October 22nd, 2013
Destination? Milford, Delaware, Art Tour, Riverwalk Tour, Gateway to Southern Delaware, Milford Artists Mentor Art Students, Sussex County
The Second Season at the Delaware Beaches is a great time to go out and about and discover the towns surrounding the beaches. The cool weather, blue skies and no traffic let visitors and residents move around Southern Delaware with ease.
I am discovering Milford, Delaware, which is north of Rehoboth Beach. It only took about half hour to get there. For some years, Downtown Milford has been going through a revitalization, which brings residential streets in small towns back to life.
The Mispillion River runs through Milford. It is the heart and center of this town, where galleries, shops and theater are for everyone to enjoy.
The Mispillion Riverwalk is a greenway space that preserves the town’s waterfront. Milford has over 2 centuries of shipbuilding and at one point there were 7 shipyards located along this walk. Between 1680 and 1927 they produced over 600 wooden sailing ships.
So, it was not surprising to find out that 6 permanently displayed boat sculptures were unveiled this summer, all decorated with the theme of Milford’s “River Town”, “Art Town”, “Home Town”. The inspiration was the “Augusta”, a private yacht built in 1927 at the Vinyard Shipyard. In 2010 it was restored to its original beauty. I found it resting for the winter.
Local artists mentoring art students have produced the following sculptures that can be enjoyed while walking through Downtown Milford. They are bright and bring a colorful touch to the streets.
The morning scenes in Home Town…historic Bethel AME Church, coffee shop morning crowds…scenes melt together symbolizing connectivity.
River Town. Home Town…the glass mosaic highlights the Walnut Street business district and the Riverwalk Boatyard.
Art Town….bold and graphic with water flowing underneath.
River Town…river dwellers, clouds, and plant life.
River Town, Art Town, Home Town…one side shows the whimsical bridge connecting rural and urban Milford. Another side shows the Santa House, farmers market, cyclists on the Riverwalk.
River Town…dedicated to the historic shipbuilding industry, honoring 7 major shipyards.
Have a great day!! Please note that the best days to visit Milford are Thursday through Saturday. The Museum is open on Sundays too.
Tags: Activities, Art in Milford, Art Tour, Augusta, Boat Sculptures in Milford, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Discover Milford, Downtown Milford, Events, Historic Downtown Milford, Milford, Milford Main Street, Riverwalk Tour, Sculptures in Milford, Shipbuilding, Southern Delaware, Sussex County, Visit Milford
