Odessa

Because Delaware is known as the "First State", you can expect to find a lot of history here! Some of the most charming towns are also among the oldest, and a visit to Odessa, a historic Delaware town, will demonstrate the state's history and charm. Enjoy a tranquil stroll through the well-kept gardens and landscapes, learn about early Delawareans, and dine in a 200-year-old building. After just one visit, you'll understand why Odessa is one of Delaware's best small towns. The cobblestone streets of this historic Delaware town transport you to the state's early days. In the early 1800s, this town was known as Cantwell's Bridge.

Stop by Cantwell's Tavern for lunch and a history lesson. The structure dates from the early 1800s and was one of the area's first hotels. The menu served is New American cuisine, with fresh dishes to suit all tastes. As you walk through Historic Odessa, you'll notice beautiful gardens and grounds everywhere you look. Both the Corbitt-Sharp House and the Wilson-Warner House are worth seeing for their timeless architecture. The bright red Collins-Sharp house is difficult to overlook! Visit to learn about one of Delaware's oldest homes. It dates from the 1700s. Before leaving town, make a stop at the historic Appoquinimink Friends Meeting House. Odessa was an important stop on the Delaware Underground Railroad, and the Quakers who met here were powerful abolitionists.