Delaware Avenue Shuts Down for Outdoor Dining

TOGETHER WITH

☀️ Rise and Shine, 302. Today's ambitious goal: leave the house without having to walk back in three times. Before you head out, here's what's happening around northern Delaware.

Your 302 Rundown:

Let’s get to it

Winterthur presents Artisan Market, a weekend of remarkable makers, thoughtful collecting, garden strolls, and the thrill of finding something you didn't know you were looking for.

Shop the wares of more than 150 regional artisans. Indulge in a carefully curated selection of culinary offerings. Enjoy wine and chocolate tastings and crafting workshops. Take a house tour and explore the galleries, garden, and estate. 

Get your ticket today!

Advance sales only. Reserve early, sell out likely!

Nothing says summer quite like an ice cream cone. While everyone has their go-to flavor, one classic stands above the rest around the world. See if you can guess which one takes the top spot before revealing the answer.

Source: Delaware Business Now

Amtrak updated its Wilmington timetable on Tuesday, adding more daily stops for its NextGen Acela trains. The schedule now features a dozen or more stops at the station for travelers heading to New York City or Washington.

The railroad operates thirteen of the new train sets, with plans to double that number as the rollout continues. While the upgraded trains can reach 160 miles per hour, aging infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor limits speeds to 75 miles per hour between Wilmington and New York.

As the new equipment enters service, Amtrak is retiring its older legacy Acela trains. Manufacturer Alstom also plans to build a maintenance center for the upgraded fleet near Newark.

Source: Delaware Business Times

On Tuesday, OperaDelaware announced its schedule for the upcoming season under the direction of incoming General Director Eric Einhorn. The Wilmington arts organization rolled out a lineup featuring traditional main stage performances and smaller studio shows.

The announced season includes two large productions at The Grand Opera House, starting with Mozart's Don Giovanni in October and followed by Gluck's Orpheus and Eurydice next May. The spring show involves a partnership with First State Ballet Theatre.

The schedule also incorporates a site-specific performance of Amahl and the Night Visitors at the Sunday Breakfast Mission this December. The organization scheduled additional studio performances to run through April.

Source: Delaware Online 🔒 PAYWALLED

Thousands of Xfinity customers in Delaware and surrounding states lost their internet and cable service over the Fourth of July weekend. The widespread outages left many residents disconnected during the holiday.

Comcast attributed the service disruptions to a combination of a record heat wave and severe thunderstorms that rolled through the region. While crews worked to restore connectivity, some customers remained without service into the early part of the week.

The company did not provide specific details on how the weather damaged its infrastructure or how it handles repairs. Meanwhile, state technology officials addressed similar questions regarding how extreme temperatures impact local internet networks.

Source: Newark Post

Newark residents will see their utility costs tick up this month following a recent rate adjustment. A New Castle County sewer rate increase that took effect on July 1 pushed city sewer bills up by roughly 2%.

Because Newark relies on the county for sewage treatment, the county fee makes up about half of a typical city sewer bill. The county raised its rates by 5% to help address a budget shortfall, translating to an extra $0.60 per month for the average Newark resident.

This recent bump came on the heels of an 8% rate increase that Newark implemented earlier this year to cover its own operational and capital expenses.

Source: Spotlight Delaware

University of Delaware and Winterthur researchers teamed up to track the origins of toxic Victorian books. The project used artificial intelligence to map the historical publishers of nearly 500 arsenic-laced volumes.

The initiative began after a conservation expert discovered a bright green book covered in a toxic copper and arsenic compound. To speed up the global search for similar items, software engineers built a program that processed historical data and generated a map of publishing hubs in cities like London and Philadelphia.

The research team met regularly to review the data visualizations. The mapping tool allowed conservationists to spend less time on manual data entry and more time developing safety protocols for handling the hazardous materials.

Source: Delaware Business Now

Newport-based Harvey, Hanna and Associates purchased a southern New Castle County industrial property at 840 Jamison Corner Road for a reported $25.3 million. The seller was EQT, a multinational real estate developer that had marketed the land as the Scott Run Commerce Center. The site sits between St. Georges and Middletown with access to the new Route 301 corridor.

The property carries approvals for a 1.3-million-square-foot industrial campus. Harvey Hanna already owns and manages roughly four million square feet of warehouse and commercial space, including the redeveloped former GM Boxwood plant near Newport.

Amazon has indicated plans to build a second distribution center in the southern county area. A Baltimore developer is also planning a mixed-use project nearby that includes housing.

