Getting There

From the north or northwest, take I-95 to Wilmington and head south on Route 1 (a toll road) or Route 13 (also known as the DuPont Hwy.) to Dover. Route 13, which runs the entire length of Delaware, is also the best way to approach Dover from the south. From Washington, D.C., and points west, take Route 50 across the Bay Bridge to Route 301 North. Follow 301 to 302 East, then take Route 454. From 454, take Route 8 into Dover.

Bus service to Dover is available through Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222), which stops at 1166 S. Bay Rd. (tel. 302/734-1417).

Visitor Information

Head first to the Delaware State Visitor Center, 406 Federal St., at Duke of York Street, Dover (tel. 302/739-4266). Located on the northeast corner of the green, it offers information, exhibits, restrooms, and a gift shop. It's open Monday through Saturday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30pm. Its 30-minute tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday; reservations are a must. You can also stop by the Kent County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 435 N. DuPont Hwy. (tel. 800/233-KENT or 302/734-1736), or the Smyrna Visitor Center, 5500 DuPont Hwy., 11 miles north of Dover (tel. 302/653-8910).

Getting Around

You'll need a car. To rent one, contact Avis (tel. 302/734-5550) or Hertz (tel. 302/678-0700). For reliable 24-hour taxi service, call City Cab of Dover (tel. 302/734-5968). Note: Amish buggies are common on the area's highways and byways, usually on the shoulders. Please drive with care and pass them slowly.

Special Events

The biggest events are the two "Monster Mile" NASCAR weekends, in June and September at Dover International Speedway (tel. 800/711-5882). Make your hotel reservations up to a year in advance. In late April or early May, history buffs enjoy Old Dover Days (tel. 800/233-KENT), when several privately owned historic homes and gardens open to the public. Costumed guides, maypole dancing, crafts demonstrations, and general merriment take place on the green. Cyclists come for the Amish Bike Tour (tel. 800/233-KENT); held the Saturday after Labor Day. Christmas in Odessa (tel. 302/378-4900) is held the first Saturday in December, with house tours, music, and crafts.