Above: Bath House, Greenville
Searching for new adventures in 2026? Our team has rounded up their favorite nearby places to help you get out and about in the new year.
Newark Union Church and Cemetery
Newark Union Church and Cemetery, at 8 Newark Union Public Rd. in Brandywine Hundred, is a historic church and burial ground that history buffs are sure to love. The church’s former Sunday School room has been transformed into a carefully curated museum reflecting the lifestyle of ordinary people from the mid-to-late 1800s and early 1900s. The cemetery is the final resting place for 88 veterans representing every war from Revolutionary to Vietnam. A Victorian memory garden, with benches and native plants, and a Military Memorial occupy the center of the cemetery. There is also a marker to commemorate Delaware’s first Medal of Honor recipient, Alexander Hand, who served in the Union Navy during the Civil War. Call 302-377-0960 or email NewarkUnion8@gmail.com for hours.
— Bob Yearick, Contributing Editor
Dueling Rabbits Coffee Roasters
This is no ordinary coffee shop. Hence the name, but before we get into that, if you’re the curious type and one for exploring coffees from different regions of the world, look no further. Located on 601 N. Market St, in downtown Wilmington, this cozy, specialty roastery offers flavors from Bolivia, Venezuela, Burundi, Ghana, Laos, Australia, Yemen, and Sri Lanka. When sipping a cup from Laos, expect notes of calamansi and vanilla, alongside caramelized sugar, and a soft, floral finish. Experience the world through coffee. As to the name of the establishment, it came to the owner, Adam Roush, in a dream. Visit DuelingRabbits.com
— Adriana Camacho-Church, Contributing Writer
Crow Bar
Want to find a classy bar in Wilmington’s Trolley Square outside of the hustle and bustle of its regular nightlife? Try this spot at 1711 Delaware Avenue for its moody ambience and unbelievably delicious specialty cocktail menu. It makes for the perfect low-key date night when you just want a great drink, a small plate, and place to connect.
— Catherine Kempista, Contributing Writer
Bardea Food & Drink
In 2025, the Bardea Restaurant Group expanded its culinary empire with Roost Pub & Kitchen and Casa Nonna, but the OG, Bardea Food & Drink, is worth trying — or trying again, if you haven’t been in some time. Few chefs can balance clever presentations with memorable flavors like Antimo DiMeo, who has been nominated for a James Beard Award. This is not an Italian restaurant, though some Italian dishes are on the menu. Global combos include tzatziki with Scottish salmon, Vadouvan-spiced scallops, and Ossetra caviar with a French omelet.
— Pam George, Contributing Writer
Historic New Castle
Pick a sunny day for a walk through this historic gem, stopping to shop through the New Castle Saturday Market for farm-fresh goods and unique trinkets. Continue your stroll to Jessop’s Tavern for lunch and indulge in the colonial pub’s comfort dishes. If you’ve got room for dessert, get an ice cream cone to-go at the designated window next door, and enjoy it at Battery Park with a view of the Delaware River.
— Andrea Smith, Contributing Writer
El Tapatio
It wasn’t that long ago that a Delawarean’s experience with Mexican food was a late-night stop at Jack in the Box for a greasy (albeit delicious) beef taco. Times have changed considerably and now there are dozens (at least) places in Delaware to get good Mexican food. And one of the best, and most authentic, is El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant on Philadelphia Pike between Bellefonte and Claymont. The décor and the menu are rich in Mexican heritage. There are the usual standards — tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, etc. — but even those are done with true Mexican flair. Plus, everything is reasonably priced, including the combo meals, which include rice and refried beans, and go for just $13.75. There are also specials that aren’t typical fare, such as the Molcajete — a chicken breast, carne asado, chorizo, hot dog (!) and cactus. The restaurant also offers vegetarian options for just $13.95. And, last, but not least, El Tapatio offers a tasty variety of margaritas. For hours, (302) 791-9566.
