe or restaurant.
Restaurants in Dover
1. Johnson Victrola Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 130 reviews
Named in honor of local inventor E.R. Johnson, this museum explores the sound recording industry from its beginnings and includes displays of early talking machines, records and other relics from the 1890s to 1929.
Reviewed By 804thelmag - Felton, United States
Having purchased a Victor Talking Machine at an auction, I wanted to visit the mueseum to learn about the company and the machines. Entered a 1920s-era store inside the museum and was greeted by a very knowledgeable lady who explained how the company got started. She demonstrated numerous talking devices using 78-rpm records; fun to listen to the old records. Also learned prices of the machines back in the day. Many of the recording artists were black, to include Fats Waller, Jelly Roll Morton, Duk Ellington, Enrico Caruso, John McCormack, Nellie Melba, Rosa Panselle and Marian Anderson. Also learned the color of the label determine the type of music that was recorded. For example, Red was Classical, Black was Popular, Green was Educational, etc. In Europe the color of the label determined the price of the record. Heard the story of Nipper, the dog who heard his master's voice, becoming one of the most famous canines in history. The museum highlights the life and achievements of Delaware's native son, Eldridge R. Johnson, founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company. The tour lasted about an hour but you were welcome to stay longer to read the information presented.
2. Biggs Museum of American Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 103 reviews
This museum, named after a local art collector, features American painting and crafts from Colonial portraiture to 20th-century Impressionism, with a special focus on the work of local artists from the Colonial and Federal periods.
3. Dover International Speedway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 236 reviews
The venue for popular races like the NASCAR Winston Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck series, it is considered, by many, to be one of the best tracks in the U.S..
Reviewed By Regal233
This was an awesome experience! I’m a lifelong fan of NASCAR and this was a bucket list thing. Everyone was so helpful and friendly from start to finish. My spotter, Neal (hope that’s right) was so very helpful. He guided me around the track with continuous instructions on how to get around the track and how to do it faster. I topped out at 133 mph. I can’t say enough about my experience. It’s something I will never forget! Oh, and I’m 70 years old so don’t think you’re too old. Just awesome! Thank you NASCAR Experience!
4. Fordham Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By cbr0sch - Viola, United States
The brewery and tap room have really come into their own through the handful of years I’ve patronized it. In the world of craft beer, this place is a go to for me and a neighborhood gem. They have amazing pricing for their solid offerings and their events are as affordable as they are pleasant. Most importantly, they’re staffed by wholesome community building folks who do plain nice things.
5. Dover Downs Casino
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,038 reviews
A huge entertainment venue that features horse racing, a hotel and restaurant, plus 2,000 slot machines ranging from a nickel to $50 per play.
Reviewed By 872bernettas
My husband and I stayed 3 nights at Dover Downs Hotel and Casino. The hotel is clean, comfort and quiet. We danced the night away at Fire & Ice to the music of a live band, enjoyed a delicious seafood meal at the Festival Buffet, we had an intimate dinner one night at Michelle's, and enjoyed the wide variety of gaming options in the casino. And to top it off Dover Downs is located in an area near a mall and is bustling with other business and resturants in the same vicinity, so went to the movies one day, did some shopping and took advantage of a couple cultural events that was happening in the area. We had it all during our visit.
