What to Do in Smyrna: A Day Trip Guide to the Charming Delaware Town

This charming town has a bustling downtown and a renowned historic district, perfect for exploring.

Adobe Stock | jonbilous

Packed to the brim with small-town charm, Smyrna houses delicious eateries, top museums and beautiful views in the First State.

By Lindsay Weber and Sydney Kerelo 

If you’re looking for small-town charm in Delaware, look no further than Smyrna in northern Kent County. The town’s population and businesses are growing as people are drawn to its quaint beauty, expanding downtown and renowned historic district. Get a taste of the old and the new in Smyrna with this stop-by-stop itinerary.

9:30 a.m.—Grab breakfast at the Smyrna Diner 

A former Best of Delaware winner for Best Restaurant in Smyrna, the Smyrna Diner is an ideal breakfast spot. The family-owned diner has been open since 1956 and whips up fresh breakfast, lunch and dinner every day from 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

99 S. Cory Ln., Smyrna • 653-9980

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11 a.m.—Check out the Smyrna Museum

The Smyrna Museum, formerly known as the Barracks, dates back to the late 1700s. Local legend has it that the Barracks housed soldiers during the War of 1812. Years later during the Civil War, the building hosted the state of Delaware’s civil war lottery. Today, the building is home to a variety of historic artifacts and paintings, as well as monthly rotating exhibits that showcase local history. Admission is free, but the museum is only open on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

11 S. Main St., Smyrna • 653-1320

 

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12:30 p.m.—Dine at local favorite Dari Kabab and Gyro

Dari Kabab and Gyro just off of Main Street is a local favorite for Mediterranean eats. Regulars rave about the falafel, chicken shawarma and lamb gyro.

310 N. Main St., Smyrna • 389-6209

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2:00 p.m.—Tour Painted Stave, or have some brews at Brick Works or Blue Earl

As Delaware’s first small-batch distillery, Painted Stave Distilling is a staple in the small town, with delicious cocktails and spirits like the Painted Stave, bottled in Bond corn whiskey, and the Pig Pen Martini. If brews are more your thing, consider having a few at Brick Works Brewing and Eats or Blue Earl Brewing Company. Brick Works, Kent County’s first brewpub, prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients in both its food and beers. Blue Earl boasts a taproom with regular live music performances and a tasty food spot called The Jukebox.

Painted Stave: 106 W. Commerce St., Smyrna • 653-6834
Brick Works Brewing and Eats: 230 S. DuPont Blvd., Smyrna • 508-2523 

Blue Earl Brewing Company: 210 Artisan Dr., Smyrna • 653-2337

 

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4:30 p.m.—Relax at the beautiful Lake Como

In case you didn’t already think Smyrna has it all with its rich history and expanding business sector, the town has natural beauty to boot. Lake Como, located where Route 13 and Smyrna’s Main Street meet, has a sandy beach area, fishing spots, playground equipment and boat rentals. The swimming spot is open between Labor Day and Memorial Day, but Lake Como is a scenic and peaceful destination year round.

The lake is located at the south end of Main Street, where the road meets Route 13. • 653-9231

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6:30 p.m.—Eat a delicious Italian dinner at Trevi Ristorante 

Located on Glenwood Ave., in Smyrna sits Trevi Ristorante, a delicious Italian restaurant. Now serving for dine-in, carry out or delivery, customers have many ways to try its gnocchi caprese, fettuccine Alfredo or the meatlovers Stromboli.

53 E. Glenwood Ave., Smyrna • 653-6800 

8:00 p.m.—End the day by catching a live performance at the Smyrna Opera House

There is no shortage of live music in this small town, and many performances are free to attend. The historic Smyrna Opera House frequently hosts music and theater acts throughout the year. There’s sure to be something for everyone, so check out the schedules to see what looks exciting.

7 W. South St., Smyrna • 653-4236

Want to discover more charming towns in Delaware? View the rest of our 24-hour day trip guides here. 


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