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 ascute 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 Resourcesto share with the one you love (or really, really like), and Cupid is sure to be around the corner, too.
When is Valentine’s Day?
This year, Valentine’s Day is celebrated on Wednesday, Feb. 14.
Places to get engaged in Delaware
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 oldin — the first designated old-growth forest in Delaware?
David Small Wildlife Viewing Boardwalk and Tower
In Dover, the David SmallWildlife 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 asfilled 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.
The fountain in Wilmington’s Brandywine Park was commissioned by Gen. J. Ernest Smith after the death of his beloved with, Josephine Tatnall Smith, in 1931. Fashioned from marble and inspired by a 16th century Florentine Fountain in Villa Petraia, the park is flanked by cherry trees donated by the Smiths in 1929, which are known for their beautiful, timeless blossoms.
Smith loved the fountain so much that he established a trust for its upkeep after his death, ensuring that his late wife would always be duly honored. According to local lore, it is said that a time capsule containing mementos of the couple’s love is buried beneath the fountain.
Sandhill Crane Exhibit
Looking for something a bit more relaxed but still filled with the whimsy of love? The Brandywine Zoo’s sandhill crane exhibit in Wilmington will do the trick.
Sandhill cranes are large birds that mate for life, so if you want to drop a few not-so-subtle hints about your intentions, these majestic creatures are sure to deliver. They also have red crowns and white throats, which, if you’re looking for a sign, match the theme of Valentine’s Day a little too perfectly to pass up.
While you’re there, take a walk through the pudu and crowned lemur exhibits to see the newest babies welcomed at the zoo, evidence enough of Cupid’s arrow making the rounds in the animal kingdom, too.
Got a tip or a story idea? Contact Krys'tal Griffin atkgriffin@delawareonline.com.
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