A Stunning Food Hall is Coming to Downtown Wilmington!

A Food Hall is on its way to the Historic DuPont Building and we couldn't be more excited! Not only will it provide entrepreneurial chefs with a place to launch their business idea...the space is gorgeous!

Everyone gets excited for lunchtime and in late 2018 it will be even better in Downtown Wilmington! DE.CO — short for Delaware Collective is on its way!

“Wilmington’s newly thriving food scene is reaching a turning point, and DE.CO’s convenient location at the heart of the dynamic mid-Atlantic makes it a magnet for culinary talent that will draw locals and visitors alike downtown,” says Seawall’s Peter DiPrinzio, who developed Baltimore’s wildly successful food hall, R. House. “DE.CO will feel like a lively restaurant and bar, and will serve as a gathering place throughout the day in into the night: for coffee with friends, a lunch meeting among co-workers, date night for couples or weekend brunch with the whole family.”

Check out these articles featuring coverage of the story.

Wilmington to get its 1st food hall, Philadelphia Business Journal

New food hall opening in DuPont Building later this year, Delaware Online

Announcing DE.CO, Wilmington’s Forthcoming Food Hall with Eight Chef-Driven Kitchens, Bpgroup.net

Beat the Winter Blues with 1/2 Priced Appetizers and Happy Hours Galore!

It is beyond cold outside and you are quickly developing cabin fever. Time to get out of the house and get happy at a local happy hour!

Nothing beats those winter blues quicker than some delicious food and good company! Gather up your friends...here are some of our favorites in Downtown Wilmington, DE!

Ernest and Scott Taproom

Every single Thursday, all day long enjoy half-priced appetizers including calamari, parmesan truffle fries and crab quesadillas! Click here to see their full menu. 

Cocina Lolo

Looking for some heat during this chilly winter? Dive into some of Cocina Lolo's delicious Mexican food with half off tuna dice, guacamole, crab guacamole and tacos. Pretend you are an exotic vacation with $5 classic margaritas and $3 cervezas Tuesday through Friday from 5-6 PM at the bar only.

Merchant Bar

Merchant Bar is sure to warm your heart with their spirits. Wednesday-Friday from 5-7 PM, enjoy $5 house red and white wine, $5 vodka rails, $2 off cocktails and half off tuna poke, burgers, mussels and calamari!

Make Holiday Memories at the HOTEL DUPONT

Nothing screams magical holiday memories quite like the historic HOTEL DUPONT. If you have the opportunity, be sure to check out their beautifully decorated exterior and interior. It will be sure to make you feel the holiday spirit.

If you are looking to start an annual tradition of bringing your family to the hotel around the holidays, you don't even need to reserve a room (although we recommend that too) any of the following events below will capture the magnificence of the AAA Four-Diamond and the Forbes Four-Star awarded hotel. 

TEA WITH THE YULETIDE SINGERS | DEC 9 | 3 PM
Enjoy tea sandwiches, scones and a medley of bite-size desserts while
listening to your favorite holiday songs. The Yuletide Singers, an ensemble
of professional Victorian-era carolers will perform dressed in elegant
costumes. The quartet sings familiar traditional carols and holiday music
in four-part a capella harmony. $24 adults | $12 children under 12

LUNCH WITH LARRY DENBURG | DEC 23 | NOON
Magician, Larry Denburg, a 5 time Winner of Best in State Award will
be bringing his magic to the Green Room on December 23rd. Larry
will be strolling the Green Room performing close-up magic and
sleight of hand as our lunch guests enjoy a truly unique and exciting
personal dining experience. This event will complement The Illusionists
appearing at the Playhouse that day at 10 am, 2 pm and 8 pm.
$28 pp | $14 children under 12

MENU DE NOEL | DEC 22 | SEATINGS FROM 5:30 PM
Enjoy an elegant, 3-course prix fixe pre-Christmas Dinner in the
Green Room.
$65 pp | $30 menu children under 12, children under 5 free

