Why? Um, weeeell... Ok. I'm just going to say it:
It was kinda boring.
I'm sorry, no offense, Willy, but a bustling metropolis you are NOT. You're not even a quaint, sleepy village. Clearly, we caught you at a bad time.
I think the lesson here is do not visit any city in the off-season if you expect businesses, shops, restaurants, parks (or any other place you might want to visit) to be open. Or if you wanted to see actual local people outside. But if you're a loner and a recluse, go for it.
It seems like we would have gotten a different impression of Wilmington if we'd visited anytime from April thru November. We could have perhaps taken in a minor league ballgame, or gone to the track, or even tried Punkin Chunkin. That could have been delightful.
On March 19th, however, there was a whole lotta nothin' going on.
Lucky for us, we make our own fun, wherever we go. So sit back and get comfy. Here's a rundown of what we did...
100 South French Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
800-USA-RAIL
THE RECAP: We took different trains into town because Jodi had a bridal shower to attend, and I wanted to sleep late. Snoozy snoozy. Somewhere just outside NYC, Jodi's train stalled (see picture) because of some power outage stretching all the way down to DC. So there she sat. Strike one. I, on the other hand, had no trouble with my train (and was delighted to find that there are power outlets in each seat). But I had a horrible time navigating the terminal -- both in NY and in DE. I must be a moron. I couldn't understand where the terminal was, I couldn't read the board, I couldn't find gate. It's a miracle I got down there at all. Strike two. On the way back, we tried rebooking our tickets so we could get out of Dodge early. The agent clearly knew we were traveling together, but somehow sold Jodi the very last seat in coach, leaving me no other option but to buy a business class ticket. While I AM super fancy, this was NOT what we had in mind. Strike three.
THE HIGHLIGHT: The biz class ticket gave us the opportunity to play Secret Millionaire and treat someone to an upgrade. In the station, it was tough to give the ticket away without seeming shady. But down on the tracks, we spotted a good candidate. We saw a young girl, eavesdropped on her conversation with her mom (where she was visibly upset about how she couldn't afford her ticket), and spied over her shoulder to see that she was also going to New York. That's when we made our move. She was all too thrilled to get the ticket, and said we'd made her day. Awww! That felt good and made all the sketchy stalking worthwhile. So she was me, up in business class, probably being fed grapes while getting a foot massage, and I was a young girl named Bridget, sitting back in coach with my buddy. Win, win.
THE MUST-DO: Sit in a window seat so you've got easy access to the plug, and plan a pit-stop in Philly on the way home (more to come on that in our next post... stay tuned, or just read Twitter).
THE FINAL VERDICT: bad travels + good deed = 3 flags
700 North King Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-655-0400
THE RECAP: We'd heard that the Hotel Dupont was the place to stay. But spending $400/night in Wilmington just wasn't in the cards, or the budget. The DoubleTree quickly became the obvious choice with 2 words: Free Shuttle. Nevermind, they only had king-sized beds available, and all the reviews said that the hotel wasn't exactly modern. It had a free shuttle! Since Jodi was at the shower, I got to the hotel first to check us in. I decided to see if I could finagle us into a room with 2 beds. And I did! Unfortunately, that room (#222 for anyone keeping score) faced an indoor pool (see picture). So the whole room -- actually no, the whole 2nd FLOOR -- stunk of chlorine. Eye-stinging, nose hair-burning chlorine. I knew we had to move. So I marched back down to the lobby and got us a new room (#323). Switching meant losing the double beds, getting welcomed by the pile of trash outside the room, and looking out onto a scenic view that included the roof of the parking garage and a dead bird. But at least my eyes stopped tearing.
THE HIGHLIGHT: This is a toss-up. The warm chocolate chip welcome cookies we were given at check-in was a treat, particularly since I hadn't eaten all day. I was thisclose to eating Jodi's too. And I would have, if I didn't spot her in the lobby. Equally delightful was the free shuttle ride we took back to the train station, which was only 9 blocks away (did I mention I love free shuttles?). The staff at the hotel was quite nice too.
THE MUST-DO: Avoid rooms on the 2nd floor at all costs. And order extra towels. They only give you 2 bath towels, which meant having to go all MacGuyver with a hand towel and a rubber band so my soggy hair wouldn't drip all over the floor.
THE FINAL VERDICT: chlorine + dead bird + cookies + shuttle = 2 flags
1212 Washington Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-656-TOFU
THE RECAP: We received 2 totally separate recommendations to try this place, both from co-workers, so we felt like we HAD to go. And while we were disappointed to be a week late for their sushi making class, which would have been a blast, we were SO glad we went. The first thing you should know here is that we are Sushi Gringos, we only eat the cooked stuff. So take this recommendation with a grain of salt. But everything was really tasty, the menu was full of innovative dishes, and the place was packed. That's got to be a good sign, right? We started with 2 appys to share: the vegetable spring rolls (which came with a mustard that will clear your sinuses right out), and on the recommendation of our server (who's hair was a cross between a Geisha Girl and a Hasidic Jew), we went with the Bangkok calamari. Sounds odd, but it was crispy and delicious with a miso chili sauce. For our entrees, we each had a California roll (See? I told you were were lame!). Then Jodi had a vegetable tempura roll, and I went with a roll called the Hairy Mexican, just for the name, but it actually turned out to be yummy (see picture). Who knew? Of course, we washed it all down with a few Ichibans. And for the record, I didn't remember the name of the beer we drank, but Jodi did! Mind like a steel trap, that girl has.
