Highland Acres is a small town just minutes from Dover in Kent County, Delaware. With a population of 4,000, the town has a rural feel, but the fact that it is part of the Dover metropolitan area means that the services and attractions of the larger centre are only minutes away.
Delaware Bay is just a few miles away, which means the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast are easily accessible from Highland Acres.
The nearby towns of Denton, Bridgetown, Georgetown and Salem offer many attractions and services, while the capital city of Washington, D.C. and its world-class attractions is 134 miles away.
Here are 15 of the best things to do in and around Highland Acres, Delaware.
1. Satisfy your sushi and Thai food cravings at Chaiyo
If Asian food is your thing, Chaiyo in Dover serves sushi and a range of Thai dishes in a warm and laid-back atmosphere. The friendly staff offers a variety of appetizers, soups, salads and main courses, and they go out of their way to make you feel at home.
Pad Thai, Spicy Thai Basil, Teriyaki, Crispy Basil Duck and Garlic Prawns are some of the options you can find on its extensive menu.
2. Immerse yourself in fine art at the Biggs Museum of American Art
The nearby city of Dover is home to the Biggs Museum of American Art, which houses works by many American artists. As you browse the museum and its different exhibits, you’ll see a range of styles and genres reflecting the 18th century period. Each piece has its own story, allowing visitors of all ages to learn about art and how it shaped American culture.
3. Chill out at Tidbury Creek County Park
Traveling can be exhausting, and the perfect way to unwind and prepare for the days ahead is to relax in a park. Tidbury Creek County Park and its beautiful natural environment make it easy for visitors to relax.
There are picnic tables, grills and a children’s playground on site. There is also a half-mile hiking trail that winds around the pond. If you’re traveling with dogs, this park is dog-friendly, with two fenced-in areas for you to play as much as you like.
4. Spend a rainy family day at Shell We Bounce Trampoline Park
On days when it’s raining or too cold to spend time exploring outdoors, visitors of all ages can enjoy some exciting and healthy entertainment at Shell We Bounce Trampoline Park in Lewis.
This family entertainment center offers amenities and services suitable for all ages. In addition to the various trampolines, there is an arcade, playground, jungle gym and foam pit to use. Adults can take fitness classes.
There is also an on-site café serving drinks, snacks and light meals.
5. Take a history class at the Delaware Agricultural Museum
Kent County is known for its agricultural history, and the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover is all the place you can learn about that history and the impression it made on local culture.
Some of the items on display at the museum include artifacts, photographs, documents, and agricultural-related machinery such as tractors and traditional farming equipment. You will also learn about railways and their role in the industry.
There is a village depicting rural life in the late 1800s. Here you can see old barns, windmills, grocery stores, farmhouses, school buildings, railway stations, churches, barber shops and blacksmiths.
6. Explore Blakenock County Parks
One of the most popular parks near Highland Acres is Blakenock County Park in nearby Camden. Probably the biggest attraction of the park, especially for children, is the unique playground called Piccadilly Castle.
This 86-acre green space also offers many other recreational amenities, including nature trails and picnic pavilions.
7. Visit the Air Mobility Command Museum
In Dover’s refurbished WWII hangar, a popular attraction is the Air Mobility Command Museum. Here you can be in awe of historic U.S. military aircraft and admire the work that went into developing these extraordinary achievements.
The collection showcases a variety of bombers, freighters, tankers and fighter jets, including the A-26C, C-5A Galaxy and Air Force Two VC-9C.
8. Try to win big at Dover Downs Casino
You don’t win unless you play. At Dover Downs Casino, there are certainly plenty of opportunities to try. 2300 slot machines and 41 table games make for an exciting evening, and you might walk away with some extra cash or prizes.
When on a hunger strike, you don’t need to stray far from your victorious attempt, as many dining and snack options are available on-site.
9. Spend some nature time at a Wyoming park
Whether you enjoy fishing, volleyball, badminton, horseshoes, or just relaxing in nature, Wyoming Parks in nearby Wyoming Township has something for everyone.
Open year-round, the park is adjacent to a pond that is popular with anglers. Amenities include seasonal bathrooms, gazebos, playgrounds, picnic tables, grills and a large sports venue.
10. Visit the John Dickinson Plantation
Dover’s historic John Dickinson Plantation was once the home of John Dickinson, one of the founding fathers of the United States. Visitors can roam the grounds on their own or join a guided tour with a fully dressed guide.
During a tour of the property, you will also see the interior of the stately Poplar Hall, where you will see many exhibits and galleries, and experience life in the post-revolutionary era.
11. Enjoy homemade Italian specialties at Pizzadili
For quality Italian food and charcuterie, tourists and locals alike love to head to Dover’s Pizzadili. For generations, the friendly team at this restaurant has been serving quality homemade meals in a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere.
On the extensive menu, you’ll find a variety of pizzas, sandwiches, salads, sandwiches, grilled meats, Italian specialties and entrees such as seafood combinations and steaks. Delicious desserts are also available.
12. See exotic and domestic animals at 3 Palms Zoo
3 Palms Zoo is no ordinary zoo. This is Delaware’s only rescue zoo dedicated to rescuing sick and injured animals who cannot survive alone in the wild.
During the tour, you’ll learn the backstory of each animal and why they came to live in the zoo. These animals include owls, skunks, foxes, marmots, turtles and a crocodile named Tic Toc, which are housed in areas as close to their natural habitat as possible.
A variety of exotic birds can also be seen around the zoo, and you have the opportunity to feed and pet the resident domestic animals, including camels and sheep.
13. Visit the Old State Capitol
Built in the late 1700s, the Old State Capitol Museum, currently located in Dover, used to be the Capitol. This magnificent building is open to visitors who wish to visit the beautiful rooms and admire Georgian medieval architecture.
The building is now on the National Register of Historic Places and displays numerous artifacts and documents.
14. Landing County Park, Lebanon
The peaceful and beautiful recreation area in Lebanon Landing County Park in nearby Magnolia is the perfect place to enjoy a family picnic. It’s also a popular fishing and boating area, with roadside boat launches for easy access to the water.
15. Escape the crowds at Silver Lake Park
As busy as Dover is, it’s hard to believe there’s such a peaceful, natural area in the middle of it all, but Silver Lake Park is just that. The 182-acre park features walking trails, lakes, picnic tables and playgrounds surrounded by trees and expansive green spaces.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Highland Acres, Delaware (DE)
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