15 Best Things to Do in Bridgeville (DE)

Bridgeville, a small town situated in Sussex County, Delaware, is the oldest community in the western part of the county. Records go back to the mid-1800s, so there’s quite a bit of history to learn about during a visit to the town.

With a population of just over 2,000 people, visitors can be assured of a quiet, relaxing vacation. However, don’t let the lack of crowds and remote feel of the area lead you to believe that you are completely secluded; as a part of the Salisbury, Maryland-Delaware Metropolitan Area, Bridgeville is close to larger cities and towns, including Rehoboth Beach, Dover, and Salisbury.

Bridgeville may be small, but it’s known for many things, including its agricultural roots, pretty tree-lined streets, outdoor recreation, and world-class golfing. The Bridgeville Mall and Downtown Alley are popular shopping areas.

One of the annual events hosted in the town is the Apple-Scrapple Festival every October.

Below are 15 of the best things to do in and around Bridgeville, Delaware.

1. Search for treasures at Antique Alley of Bridgeville, LLC

If antiques are something you like to hunt for while traveling, Antique Alley of Bridgeville, LLC, has 20,000 square feet of temperature-controlled antique shopping.

With more than 65 vendors and 125 booths, there are surprises around every corner. Collectibles, jewelry, children’s toys, and furniture are just some of the items for sale. The prices are great, with frequent sales.

2. Enjoy a home-cooked meal at Snappy’s Bar & Grille

Start your visit to Bridgeville with a hearty, home-cooked meal of comfort food in the casual environment of Snappy’s Bar & Grille. This eatery is well-known around the town and surrounding area for serving up delicious options, including steak, crab cakes, and a range of burgers.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served, and Snappy’s is said to have the best breakfast sandwich in the state.

3. Take a tour of the Governor Ross Mansion

Nearby Seaford is home to the historic Governor Ross Mansion. Visitors to the area can learn about the history surrounding this property with a guided tour with The Seaford Historical Society.

The large brick mansion was constructed in the mid-1800s and was the home of William Henry Harrison Ross and his family. Besides the mansion itself, the 20-acre grounds are also home to the slave quarters, a granary, stables, and a smokehouse.

4. Play a round of golf at Heritage Shores Club

Voted one of the best golf courses in the state, Heritage Shores Club offers more than just a championship golfing experience.

The 7,005-yard course was designed by renowned architect Arthur Hills and features a beautiful and challenging design suitable for all levels. Every tee is different, so every round is a new challenge. Golfers also enjoy access to a driving range and short course. A variety of eateries, lounges, and classic country club amenities are on-site.

5. Bridgeville Historical Society Museum

The best way to learn about the history of Bridgeville is with a visit to the Bridgeville Historical Society Museum. The primary purpose of the museum is to gather and preserve local history for generations to come.

A lot of local history is piled into this small museum, and many aspects of the area’s past are covered, including the railroads, agriculture, and business. A number of artifacts are on display, such as vintage clothing and an organ.

6. Enjoy craft beer and quality food at Jeff’s Tap Room

As a long-standing, family-owned restaurant in Bridgeville, Jeff’s Tap Room is a combination of bar and grill and popular nightlife venue in the town.

On the menu, you will find an assortment of delicious options, including the shrimp jammers, steamed clams, bacon-wrapped scallops, seafood sampler, and a variety of appetizers, soups, sandwiches, and burgers. There are 21 craft beers on tap.

7. Stop by T. S. Smith & Sons for a tasty treat

T. S. Smith & Sons is the perfect midday stop when you need a break from exploring Bridgeville. This 800-acre farm is a family-owned operation with the oldest apple, peach, and nectarine crops in the state.

Other fruits and vegetables – including asparagus, sweet corn, strawberries, broccoli, tomatoes, squash, and cantaloupe – are also grown on-site. Enjoy some fresh apple cider donuts and various jams and jellies, or purchase some fresh produce for the road.

