20 villages you can do in a weekend

By Kendall Fletcher
June 12, 2019

There are treasures to find in Delaware’s Quaint Villages, an area of Kent County full of tranquil small towns but settled near the big cities of the Mid-Atlantic region.

“Group leaders have been discovering all the unique group-friendly activities, festivals and events Delaware’s Quaint Villages has to offer,” says John Doerfler, sales and event manager with Kent County Tourism. “From history walking tours to outdoor activities, and from tax-free shopping to traditional maypole dancing at the Annual Dover Days Festival, Delaware’s Quaint Villages is the ideal destination for any group that is looking to create a lasting, memorable experience.”

Visitors to Delaware’s Quaint Villages enjoy tax-free shopping.

There are 20 villages in Kent County, each one emanating small-town charm and possessing something different from the other. Along with wineries and farm-to-table restaurants, the villages are also the backdrop to many lively annual events.

“From springtime events to winter festivals, the list includes the Delaware State Fair, NASCAR racing, the Bug & Bud Festival, the Bowers Beach Buccaneer Bash and the Amish Quilt Auctions.”

Doerfler suggests seeing these attractions during a visit:


Air Mobility Command Museum
 

Air Mobility Command Museum

The museum’s exhibits focus on U.S. Air Force history from World War II to the present. The Dover-based attraction houses more than 30 aircraft, including a retired Air Force One.

Painted Stave Distilling

The distillery in Smyrna operates in what was once a single-screen movie theater. It’s Delaware’s first stand-alone small-batch distillery, and the attraction hosts tours and tastings.

Fifer Orchards & Country Store

When groups visit Camden-Wyoming, they can wander onto the fourth-generation family farm with a U-pick experience and find fresh blueberries, strawberries, peaches, apples and pumpkins to take home. The farm also hosts other activities and events throughout the year.

For more information, contact Doerfler or go to visitdelawarevillages.com.

Top photo: Annual Dover Days Festival
Photos by Kent County Tourism

 


Support for Courier articles provided by:
American Music Theatre
Maid of the Mist
Maryland Office of Tourism Development
Meet AC
NYC & Company
Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum
Virginia Beach Convention & Visitor Bureau

 

Elsewhere

September 18, 2025

The way travelers discover destinations and experiences online is shifting dramatically. With the rise of AI Overviews at the top of Google search results, we’ve ...

September 3, 2025

Nestled where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Chesapeake Bay—and boasting the world’s longest pleasure beach—Virginia Beach beckons with sunshine, scenery, and unforgettable experiences. With an ...

September 2, 2025

If you know Chicago, you’re undoubtedly familiar with the city’s “Magnificent Mile,” a stretch of Michigan Avenue full of landmark hotels, chic shops, and popular ...