An Event for the Entire Family, The Wilmington Grand Prix

From complimentary kids rides and attractions to Food Trucks, Craft Beer & Live Music by Special Delivery, there is something for everyone at the Wilmington Grand Prix.

The City of Wilmington and their many partners once again bring professional cycling to the streets of Downtown Wilmington with the Wilmington Grand Prix. In eleven years, the event has grown from a regional bicycle race to one of the premier cycling events in the country. For the eleventh straight year, Delaware's premier cycling competition has been certified as a National Calendar event by USA Cycling, putting this year's Wilmington Grand Prix among the nation's most prestigious races.

Top professional racers are expected to gather in Wilmington May 18-20 for three days of events that pass through some of the state's most scenic byways, attracting cycling fans from across the region and pumping thousands of dollars into the state's economy.

2018 Wilmington Grand Prix Event Details Monkey Hill Time Trial -- Brandywine Park

Friday, May 18th 5 PM start

Monkey Hill is a course made famous during the Tour DuPont. Attendees will watch 100 riders compete against the clock and the cobblestones of Monkey Hill. The evening will also include live music by Special Delivery, craft beer garden, and food trucks in Brandywine Park.

All Day Saturday, May 19th 9 AM to 5 PM

Six blocks of free, family activity with course cafes, DJ music, children's activities, bike vendors and demonstrations, street festival and sidewalk sale.

Wilmington Grand Prix, Saturday Main Event Saturday, May 19th, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, 11 AM Men's Category IV-V (45 minute time limit)

12:15 City Youth Cycling Championship

1 PM Men's Category II-III Randy Inglis Memorial Race (60-minute time limit)

2:15 PM Women's Pro, Category I&II (25 miles)

3:45 PM Men's Pro & Cat I (35 miles)

Awards ceremony immediately after men's race

After awards post-race parties in restaurants along the course

Grand Prix Gran Fondo Sunday, May 20th 8 AM

This ride will offer cyclists the unique opportunity to traverse a challenging 62-mile course linked by 13 cultural attractions, including stunning rides through world-class institutions such as Hagley Museum & Gardens and Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library. The WGP Gran Fondo will start and finish at the Delaware Art Museum and will grant cyclists the privilege of passing through many of these attractions on the same ride. We will also offer a Medio Fondo which is 30 miles. The eight Annual Governor's Ride will offer cyclists a less-challenging 15- mile course that also begins and ends at the Delaware Art Museum.

Wilmington Grand Prix Criterium Course in Downtown--Friday, May 18th through Saturday, May 19th Parking and Traffic Info:

Market Street (between 4th and 10th Streets) will be reduced to special-access only traffic beginning at 6 pPM on Friday, May 18th. Please do not plan to drive on Market Street after 6 PM on Friday. Market Street returns to regular traffic patterns after 7 PM on Sat., May 19th.

No parking on Market Street between 5th and 11th Friday, May 18th after 4:00  PM.

Market Street will be closed on Sat., May 19th until 8 PM (5th & 6th Streets re-open at 7 PM)

5th, 6th 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th Streets will be closed between Shipley & French Streets beginning Fri., May 18th at 6 PM. thru Sat., May 19th at 7 PM.

10th Street will be closed between Shipley & French streets beginning Fri., May 18 at 6 PM thru Sat., May 19th at 8  PM.

11th Street will be closed between Market & French streets beginning Sat, May 19th at 7 AM 5th & 6th Streets will reopen Sat., May 19th at 7 PM

King Street will be closed between 4th & 11th Streets on Sat, May 19th, 8 AM thru 6 PM.

DART reroute from Rodney Square to Shipley will begin on Friday, May 18th at 6 PM (if applicable.)

More details on the event can be found here. 

Green Thumbs Rejoice a New Community Garden is Coming to Downtown Wilmington and Accepting Reservations for 2018!

Where a business once thrived, a new era for Downtown Wilmington will bloom!

Looking to grow your own produce right downtown? Residents look no further!

This is your opportunity to have your own garden just steps from your apartment or home at 4th and Orange Street in Downtown Wilmington, Delaware.  The brand new Fourth & Orange Community Garden is made possible with support from the Gross Family whose lighting business once occupied this lot and is a project by The Downtown Civic Association.

If you are interested in purchasing a plot at the rate of $40 per plot for the 2018 season, contact Pat Shay at pat.shay@comcast.net or 267.469.5882.

Other generous community sponsors include Downtown Visions, ResideBPG, City of Wilmington, Wohlsen Construction and Rave Realty Corporation.

*One plot will be available per person and per family at a first come, first serve basis. 

The Downtown Wilmington Farmer's Market is Back with Several New Vendors

The Farmer's Market opens tomorrow, May 2nd.  The official Grand Opening Celebration is on May 30th with the Mayor speaking at 11:45 am

Join Mayor Mike Purzycki, Downtown Visions Executive Director Martin Hageman and local officials as we kick off the 2018 season of the Farmer's Market.

