Dover (Delaware)

As the state capital, the state government is a major employer in Dover and there are many government offices in the area. Dover is also home to Dover Air Force Base, in the southeastern part of the city. Dover Air Force Base is home to the 436th Airlift Wing of the Air Mobility Command and the 512th Airlift Wing of the Air Force Reserve Command and contains the largest military mortuary in the United States. As such, there is a sizable military presence in the city. To the west of Dover are rural areas that are home to several Amish families and businesses. To the east of Dover is the Delaware Bay, which is home to marshland and wildlife areas. The city is home to Dover Downs, a hotel and casino that has a harness racetrack located inside Dover International Speeedway, a 1-mile-long racetrack that is home to two NASCAR race weekends a year which attract tens of thousands of race fans to the city. Dover International Speedway is also home to the Firefly Music Festival, a 4-day music festival which attracts a large number of visitors to the city.

Climate

Dover has a humid subtropical climate with four seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with highs averaging in the 80s and lows averaging in the 60s F. Summer temperatures occasionally rise to the 90s or 100s F. Winters are cool to cold, with highs averaging in the low 40s and lows averaging in the upper 20s F. Winter temperatures can occasionally drop down to 0 degrees or lower. Spring and fall can be variable, usually with milder weather. Dover averages 46.05 inches of precipitation a year, which is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. The area sees an average of 15.7 inches of snow in the winter months, with snowfall usually light and not remaining on the ground for long, though heavier snowfalls occasionally happen. In the warmer months, the area does experience thunderstorms, some of which can be severe. Dover is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes from the Atlantic basin in the late summer and early fall, but typically only receives the remnants of such storms as they typically weaken by the time they reach this latitude.

By car

The main north-south arteries for Dover are DE 1 and US 13. DE 1 heads north as a toll road providing access from points north such as Wilmington and Philadelphia and south as a surface road providing access from the Delaware Beaches and Ocean City, Maryland. US 13 is a surface road that heads north parallel to DE 1, offering a slower alternate from points north that does not have tolls, and south providing access from points south such as Salisbury, Maryland and Norfolk, Virginia. There is also east-west DE 8 that can be used as a main access point to US 50 and the Bay Bridge from points west such as Baltimore and Washington, D.C. From the Bay Bridge, follow US 50 east to US 301 north. Turn onto MD 302 east and follow that route to Templeville. In this town, turn onto MD 454 south. Follow MD 454 south to Marydel, crossing into Delaware and continuing along DE 8 east to Dover.

By plane

Dover has the Dover Air Force base that is a major outlet for most US Air Force planes that are leaving crossing the ocean. The nearest airports with commercial air service are the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI), and the Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional Airport (SBY). Car rental services are available at all three of these airports.

By train

The nearest train station is in Wilmington, which is served by Amtrak trains running along the Northeast Corridor along with some long-distance trains as well as SEPTA Regional Rail commuter trains from Philadelphia. From this station, you can rent a car or get a DART First State or Greyhound bus to Dover.

By bus

DART First State operates inter-county buses that connect Dover from Wilmington via Route 301, Newark via Route 302, and Georgetown via Route 303. Greyhound Lines provides intercity bus serve to Dover, stopping at the 7-Eleven at 654 North Dupont Highway.

