Founded by William Penn in the year of 1683, Dover Delaware is a charming state capital, found just about smack dab in the middle of the state. This charming city is the second largest in the state after Wilmington, though it still is small enough to exhibit plenty of small town charm. Many visitors to Delaware are so eager to hit the Delaware beaches that they are often prone to spending little to no time at all in Dover. Dover certainly merits at least a few days if you have the time, and if you like museums and history, you won't want to miss it. History buffs can choose to enjoy historic Dover tours, such as those offered at the State Capitol building. The Dover Delaware casinos offer visitors the chance to tempt Lady Luck, and if you are up for the performing arts, the downtown Schwartz Center is a wonderful place to catch a show. Several yearly events help to make Dover vacations so rewarding, and NASCAR fans likely already know about the two annual races held here.

Dover Delaware became the capital in 1777, replacing New Castle. This decision to move the capital revolved around the location, as it provided a safer haven from British raiders who were trolling the waters of the Delaware River. The central square of Dover Delaware is a great place to visit, and history simply oozes out of this place. Known as the "Green", it is located close to the Delaware State Visitor Center, and it was the site of many rallies and troop gatherings during Revolutionary times. Troops from Delaware that were to join George Washington's Revolutionary army met here before joining the ranks. From the central Green, visitors enjoying Dover vacations might head over to the Sewell C. Biggs Museum of American Art. This wonderful museum is housed in the Delaware State Visitor Center, and you'll find everything from local art pieces to Impressionist paintings from different periods of the 20th century.

Dover tours can include so many historic places of interest, including the John Dickinson Plantation. It's found past the large Dover Air Force Base, which is also an interesting place to arrange Dover tours. The John Dickinson Plantation has guides that dress in clothing from time gone by, offering visitors insight into how the plantation once functioned. The plantation would have featured tenants and slaves, in addition to the Dickinson family, though it's interesting to note that Dover found itself divided on the issue of slavery. It was known to be a stop on the Underground Railroad, while at the same time having plantations like this one with forced slave labor. On a different note, nature lovers who are interested in including hiking in their Dover travel itinerary will want to consider a day trip to the nearby Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Just a short drive away, it's an excellent place to view native wildlife, and crowds are not typical here, even during the summer high season. The trails here are suitable for most, none being too difficult or advanced. You will have to bring your bug repellent though, so be sure to make a side note of that. Dover tours can include an auto tour of the refuge if you're saving up your energy for some Delaware golf or fishing, perhaps.

Delaware Map

Dover travel picks up in June and September when NASCAR is in town. The Dover International Speedway, which houses these two annual races also has a horse racing track known as Dover Downs. It's mostly all harness racing here, and if you want to throw some wagers down on some of the country's fastest horses, you might head south of Dover to the Harrington Raceway, which also has a casino. A short drive on Route 13 and you're there in no time. It can make for a great day trip, or perhaps you might even stay overnight to enjoy some of the casino's nightlife. Speaking of nightlife, if you plan to spice up your Dover travel with a night or more out on the town, you might head to the casino found at the aforementioned Dover Downs. The Dover Downs Hotel is a nice pick for Dover hotels if you want a little bit of Vegas mixed into your Dover vacations. Renting a car in Delaware is a good idea if you are not driving in. You might choose to do so at the airport after your flight.

Dover has several interesting events that take place throughout the year, the biggest of which are arguably the NASCAR weekends. In both April and May, historic Dover tours can be enjoyed during the Old Dover Days festivals. If you want the chance to get behind the wheel of a race car and enjoy the fast lane for real, the Dover International Speedway has an array of packages that let you get out on the track. Dover Delaware simply has a wealth of attractions that make Dover travel ideal for virtually everybody. Just be sure to book in advance at the Dover hotels if you are visiting during the NASCAR and summer weekends.