Source: Delaware Business Now

Warby Parker opened a new retail storefront at the Christiana Mall on July 8. The eyewear company, which originally launched as an online brand in Philadelphia fifteen years ago, added the Delaware shop to its growing physical portfolio.

The publicly traded retailer handles its own development and manufacturing. It joins existing optical shops like LensCrafters and JCPenney inside the regional shopping center. The mall continues to attract expanding brands looking to operate in the state.

Warby Parker currently operates 270 stores across the country. The company announced plans to eventually triple its number of retail locations.

Join the Delaware Tourism Office on Sunday, July 19, for Delaware's official World Cup Final Watch Party at the University of Delaware. Experience the excitement of the championship match on giant video boards surrounded by passionate fans.

Before kickoff, enjoy a lively Fan Fest featuring live entertainment, local food trucks, interactive games, and family-friendly activities. Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan or simply looking for an unforgettable summer event, this is your chance to be part of the World Cup excitement right here in the First State.

Don't miss Delaware's final and biggest World Cup celebration—secure your tickets today and be part of history!

Source: Delaware Online 🔒 PAYWALLED

Delaware just authorized its very first payout under a new state program designed to compensate people who were wrongfully convicted. The state agreed to pay Elmer Daniels four million dollars after he spent 39 years in a state prison.

Daniels was released in 2018 at the age of 56 after his conviction was officially overturned. He became the first person to apply for the financial relief in 2024, shortly after the General Assembly passed the Wrongful Conviction Compensation and Services Act.

State officials formally approved the settlement on Wednesday. This marks the first time these specific legislative funds have been distributed to an applicant since the law went into effect.

Source: Delaware Public Media

State Auditor Lydia York unveiled a new interactive visual tool earlier this week to help Delaware residents follow state spending. The online tracker maps out general fund appropriations across various state agencies and divisions.

The database pulls public information from the Department of Finance, the Office of Management and Budget, and recent legislative bills. Users can view how funding levels have shifted from fiscal year 2015 through the recently signed fiscal year 2027 budget.

The platform focuses strictly on the general fund and does not include data on appropriated special fund spending. The auditor's office previously built similar trackers for the American Rescue Plan Act and the opioid settlement fund.

Source: Newark Post

On Tuesday, plans advanced for a series of new facility additions at White Clay Creek State Park. The upcoming projects include a new nature center and an expanded network of trails for visitors to explore throughout the park grounds.

The proposed updates also feature a larger, upgraded events venue located at the Judge Morris Estate. In addition, a separate renovation project will convert several historic buildings on the property into overnight cottages, allowing future guests to book extended stays in the area.

A formal construction schedule and a specific timeline for when the new amenities will open to the public remain pending.

Source: Newark Post

Three local community projects received funding from AARP on Wednesday to improve accessibility and visitor experiences. The organization distributed the money as part of a nationwide initiative to support local infrastructure.

The City of Newark secured a $25,000 grant to build concrete sidewalks connecting parking areas to pavilions at Phillips, Elan, and Hidden Valley parks. The Food Bank of Delaware also picked up funding for an outdoor sound system at its Glasgow farm.

Additionally, the Friends of White Clay Creek State Park received money to install four accessible benches with backs at the park bandstand. The new seating will replace worn benches in the summer concert area.

Source: Spotlight Delaware

A legal battle over a Wilmington City Council seat moved to Delaware Chancery Court on Tuesday. Lawyers presented arguments on whether the council holds the authority to remove Councilman James Spadola from office after he changed his political party.

Spadola won an at-large seat reserved for a minority party candidate but switched his registration from Republican to Democrat last fall. His attorney argued the city charter only dictates party rules for nominations, while the council countered that the rule exists to ensure minority representation throughout the term.

Chancellor Kathaleen McCormick now faces a decision on whether Spadola keeps his seat or if the council appoints a replacement.

Source: State of Delaware News

On Tuesday, Governor Matt Meyer used his line-item veto power to strike $35 million in funding for a proposed Legislative Hall expansion from the state bond bill. The governor returned the legislation to the General Assembly with his objections.

The removed funds were intended as the first installment for a project with an estimated total cost of at least $116 million. Meyer cited the high cost of living for Delaware residents, stating that the state needs to prioritize investments in areas like school construction and housing over expanding government office space.

The rest of the capital improvements act remains intact. Meyer asked lawmakers to work with his administration to redirect the $35 million toward other state needs.