Since Dover is not an extremely busy city, driving a car is practical for getting around most of the city. In the downtown area, there is free on-street two-hour parking. The time limit is only enforced Monday-Friday. Off-street parking is also available in the downtown area, consisting mostly of permit and metered parking. Parking permits in Dover cost $3 daily, $22 monthly, and $240 annually. Parking permits may be purchased from the City of Dover Customer Service office at 15 Loockerman Way. Parking meters cost $0.25 per hour and $1 for the whole day. Parking fees are in effect from 7AM to 5PM Monday-Friday, with parking free on evenings and weekends. There are five parking lots that serve downtown Dover. The Bradford Street Lot has 111 spaces, with 72 permit spaces, 22 metered spaces, 10 free two-hour spaces, one free 15-minute space, and 5 free handicapped spaces. The North Street Lot has 183 spaces, with 166 permit spaces, 12 spaces reserved for apartments (do not park here), and 5 free handicapped spaces. The Minor Street Lot has 8 permit spaces. The Loockerman Way Lot has 35 spaces, with 33 permit spaces and 2 free handicapped spaces. The Governors Avenue Lot has 103 spaces, with 42 permit spaces, 10 free two-hour spaces, 49 spaces reserved for tenants (do not park here), and 2 free handicapped spaces. A map of downtown parking lots is available here.
There is also the DART First State Bus transit system that has many stops around town. Buses primarily operate Monday through Friday with some routes operating on Saturday. Most bus routes operate from the Dover Transit Center on Water Street in the downtown area. Fares for DART First State buses are $2.00 per ride and transfers are not issued. Reduced fares for senior citizens or persons with disabilities cost $0.80 per ride while blind persons and children 46 inches in height or under who are accompanied by a fare-paying rider can ride for free. A Daily Pass may be purchased for $4.20, offering unlimited rides for the day. Riders who use more than two buses in a single day are encouraged to purchase a Daily Pass. A stored-value card called DARTCard may be used to pay per ride or to purchase a Daily Pass, offering discounts to riders. The DARTCard comes in seven denominations, with the Gold card costing $9.60 for a $12.00 value, the Blue card costing $12.00 for a $16.10 value, the Yellow card costing $15.00 for a $21.00 value, the Green card costing $30.00 for a $43.20 value, the Purple card costing $35.00 for a $52.90 value, the Platinum card costing $65.00 for a $108.00 value, and the reduced fare Red card costing $14.00 for a $46.00 value.
There are also taxis available, although they do not generally ride around town looking for fares so it would be best to call the dispatch to send one. These are some of the cab companies in the Dover area:

• City Cab Taxi

  phone: +1 302 734-TAXI

• George's Transportation Service

  phone: +1 302 223-5000
  George's Transportation Service is a van service that provides transport for up to six people plus luggage.

Ride-hailing services Uber and Lyft can be used to get around Dover.

Dover is home to many attractions including

• Air Mobility Command Museum

  phone: +1 302 677-5938
  address: 1301 Heritage Rd, Dover AFB
  The museum is on the Dover Air Force Base. It is one of the only museums that is dedicated to airlift and air refueling.

• Biggs Museum of American Art

  phone: +1 302 674-2111
  address: 406 Federal St
  Museum housing a collection of American fine and decorative art, including furniture, paintings, silver, glass, ceramics, and textiles, 1700 to the present day.

• Delaware Agricultural Museum and Village

  phone: +1 302 734-1618
  address: 866 N DuPont Hwy
  The agricultural museum, in a historic village set in the 1890s, is dedicated to helping kids remember where we came from. They offer tours for big or small groups.

• Delaware Public Archives

  phone: +1 302 744-5000
  address: 121 MLK Jr Blvd N
  Public archives allowing for the viewing of historic collections and exhibits.

• Delaware State Police Museum

  phone: +1 302 739-7700
  address: 1425 N Dupont Hwy
  Museum showcasing the history of the Delaware State Police from 1920, featuring several exhibits.

• First State Heritage Park

  phone: +1 302 739-9194
  address: 102 S State St
  An urban "park without boundaries," First State Heritage Park contains several historic sites in Dover including the Old State House, the Biggs Museum of American Art, and Legislative Hall. Special tours available on the first Saturday of each month.

• The Green

  phone: +1 302 744-5055
  address: 25 The Green
  Public square that was laid out in 1717 and was the site of where Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Guided tours available.

• John Dickinson Plantation

  phone: +1 302 739-3277
  address: 340 Kitts Hummock Rd
  The plantation house dating back to 1740 served as the home of American Revolution leader John Dickinson and recreates life in the 1700s.

• Johnson Victorla Museum

  phone: +1 302 739-3262
  address: 375 S New St
  Museum documenting Eldridge Reeves Johnson, the founder of the Victor Talking Machine Company, featuring paintings, objects, memorabilia, and trademarks that highlight the development of the sound recording industry.

