Valentine’s Day is almost here, and if you’re planning to pop the big question, let’s take a bit of stress off your shoulders by sharing some of the best places to get engaged in Delaware.
And if you’re not ready to say ‘I do” just yet, these romantic spots double as great places to make things official with that person you’ve been seeing for a while or serve as cute spots for a holiday excursion.
However you choose to spend your Valentine’s Day, here’s a list of some backdrop-worthy spots compiled by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources to share with the one you love (or really, really like), and Cupid is sure to be around the corner, too. This year, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
The Marshall Mansion
Located in Auburn Valley State Park in Yorklyn, the Marshall Mansion is a piece of Victorian architecture nestled among transitional forest and remediated wetlands along Red Clay Creek.
Marshall Mansion is the former home and estate of the Marshall family, and the park – around 360 acres – features historic twin ponds, gardens and hiking trails that are perfect for finding a hidden spot to spend a few quiet moments with that special someone.
The Point Overlook
Do you and your partner enjoy long walks on the beach? Are sandy shores a beloved part of your love story? The the Point Overlook might be exactly where you need to be on Feb. 14.
Found in Cape Henlopen State Park, the Point Overlook is above a dune landscape and overlooks where the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean become one.
At this point, the Valentine’s Day allure of the Point is writing itself, but if you still need convincing, this spot is known for magical sunsets and sunrises no matter the season. Plus, visitors can see seals, birds dolphins and more wildlife, along with the East End Breakwater and the Harbor of Refuge lighthouses.
Hidden Pond Trail
Hidden Pond Trail is a scenic path in 933-acre Brandywine Creek State Park in Centreville offering glimpses of open fields, deep forest canopy, stone walls and open fields.
Along with 14 miles of hiking trails throughout the park, Hidden Pond Trail weaves through the Tulip Tree Woods Nature Preserve along Brandywine Creek.
What better way to cement the history of your love than walking among tulip poplar trees — more than 200 years old in — the first designated old-growth forest in Delaware?
David Small Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk and Tower
In Dover, the David Small Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk and Tower in Little Creek Wildlife Area is another scenic place perfect for your Valentine’s Day needs.
The 400-foot elevated boardwalk and observation tower grant visitors an unobstructed view of the Little Creek impoundment, along with snippets of wildlife.
The boardwalk and the first level of the tower are wheelchair-accessible and offer tips for identifying local wildlife, like migrating shorebirds and waterfowl, and other helpful resources for your visit. The surrounding treescape also makes for a private setting away from the parking lot.
Josephine Fountain
Forging new love in a place rich with old love can’t be beat, especially on a day as filled with the feeling as Valentine’s Day.
While the Josephine Fountain in Wilmington is no Trevi Fountain, the beautiful design and swoon-worthy story of its creation makes it hard not to be wooed.