Sculpture Garden Happy Hours: Citizen Artist Summit featuring Fauxtron | Delaware Art Museum. A kickoff event for the Citizen Artist Summit featuring a live set by Philadelphia rock band Fauxtron, alongside a cash bar, local food trucks, and lawn games in the Sculpture Garden. Free. Thursday at 5 PM.

Summer Concert Series: Early Girl and the Big Boys | Bellevue State Park. A live performance by local band Early Girl and the Big Boys at the Bellevue Bandshell. Attendees can pack a picnic or purchase meals from locally owned food trucks. Thursday at 6:30 PM.

Gabe Lee w/ Special Guests Cait & RoC | Elkton Music Hall. A live set blurring the lines between roots-rock, country, and American folk music from headliner Gabe Lee, with an opening performance by acoustic duo Cait & RoC. 21+. Thursday at 8 PM.

Dining on Delaware Avenue | Delaware Avenue, Wilmington. An open-air dining event where the street closes to traffic and local independent restaurants bring their tables outside. The evening features live music at both ends of the avenue alongside local vendors. Friday 5-9 PM.

Parks on Draft | Old Paper Mill Rd. Park. An outdoor gathering with live music by CnC Music Box, food from Deer Park Tavern, and beer to benefit the Newark Police K9 Fund. Free. Friday at 5 PM.

Folk Art Friday | Alapocas Run State Park. A family-friendly evening of art, games, and food featuring an exhibit by DE State Park and live music by Rebecca Lang. Friday 5:30-8 PM.

ShakesBeer | Fort DuPont State Park. An outdoor Shakespeare performance paired with craft beer from Bellefonte Brewing Company, hosted by Friends of Fort DuPont and DelShakes at the park's pavilion. Friday 7-9 PM.

Antique & Classic Boat Show | Chesapeake City. A showcase of historic vessels featuring trailered boats along Bohemia Avenue and wet slips at the Chesapeake Inn B Dock. The event includes nautical vendors and crafts at Pell Gardens, alongside displays from local boat builders and classic-boat clubs. Saturday 9 AM - 5 PM.

Shady Grove Music Fest | Arden Concert Gild. A family-friendly outdoor music festival featuring original sets from Heavy Temple, Planette Automatic, Monopod, and other acts. Attendees can bring chairs or blankets for seating, with food, beer, and wine available for purchase. Saturday 12-8:30 PM.

Feasting in the Revolution: Revolutionary Tavern Night | Greenbank Mills & Philips Farm. A five-course meal featuring historic recipes that recreate the food and beverages of a Revolutionary War-era tavern. Registration is required; tickets are $75 for members and $80 for non-members. Saturday 6:30-8:30 PM.

Summer Concert Series: Chorduroy | Bellevue State Park. A live performance by local band Chorduroy at the Bellevue Bandshell as part of the 39th annual Summer Concert Series. Attendees can pack a picnic or purchase meals from locally owned food trucks. Sunday at 6:30 PM.

Wim Tapley & the Cannons and Certainly So | The Queen Wilmington. A live concert in The Crown room, open to kids and grown-ups. Doors open at 7 PM. Sunday at 8 PM.

More happenings we couldn’t fit in the newsletter.

Nothing in this section is sponsored. Just things worth knowing. I’ll always flag sponsors clearly.

A rare end-unit opportunity in Wilmington's Little Italy, this spacious townhouse offers 1,700 square feet of flexible living space filled with classic character. Hardwood floors, three generously sized bedrooms, two full baths, and an oversized kitchen create a comfortable layout, while the landscaped backyard and paver patio provide an inviting place to relax outdoors. Restaurants, bakeries, St. Anthony's Church, and the Italian Festival are all just a short walk away. Listed by Kristen Rosaio of Crown Homes Real Estate. **

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Thursday

84 🌡️ 71 | ⛈️ Showers And Thunderstorms Likely | 80% | 💨 S 5 mph

Friday

89 🌡️ 70 | ⛈️ Patchy Fog then Showers And Thunderstorms Likely | 57% | 💨 W 5 to 10 mph

Saturday

86 🌡️ 68 | 🌧️ Chance Rain Showers | 30% | 💨 N 5 mph

Sunday

84 🌡️ 65 | 🌤️ Mostly Sunny | 8% | 💨 E 5 mph

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 78ºF Temperature readings taken from the Atlantic Ocean in Rehoboth Beach.

The full events calendar includes live music, festivals, classes, markets, family activities, community gatherings, and dozens more happenings across Northern Delaware.

Submit an event →

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