• Legislative Hall

  phone: +1 302 744-4114
  address: 411 Legislative Ave
  The state capitol building of Delaware and home to the Delaware General Assembly, tours of the building are offered.

• Old State House Museum

  phone: +1 302 744-5054
  address: 25 The Green
  Located on The Green, the Old State House was built from 1787 to 1792 and served as the seat of the state government from 1792 to 1932. Guided tours are available.

• St. Jones Reserve

  phone: +1 302 739-6377
  address: 818 Kitts Hummock Rd
  Nature reserve along the St. Jones River with hiking trails, interactive activities, and exhibits.

• Woodburn - The Governor's House

  phone: +1 302 739-5656
  address: 151 Kings Hwy E
  A Middle Georgian house dating back to 1790, Woodburn has been the official residence of the Governor of Delaware since the state acquired the house in 1965. Tours are offered with 24-hour advance notice.

• Dover Downs Hotel & Casino

  address: 1131 N Dupont Hwy
  The Dover Downs complex consists of a hotel, casino, and a harness racetrack. The hotel offers upscale accommodations with a full-service spa, indoor pool, fitness room, room service, and concierge. Rooms offer either a view of the racetrack or the city and have many amenities including pillow-top bedding, safe, free internet and voicemail, refrigerator, coffee maker, hair dryer, make-up mirror, and an iron and ironing board. Rooms are ADA compliant. The Dover Downs casino offers various games including over 2,300 slots, table games such as baccarat, roulette, and blackjack, and an 18-table poker room. The racetrack offers live harness racing from November to April along with simulcasts of races from other tracks year-round. The Race & Sports Book offers sports betting on horse racing along with professional and college sports. Dover Downs offers dining options including Michele's, Pearl Oyster Grill, Frankie's, The Festival Buffet, Garden Cafe, gr8 Burgers & Shakes, Sweet Perks, Sweet Perks Too, and Winner's Circle Restaurant. Bars and clubs at Dover Downs include Fire & Ice, Race & Sports Book, Lobby Bar, The Gazebo Bar, and The Terrace Bar. Dover Downs offers entertainment options ranging from comedians to singers. The Colonnade offers upscale shopping options including Fashions of the Colonnade, Godiva, Swarovski, The Colonnade Marketplace, and Sweet Perks Too.

• Dover International Speedway

  phone: +1 302 883-6500
  address: 1131 N Dupont Hwy
  Twice a year the "Monster Mile" hosts a NASCAR race, once in the late spring and once in the early fall. The spring race weekend features the Camping World Truck Series race on Friday, the Xfinity Series race on Saturday, and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday. The fall race weekend features the K&N Pro Series East race on Friday, the Xfinity Series playoff race on Saturday, and the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series playoff race on Sunday. Aside from the racing activity on the track, Dover International Speedway features a FanZone that offers a number of activities, live music, and driver appearances. The FanZone is centered around the Monster Monument in Victory Plaza, a statue of the track's mascot Miles the Monster. Dover International Speedway offers both standard RV and tent camping along with Carefree Camping, where campers are provided with a tent that has a bed with linens, chairs, a table, and a rug. Additional RV and tent camping is available off premises.

• Firefly Music Festival

  address: 1131 N Dupont Hwy
  Four-day open-air music festival held in the middle of June at The Woodlands at Dover International Speedway, attracting nationally known music acts. The festival includes seven stages and offers outdoor camping.

• Kent County Theatre Guild

  phone: +1 302 674-3568
  address: 140 E Roosevelt Ave
  A local theater which offers shows throughout the year.

• Killens Pond Water Park

  - in Felton, 10 miles south of the Dover on US 13.

Delaware does not have a state sales tax.

• Bel Boutique

  phone: +1 302 741-2340
  address: 28 W Loockerman St
  Boutique in downtown Dover offering unique and stylish clothing, accessories, and gift items.

• Byler's Store

  phone: +1 302 674-1689
  address: 1368 Rose Valley School Rd
  Country store offering hard-to-find foods and gifts that is popular among the locals.

