Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Smyrna, Delaware

Smyrna is a town with approximately 13,000 inhabitants, located in both Kent and New Castle counties in central Delaware.

Smyrna is equidistant from the neighboring state of Maryland to the east and the Delaware Bay to the west, making it an ideal base for visitors seeking to explore the state’s rich historical and geographical diversity.

Despite its modest size, Smyrna boasts a remarkable array of attractions. Those with an adventurous spirit will find beautiful beaches, expansive state parks, and relatively sizable metropolitan areas within easy reach.

Here are 15 notable activities to engage in while visiting Smyrna, Delaware.

1. Historic Downtown

Several pivotal events during the Revolutionary War and the establishment of the United States occurred in towns like Smyrna.

The historic downtown area of Smyrna features nearly 500 historic structures, many of which are recognized on the National Register of Historic Places.

The area is replete with sidewalks, making it easily navigable on foot. Visitors will appreciate landmarks such as the Old Town Hall, the original jail, and the historic fire department.

Additionally, the area hosts numerous dining options and distinctive boutiques that come alive during the afternoon and early evening, particularly in the warmer summer months.

2. Smyrna Museum

The Smyrna Museum, operated by a local historical society, is dedicated to the preservation of the region’s rich history, which dates back over three centuries to Delaware’s designation as the nation’s first state.

Exhibits comprise historical records, period attire, and compelling firsthand narratives from individuals who lived through some of the nation’s most tumultuous periods.

Accessibility is limited to Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10 AM to 1 PM, and most visitors typically spend around one hour exploring before moving on to other pursuits.

Admission to the museum is complimentary, and it is located on South Main Street in the downtown area.

3. Smyrna Opera House

While opera may not typically be viewed as a primary activity for travelers in Delaware, visiting the Smyrna Opera House offers a truly distinctive experience.

Situated on South Main Street, this venue not only hosts classical music performances but also functions as an art gallery.

The historic opera house has an intriguing past and has welcomed numerous notable guests over the years.

Due to its intimate setting, tickets often sell out, so it is advisable to acquire them in advance when possible.

4. Smyrna Summer Concert Series

Although Delaware can experience intense heat and humidity in the summer, the overall climate is quite pleasant throughout the year. From May to August, Smyrna hosts an annual summer concert series that attracts music enthusiasts from as far away as Baltimore and Philadelphia.

This event features an abundance of live music, diverse food and beverage vendors, family-friendly activities, and a charming small-town atmosphere that larger cities often lack.

Tickets for individual concerts can be obtained either online or on the day of the performance, and season passes are also available.

5. Henry Levin Center

Located on North Main Street, Smyrna’s Henry Levin Center serves multiple functions as a conference space and entertainment venue while also housing a unique museum devoted to the history and memorabilia of pharmacy.

This unusual attraction appeals to pharmacists and those with an appreciation for eclectic sites, conveniently positioned in proximity to other attractions worthy of exploration.

While many visitors may not intentionally seek out the museum, those who do often find it to be a delightful surprise during their visit and typically spend less than an hour viewing the exhibits.

6. Painted Stave Distilling

The craft beverage industry has seen remarkable growth, and Painted Stave Distilling, situated on West Commerce Street in Smyrna, stands out among the town’s popular destinations.

This distillery is located in a former movie theater built in the 1940s and offers tastings and tours on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Renowned for their innovative spirits, including vodka infused with scrapple essence, it is advisable for new visitors to sample the vodka before exploring more unconventional options.

7. Blue Earl Brewing Company

Delaware boasts a surprising number of notable craft breweries relative to its size, and Blue Earl Brewing Company, located on Artisan Drive in Smyrna, typically offers an impressive selection of at least twelve beers on tap.

The brewery is also a favored venue for live entertainment, especially on weekends, where beer enthusiasts congregate to relax with friends and enjoy pints.

Recently, they have begun serving food, and their hot wings have garnered acclaim from visitors, featuring a diverse array of flavorful sauce options.

8. Marian Coffin Gardens

Visitors who may be cautious regarding eerie locations will find solace in knowing that the Marian Coffin Gardens, named after a distinguished landscape architect, do not contain any funeral remnants.

These gardens and the accompanying home were constructed over 150 years ago. Although they have experienced decline over the years, they remain an intriguing curiosity.

Despite their historical struggles, these gardens are among the most photographed attractions in the area, and they are open to the public from dawn until dusk at no cost; however, access to the mansion is restricted.

9. Fort Delaware

Fort Delaware, situated on a small island in the Delaware River, was initially constructed to safeguard Philadelphia from naval assaults.

This impressive edifice is adorned with formidable cannons and robust masonry walls, making it one of the region’s most significant historical sites.

Guided boat tours to the fort are accessible from both banks of the river, providing memorable experiences for first-time visitors and history enthusiasts alike.

The pricing is generally reasonable, and the picturesque views up and down the river, as well as the surrounding towns, are unparalleled.

10. Museum of Business History and Technology

The Museum of Business History and Technology may not possess the romantic allure of historic forts or Revolutionary War locales, yet it often surprises visitors with its engaging exhibits.

The displays feature classic business machines from previous eras, including early calculators, mechanical pencil sharpeners, typewriters, and monochrome photocopiers.

Located in Wilmington, the museum is open only by appointment; thus, visitors are encouraged to contact ahead to arrange their visit. Most patrons find it sufficient to spend approximately an hour enjoying the displays.

11. Ebright Azimuth

While it has been humorously stated that one could see from one side of Delaware to the other while standing on a tuna can, the reality is that Delaware is among the flattest states in the U.S.

The Ebright Azimuth, located near Barkley, is the highest point in the state, rising nearly 450 feet above sea level.

While some view it merely as a geographic curiosity, many visitors consider it a distinctive, free attraction worth their time, with a plaque marking the precise location.

12. Steampunk Treehouse

Dogfish Head Brewery, the most renowned beer producer in Delaware, originated as a quaint establishment but has now expanded its distribution across the region.

The Steampunk Treehouse, located on the brewery’s premises, features an intriguing narrative that traces back to the deserts of California.

This unique structure has been described as both an artistic masterpiece and an eyesore, yet it remains one of the area’s most captivating attractions, complemented by proximity to world-class beer.

Although only brewery employees are permitted inside, visitors may still capture memorable photos from the ground.

13. Johnson Victrola Museum

The Johnson Victrola Museum in Dover houses one of the most comprehensive collections of vintage and antique Victrolas in the region.

Victrolas, which were early record players, boasted large ornamental speakers reminiscent of horns and were operated manually before the advent of electricity.

For many older visitors, a trip through the museum evokes nostalgia, while it also provides an educational experience for those born later. Admission is affordable, and many guests contribute a few dollars to support the museum’s upkeep.

14. Golden Fleece Tavern Site

The Golden Fleece Tavern is regarded as one of Delaware’s most historically important sites. In the 1780s, it served as the meeting venue for delegates who evaluated the United States Constitution prior to its ratification.

Although much of the original structure predating the war has since been lost, renovations have transformed the site into a modest retail establishment.

A historical marker and an original sign are displayed outside; however, as it currently operates as a private business, history enthusiasts must appreciate its significance from the exterior.

15. Rothschild Patent Model Collection

The Rothschild Patent Model Collection showcases an impressive assortment of models constructed by enterprising inventors between the late 18th and late 19th centuries.

During this period, inventors were mandated to submit functional models along with their patent applications, many of which have since evolved into valuable collectors’ items and are now increasingly rare.

This collection ranks among the largest globally of its kind and is conveniently situated on Bucks Road in Wilmington, just a short drive north from Smyrna.