A Coastal Treasure in Delaware: Small-Town Charm with Antique Shops, Rich History, and Natural Beauty

As one of the original 13 colonies along the Atlantic Coast, Delaware is filled with scenic destinations like Odessa Beach, a historic haven with a quaint downtown and preserved architecture. Despite its status as the second smallest U.S. state, Delaware’s ample coast has long made it popular for beach-going vacationers. And Millsboro, with its antique shops, history, nature, and small-town charm, is a one-of-a-kind Delaware coastal gem well worth visiting.

Though officially established in 1792, Millsboro had long been a center for agriculture and trade, first among the Nanticoke Natives, and then the arriving European settlers. Millsboro’s location at the head of the Indian River made it a prime spot for coastal trade in the bay, and the eventual arrival of the railroad brought even more prosperity. Today, Millsboro sports a semi-rural small-town feel surrounded by poultry and vegetable farms and orchards.

Thanks to Delaware’s small size, getting to the southerly Millsboro is blessedly easy. It can be accessed by three main Delaware state routes: Route 113, Route 20, and Route 30. For those flying in and renting a car, Millsboro is only an hour and a half drive south of Wilmington Airport in New Castle, which itself is an underrated riverfront city that appears frozen in time. So, if you want to experience early American history, unique shopping, and some great nature, Millsboro is the place you ought to visit.

The United States East Coast has long been a haven for antiques. Whether you’re in New England exploring Vermont’s antique capital at Chester or in Hawley, Pennsylvania, a small Poconos town filled with antique shops, you’re always guaranteed to find something quirky and historic. In Delaware, Millsboro is hands-down the best place to go antiquing. Thanks to numerous storefronts and a love of local history, you are bound to find some wonderful hidden gems. 

The first place to check out has to be Barn Door Antiques. This little slice of antiquing perfection is fantastic for those on the hunt for old-school furnishings and home decor. It’s not a massive spot, but there are plenty of trinkets, vintage toys, jewelry, and glassware scattered about. Over on Main Street is The Black Cat Antiques, which specializes in stoneware, paintings, and oddities you’re not likely to find anywhere else.

Those looking to experience Millsboro’s history firsthand will find plenty to love at the Nanticoke Indian Museum. Operated by the Nanticoke Tribe, this museum showcases the history of the Nanticoke people through artifacts, cultural immersion displays, and regularly scheduled pow-wows. Another great spot is The Godwin School, Millsboro’s one-room schoolhouse that was painstakingly restored by members of the local historical society, and is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places.