On Wednesday, May 30th at 11:45 AM, the City of Wilmington and Downtown Visions will celebrate the Grand Opening of the Downtown Farmer's Market in Rodney Square.  The Market, in its 16th year, is operated by Downtown Visions, the non-profit management company for Wilmington's Business Improvement District.  The Downtown Farmer's Market is sponsored by JP Morgan Chase and Colonial Parking.

The Downtown Farmers Market starts May 2nd, from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM, every Wednesday through October 31st.  The Downtown Farmers Market offers an array of local produce, plants, herbs and cut flowers, a large assortment of beautiful handmade items, including arts and crafts, unique jewelry and delicious home-baked goods.  Sorbello Girls Farm Market and Bright Spot Farms will be back at the Market.  There is prepared food as well, with returning favorites like Outlandish, Mama Mia and I Don't Give a Fork.  We are also looking forward to our new vendors including Rocker Soaps and Riverfront Pets. 

The Downtown Farmers Market is another example of Downtown Visions and the City's commitment to assisting small businesses, entrepreneurs and startups as well as community organizations toward the goal of a more vital, vibrant downtown for all.  The Market has grown each year to become the go-to place for thousands of people each Wednesday.  Much of the produce that is sold at the Downtown Farmers Market is grown by small, family-owned farms in the Tri-State area.

Stay up to date on the Farmer's Market by following their Facebook Page.

The Best Brunch in Downtown Wilmington

Enjoying the first meal of the day is now often a luxury reserved for weekends. A long, drawn out brunch with a dear friend or loved one is the perfect way to set the tone for a splendid weekend. Here are a few of our favorite places in the city.

Stitch House Brewery

829 N. Market Street Wilmington, DE

Weekend Hours:

Saturday 11 AM- 11 PM

Sunday 10 AM- 10 PM

Brunch Menu

The new kid in town, Stitch House Brewery offers more than just awesome beer. Being hailed as one of the best restaurants in the city, their brunch is a hit! After a long evening out we are eyeing their Bloody Mary Bar and Breakfast Enchiladas. The menu is small, but certainly mighty!

HOTEL DU PONT Green Room

42 W 11th Street Wilmington, DE

Weekend Hours:

Saturday 7 AM- 11 AM, 11:30-2:00 PM

Sunday  10 AM- 2 PM

Brunch Menu

You don't have to stay the night at the legendary Hotel Du Pont to enjoy their deluxe brunch. All you have to do is show up! The recently renovated Green Room is not only a feast for your belly, but your eyes as well. This is truly an experience that doesn't only need to be reserved for major life events. As they say, "Every day should be a special occasion." 

Brew HA HA! Greenville

3838 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, DE

Weekend Hours

6:30 AM- 9 PM

Sunday 6:30 AM- 6 PM

Brunch Menu

If you are looking for ambiance, top notch coffee and farm to table offerings, Brew HA HA Greenville is your "jam," quite literally! The beautiful space even offers an outdoor patio for sunny weather. 

Chelsea Tavern

821 N Market Street Wilmington, DE

Weekend Hours:

Saturday 10 AM-2 PM

Sunday 10 AM- 2 PM

Brunch Menu

Tried and true, you may have been at Chelsea Tavern the evening before for the nightlife, however, you should return in the morning, they also offer a plethora of brunch items. The large variety is sure to please everyone in your party as there is something for every palate, even the kiddos!

Starbucks on Market

629 N Market Street Wilmington, DE

Weekend Hours:

Saturday 7 AM- 7 PM

Sunday 7 AM- 6 PM

Menu Varies

Craving coffee and live music? This particular Starbucks often has local musicians selected by Gable Music Ventures playing on weekend mornings. Visit their Facebook Page for details. 

Kid Shelleen's charcoal House & Saloon

14th and Scott Streets Wilmington, DE

Weekend Hours

Saturday 10 AM- 2:30 PM

Sunday 10 AM- 2:30 PM

Brunch Menu

Complete with a build-your-own Blood Mary Bar, if you had a little too much fun the night before, this spot has some very hearty dishes inspired by the South to help you out. 

** Hours within article refer to brunch hours. Many of these locations are open for dinner as well! 

Baseball Just Became Sweeter! UDairy Creamery is the Official Ice Cream of the Wilmington Blue Rocks

UDairy Creamery is the official ice cream of the Wilmington Blue Rocks and will be served at Frawley Stadium for the next two seasons (at least).  

All of the ice cream is being produced at the University of Delaware's creamery by the UD AAP students. Students also have the opportunity to work shifts at the stadium.  All the UDairy staff is thrilled for the growth opportunity and another way to reach the community. There will be five of their classic flavors available at the stadium.  The students also came up with three additional flavor ideas.  In May, voting will open to the public and one of those flavors will become the new custom flavor for the Blue Rocks sometime in June.

For more information visit http://www.udel.edu/udaily.