While Dover, Del., is deeply entwined with the founding of the U.S.—the Declaration of Independence was first ratified here, after all)—Delaware’s capital city offers groups plenty of entertainment options to go along with its historical accolades.
“We’ve got a lot of history that most people in the country don’t know about,” says Robin Coventry, director of public relations and special events with Kent County & Greater Dover, Delaware CVB. “The wonderful walking tours done by costumed docents mirror that of Williamsburg. For birding, there are four places in the world where horseshoe crabs rise up from the depths, and that occurs at the same time migratory shorebirds migrate up from South America to feast on their eggs and the crabs, in May.
“We have a lot to offer in our community,” she adds. “Most of our museums are free. We’ve got the Johnson Victrola Museum—remember the RCA logo, with Nipper the dog? There’s a huge collection of Nippers and old Victrolas.”
And for casino gaming, Dover Downs Hotel & Casino offers the largest hotel in the state, with more than 500 rooms, with plans to expand. Dover Downs also boasts the Dover International Speedway, with its NASCAR track, and a horseracing track. Joining Dover Downs is Harrington Raceway & Casino, which also features horseracing.
While the casinos currently offer slots and electronic roulette and blackjack, among other gaming options, the State Legislature recently approved the move to full-blown casinos, with table games being offered starting this summer.
10 great group restaurants
Roma Italian Restaurant
www.romadover.com
Where Pigs Fly (casual, barbecue)
www.wherepigsflyrestaurant.com
Dover Downs Festival Buffet (Dover Downs Casino)
www.doverdowns.com/dining/
Shucker's Pier 13 (seafood)
www.shuckerspier13.com
Yukon Korean Barbecue & Sushi Bar
(302) 734-4100
Cool Springs Fish Bar & Restaurant
www.coolspringsfishbar.com
Mari Monti (Italian)
(302) 674-0966
Doc McGrogans (oyster bar)
www.docmagrogans.com
Michele’s (tablecloth upscale dining at Dover Downs)
www.doverdowns.com/dining/#micheles
BONZ (tablecloth dining at Harrington Raceway & Casino)
www.harringtonraceway.com
5 must-see attractions:
Air Mobility Command Museum
www.amcmuseum.org
First State Heritage Park
www.destateparks.com/park/first-state-heritage
Biggs Museum of American Art
www.biggsmuseum.org
John Dickinson Plantation
http://history.delaware.gov/museums/idp/jdp_main.shtml
Dover International Speedway
www.doverspeedway.com
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge
www.fws.gov/northeast/bombayhook
4 hot entertainment options
Delaware State Fair (July 22-31)
www.delawarestatefair.com
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino
http://www.doverdowns.com
Harrington Raceway & Casino
www.harringtonraceway.com
(Note: table games have been approved in DE and will begin summer 2010)
Smyrna Opera House
www.smyrnaoperahouse.org
2 top group tour events:
Dover Days Festival (first weekend in May)
www.visitdover.com/events.htm
NASCAR races (May 14-16; Sept. 24-26)
www.doverspeedway.com
The Details
Hotel rooms: approximately 2,900 in Kent County
Meeting space: Dover Downs Hotel & Casino (38,000 square feet); Sheraton Dover Hotel (30,000 square feet); Hilton Garden Inn (2,000 square feet); Holiday Inn (3,000 square feet)
Getting there: one hour south of Philadelphia; two hours east of Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, and three hours south of New York City; located between Delaware’s beaches and the Brandywine Valley; Salisbury airport is one hour south.
