The Wilmington DE Riverfront – A Downtown Delight

Taking a stroll along the Wilmington DE Riverfront boardwalk at sunset, by the Christina River.

There is something so delightful about a town or city on the water; not only the ocean, but also rivers and lakes. Any place – from Hong Kong to Waco TX – gets an extra kick of magic from the juxtaposition of urban energy and soothing nature.

In my first-ever trip to Wilmington, Delaware, to speak at a tourism event, my hosts booked me into the Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront the night before. I’ll admit, my first thought was, “What riverfront?”

This demonstrates my complete lack of knowledge about Wilmington… and about Delaware, for that matter.

I raced up from another conference in Richmond VA to get to Wilmington before sunset. It was worth the manic drive to find this lovely redeveloped downtown area. It used to be a post-industrial wasteland and is now part of an ambitious plan to revitalize the whole riverfront.

Wilmington, Delaware River Walk next to the Christina River.

I saw families wandering about, runners, skateboarders, and people like me simply walking along and gazing at both the water and the downtown buildings rising beyond it.

It was a great way to end a rather stressful day, plus it’s always fun to experience something for the first time, with absolutely no knowledge or expectations, and be so impressed that you’re quickly trying to figure out how to travel there again.

My Hyatt hotel room also looked out over the river, so I could enjoy the vibe even when I wasn’t actually out there on it.

View from my hotel room at Hyatt Place Wilmington Delaware Riverfront. Do ask for a river view room, if one is available. 

After a pleasant dinner and local lager at nearby Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, I strolled around some more. There was a rowdy bunch of younger folks out walking as well, and when one challenged the others to a foot race, I stopped and cheered the winner.

Hey, go ahead, young Padawans. I’d pull a hamstring if I tried that now. Enjoy spontaneous races while you can!

There were two industrial cranes left along the waterfront, from the days when they were used to build amphibious landing craft during World War II, if my Googling serves me correctly.

As a former Navy amphibious Sailor who also served on logistics ships with cranes, this was one of my favorite discoveries along the River Walk. I only wish there were some explanatory placards that could help others to understand what they are looking at with these behemoths.

Decorative former industrial crane on the Wilmington DE Riverfront, looking back toward downtown.

The Wilmington Riverfront complex also includes a minor league baseball stadium, a children’s museum, event center, more restaurants, and a mini-golf place.

A big Thank You to those with the Riverfront Development Corporation of Delaware for their vision and energy to bring a project like this to fruition, to the benefit of both locals and visitors like me.

Have you been to Wilmington DE? What are your must-see suggestions for when I go back to see more of the city? Let me know in the comments.

All photos by the author

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