• Dover Mall

  phone: +1 302 734-0415
  address: 1365 N Dupont Hwy
  The Dover Mall has more than 80 stores, including Macy's, Boscov's, and JCPenney department stores, Old Navy, Dick's Sporting Goods, a movie theater (AMC Theatres), and a food court.

• For Dreamers Gallery

  phone: +1 302 730-1234
  address: 743 S Governor's Ave
  For Dreamers Gallery is a small boutique that offers different kinds of art that would look at home in many home collections. The shop offers styles in pottery, glass, and wood.

• Forney's Too!

  phone: +1 302 734-2425
  address: 102 W Loockerman St
  Forney's Too is a family-owned store that specializes in unique items.

• Quilt Shop

  phone: +1 302 674-3623
  address: 1121 Victory Chapel Rd
  Shop selling handmade Amish quilts.

• Spence's Bazaar and Auction

  phone: +1 302 734-3441
  address: 550 S New St
  An indoor and outdoor flea market that has a variety of shops, an auction, bakery, deli, and Amish food.

There are several local restaurants in Dover offering a wide range of cuisines. Dover also has many of the typical chain restaurants.

• 33 West

  phone: +1 302 735-9822
  address: 33 W Loockerman St
  Causual American restaurant serving upscale food.

• Angelo's Pizza

  phone: +1 302 678-9650
  address: 20 W Loockerman St
  Restaurant serving New York-style thin crust pizza.

• Bangkok Thai Cuisine

  phone: +1 302 736-1606
  address: 266 S Dupont Hwy
  Restaurant specializing in Thai cuisine.

• Betsy Ross Pizza

  phone: +1 302 735-4677
  address: 1294 Forrest Ave
  Restaurant serving hand-crafted and fresh-baked pizza.

• Capriotti's Sandwich Shop

  phone: +1 302 698-3090
  address: 130 Gateway South Ctr
  Local sandwich shop chain serving subs and steak sandwiches. The Bobbie sandwich is a local favorite.

• Cool Springs Fish Bar & Restaurant

  phone: +1 302 698-1955
  address: 2463 S State St
  Modern seafood restaurant featuring an open kitchen and colorful decor.

• Festival Buffet at Dover Downs

  phone: +1 302 674-4600
  address: 1131 N Dupont Hwy
  A buffet offering a diverse selection of cuisines. Has a good view of the horse racing track.

• Flavor of India

  phone: +1 302 677-0121
  address: 348 N Dupont Hwy
  Indian restaurant serving exciting dishes and offering unique ambience.

• Fraizer's

  phone: +1 302 741-2420
  address: 9 E Loockerman St
  A spacious, wood-paneled causal American restaurant offering views of Silver Lake. Banquet rooms available.

• Frankie's

  phone: +1 302 857-3775
  address: 1131 N Dupont Hwy
  Located in Dover Downs, Frankie's serves classic Italian food.

• Frankfurt Bakery

  phone: +1 302 741-0180
  address: 429 S New St
  A small town bakery that has a wide variety of pastries and breads available everyday. It's owner/baker has almost 20 years of experience in baking bread and pastries. All of the breads are made from scratch and baked fresh daily with no preservatives. Cakes of all sizes ranging from 1/4 sheet to full sheets and 8-inch round cakes are available via special order.

• Grotto Pizza

  phone: +1 302-678-3278
  address: 1159 N Dupont Hwy
  A Delaware favorite, Grotto Pizza is a modestly-priced local pizza chain known for pizza with a swirl of sauce on top. Also features a sports bar.

• Hibachi Japanese Steak House

  phone: +1 302 734-5900
  address: 691 N Dupont Hwy
  Japanese restaurant with food prepared by master chefs.

• Hollywood Diner

  phone: +1 302 734-7462
  address: 123 N Dupont Hwy
  A classic American diner.

• La Hacienda

  phone: +1 302 724-7699
  address: 1171 S Bay Rd
  Mexican restaurant featuring a full bar with margaritas.

