Boats, Buttons, Beans and Beer Walking Tours of Milton to begin May 21
Visitors and local residents are invited to explore historic Milton and find out why boats, buttons, beans and beer are so important there. The Milton Historical Society in partnership with Dogfish Head Brewery offers these tours monthly beginning Saturday, May 21 through Oct. 1. Milton was originally known as the Head of the Broadkill and enjoys a rich heritage with 198 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The walking tour reviews the town’s early history and includes a lively discussion of the ship captains and seafaring men who called Milton home. A broad range of architectural styles will be featured, and button sheds, barns and outbuildings will be discussed as the tour winds through side lanes and alleys. The tour will also include a history of the King Cole Cannery, part of the site where Dogfish Head Brewery is now located.
Tours begin at 9:30 a.m. at the Dogfish Head Brewery Steampunk Treehouse at 6 Village Center Blvd. and last about an hour and a half. For GPS purposes, use 511 Chestnut St., Milton, DE 19968. The walk covers a little over a mile. Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes are required. Walkers are reminded to bring and use plenty of sunblock. Hats are recommended.
The cost is $5 cash for non-MHS members and free for MHS members. Reservations are required. To reserve a space, call 302-684-1010 or email visit@historicmilton.com. Tour dates for 2016 are May 21, June 25, July 23, Aug. 20 and Oct. 1.
Park in the Dogfish Head Brewery parking lot off Village Center Blvd. Those who plan to take a tour of the brewery with beer tasting, can sign up for a tour beginning at 10:45 am right after the walking tour. These tours are first-come, first-served and always free.
Sign up in advance for the brewery tour in the main entrance near the Steampunk Treehouse. The MHS cannot guarantee space will be available for the brewery tour. However, tours are offered throughout the day.
The Milton Historical Society and Museum is at 210 Union St. in downtown historic Milton. Admission is free. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For further information, contact the museum at 302-684-1010 or email info@historicmilton.org.
