We’ll always have Wilmington

So there I was, at my desk at work, drowning in burnout, when I get an email from my good friend whom I met in grad school. She wanted to know if I wanted to take a trip to Wilmington, Delaware to see a one-man play both written and performed by the TheBlackTraveler’s very own Travel Contributor, Cornelius “Life” Jones. I swear, somewhere in the background I heard hymnal music. It took me a record 3 seconds to plan my route of escape before I clicked “reply” and told her that I definitely would be able to make it. I know a lifeline when I see it.
Now, I don’t see my friend often enough, especially since she moved to the New York City area this past spring, and it would be wonderful to hook up again to catch up. I took 95 up, she took Amtrak south, and we met at Sheraton Suites, our hotel for the night, in downtown Wilmington.

The hotel was a beautiful respite from my regular, and I immediately felt myself recharge when I knocked on the room door and was met with the most amazing sight: my friend’s bright and welcoming smile. The two rooms were a comforting relief, plush, freshly made beds, a living area, muted tones, spotless bathroom and plenty of mirror and counter space fit for a gang of women. We left and located the play, which was premiering at the Christina Cultural Center on the Market Street Mall (an outdoor avenue with many shops) a few blocks away. The one-man play, “Flagboy” was a poignant intimate look into a gay man’s personal journey through life and interpersonal relationships. This work was very timely and very introspective for everyone today, no matter one’s sexuality. After the play, (and much deserved “kudos” to Cornelius), we headed back to our hotel, exhausted. After some midnight chatting, my friend and I settled into our cozy beds and welcomed sleep.
The next day, we got up, dressed, talked politics and checked out. We wanted a taste of what Wilmington had to offer. Immediately, we set out for the Riverfront, about 10 minutes from the hotel. This is a fairly new addition to the city (about 10 years) and has become an important addition to Wilmington’s “to-do list”. We had lunch at the Iron Brewery, a spacious restaurant with a plethora of specialized beer to choose from. After we had lunch, we shopped a bit at the outlet shops around the corner. Despite the few selections of stores, we managed to find a shoe store paradise. I walked out with four dynamite pairs, and I usually can’t find one pair that fits. Straight from the outlet, we drove 15 minutes north on I-95 to shop more at the Concord Mall. I know, I know. What’s so great about shopping in Delaware? Shopping can be done at home, you say? Two words: tax free. That alone is very much worth the entire trip. It’s like a never ending coupon for everything!
Well after the mall, the grown-up sleep-over was winding regretfully to a close. My dear friend had to catch a train back to New York City. Another 15 minutes south on I-95 and we were there, our personal realities of responsibilities and obligations running back into our minds and conversation. Her train arrived, we hugged tightly, waved goodbye and as she pulled off to resume her life, I slowly returned to mine. But what remains is this: we’ll always have Wilmington, Delaware.