• McGlynns Pub and Restaurant

  phone: +1 302 674-0144
  address: 800 N State St
  Has same owners as Deer Park Tavern in Newark, Delaware. McGlynns Pub is an Irish alehouse serving burgers and more and has a nice sit down area that is family friendly, and a bar area that has a very high spirited atmosphere. McGlynns Pub is a lively and active bar that boasts a great selection of beers, liquors, and wines, with TVs visible from most seats and sports games on them most of the time. The pub features Sunday brunch and trivia.

• Meat Mechanics

  phone: +1 302 697-7649
  address: 1466 E Lebanon Rd
  BBQ restaurant that is a local favorite.

• Michele's

  phone: +1 302 674-4600
  address: 1131 N Dupont Hwy
  Located in Dover Downs, Michele's is an upscale restaurant serving surf and turf entrees including filet mingon and lobster tail.

• Pizza Delight by Giacomo

  phone: +1 302 736-9800
  address: 67 Greentree Shopping Ctr
  Restaurant serving authentic Italian cuisine and fresh dough pizza.

• Pizzadili

  phone: +1 302 697-9555
  address: 2089 S Dupont Hwy
  Italian restaurant and deli serving gourmet items including specialty cheeses, salami, and prosciutto.

• Reel Fresh Restaurant

  phone: +1 302 698-1015
  address: 1151 E Lebanon Rd
  Restaurant serving quality seafood and crabs year-round.

• Restaurant 55

  phone: +1 302 535-8102
  address: 2461 S State St
  American restaurant serving gourmet burgers and a selection of craft brewed ales.

• Rice Restaurant

  phone: +1 302 678-1328
  address: 45 Greentree Dr
  Restaurant serving Chinese-Japanese fusion cuisine, including sushi.

• Roma Italian Restaurant

  phone: +1 302 678-1041
  address: 3 Presidents Dr
  Italian restaurant offering a fine dining experience.

• Roma Pizza

  phone: +1 302 735-7611
  address: 1047 Walker Rd
  Restaurant serving a wide selection of pizza, sandwiches, and desserts.

• Sambo's Tavern

  phone: +1 302 674-9724
  address: 283 Front St, Leipsic
  Located in nearby Leipsic, rustic pub serving local seafood and produce with windows overlooking the Leipsic River. Must be 21 or older to enter.

• Shucker's Pier 13

  phone: +1 302 674-1190
  address: 889 N Dupont Hwy
  Casual restaurant serving grilled seafood, steaks, and pasta.

• Simaron Pizza & Steak Shop

  phone: +1 302 736-1073
  address: 415 W Loockerman St
  Casual, down-home restaurant serving pizza, wings, hot and cold sandwiches, steaks, and Italian dishes.

• Speedway Cafe

  phone: +1 302 735-5666
  address: 737 N Dupont Hwy
  Local diner that serves breakfast all day.

• Where Pigs Fly

  phone: +1 302 678-0586
  address: 617 E Loockerman St
  Restaurant which serves hickory smoked pulled pork BBQ.

• Yukon Korean Barbecue & Sushi Bar

  phone: +1 302 734-4100
  address: 865 N Dupont Hwy
  Asian restaurant serving fresh sushi and other Japanese and Korean dishes.

• Fordham & Dominion Brewing Company

  phone: +1 302 678-4810
  address: 1284 McD Dr
  Local brewery offering tours and tastings.

• The Golden Fleece Tavern

  phone: +1 302 674-1776
  address: 132 W Loockerman St
  The Golden Fleece Tavern is an historic bar and the site of Delaware's ratification of the Federal Constitution in 1787. Happy hour ($0.75 off all drinks) every day from 4:00-7:00, with free happy hour food on Friday. Often has a DJ or live music.

• Harvest Ridge Winery & Rebel Seed Cidery

  phone: +1 302 343-9437
  address: 447 Westville Rd, Marydel
  Family farm winery in the serene countryside to the west of Dover, offering cidery tasting and recurring events.

