Posted in Delaware January 05, 2021 by

The Unique Day Trip To The Village of Arden In Delaware Is A Must-Do

Founded in the year 1900 by sculptor Frank Stephens and architect Will Price, Arden resides in New Castle County just outside Wilmington. The small village spans over 161 acres, has a population of fewer than 500 residents, and is a single-tax community. It is both quaint and quirky with a feeling that not much has changed since its founding. It is also one of three Ardens in the area – there is Ardentown, Ardencroft, and Arden, which is the largest and oldest of the three. A day trip to Arden will surely be a unique and memorable one. Let’s have a look at what there is to see and do here.

Stop by the small Arden Craft Shop Museum which preserves the history and arts of not only Arden, but its sister villages of Ardentown and Ardencroft as well. View photographs and other exhibits that showcase the history of the area.
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Arden Craft Shop Museum
This museum is open 1-3 p.m. on Sundays and 7:30-9 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. Call or email ahead of time if you are planning to visit. Admission is free! Arden Craft Shop Museum is located at 1807 Millers Road.

Visit the Arden Craft Shop Museum's website.
The Arden Gild Hall is housed in an 1850s barn that was turned into a community center and concert hall in 1909. It hosts concerts and other events throughout the year, bringing the community together. There is even a community pool directly behind it.
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Arden Gild Hall/Facebook
The Hall is home to the Arden Club and the many gilds (this is how the town spells "guild") that shape the community here. Of the many gilds in Arden, there are the Gardeners, Scholars, Dinner, Library, Shakespeare, Writers, and Folk Gilds. The village has a close-knit community whose members are involved in one or more of these gilds. It is located at 2126 The Highway in Arden.

Visit the Arden Club's website.
Meditate at the Labyrinth of the Ardens. This 7-circuit labyrinth is a collective effort by the communities of three Ardens (Arden, Ardentown, and Ardencroft) who created a place where people can find peace.
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Labyrinth of the Ardens/Facebook
The labyrinth is located along Millers Road in Wilmington.

Visit the Labyrinth of the Ardens' Facebook page.
Check out the outdoor theatre that belongs to the Shakespeare Gild which has been putting on performances for 100 years. You'll want to stay for a show if there is one going on and the weather is warm during your visit!
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Arden Shakespeare Gild/Facebook
The Shakespeare Gild is located at 2126 The Highway in Arden.

Visit the Shakespeare Gild's website.
Stop by just to see what oddities you can find at Oddporium's cabinet of curiosities! There are so many strange things to see here, like skulls, embalming fluid bottles, and other bizarre items. Pick up an oddity for your own collection (if you have one).
Oddporium/Facebook
Oddporium is located at 2115 Marsh Road.

Visit Oddporium's website.

Have you ever visited Arden? What was your favorite thing to do or see there? Tell us all about it in the comments!

Address: Arden, DE 19810, USA