My mother’s only cousin, Hal, insisted that I needed to learn more about the hidden historic treasures in Delaware. The 70 degree temperatures and spring sunshine today made exploring and photographing Delaware a delight.
“If you love Colonial Williamsburg, Marsha, you will enjoy Historic New Castle, DE., established in 1651.”
“First order of business, Marsha, you HAVE to eat at Jessop’s Tavern. You get to experience colonial life.”
Our food came in pewter bowls and plates served by servers in colonial costumes.
After lunch our eyes soon became as glutted as our stomachs. Stumbling along uneven brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets, we admired preserved, and not restored, colonial architecture. One house caught my eye because the patterned brick front differed from smoother faced brick on the surrounding homes.
As it happened, the owner came out of the home at the exact time we walked back up the street.
Of course, I asked him a question, “Do you live here? I love the brick pattern on your home.”
“It was built in 1690, the oldest one still standing.”
“New Castle is so quiet and peaceful,” Hal commented.
Richard’s left eyebrow raised slightly. “That is changing. In March we voted to allow New Castle to become a National Historic Park. Delaware was the only state that didn’t have one. I used to own the Arsenal Restaurant on the Green, but the government didn’t renew my lease. They have other plans for it.”
A half hour later he escaped our barrage of questions. A few minutes later I saw him again, conversing with one of the servers at his restaurant, Jessop’s Tavern.
I have driven by this many times on my way to DC. I’ve wondered about it as a place to meet my sister who lives in Maryland as a half-way point — seems like a good idea!
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You would thoroughly enjoy it. Several of the museums and houses closed for renovations in preparation for becoming a National Park. It will be perfect in the summer. 🙂
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That brickwork is so special, I’m glad you spotted it!
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Thanks Yvonne. It probably seems like recent history to you being in Italy, but for us here in the US, it’s ancient! 🙂
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What a lovely day for exploring history! 🙂
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Can you believe it? It was almost as warm this morning as it was in CA, but then CA kept going up and up! 🙂 The weather couldn’t have been more perfect! 🙂
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Trust Manny to be right up there at dinner! He doesn’t miss a trick does he??
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It’s uncanny of Manny!
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A great day spent exploring this peaceful looking town, Marsha. Did Manny enjoy his lunch? 🙂
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He did, but last night at dinner was the creme de la creme. He played with 6 adults an numerous other stuffed animals on the dinner table after the ice cream was gone. He’s met some wonderful people here in DE! 🙂
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