In 1885, Wilmington's Board of Park Commissioners founded Brandywine Park, a wooded area in the heart of Wilmington. It became Delaware's first large urban park. The 178-acre park features wooded trails, formal gardens, sculpture, architecture, a sports stadium, and a zoo. Stretching along a one-mile run of the Brandywine Creek, the park offers visitors outdoor recreation, picnic spots, and cultural events.

Park attractions:

• Brandywine Zoo
• Jasper Crane Rose Garden and Bringhurst Fountain
• Josephine Fountain and grove of flowering cherry trees
• Baynard Stadium
• Designated "off-leash" pet areas

For dining, shopping and nightlife, Brandywine Park is located adjacent to Trolley Square, a hip, bustling neighborhood with over 80 galleries, shops, restaurants, and professional services.

Shopping

Bloomsberry Flowers Ltd.

Natural flower style and unique home accessories! Cut flowers 1/2 price on Fridays from 4 to 6 p.m. 1801 Delaware Avenue

Flirt Boutique

Upscale hip women's clothing boutique

Inner Spirits, Inc.

Specializing in beer, wine, champagne, cigarettes, and friendly dedicated service.

J. D. Kurtz / New Moon Rugs

NEW MOON designs by John Kurtz. The most imaginative rugs in the world today. 1701 N. Lincoln Street Wilmington, DE 19806 (302) 654-0442

Moore Brothers Wine Company

Moore Brothers offers only carefully selected estate bottled wines. Most are inexpensive, all are expressive of their origins, and represent important agricultural traditions and their associated cuisine

Sweeney's Irish Imports

Fine Irish merchandise straight from Ireland 1942 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806 (302) 656-0317

Trolley Square Pet Store

Premium Pet Foods, Dog and Cat Toys Small Animal Supplies Dog Beds Flea and Tick Control Grooming Supplies Dog Treats Leashes and Collars Pet Clothing

Ward's Fine Wines

One of Trolley Square's best kept secrets. We are coming up on our 100th anniversary. So, stop on by and help us celebrate.

Visit Trolley Square

Trolley Square Merchant Association

Delaware Avenue Community Association (DACA)

The Delaware Avenue Community Association (DACA) is a civic group that seeks to improve quality of life of all residents in the "Trolley Square" area.

Delaware Center for Horticulture

Delaware's non-profit center for plants, flowers, trees, and the environment.

Delaware Dance Company

Professional dance studio for children and adults.

Fabrizio Salon & Spa

Full service beauty salon

La Spa des Anges et Boutique

Full line of Pevonia skincare. Customized Facials, Massage, Body Treatments and Wraps, Hand & Foot Treatments, Steam Sauna, Waxing, and Relaxation. Located at 31A and 32A Trolley Square.

Little Nest Photography

Fun, fresh images of children in a boutique setting based in Wilmington, Delaware. Serving Delaware, West Chester, Chester County, Kennett Square.

Secretariat

Wilmington's premier wedding and event planning firm. Also invitations, stationery, personalized napkins, gifts and more. (302) 654-4479

Simon Eye Associates

Complete Eye Care For The Entire family. Eye Exams, Contact Lenses, and Fashion Eyewear. 1700 Shallcross Ave. Ste #2, 655-8180.

Wilmington Kids Club

What to do, where to go, shopping, dining, crafts, and more. See our companion blog http://greatfamilies.typepad.com/wilmington_kids_club