But the First State doesn't have to take a back seat to anyone in terms of appeal to tourists, perhaps most obviously because Delaware has no state sales tax, making it a popular destination for bargain-hunters.
Dover, although less known than Wilmington, is nestled in historic Kent County and is home to a number of Delaware's museums; among them, the Air Mobility Command Museum on Dover Air Force Base, the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village, the Delaware Archaeology Museum, the Delaware State Police Museum and Educational Center, the John Dickinson Plantation, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the Museum of Small Town Life and the State House.
Other area attractions include Barratt's Chapel, known as the "Cradle of Methodism in America"; Woodburn, the Governor's House; Legislative Hall, the state capital building; Killens Pond State Park, featuring a 66-acre millpond and a water park; Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, encompassing 16,000 acres along the Delaware Bay coast; and the Delaware State Fairgrounds.
Dover's weather is quite variable, as the average temperature ranges from a high of 85.6 degrees to a low of 23.2 degrees.
All of these Dover-area bed and breakfasts serve a full breakfast.
Causey Mansion
Milford, Delaware
Formal boxwood gardens grace the three-acre grounds of this five-guest-room B&B, which was renovated from a Georgian-style home to a Greek Revival mansion in 1849. Two Delaware governors once resided at the Causey Mansion, located about 18 miles south of Dover, in Milford.
Cowgills Corner Bed and Breakfast
Dover, Delaware
Sheep, llamas, beef cattle and Border collies all call Cowgills Corner home. The original structure of this B&B, which offers two guest rooms with queen beds and a shared bath, was built in the 1760s. The property includes a spa and above-ground pool, as well as two campers for guests who prefer to spend the night in a more rustic setting. Horses and dogs can be accommodated.
Little Creek Inn
Dover, Delaware
Set on eight acres, this 1860 three-story Italianate inn boasts a gym and a pool with patio. All four guest rooms include data ports and two have Jacuzzis. Well-behaved dogs are welcome.
Towers, The
Milford, Delaware
Built in 1783 and remodeled in 1891 in the steamboat Gothic style, this B&B features French Victorian decor and a Music Room with an 1899 Knabe grand piano and working Victrola. There are four second-floor rooms and two third-floor rooms for guests, who can also enjoy the walled garden, gazebo porch, and pool. The Towers can be found in the North Milford Historic District, which is located about 18 miles south of Dover.
