Rising Sun-Lebanon is a town in Kent County, Delaware. The country is small in size and has a small population. With only about 4,000 residents, visitors can enjoy a quiet, laid-back atmosphere away from the crowds of larger towns not far away.
Rising Sun-Lebanon is part of the Dover metropolitan area. Dover, Denton, Salem, Georgetown and Bridgetown are some of the nearby areas that can be easily visited, and the capital, Washington, D.C., is just 134 kilometers away.
The town and surrounding area is rich in history and culture, with many museums and historic sites to visit. There are also many outdoor recreation attractions in the area, including municipal parks, state parks and golf courses.
Here are 15 of the best things to do in and around Rising Sun-Lebanon, Delaware.
1. Fuel up at Restaurant 55
Visitors can sit back and relax in the casual atmosphere of nearby Dover’s 55 Restaurant while enjoying top-notch cuisine. Only the freshest ingredients are used here, and most of the meat and produce are sourced from nearby suppliers.
The most popular item on the menu is the gourmet burger, which includes a variety of unique creations such as the NFB Burger, Black and Blue Burger, Teriyaki Burger, Avocado Burger and Santa Fe Burger.
The restaurant serves a rotating assortment of 12 craft beers and 35 bottled beers at all times. Products from local craft breweries are in high demand, but there are also international options.
2. Air Mobility Command Museum
Housed in a restored WWII aircraft hangar, the Air Mobility Command Museum is considered a must-see in nearby Dover. This museum allows visitors to see a variety of military aircraft up close and is the only museum of its kind in the country.
Extensive collection of historic U.S. military aircraft featuring bombers, fighter jets, tankers and cargo planes. The A-26C, C-5A Galaxy and Air Force Two VC-9C are just some of the aircraft on display, along with various artifacts.
3. Fordham and Dominion Brewing Company
Dover’s Fordham and Dominion Brewing Company offer a wide selection of premium craft beers that you can enjoy in their laid-back lounges or take with you. No matter your taste or knowledge of beer, there is sure to be something on the menu for you.
Some of the beers available in year-round and seasonal selections include Backstage IPA, Gypsy, Copperhead and Sakura. Homemade ginger ale and root ale are also available.
Brewery tours include tastings and provide visitors with a rundown of the brewing process used and the company’s history. Merchandise is available for sale on site.
4. Johnson Vidola Museum
Despite covering a niche historical item, the Johnson Victrola Museum in downtown Dover is one of the most popular in the country. That’s because it focuses on a world-changing invention: the invention is known as the Victola (or “talking machine”), and its inventor is Eldridge Johnson.
The vast collection is the largest in the world and contains various Victrolas over the years. A guided tour is the best way to learn about the history of this fascinating invention and the people behind it.
5. Visit 3 Palms Zoo
As the state’s only rescue zoo, visitors of all ages can get an educational experience about the animals that make their home at the 3 Palms Zoo in nearby Townsend and why they come here. Get up close and personal with a variety of animals, including turtles, skunks, foxes, owls, marmots, and even crocodiles.
You can also meet native exotic birds, including red junglefowl and pheasants. All of these animals were brought to zoos because they were sick or injured and could not survive alone in the wild.
Visitors can feed and pet the livestock that live on site, including donkeys, camels, sheep, and emus.
6. Biggs Museum of American Art
The Biggs Museum of American Art in Dover is dedicated to all things art, especially when it comes to local and American art. Visitors have the opportunity to admire different styles and genres of art created by many different artists, reflecting various eras dating back to the 1700s.
In addition to other forms of visual arts, there are paintings and sculptures and a variety of pottery and tapestries. Visitors of all ages can learn about the stories behind each piece, as well as art in general and its impact on American culture.
7. Explore the John Dickinson Plantation
At Dover’s John Dickinson Plantation, visitors can explore the historic plantation once owned by one of the country’s founding fathers, John Dickinson. The site is the uniquely designed Poplar Room, the home of Mr. Dickinson.
Guides in period costumes can show you around the house. On this tour, you will get a feel for what it was like to live in post-revolutionary America.
Period-inspired décor and a variety of galleries and exhibits – including a range of wines and spirits – are some of the things you’ll see when visiting this fine hotel.
8. Silver Lake Park
Visitors looking for a nice day to relax in nature can head to the 182-acre Silver Lake Park in Dover. This expansive green space has several walking paths, a playground, a picnic area and a beautiful lake with many ducks and geese.
9. Delaware Agricultural Museum
Rising Sun-Lebanon and surrounding towns in Kent County have a rich agricultural history. Visitors can learn more about this history and its impact on the people and culture of the region at the Delaware Agricultural Museum in Dover.
This museum has many exhibits to explore. As you walk through the building, you’ll see many artifacts and agricultural-related machinery, including tractors, traditional farming equipment, photos, and documents. You’ll also learn about railroads and their role in agriculture over the years.
The site features a village depicting rural life in the 1890s, with barns, windmills, grocery stores, farmhouses, school buildings, railway stations, churches, barbershops and blacksmiths.
10. Try your luck at Dover Downs Casino
With 2,300 slot machines and 41 table games, Dover Downs Casino offers visitors an exciting evening in town with plenty of chances to win money or prizes. This modern casino features beautiful architectural features both inside and out, as well as a variety of dining and snack options.
11. Visit the Old State Capitol
What was once the Dover Capitol is now the Old State Capitol Museum. Built in the 1790s, this stately building has been restored to its original glory after being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Visitors get an authentic old world feel as they walk through the rooms and can admire beautiful Central Georgian architecture and decoration. During the tour, you will see many artifacts and documents, and learn about local and national history.
12. Enjoy a unique meal at The Brick-Wood Fired Eats
When you’re on a hunger strike and you’re looking for a meal that’s both unique and satisfying, head to The Brick-Wood Fired Eats in Dover to choose from an extensive menu.
The restaurant specializes in pizza cooked in a wood-fired brick oven, but many other dishes are also available. Cavatelli eggplant, chicken rigatoni, pan-fried salmon, shrimp and crab risotto, and roasted herb-marinated hanger steak are some of the available entrees. You won’t find a meal like this restaurant serves anywhere else in the area.
There is also an on-site bar serving craft beers, fine wines and craft cocktails.
13. Woodburn Governor’s House
Woodburn Governor’s House has been the residence of the Governor of Delaware since 1965. Today, visitors can take a guided tour of this beautiful property and building built in 1798. The building is a mid-Georgian period and was once one of the state’s most luxurious residences.
During the tour, you’ll learn about the building’s history, view artifacts, and visit the various rooms – including the lobby.
14. Spend a day by the sea at Delaware Waterfront State Park
Delaware Seaside State Park in Rehoboth Beach is a large park where visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, clam catching, crabbing, windsurfing and sailing. There are two marine swimming areas on site with lifeguards during the summer months. Another nearby beach is good for surfing.
When it comes to hiking, biking and horseback riding, there are six trails in the park, each showcasing a unique habitat. There is a camping area and a marina on site.
Visitors can also take a history lesson at the Indian River Lifeguard Museum, which is also in the park and features a variety of marine exhibits.
15. Cool Springs Fish Bar & Restaurant
Dover’s Cool Springs Fish Bar & Restaurant is one of the best places around to feast on quality fresh seafood.
The chef is very attentive to each dish and the staff go out of their way to make the diners feel at home. The extensive menu includes delicious options such as Skillet Grilled Tuna Steak, Grilled Stuffed Halibut and Honey Bourbon Salmon. Everything is made with the best ingredients. There is also a full bar on site.
Where to Stay: Best Hotels in Rising Sun-Lebanon, Delaware (DE)
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