— Kevin Noonan, Contributing Writer
Delaware Blue Coats
There is a lot to be said for experiencing a Philadelphia 76ers game in person. But attending a game is expensive and the logistics challenges (I-95 traffic, parking, concession costs) can be daunting. So, why not give their G league affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, a try? A night at the Blue Coats offers an affordable alternative, and I’m confident you’ll be impressed with the talent on display. Parking is free and you can get a good seat for $24. Visit BlueCoats.GLeague.NBA.com
— Jerry duPhily, Publisher
First State Urgent Vet
For prompt and compassionate walk-in veterinary care with no appointment needed, First State Urgent Vet (FSUV) in Wilmington and Newark is available seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to high-quality, same-day care for cats and dogs with health concerns, FSUV offers wellness services — including check-ups and vaccines — ideal for pet owners with time or scheduling constraints. What’s more, their website features an online waitlist you can join from wherever you are. The list reveals and holds your place in line, and as your turn draws near, you’ll receive a text message to start heading over. By the time you arrive, their skilled and experienced staff will be ready for you and your furry friend, barring any unforeseen emergencies that might take precedence. Utlimately, this leads to less time wasted sitting in a lobby when you have better things to do — like return or exchange those ill-fitting holiday gifts. Visit FirstStateUrgentVet.com.
—Mary Ellen Mitchell, Contributing Writer
Hung Vuong Food Market
Food for a huge variety of Asian cuisines fills this unique market. Signs and labels in different scripts, aromas from the massive produce section and fish tanks and varied languages used by staffers and customers contrast with the nearby retail sprawl. The supermarket opened in 2023 in a 45,800-square-foot building that was a Toys R Us. It’s one of seven stores in Greater Philadelphia owned by the Liu family, which dominates the region’s wholesale market for Chinese food. Between the front door and aisle after aisle of food and related kitchen items there is a small food court. The store is off Churchmans Road, just east of Route 7. For GPS, use 10 Geoffrey Drive, Newark. English is in the minority on the website hungvuongs.com, but it’s quite clear that white dragon fruit and chicken feet were on sale one recent week.
—Ken Mammarella, Contributing Writer
Bath House
The New Year is a great time to reset and recharge. To me, there’s no better way to start than with a visit to Bath House in Greenville. Owner Alexandra Pettinaro has thoughtfully created a welcoming, tranquil oasis for meditation and holistic healing. Tucked away in an unassuming building at the rear of Greenville Center, Bath House offers sound bath, yoga, and guided meditation sessions; intuitive facials and holistic skincare services; and seasonal workshops. If you‘ve never been, a “sound bath” is a practice that immerses you in sounds and vibrations — created by playing singing bowls, chimes, and drums — that promote a soothing atmosphere to reduce stress and promote emotional and physical healing. Trust me, it’s one hour of your day that will have you feeling truly relaxed and refreshed and calm.
— Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Contributing Writer
Roost Pub & Kitchen
There are many wonderful choices for downtown cuisine in Wilmington, but you owe it to yourself to try Roost Pub & Kitchen, which opened last summer. The ambience is cozy, the staff is cheery, and the menu takes creative chances with familiar offerings. Take the deviled eggs: four halves that arrive before you in an edible “nest” made of shredded wheat with a small rack of curated sauce options on the side. Speaking of sauce, fans of buffalo wings will find plenty of bold options including a garlic truffle parm and a guava Thai chili, the latter which I recommend. Likewise, the sauce and chimichurri with the picanha steak is as memorable as the beef is tender. But, for me, it’s the mushroom flatbread that makes Roost a place to fly back to most excitedly.
— Jim Miller, Director of Publications
Fearless Improv’s Intro to Improv Workshops
If you’ve ever wanted to try improv—or just want a fun way to shake up your routine—Fearless Improv, City Theater Company’s resident improv troupe, has you covered. Their Intro to Improv workshops teach quick thinking, creativity, and teamwork in a fun, supportive setting. Workshops run monthly through May, 5–7 p.m. at The Delaware Contemporary (200 S. Madison St., Wilm.) and include free admission to a Fearless Improv show. Sign up at City-Theater.org.
— Amy Watson Bish, Director of Special Projects
