Founded by the Dutch in 1631, Lewes is often referred to as the First Town in the First State. Lewes can be found where the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean meet at Cape Henlopen in Sussex County.
This charming walking town contains a historic district with many of the older preserved homes and museums. The town also boasts over 40 full-service shops with unique goods, such as antiques and modern gallery art, as well many fine restaurants and several inns, bed and breakfasts and motels.
While in Lewes take a day trip to New Jersey on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, which takes passengers across the Delaware Bay on a 17-mile, 85-minute cruise between New Jersey and Delaware.
Lewes is also home to more than 4,000 acres of preserved lands within Cape Henlopen State Park. Within the park visitors will find undeveloped beaches, miles of nature trails, bird sanctuaries and an education center. The park was formerly the site of Fort Miles, a WWII era harbor defense facility that still has some fortifications including an Observation Tower that provides superb views for those who climb it and a former military bunker. The park also has boasts the famous "walking dunes", including the 80 foot high Great Dune, which you can climb. The Great Dune is the highest sand dune between Cape Cod and Cape Hatteras.
From the Cape Henlopen State Park, to the historic district to the beautiful beaches, trails and sanctuaries, the charm and beauty of Lewes makes it a wonderful place to live and visit.