If you're looking for an incredible and unique day trip destination in Delaware, head up to the Brandywine Valley. New Castle County's chateau country exists on the outskirts of Wilmington, near the Pennsylvania border. Here, you'll find Winterthur, and the most magical mini forest on the East Coast.
Winterthur, the whimsical estate that once belonged to Henry DuPont, is perhaps the most magical place in Delaware. The grounds stretch for over 1,000 beautiful acres, and right in the middle of it all is an enchanted fairy forest.
All of the gardens and pathways through Winterthur are beautiful and worth exploring. In May, the Azalea walk is one of the most beautiful places on the East Coast!
Throughout the two acre parcel, you'll find all sorts of treasures and secrets. From a Tulip Tree that's been turned into a home, to an enormous birdhouse, to fairy homes hiding in trees - this is a full-blown fairytale paradise!
Be sure to find the labyrinth, the May Pole, and the lucky frog that overlooks the water. Watch out for fairy rings, though - if you step inside, you'll be whisked away to dance with the fae for life!
If you're on the hunt for the best pumpkin donuts in Delaware, Filasky's Produce and Farm Market in Middletown is the hidden gem you don't want to miss. Founded by the Filasky family over three decades ago, this family-owned farm has become a go-to spot for fall lovers, offering some of the most delicious and freshest pumpkin donuts you’ll find anywhere in the state.
The secret behind Filasky's famous pumpkin donuts lies in the collaboration with Beth’s Homemade Goods, a cottage food establishment run by Beth Esrey. Every fall, Beth crafts these irresistible donuts using pumpkins grown right on the farm. Baked fresh, not fried, these donuts are soft, flavorful, and perfectly spiced without being overwhelming. Their delightful taste makes them impossible to resist.
As if the pumpkin donuts weren’t enough, Filasky's also offers another seasonal favorite: homemade pumpkin ice cream from Woodside Farms Creamery. For the ultimate fall dessert, try pairing a pumpkin donut with a spoonful of creamy, rich pumpkin ice cream. The combination of the warm, spiced donut and cool, velvety ice cream is the best mix of textures and flavors, making it a must-try for any fall foodie.
Filasky’s is a great place for families in the fall. You can pick your own pumpkins, explore a soybean maze for kids, and take hayrides through the beautiful fields. On weekends, you can also enjoy nighttime hayrides and bonfires, making it a perfect time to gather with family and friends.
Filasky’s Produce and Farm Market is more than just a place for pumpkin donuts. It’s a beloved community spot where you can discover fresh, locally-grown produce, such as their famous sweet corn and homemade goods. Enjoy fresh-cut flowers, Milburn's apple cider, and other tasty treats while taking in the charm of Delaware’s countryside.
For the best pumpkin donuts in Delaware, Filasky’s Produce and Farm Market should be at the top of your fall bucket list. Handcrafted by Beth’s Homemade Goods using pumpkins grown on their own farm, these donuts are the ultimate seasonal treat. And for an added indulgence, don’t forget to pair your donut with Woodside Farms Creamery's homemade pumpkin ice cream—it’s a match made in autumn heaven!
Plan your visit to Filasky's Produce and Farm Market, located at 1150 Tuckahoe Rd, Middletown, DE, 19709. Fall activities, including u-pick pumpkins and hayrides, begin mid-September and run on weekends through early November. For more information, check out the official website of Filasky's Produce and Farm Market or visit the Facebook page of Filasky's Produce and Farm Market for the latest updates. Be sure to arrive early for a taste of these famous pumpkin donuts, as they often sell out quickly. Enjoy the charm of Delaware’s countryside and all the fall activities Filasky's has to offer.
I know apple cider donuts get all the love, but I can't resist a fresh pumpkin donut. Do you have a favorite apple cider or pumpkin donut in Delaware? Let me know; I'd love to hear your picks! If you're searching for more fun things to do in Delaware, explore these nine best fall festivals in Delaware that will put you in the autumnal spirit.
Delaware’s Creepiest House, Woodburn Mansion, Is Said To Be Full Of Hauntings
Woodburn Mansion in Dover, DE, built in 1790, is renowned for its Georgian architecture and numerous ghost sightings, making it one of Delaware's most haunted locations.
