Exploring Lewes: Delaware’s Historic Downtown
Lewes, Delaware, is a small coastal town with historic charm and walkable streets, perfect for a weekend getaway. From shopping to dining to gardens, Lewes has it all.
From Lewes, you can take a ferry to Cape May, New Jersey, as we did.
Local Yarn Shops
Stop by Sea Needles, a local favorite for yarn lovers. With a colorful collection of yarns and patterns, it’s perfect for knitters and crocheters exploring the Mid-Atlantic. I bought a skein of yarn there and knitted a shawl that reminded me of all the beautiful sea colors we saw in Delaware.
Biking Around Town
Lewes is home to five bike shops, offering options for casual riders and avid cyclists who want to explore the town and surrounding beaches. Lewes Cycle Sports is practically right on the beach,
Once you've rented a bike, you can ride along the beach or around town. Delaware seems to be extremely bike-friendly. I took a photo of a bike lane in nearby Bethany Beach.
There were bike lanes everywhere, including this one that was two-way.
Independent Bookstores
The Station on Kings area features small, independent bookstores where you can find local authors, rare books, and unique literary gifts.
Cafés with Outdoor Seating
Relax at Cafe Pink Blossom and enjoy coffee, tea, or a light lunch on their outdoor patio while soaking up the town’s coastal vibe.
Gardens and Green Spaces
Lewes offers Zwaanendael Park Herb Garden and Lewes in Bloom Children’s Garden, providing peaceful spots to stroll and admire native plants and floral displays.
Festivals and Events
Plan your visit to coincide with the 2026 Lewes British Motorcar Show, held the first weekend in May. This celebration of classic cars adds a fun and historic twist to your trip. Other festivals:
🎪 Annual Festivals in Lewes, DE
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Lewes Tulip Celebration
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Held in spring (around April) to celebrate Lewes’s Dutch heritage. Lewes Chamber of Commerce+2Lewes Chamber of Commerce+2
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Includes garden tours, a “Tiptoe To The Tulips” map, walking tours, and art. The Beacon Inn+1
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There is also a Tulip Sale as part of this. Lewes Chamber of Commerce+1
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Great Delaware Kite Festival
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Very long-running (57th as of 2025) kite festival at Cape Henlopen State Park. Lewes Chamber of Commerce+1
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Includes kite competitions for different age groups, plus an Easter egg hunt. Lewes Chamber of Commerce
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Free to attend (per Lewes Chamber). Lewes Chamber of Commerce
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British Motorcar Show
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An annual show of classic British cars. Lewes Chamber of Commerce
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Hosted at the Cape May–Lewes Ferry terminal. website-media.com
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Lewes Garden Tour
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Gardens in Lewes open up for public viewing. The Beacon Inn
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Includes a garden market in Zwaanendael Park. The Beacon Inn
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St. Peter’s Art Show
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Annual art show (St. Peter’s) in Lewes featuring multiple art mediums (ceramics, jewelry, wood, metal, photography). The Beacon Inn
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Outdoor Fine Art & Craft Show
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A juried art and craft show in the summer featuring artists from across the region. The Beacon Inn
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Lewes African American Heritage Commission Celebration (Juneteenth)
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An annual heritage celebration — in 2025, for example, it’s on June 28. ci.lewes.de.us
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SummerScape
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A summer cultural series run by the Lewes Public Library, including performances (e.g., Shakespeare), historical talks, and community events. lewes.lib.de.us
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Why Visit Lewes
With its walkable downtown, local shops, cafés, and nearby gardens, Lewes is an ideal spot for a relaxing, culturally rich visit. Whether you’re shopping for yarn, books, or simply enjoying a coffee outdoors, Lewes captures the essence of small-town charm on the Delaware coast.
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