Things to Do in Wilmington
Recommended Things to Do by Groupon Customers
Affiliates of the American Sailing Association, the instructors at Chesapeake Sailing School strive to keep the Chesapeake's seafaring heritage alive through classes spanning one-day sailing courses to five-day live-aboard cruises. The training fleet ranges from 22-foot boats for basic and intermediate instruction to 38-foot vessels for advanced cruise training. The school's team also assists students obtain their ASA certifications in preparation for careers as Popeye impersonators.
Beyond instruction facilities, Chesapeake Sailing School houses The Tiller Club, which grants members privileges such as unlimited daily use of the school's Tanzer 22 ships. The school’s team also coordinates charter excursions to give vacationers a from-the-water view of the Inner Harbor, St. Michael's the Archangel Church, and the bay's abundant wildlife.
Emily and Philip Vendemmia look after their students by wrangling a massive schedule of more than 72 classes per week spread over three locations. Bolstered by a strong team of certified Bikram yoga instructors, the duo guides students through Bikram’s 90-minute routine, consisting of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. Instructors crank each studio’s practice space to a hot and humid 105 degrees to help pupils’ muscles safely sink into deep, healing stretches and purge harmful toxins from the body. Each of the standing and seated poses is designed to work every muscle, ligament, and joint while sending freshly oxygenated vampire food to the organs to help support health and fitness.
At the Maryland Drafts and Laughs Festival, attendees sample suds from taps dispensing more than 50 craft and imported brews. As festival-goers make their way among breweries such as Port City and Yuengling, they can break for comic relief at one of five standup shows. There, regional comedians culled from Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central, and Sirius XM Radio entertain with adult-brand humor. Visitors can also sit in on presentations and Q&As with brew masters from Flying Dog and Heavy Seas, asking them about their unique brewing process or how many elves it takes to seal a beer can once it's been filled. To sustain the unlimited sampling, food and soda will be available for purchase.
When Pete and Kate Vonderheide moved from Hawaii to Annapolis to live closer to their family, they thought they'd have to give up a career of ocean kayaking to resume responsible office jobs. Soon they recognized the historic city harbor's lack of kayak tours and knew they couldn't stay inside forever. Their shared passion for history spurred them to research and interview the locals until they'd compiled enough historic material to start leading tours. Today, their tours can teach something new even to locals.
The Vonderheides continue to assemble a team of outdoor guides certified in CPR and first aid who all bear a well-researched knowledge of area wildlife and history. These experts lead two-hour scenic tours through the historic harbor. Starting each excursion with a brief paddling lesson, they put first-timers at ease with basic instruction and an amiable demeanor, unlike guides who rely only on their convincing Captain Ahab impressions. Excursions begin at the Spa Creek headwaters in Truxtun Park and lead participants into open-harbor waters to drift in full view of the state capitol building, the US Naval Academy, and historic Eastport. Trips peak at the City Dock, where participants receive a break to take photos and rest. On the return trip, guides field open-ended questions about city history such as presidential visits, the crabbing and oystering trade, and whether George Washington had to swim using floaties.
Buoyed by decades of experience, Starlight Fleet founder Captain Jim Cicchitti shepherds travelers into Atlantic pastures for deep-sea-fishing voyages, dinner cruises, and dolphin- and whale-watching excursions.
Aboard his Dark Star cruise ship, up to 49 guests of all ages delight in a variety of pirate-themed activities, from face painting and treasure hunts to storytelling and plank walks for obnoxious little brothers. In between sword fights and water-canon battles, all performed by a crew of professional pirates, seafarers enjoy the scenic views from the 50-foot boat, which was built by a naval architecture firm in accordance with US Coast Guard guidelines.