Woodburn Mansion in Dover, DE was built in 1790 and remains one of the finest examples of Georgian homes in the entire state. The 7 bedroom house has been home to many of Delaware's wealthy citizens, and it was bought by the State of Delaware in 1965 to be the Governor's Home. It was then renovated to make it more modern. One thing has stayed the same throughout all of the years and all of the residents of the Governor's House - the ghosts of Woodburn Mansion have never left. Many people consider this one of the most haunted places in Delaware! The spirits appear in many forms, mostly pleasant, and have been heard and seen by so many people that it's hard to dispute that there's something not quite right about the estate. Take a look, and let us know what YOU think. Is Woodburn one of the scariest places in Delaware?
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When you look at Woodburn Mansion in the 1950s, pictured below shortly before the State of Delaware purchased it, you can almost tell it's an eerie and historic place.
Prior to being the "Governor's House," this haunted place in Delaware was home to senators, politicians, wealthy farmers, doctors and other members of Delaware's elite class. Nearly every resident has reported hearing or seeing one of the Mansion's many ghosts.
The property is adorned with crepe myrtles, boxwoods, and large poplar trees.
These large trees loom over the property, giving visitors a sense of dread. The feeling makes sense when you find out that one of the ghosts of Woodburn Mansion is a southern slave raider who died hanging from a tree that still stands. When Dan Cowgill, a Quaker man, owned Woodburn, it was a stop on the Underground Railroad. One night, a group of slave raiders came to the mansion, and as Mr. Cowgill chased them away, one attempted to escape by climbing the large poplar tree in the front yard. He slipped, unnoticed, and got caught in a knot in the tree, where he hanged until his death. To this day, you can still hear screams and shackles, as this evil man must relive his death frequently, as his own personal hell. This tale is one of the most well-known of the many ghost stories in Delaware.
The first Ghost of Woodburn Mansion was reported in the early 1820s, just a few decades after the house was built. Early residents and guests had no idea they were sleeping in the most haunted house in Delaware.
Dr. M.W. Bates had a preacher as a guest for the night, and after a night of socializing, the guest retreated to an upstairs bedroom. On his way down the stairs in the morning, he passed another guest who was dressed in colonial garb and shuffling up the steps. When he approached the breakfast table and suggested they wait for this other guest, the Bates' were confused. There were no other guests in the house. The Preacher described the man he encountered in detail, and it was revealed that the man he passed was Mrs. Bate's father - who had been dead for years.
The dining room is particularly haunted, much to the chagrin of any wine lovers who spend the night here.
While the decor has changed throughout the decades, the ghosts still remain fascinated with this room at Woodburn. Governors' wives have heard scampering footsteps in the dining room at all hours of the night, Revolutionary-era gentlemen have been seen floating across the room, and the "wine ghosts" seem to imbibe whatever vino is left out here.
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Most of the ghosts reported at Woodburn seem to be friendly and fun-loving. In fact, some of them have been a little too fun.
When Governor Charles Terry Jr. was living in the mansion, one ghost in particular was seen helping himself to vintage wines in the dining room. A previous owner of Woodburn reported that he'd fill his wine decanter every night, and find it empty the next morning. These wine-drinking apparitions usually appear dressed in revolutionary-era clothes, even in modern day. Occupying the most haunted house in Delaware is hard work, and even ghosts need to wind down sometimes.
One ghost is quite younger than the rest, and it makes you wonder what occurred to have her haunting Woodburn.
A young girl is seen often in the garden, wearing a red checkered gingham dress. She loves to splash and play in the pools and fountains, and she was seen 'crashing' the inauguration of Governor Michael Castle in 1985. Guests of the new Governor felt something tugging at them throughout the ceremony, and then they saw the young girl floating shyly in a corner of the reception hall.
Do you want to get to know the Ghosts of Woodburn? You can visit the most haunted house in Delaware if you dare.
Luckily, the Mansion is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:00, but you have to call and make an appointment. Believe it or not, they don't like just anyone strolling about the grounds! Maybe someone should tell that to the ghosts.
For information on scheduling a tour, visit Woodburn on the web. If you're looking for more haunted places in Delaware, be sure to check out our Northern Delaware Haunted Road Trip, and let the ghosts and ghouls terrify you. If you enjoy a good mystery, check out this murder mystery experience in Dover, DE.
Discovering local lore and legends around the US is one of our passions. If you want to watch a fascinating look at how Americans have become obsessed with the likes of Big Foot and flying saucers watch this interview with Heather Moser from Small Town Monsters:
