Walk In the Footsteps of President Joe Biden's Delaware
The Wilmington Riverfront, courtesy Moonloop Photography
Since age 10, President Joe Biden has called Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley home, and #46 has left quite a footprint on the First State. Here are some of the President’s favorite local spots and locations that mark important milestones in his career:
The University of Delaware, in Newark, is President Biden’s alma mater. He has often been spotted at University of Delaware football games. Walk the lovely campus, and dine at one of the dozen or so restaurants on Newark’s Main Street.
From the University, hop on I-95 North to The Wilmington Riverfront. This dining and entertainment district was center stage for much of the Democratic National Convention and victory celebration, held at the Chase Center on the Riverfront,. There is so much to do here, consider spending the night. Each of the Riverfront’s three new hotels offers views of the Christina River.
Joseph R. Biden Railroad Station. Photo courtesy Leslie Kipp Photos.
The Riverwalk provides an easy connection to the restaurants, shops, recreational pursuits, live music, and performing arts venues in the area. Follow the Riverwalk east to the Joseph R. Biden Railroad Station. Biden has been a regular at this Amtrak station for years, commuting between the First State and Washington, D.C. during his tenure in the U.S. Senate. Amtrak is an easy way to reach Wilmington from all major cities along the East Coast.
The Queen, in downtown Wilminton. Photo courtesy Wilmington CVB.
A short walk from the Amtrak Station is The Queen, on Market Street in downtown Wilmington. This historic live music venue became the office of the President-Elect and is where the Biden-Harris team planned for the transition after the election results were announced. Next, stroll down Market Street for a bite to eat. There are many good restaurants here.
Bardea Food & Drink. Photo courtesy Wilmington CVB.
One of the best is Bardea Food & Drink, a James Beard semifinalist. President Biden took his wife, Jill, here for her birthday. Up the street from Bardea is the HOTEL DU PONT. Opened in 1913, it has played host to presidents, celebrities, and royalty for more than a century. It has been the location of many Biden speeches. The hotel is also home to Le Cavalier at the Green Room, helmed by award-winning chef Tyler Akin.
On the other side of the city, on Dupont Street, is Piccolina Toscana. According to chef-owner Dan Butler, Biden’s favorite dishes here are the capellini al pomodoro and the penne al pomodoro. When they need a fried chicken fix, the Bidens (and many other Wilmingtonians) turn to Walt’s Flavor Crisp Chicken Express. It is across Route 52 from Toscana, on Lincoln Street. The recipe is closely guarded. The dining establishment with perhaps the most well-known ties to President Biden is Capriotti’s. Its original location is not far from Walt’s on Union Street. Biden famously visited the Washington, D.C. outpost (now closed) of this locally grown sandwich chain in 2013, stating, “This is gonna settle once and for all, the best sandwich in America is out of Wilmington, Delaware.” Capriotti’s most famous concoction is The Bobbie: it’s Thanksgiving on a sub roll.
The Hotel Dupont has hosted Presidents and dignitaries since 1913. Photo courtesy Wilmington CVB.
Leave the city limits and head out to the Brandywine Valley to The Inn at Montchanin. Listed on the National Historic Register, this romantic inn also features a spa and a gourmet restaurant, Krazy Kat’s. This is where Vice President Kamala Harris’s family stayed during the election. After checking out the Inn, take the short drive into the tony enclave Greenville, home to numerous shops and restaurants the Biden’s frequent including Janssen’s Market, Brew HaHa!, Whimsy, Pizza by Elizabeths, and Houpette. After checking out Greenville, take Route 52 a few miles west to the historic hamlet of Centreville and Buckley’s Tavern. The Bidens have been known to stop in from time to time. It is also the hub of social life in the area. Cozy up to the bar for a pint of beer and some mushroom soup then catch up on the local chatter.
Longwood Gardens Conservatory. Photo courtesy Wilmington CVB.
On 202 North in North Wilmington, stop by Peter Kate, one of Jill Biden’s go-to places for accessories and clothing. When she gave her DNC speech, she was wearing a necklace from Peter Kate. The next stop is Claymont Steak Shop on Route 202 South. While still in the Senate, Biden often made time to stop by this eatery for a bite to eat and a chance to greet old friends. The original Claymont steak shop is on Philadelphia Pike in the town of Claymont, where Biden grew up. Next door is The Charcoal Pit. Biden is a longtime fan of its burgers and shakes, named after local high schools. When President Barack Obama came to Wilmington in 2014, the two made a stop here.
Last on the Biden grand tour is Wilmington Brew Works, back in the city limits. Its “Rail Car One,” a Double Delaware IPA triple dry hopped with heaps of Mosaic, Citra and Sultana Hops, draws its inspiration from the President’s love of Amtrak travel.
Winterthur Musem, Garen and Library. Photo courtesy Wilmington CVB.
In addition to all things Biden, there are many other attractions to take in including Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, Hagley Museum and Library, Mt. Cuba Center, the Delaware Art Museum, and Brandywine Creek State Park. The region’s award-winning restaurants range from fine dining to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives-type foodie finds. For more trip ideas, go to www.visitwilmingtonde.com.
About the Region
Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley are in the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region, less than a two-hour drive from both New York City and Washington. Steeped in American history and the legacy of the famed du Pont family, Greater Wilmington is a destination marked by sharp contrasts – town and garden, past and present, historic and hip. It is known for its renowned gardens, world-class museums, colonial towns, outdoor adventure, festivals and a growing craft beer and restaurant scene. Learn more at VisitWilmingtonDE.com.