THE MUST-DO: Order the calamari and the Hairy Mexican roll. They're fried. You won't be disappointed.
THE FINAL VERDICT: Gringo Sushi + free beer + doppleganger sighting = 5 flags
1206 Washington Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-658-2537
THE RECAP: We went next door to continue the evening, since it was only like 9:00pm (we're old, but we're not THAT old). We grabbed a table, and within seconds, the bartender made a bee-line over to take our order. He even smiled! I resisted the temptation to be suspicious of his friendliness, and we took him up on his beer suggestion -- Magic Hat #9. He said it tasted like apricots, and you know what? It kind of did! This inspired a whole conversation about jam. Reminiscing about the incredible strawberry jam that Jodi's mom used to make for us back in college, lead us to the decision that we must become jammers. Whenever strawberry picking season rolls around, you'll want to make a PB&J date with us. Trust me. While we were chatting, we were also approached by an usher from the Opera House, who bellied up to the bar after work for a beer (or 8). He looked about 14, without a trace of stubble on his face and nary a hair on his chest. I'm pretty sure he came over with the intention of hitting on us, but luckily his designated driver (who was no less than 55) intervened. And Jodi and I went back to talking about jam. And couch doilies. And jam.
THE MUST-DO: Bring your own breath fresheners, mints, gum, candy, whatever. Listerine is just nasty.
THE FINAL VERDICT: Fruity beer + drunk usher + dental hygiene = 4 flags
600 A Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
302-658-4340
THE RECAP: Being the planner that I am, I programmed the number to the local taxi company into my phone before I left. I am a nerd. But it came in handy when we needed to get back to the hotel! We'd walked over to dinner since it was early, but the neighborhood wasn't one to hoof at night. Jodi's not big enough, and I'm not fast enough. So we called, and we waited. And waited. And waiiiited. Outside in the cold. For over 30 minutes. Really?!? Luckily while we were waiting we were kept company (and nearly mauled) by a pit bull. Once the driver finally arrived and we hopped in, we didn't realize how good we had it back on the sidewalk. First off, the car STUNK. And I live in NY, so I know a LOT about cab stinks. This one knocked me out. We were instantly smacked in the face by a coconutty stench that jumped in my hair and would not let go. Oh, and he drove like the car was on fire. I kept waiting for us to hit 88mph so we could go back to the future (see picture), to a simpler time, before we ever set foot in this musky deathtrap. When the cab mercifully came to a stop and let us out, we were informed he could not break a $20. Seriously?? Probably spent all his cash on putrid air fresheners and speeding tickets.
THE HIGHLIGHT: Not dying.
THE MUST-DO: Calling a cab when you've had a few brews. You should do that. But calling THIS cab? Ah, that's a no.
THE FINAL VERDICT: Looong wait + near mauling + unbelievable stink + crazy speeding + broke-ass driver = 1 flag
2625 North Market Street
Wilmington, DE 19802
302-654-9999
THE RECAP: After cheating death, we were pretty hungry. We went straight to the the hotel bar, surely we could get a snack there. But sadly, the cook left. Keep in mind, it was only like 11:05pm. Not exactly a rager. So, we went to the front desk and rifled through a few takeout menus. The first place we called was closed too. (Really, Willy? And you WONDER why we didn't hit it off!) But Pete picked up on the second ring. I ordered us something called Mega Fries (see picture). Only I didn't just order 1. I ordered 2. Plus onion rings. Each thing was only $5, how could I know it would be this big (other than the obvious clue in the word, "mega")? Fries smothered in 3 types of cheese, plus bacon. Times 2. This gluttenous snack was even hot when it arrived! Unfortunately, they only sent 1 set of silverware. So Jodi, being the selfless friend she is, gave me the fork. She used a combination of a knife and her fingers. Then, we feasted.
THE HIGHLIGHT: The night sweats that hit us around 3am. Granted, we were in a king-sized bed, and the "constant fan" setting on the air conditioner, was neither constant nor cooling in any way. But we couldn't get up to adjust it because we were weighed down by the sheer amount of cheese we'd consumed.
THE MUST-DO: If you do order the Mega Fries (and we're not suggesting that you do), have the good sense to put it back inside the delivery bag and place it in the hallway when you're done. The LAST thing you need is the grease wafting over all night, as not-so-constant fan turns off and on.
THE FINAL VERDICT: Late-nite delivery + one fork + bellyache = 2 flags
So that's it. Roadi Trip #1, in the bag! To summarize, we probably won't be back to DE any time soon (well... except for Jodi, she's got a wedding to go to in June). But if we DO ever go back, we'll go IN season, we'll avoid the 2nd floor of the DoubleTree, we'll eat another Hairy Mexican (roll, that is!), we'll freshen up with some strong mints, we won't call Yellow Cab, and we'll resist the urge for midnight munchies.
Did we get it right, or wrong?
This IS America, after all. Share your opinions of The First State below...
I just read all your Twitterings, a fun idea!!! Enjoyed and looking Forward to teh next trip!!!
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