November 19, 2024
Content sponsored by
Provided Courtesy/Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley
Longwood Gardens
Holiday shopping can be a challenge. This year, instead of settling for a generic gift card, surprise your loved ones with something truly unforgettable: the experience of the Brandywine Valley.
The Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport is a perfect stocking stuffer for adventure seekers and culture lovers alike. Featuring world-renowned gardens, historic estates, museums, and more, the Trail Passport invites visitors to immerse themselves in the area’s rich heritage and natural beauty.
With access to 12 unique attractions across Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, the Trail Passport offers the perfect way to explore this scenic and historic region at their own pace.
Here’s a glimpse of each attraction the passport provides access to:
More than just a garden, Longwood Gardens is a world-renowned destination that USA Today readers named “Best Botanical Garden.” With over 11,000 plants, it’s a vibrant experience year-round. Outdoors, fields bloom in a rainbow of colors, while inside, the Conservatory houses 20 distinct gardens where lush greenery and flowing water create a tropical oasis — even in the depths of winter. Don't miss the iconic Longwood Hybrid Cineraria, a burst of bold periwinkle among the endless plant varieties.
Mt. Cuba Center
Nature lovers will enjoy the Mt. Cuba Center, which is filled with gardens and ponds. The woodland gardens produce some of the most spectacular displays of wildflowers in the Mid-Atlantic region. In a 2020 readers' choice poll, it was named the best botanical garden in the United States. Wander along the Dogwood Path, a tranquil journey through peaceful woodlands, and soak in the beauty of this ecological gem.
History and nature blend beautifully at Rockwood Park. With 72 acres of English-style gardens and trails, it offers a peaceful retreat. The park’s museum provides a glimpse into 19th-century life, and in summer, the Delaware Shakespeare Festival brings the lawn alive with theatrical magic.
For a taste of Americana, Winterthur offers an exceptional experience. Admire the famous Campbell Collection of Soup Tureens and explore the expansive gardens and library dedicated to American art. Winterthur’s eclectic collections and lush landscapes make it an unforgettable visit.
Nemours Estate
Du Pont is to Delaware to what Rockefeller is to New York. Built by Alfred du Pont, Nemours Estate is home to a 77-room mansion that sits on 200-acres of breathtaking grounds and woodlands. Wander through the meticulously designed gardens and marvel at “Achievement,” a towering golden statue surrounded by a fountain with 157 dancing jets. It’s Delaware's very own piece of France.
The Brandywine Museum of Art is one of the many fine museums in the Wilmington area.
This former 19th-century mill turned museum is nestled alongside the Brandywine River, and now includes a modern steel and glass addition. The Brandywine Museum of Art showcases the work of Andrew Wyeth, an iconic American realist painter, and many other celebrated American artists.
The Delaware Contemporary
For art enthusiasts seeking modern works, The Delaware Contemporary offers thought-provoking exhibitions that explore contemporary issues. This vibrant museum showcases regionally, nationally, and internationally acclaimed artists.
"Delaware: One State, Many Stories" is the theme at the Delaware History Museum . Here you’ll discover stories of the state’s immigrant heritage, maritime past, and industrial evolution. The Mitchell Center for African American Heritage is a must-see, featuring exhibits that presents compelling perspectives of African Americans’ struggles for human rights, freedom, and dignity in Delaware and beyond.
Located on the scenic Kentmere Parkway, the Delaware Art Museum features an impressive collection of more than 12,000 objects. Founded in 1912 to honor artist Howard Pyle, the museum boasts the largest pre-Raphaelite collection outside the British Isles. Stroll through the sculpture gardens and take in the dynamic artwork of both historical and contemporary creators.
The Delaware Museum of Nature & Science
Previously the Delaware Museum of Natural History, the Delaware Museum of Nature & Science has been reimagined to engage visitors with the wonders of our planet. Explore ecosystems from the tropical rainforest to the Arctic tundra and even dive into various ocean habitats.
History lovers will find a treasure trove at the Hagley Museum & Library, where they can delve into the story of the du Pont family and the American industrial revolution. Don’t miss the Powder Yard, where you can learn about the perilous lives of those who worked with explosives daily.
Hagley Museum & Library
Located in Historic New Castle, the Read House & Gardens is a hidden gem that offers a glimpse into Colonial history. Explore the elegant grounds overlooking the Delaware River, and stroll the cobblestone streets of this well-preserved village, rich in history and charm.
The Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport is valid May 24, 2025 through October 31, 2025 and is available in two convenient options to suit different types of travelers:
The Family Passport is an excellent choice at $99, providing access for two
adults and up to three children. This option allows families to experience
the Brandywine Valley together, creating memories across its historic sites,
stunning gardens, and engaging museums.
Both options are available for purchase in print or digital formats. For those who like to travel light, the digital passport is available for purchase online and can easily be accessed on a smartphone — meaning they’ll never be without their ticket, even if they take a spontaneous trip. Plus, the digital option includes a “gift option” during checkout, allowing you to easily send it to someone else as a thoughtful present. Printed passports are available for purchase from the Greater Wilmington Visitor Center, which is open Thursday – Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Visitor Center is located at 920 Justison Street, Suite 5, Wilmington, DE 19801. Click here for directions.