8. Visit the Federalsburg Historical Society and Museum

Housed in a historic and well-preserved building in nearby Federalsburg (Maryland) is the Federalsburg Historical Society and Museum. The main purpose of the museum is to gather and preserve the town’s history.

Residents have donated many items over the years; those items are on display and tell the story of the town from its beginnings to the present. You will learn about industry, events, and the proud people who shaped the town. The Historically Yours Boutique is also on-site.

9. Spend a day in the great outdoors at Martinak State Park

You don’t need to travel far from Bridgeville to enjoy a day outdoors participating in a wide range of exciting activities. Martinak State Park in nearby Denton (Maryland) is a beautiful natural area along the Choptank River and Watts Creek.

Preservation is the focus, and there’s a boat launch on-site for easy access to the waterways. Anglers have a chance to reel in a variety of species, including catfish, perch, and bass.

Modern camping areas are available for visitors who wish to stay in the park overnight, and you’ll also find picnic areas with tables and playgrounds. As you make your way around the park, you will find a nature center and several hiking trails that pass through hardwood and pine forest areas.

10. Spend a day in Slaughter Beach

Slaughter Beach is a town with an interesting history, but it’s also known for its long, beautiful beach that is perfect for beachcombing. Bird-watching is another popular activity in the area, with birdwatchers hoping to catch a glimpse of many different species. Slaughter Beach is also a vital area for horseshoe crabs and their survival.

11. Visit the Seaford Museum

The Seaford Museum in downtown Seaford is considered one of the nicest museums in Delaware. The beautiful building equipped with state-of-the-art, high-tech features is something to see in itself.

Volunteers expertly and lovingly converted the historic post office into a must-see attraction; however, it’s what’s on the inside that allows visitors to become familiar with this town and its colorful past.

There are thousands of artifacts on display that focus on various aspects of the town’s history, and the history of Delaware and the United States. The Nanticoke Indians, local industry, agriculture, and the railroads are some of the displays you will see. There’s also a handy gift shop.

12. Get a taste of Italian culture at Tony’s Pizza & Pasta

Visitors to Bridgeville don’t need to leave the town or the county to experience Italian culture and authentic Italian cuisine, because Tony’s Pizza & Pasta offers the best taste of Italy around.

This family-owned eatery is run by first-generation Italians who’ve been serving freshly-prepared, traditional dishes in a warm and friendly atmosphere for over 20 years. Lunch and dinner are served daily, and the extensive menu features many options, including Chicken Cacciatore, Penne Arrabbiata, Pesto, and tortellini.

An assortment of appetizers, subs, soups, and pizzas are also available. Everything is made with the best quality ingredients, and outdoor seating is available.

13. Wander the gardens and preserve at Adkins Arboretum

The central focus of the Adkins Arboretum in nearby Ridgely, Maryland, is to conserve a variety of diverse habitats and educate the public about them. While exploring the 400-acre grounds, visitors see more than 600 plant species in various settings, including woodlands, wetlands, and meadows.

Guided walks are available, and a gift shop is on-site. Hikers and nature lovers can also enjoy five miles of trails that pass through various habitats, such as hardwood forests and pine forests. Wildlife, including deer and fox, can be spotted.

14. Explore the Redden State Forest

About an hour away in the town of Georgetown is the nature lover’s paradise that is Redden State forest. This is the biggest forest in the state, with more than 12,400 acres of natural space to explore.

There are 44 miles of trails suitable for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. As you make your way through the area, you will spot many bird species, and pass through lush forest areas.

Primitive camping sites and a catch and release fishing area are also located in the park.

15. Sample locally-made craft beer at Mispillion River Brewing

Situated in Milford, Mispillion River Brewing offers visitors a cozy, friendly place to kick back and enjoy some quality, local brews.

Their unique branding will catch your eye first, but it’s the wide range of beers – including Ladybug Rose Lager, Sausage Party Marzen, and Space Otter Pale Ale – that will capture your palette.

The beer is made right on-site, and you can watch this process through the large windows in the tasting room. Or take a tour and get an even more up-close-and-personal experience.