MENU DE NOEL | DEC 23 & 24 | 5 PM & 7:30 PM
A lavish 5-course pre-Christmas Dinner served in holiday style.
$95 pp | $35 menu children under 12, children under 5 free

A LA CARTE CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH| NOON & 2:30 PM
A selection of buffet items featuring salad station, oyster & shrimp
station, sushi station, international cheese & charcuterie, smoked
salmon display and a choice of six magnificent entrées.
$75 pp | $35 children under 12, children under 5 free

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH BUFFET | 11 AM & 1:30 PM
Our most elegant and expansive buffet served in the spectacular Gold
Ballroom. This event will become the highlight of your family’s holiday
celebrations for years to come.
$85 pp | $35 children under 12, children under 5 free

NEW YEAR’S EVE DINNER | 5:30, 6:00 & 6:30 SEATINGS
Celebrate New Year’s Eve early at Wilmington’s most magnificent
hotel. Our dining room will be serving an elegant three-course dinner
in the Green Room. Glass of bubbly included. $95 pp

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY | 8 PM
A spectacular 5-course dinner in the Green Room at 8 pm followed
by a live band, dancing, festive party favors and a champagne
toast at midnight. $175 pp

Holiday Dining Reservations | 800.338.3404 or 302.594.3154
Hotel Stay Reservations | 302.594.3125
www.hoteldupont.com

Small Business Saturday Deals Happening in Downtown Wilmington, DE!

Downtown Wilmington kicks off Small Business Saturday with the Downtown Christmas Parade starting at 11AM. Afterwards, attendees are encouraged to stop by the Delaware History Museum for Free family activities and fun between 12:30pm-4pm . The Playhouse on Rodney Square has tickets on sale now for Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer playing on both Saturday & Sunday. We encourage all to shop small at our local retailers and restaurants.

Below are just some of the retailers offering exclusive specials and promotions in celebration of Small Business Saturday!

Artzscape
Black Friday & Small Business Saturday Sale: Free gift with purchase of $50 or more, plus, 10% off all artwork by Motion Illustrationz! Did we mention free coffee and donuts?!
November 24th & 25th only, 10am-5pm

Al's Sporting Goods
Thanksgiving Weekend Sale: Tons of athletic equipment at DEEP discounts. Check out their ad for more INfo!
November 24th (8am-8pm) & 25th (9am-6pm) only

Cocina Lolo
Buy $100 in gift cards, receive a free $20 gift card!
Valid November 24th - December 24th

CoreTen Fitness
Free $50 gift card with the purchase of any $50 gift card!
November 27th - December 1st only

Delaware Art Museum
Gift Certificates and Studio Classes availble for gift-giving year-round! Special donation greeting cards will be available for purchase during the Winter Arts Festival letting friends know a donation has been made in their honor at the Delaware Art Museum (shop holiday gifts from over 18 artisans while you listen to festive music by local choirs!)... 

The Delaware Contemporary Annual Craft Show & Taste of the Holidays
The December Art Loop brings tons of local gift options every year and this dual event is top on our list!  December 1st only

Delaware Historical Society
FREE Admission during Small Business Saturday and December Art Loop. Shop the Museum Store for unique Delaware gifts while you're there!
November 25th and December 1st only

Delaware Museum of Natural History
Buy a gift membership to DMNH, and get two free guest passes!
Thru November 30th
 
Kalmar Nyckel
10% Discount on all Sail Passes and Merchandise
Thru December 21st

La Fia Bistro
Buy $100 in gift cards, receive a free $20 gift card!
Valid November 24th - December 24th

LaFate Gallery
Two-Day Holiday Auction & Sale: Bid on original folk and abstract paintings by multi award-winning folk artist Eunice LaFate! Mugs, t-shirts, resin, jewelry, sculptures and note cards also available.
November 24th & 25th only, 11am-6pm

