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54 B M & T ••• March/April 2025 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com D E L AWA R E AREA GUIDES DELAWARE'S ENDLESS DISCOVERIES MAKE IT THE PERFECT DESTINATION FOR YOUR INTIMATE GATHERING BY RUFUS MCKINNEY Delaware's ideal location, easy access, tax- free savings, and distinguishing attractions make this state the perfect group-friendly destination. Groups can enjoy beach and outdoor adventures, mansions and gardens, history and heritage, and stirring trails of discovery. Northern Delaware, or New Castle County, is known for its regal mansions and gardens, cityscapes, diverse dining options and unique events. About an hour's drive away lies Central Delaware, also known as Kent County. This region is home to the state's historic capital, Dover, mak- ing it the heart of the state. With its beachside charm, Southern Delaware, or Sussex County, has captured the hearts of many with its pristine beaches, cute boutiques and coastal cuisine. • • WILMINGTON • • Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley is close to Philadelphia, but a world apart in terms of what is offered to meeting planners. For smaller meetings — gatherings of 500 or fewer people — there's no better location in the Mid-Atlantic. Hotels and other venues deliver the one-of-a-kind experiences and expert guest service that larger markets can't always offer. Planning a larger gathering? That won't be a problem. The 90,000-square-foot Chase Center and attached Westin hotel in Wilmington's exciting riverfront district or the University of Delaware's Clayton Hall in the inspiring college town of Newark provide both ample space and an appealing, easy-to-access location. For more intimate spaces, select from a num- ber of historic du Pont family locations or hold memorable after-hours events at venues such as the Delaware Art Museum, Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Hagley Museum and Library, The Queen Wilmington, or the Grand Opera House. Wilmington is at the heart of the Mid- Atlantic, right along Interstate 95. The destination is less than a two-hour drive from Atlantic City, Baltimore, Harrisburg, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. This makes for a great, central destination for meetings with attendees from up and down the East Coast. More than 80 trains a day stop at the railroad station in downtown Wilmington, giving meeting attendees the option to catch up on some work while in transit. Greater Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley is famous for its history, culture and gar- dens. That unique blend of attractions means they also have an amazing array of unique venues with state-of-the-art meeting facilities that are ideal for your small- to mid-sized events. Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley played a significant role in the Underground Railroad movement. Local residents also helped lay the groundwork for Civil Rights victories like Brown v. Board of Education. Wilmington celebrates this rich history with annual can't-miss festivals like the August Quarterly, the nation's oldest African-American religious celebration, and the Soul of the City Festival, where drum-line professionals and hip- hop dancers line the streets. • • DOVER • • A road-trip along wide open spaces will lead you to Victorian homes that line shady historic streets of the capital city. A place where casual dining, unique spots, lively events, and history come together to offer a quaint, yet discovery-filled experience. Explore the sites and sounds of Delaware's capital city! If you're feeling lucky, try a slot machine or table game at Bally's Dover Casino Resort. The largest casino in Delaware, Bally's offers nearly 2,000 slots, a wide range of table games, har- ness racing, live entertainment, top-notch restaurants and bars, and a luxury hotel. Just a short drive from downtown Dover, you can explore the John Dickinson Plantation, home to a framer and signer of the U.S. Constitution and known as the "Penman of the Revolution." The museum shares the sto- ries of the tenant farmers, indentured servants, free and enslaved Black men, women, and chil- dren who lived, labored, and died on the plan- tation. WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Delaware Endless Discoveries (866) 284-7483 www.visitdeleware.com • • • STATS • • • HOTEL ROOMS Boardwalk Plaza Hotel 84 Doubletree by Hilton Downtown Wilmington Legal District 217 Hyatt Place Wilmington Riverfront 114 EXHIBITION FACILITIES Chase Center on the Riverfront Total Meeting Space 92,000 sq. ft. Largest Hall 21,900 sq. ft.. Meeting Rooms 16 WHO YOU GONNA CALL? Greater Wilmington CVB (800) 489-6664 www.visitwilmingtonde.com Chase Center on the Riverfront Lobby photo credit: Fort Worth C.C photo credit: Greater Wilmington CVB