Fun & Great Dining on Delaware History Trail: Milton

Today's visit along the Delaware History Trail takes us to the Town of Milton, which is a Preserve America Community that cherishes its history and has made great efforts to revitalize its historic buildings and town center. Some of its Colonials are simple farmhouse structures that contain a single room while others are two-story homes with large wraparound porches. The Victorian style homes include Gothics with round top turrets and porches trimmed with gingerbread molding.

Today, Milton is well known for its 4 stately "Governor's Houses" which the town has commemorated with a Governor's Walk that meanders along the Broadkill River.

This hub is part of a series about historic places to visit and eat along the Delaware History Trail. The trail and its website were created by the Delaware Tourism Office to highlight significant historic sites which have impacted Delaware and our nation's history.

Those who complete the trail and fill out special codes on their passports may receive a limited-edition copy of, "Landmarks & Legacies," a beautifully illustrated history book which features photographs by renowned photographer, Kevin Fleming, and contains many interesting facts about Delaware's colorful and important history.

You can learn more about the trail and download a free Delaware History Trail Passport at: http://www.visitdelaware.com/delaware-history-trail/.

One of the first things you will notice if you visit Historic Downtown Milton in the spring, summer or fall seasons is the magnificent flowers and gardens that the Milton Garden Club members have planted throughout the town.

The garden club was established in 1998 and is dedicated to beautifying Milton by planting an abundance of flowers, shrubs and trees. Their first project was the planting of 3 gardens in Milton Memorial Park and today the club is responsible for 10 gardens and over 50 urns and planters which are located in Milton Memorial Park, in Magnolia Square, in front of the library, along the Governor's Walk and Union and Federal Streets.

A recent club project was the landscaping of 6 memorial gardens around the gazebo in Milton Memorial Park.

Each July, the club sponsors the Milton Garden & Homes Tour which is a fun way to meet local residents who care about Milton's history and are actively beautifying the town, as well as their own homes and private gardens.

The 2012 tour featured two homes, a museum, seven private gardens, two public gardens and a special display by A.H. Angerstein, Inc. on the use of landscaping pavers and stones. I've included photos that I took during the tour for your viewing pleasure. The hard work and planning of the club was evident by the club volunteers who greeted visitors at each location. The home owners of the private gardens were also very friendly and welcomed the public as their guests.

The Lydia B. Cannon Museum is housed in a former Methodist Protestant Church originally erected in 1857. The current structure has beautiful stained glass windows and functional bell tower. This beautiful building is home to the Milton Historical Society and is a great place to start your historical tour of Milton.

The society has an awesome website that I would strongly recommend you visit even before your trip to Milton begins. You can download a free, Milton Sound Walk tour, plus a printable map at: http://www.historicmilton.org/discover/ . This unique, self-guided tour contains many interesting historic facts about the buildings and places you'll be seeing and includes interviews with long time Milton residents and historians.

Even if you've downloaded the above, be sure to visit the museum when you get to Milton as it houses excellent exhibits portraying Milton's early years, a doctor's office, historic ship building tools and also many historic photographs and artifacts. Admission is free and the grounds are also lovely.

The town sponsors free concerts in Milton Memorial Park one evening each week from the end of May to the end of August and the concerts are a great way to enjoy Milton's small town ambience. Kids will love playing in the nautical themed playground and taking train rides while waiting for the concert to begin.

Adults and families can bring coolers and have picnics prior to the concert or enjoy strolling through the park or taking an early evening walk through the adjacent, historic district of the town.

My favorite eatery in the historic section of Milton is the Irish Eyes Pub and Restaurant which is in the heart of the district and overlooks the Broadkill River and Miton Memorial Park. It serves traditional Irish fare, seafood, burgers and salads for lunch and dinner.

It also has an authentic style Irish bar and daily happy hour specials. Live entertainment is often available on weekends and in summer you can hear and view the free Weds. evening concerts at the adjacent Milton Memorial Park if they dine outside on the patio or deck.

A new eating option in Milton is the Good Fellas Italian Restaurant & Lounge which is a family run business. Its owners, Ralph and Donna Colone, have their original restaurant in Dagsboro. They are looking to build up a base of repeat customers who enjoy delicious Italian food served in a friendly atmosphere and chose this Milton location because of the town's friendly residents and small town atmosphere.

Good Fellas offers an assortment of homemade Italian entrees including hand-tossed brick oven pizza, Stromboli and lasagna. The interior of the restaurant features Italian themed décor and a full bar, plus there is an outdoor patio which overlooks Wagamons Pond and the Broadkill River.

If you want to really enhance your sense of history and are visiting from far away, consider staying overnight at The Governor's Bed & Breakfast which is furnished with antiques, was originally built in 1790 and offers its guests a full service dining experience for breakfast. All rooms have private baths and queen size beds and the Inn is within walking distance of the other historic sites and parks listed in this hub.

Yes, Milton has a fascinating history but the town also has some unique, modern day locations a few miles from the historic section that are worthy of visiting.

Lavender Fields Farm is a wonderful place to go if you've ever longed to wander through blooming rows of purple lavender, pick your own bouquet of flowers and experience all the flavors, fragrances and healing qualities of lavender.

This working farm is entirely devoted to lavender and welcomes visitors. There is a quaint cottage store which sells everything from potted plants to scented soaps and the farm sometimes sponsors demonstrations of lavender's many uses. There is also a beautifully restored nineteenth century barn.

The ideal time to visit is in July when the fields are in full bloom and the fragrance of lavender hangs heavy in the air. For more information about the farm, including the availability of tours or special events call 302-684-1514.

Beer lovers will enjoy a trip to The Dog Fish Head Brewery where they can learn how micro beers are made. The brewery offers free tours, including samples of ale for those with valid, unexpired ID's proving they are over the age of 21. Reservations are strongly suggested as the tour groups are small and can fill up quickly. Call 1-888-8Dogfish for specific information about hours of operation and for reservations.

After your visit to the brewery, be sure to check out the on-site store where you can purchase Dog Fish Head beers and souvenir items.

Hope you have enjoyed your cyber tour of the beautiful town of Milton and are able to visit it in person someday. Although the town is small, its history has been well preserved and it also played an important role in Delaware's History.

Many people visit Southern Delaware's resort beaches for a week of fun in sun and sand. If you're lucky enough to be one of the tourists that flock to this region, a side trip to nearby Milton is a wonderful way to spend a few quiet hours off the beaten path exploring history.

The following map includes addresses to the sites mentioned in this hub so you can enter them into your GPS.