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Newark is a college town through and through: the University of Delaware's brick halls and long, tree-shaded Green sit right beside Main Street, and the rhythm of the place follows the academic year. Students, cafes and bookshops give the small city in Delaware's northwest corner more energy than its size suggests.
The history runs deep. The university traces its roots to a school founded in 1743, and its Old College building dates from the 1830s. In 1777, just south of town, American and British troops clashed at Cooch's Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle fought on Delaware soil and, by local tradition, the first where the Stars and Stripes flew in combat.
Green space surrounds the town. White Clay Creek State Park stretches north along a wooded valley, Iron Hill Park has forest trails, and the Newark Reservoir offers an easy lakeside loop. Main Street's pubs include the historic Deer Park Tavern, and the university's own creamery scoops ice cream from its dairy cows. Wilmington is 20 minutes away, Philadelphia under an hour.
The long central lawn of the University of Delaware, framed by Georgian-style brick halls and Memorial Hall with its domed front. It is lovely for a walk under the trees, especially in spring and fall. Visitor parking is in paid university lots, and the Green is a short walk from Main Street.
Newark's main street runs along the north edge of campus with independent shops, bookstores, coffee houses, bars and restaurants from many cuisines. Outdoor seating fills up on warm evenings. Parking is in metered lots behind the storefronts, and the street is easy to explore on foot.
A large state park in a wooded valley north of town with more than 30 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking and horse riding. Fly fishing for trout is popular along the creek, and old farmsteads dot the hills. An entrance fee applies for vehicles in season.
A county park on one of the highest points in the area, covered with forest and laced with hiking and mountain biking trails. Old iron ore pits recall the mining that gave the hill its name, and picnic pavilions sit near the parking areas. Trails can be rocky, so wear sturdy shoes.
A city reservoir on the south side of town with a paved path circling the water and a gentle hill offering views over Newark. It is a favorite of runners, dog walkers and families with strollers. The loop is about a mile; parking is available off Old Paper Mill Road.
The site of the only Revolutionary War battle fought in Delaware, in September 1777, just before the British marched on Philadelphia. Local tradition says the Stars and Stripes flew in battle here for the first time. A monument and markers explain the fight; it is a short, quiet stop.
A series of gardens across the university's south campus, including a herbaceous border, woodland plantings and collections of native plants and trees. Paths are free to wander year-round. The spring plant sale is a local favorite, and labels make it easy to learn plant names.
The university's own creamery makes ice cream with milk from its herd of dairy cows on the College of Agriculture farm. Flavors change often and include creative seasonal ones. The shop sits on south campus beside the farm fields, so you may see the cows on the way in.
A Main Street landmark built in 1851 on the site of an older inn, with a long bar, a porch and live music some nights. Local legend says Edgar Allan Poe stayed at the earlier inn. It serves pub food and a broad beer list and gets busy with students and alumni.
The first location of a brewery chain founded in Newark in 1996, serving its own lagers and ales alongside a full menu in a Main Street dining room. The brewing tanks are visible from the bar. Sampler flights are a good way to try the seasonal beers.
A gallery inside the 1830s Old College building on Main Street, one of the University Museums, with rotating exhibitions of art from the university's collections and visiting shows. Entry is free. Pair it with a walk to the nearby Mechanical Hall Gallery for African American art.
A paved trail built on a former railroad line, running north from Main Street toward White Clay Creek State Park. It is shaded, flat and easy for walkers and cyclists. Connect it to park trails for a longer outing, and bring a map as junctions are not always signed.
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