LOMA Coffee
$1 any-size drip coffee, plus, a FREE LOMA Coffee mug with a purchase of $25 or more during Small Business Saturday!
November 25th only, while supplies last

Merchant Bar
Buy $100 in gift cards, receive a free $20 gift card!
Valid November 24th - December 24th

Nextfab Wilmington
Four special Class Packs being offered for the holidays:

• $50 Make Your Own Cutting Board
• $150 Learning the Lathe
• $250 Woodworking Foundations
• $500 Complete Techniques 

Masala Kitchen
Receive a $30 gift card for only $25!
Thru December 31st

Morgan's of Delaware
Mention this ad and save $20 off purchases of $100 or more!
Excludes sale merchandise. 

INtheSpirit Holiday Party
This annual holiday bash benefits Wilmington families IN need AND brings together more than a dozen local artists and artisans for last-minute gift buying opportunities!
December 20th only

OperaDelaware
Gift certificates for OperaDelaware's 2018 Festival make excellent holiday gifts and are available from $50-$200!
 
Poppycock Tattoo
Black Friday and Small Business Saturday Gift Certificate Sale: Every $100 spent, you get an extra $25! ($100=$125 $200=$250 $300=$375)
Nov 24th and Nov 25th only

Starbucks on Market                                                                                                                        Complimentary live music following the parade.

Studio One Eleven
10% off all services for new clients on Small Business Saturday
November 25th only

UDairy Creamery
Free Single Scoop Voucher for every $25 spent in store (gift certificates available in $5 increments!) during Small Business Saturday!
November 25th only, 8am-8pm

WiLDWiCH
$1.50 coffee drinks, any size, every Monday, all day! Mocha Latté, Cappuccino, Espresso, Machiatto, Coffee, and more. All from La Colombe coffee roasters. 
7am-4pm thru 2017

Women Business Center's Shop Small Marketplace
This marketplace during Small Business Saturday focuses on women-owned businesses and their products on display at The Delaware Contemporary!
November 25th only

7 Ways to Experience the Holidays in Downtown Wilmington Like Never Before!

The tastes, the sights, and the sounds. Enjoy Downtown Wilmington during the holiday season like never before! Here are some holiday activities within the city to make your experience magical!

1. Wilmington Jaycees Parade-Saturday November 25th at 11 AM. More details can be found here.

2. Riverfront Wilmington Ice Skating-Opening for its fourth annual season, the Riverfront Wilmington Ice Skating rink is a favorite for families across the tri-state area!  

3. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at The Playhouse on Rodney Square-Sunday, November 26th, don't miss this holiday favorite as it comes to life on stage for two exclusive performances. Make the event even more special by attending Tea with Rudolph beforehand! 

4. The Nutcracker at The Grand- December 2nd and 3rd, this Christmas tradition is turning 51 in Wilmington! Tickets can be purchased here. 

5. Holiday Shopping- Small business Saturday is an event downtown and many organizations are celebrating with special events and sales! Following the Jaycees Parade, head to Starbucks on Market to warm up and enjoy some complimentary live music. Then hit the streets and head to all of the incredible shops Wilmington has to offer to find something unique for your loved ones! Have some outgoing friends and family? November 24th & 25th at Poppycock Tattoo receive an additional $25 on every $100 spent on gift certificates! Looking for a special book for someone you love? Stop into The Ninth Street Book Shop! For some unique accessories and clothes, head to Spaceboy and Styles by Sassy!

6. Holiday Parties- There are so many outstanding restaurants in Wilmington with private space! Book your Holiday Party at Cafe Mezzanotte, Ernest & Scott Taproom, Chelsea Tavern, The Green Room, Mikimotos, or Domaine Hudson and leave all the work and clean-up to someone else!

7. Kris Allen – Somethin’ About Christmas Tour 2017 at Live Nation Wednesday December 6th at 7 PM. Tickets can be purchased here.

Post by Julia Mason of Enthusiasm Lab