• Irish Mikes

  phone: +1 302 734-4578
  address: 107 W Loockerman St

• Loockerman Exchange

  phone: +1 302 724-6255
  address: 1 W Loockerman St

Dover has a wide selection of chain hotels, along with a couple local bed and breakfasts. If you're planning to come to Dover for a major event such as the NASCAR races at Dover International Speedway, the hotels in the Dover area tend to increase rates and fill up quickly. If coming to Dover during these times, you may have to travel north to the Wilmington area or south to Sussex County to find available hotel rooms.

• Best Western Galaxy Inn

  phone: +1 302 735-4700
  address: 1700 E Lebanon Rd
  Near Dover AFB, the AMC Museum, and the John Dickinson Plantation. Amenities include free continental breakfast, outdoor pool, fax and photocopy services, Internet access, and fitness center.

• Comfort Inn & Suites Dover

  phone: +1 302 677-0505
  address: 764 Leipsic Rd
  Near Dover International Speedway and the Firefly Music Festival. Amenities include free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, computer and printer access in lobby, indoor heated pool and whirlpool, and fitness center.

• Cowgills Corner B&B

  phone: +1 302 734-5743
  address: 7299 Bayside Dr
  Bed and breakfast on a working farm with sheep and llamas.

• Fairfield Inn & Suites Dover

  phone: +1 302 677-0900
  address: 655 N Dupont Hwy
  1 mile from the state capitol. Amenities include free breakfast, free high-speed internet, fitness center, and pool.

• Hampton Inn

  phone: +1 302 736-3500
  address: 1568 N Dupont Hwy
  Near Dover International Speedway and Delaware State University offering free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, fitness room, meeting rooms, and pool. Hotel is pet-friendly.

• Hilton Garden Inn - Dover

  phone: +1 302 674-3784
  address: 1706 N Dupont Hwy
  Less than 2 miles from Dover Downs and Dover International Speedway. Amenities include fitness center, indoor pool and whirlpool, on-site restaurant, and 24-hour pantry offering snacks and beverages.

• Holiday Inn Dover

  phone: +1 302 747-5050
  address: 561 N Dupont Hwy
  Near downtown Dover offering wireless internet, business center, fitness center, and kitchenette. Kids eat free.

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites

  phone: +1 302 678-0600
  address: 1780 N Dupont Hwy
  Hotel in northern part of Dover offering wireless internet, business center, fitness center, free breakfast, and kitchenette.

• Home2 Suites

  phone: +1 302 674-3300
  address: 222 S Dupont Hwy
  Extended stay hotel near downtown Dover offering all-suite rooms with full kitchenettes. Amenities include an indoor pool, outdoor patio with barbecue grills and fire pit, and a 24-hour market selling groceries and travel essentials.

• MainStay Suites

  phone: +1 302 678-8383
  address: 201 Stover Blvd
  Extended stay hotel offering free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, housekeeping services, and valet cleaning services.

• Microtel Inn & Suites Dover

  phone: +1 302 674-3800
  address: 1703 Lebanon Rd
  Near Dover AFB and St. Jones River Greenway. Amenities include free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, fitness center, meeting room, and business center.

• Red Roof Inn

  phone: +1 302 730-8009
  address: 652 N Dupont Hwy
  Near Dover International Speedway. Amenities include free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, refrigerator, microwave, iron and iron board, and hairdryer. Hotel is pet-friendly.

• Residence Inn Dover

  phone: +1 302 677-0777
  address: 600 Jefferic Blvd
  Extended stay hotel offering free full breakfast, free high-speed internet, and kitchen/kitchenette. Hotel is pet-friendly.

• Sleep Inn & Suites

  phone: +1 302 735-7770
  address: 1784 N Dupont Hwy
  Near Delaware State University and Dover Downs. Amenities include free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and outdoor pool Hotel is smoke-free and pet-friendly.

• State Street Inn

  phone: +1 302 734-2294
  address: 228 N State St
  Bed and breakfast near the historic area of Dover with antiques and decorative rooms.

• The Delaware Beaches are about an hour south of Dover and are home to free beaches offering swimming and sunbathing, water recreation, golf courses, boardwalks, amusements, shopping, dining, and nightlife. Popular beach towns include Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island.