Your Brandywine Valley Expert

2010-06-02T12:00:00.000-04:00

Summer Nights Under the Stars Outdoor Concert Series

Summer Friday nights between June 4th and August 27th, 6:30-9:30PM

This series of summer concerts in June, July and August is known far and wide as a wonderful way to spend a relaxing summer evening with friends in a beautiful country setting....and to enjoy a little lively dancin’ under the stars! Concerts range from Rock’n Roll and Classic Soul to Zydeco and Jazz..Bring a picnic, pick up a chilled bottle of wine, sit back and enjoy!

NEW! Summer BBQ Nights featuring Nick's Chicks on the grill at every Friday night concert in June.

Admission: $22/person, Reservations recommended (610-388-6221) as many concerts sell out.

View and Print the Summer Concert Schedule here.

2010-05-28T10:00:00.001-04:00

Get ready for an evening of oohs and ahhs, as Longwood Gardens presents three spectacular fireworks and fountains shows guaranteed to make your summer memorable.

This year, relive the British Invasion and celebrate one of the most popular groups of all time in Ladies & Gentlemen . . . The Beatles .

Favorite American classics come to life in Gershwin Gala , featuring the unforgettable works of George Gershwin, including selections from An American in Paris, Porgy & Bess and Rhapsody in Blue.

Finally, salute America and Longwood founder Pierre S. du Pont with Founder’s Favorites, a dazzling program featuring an eclectic mix of patriotic, organ and classical music.

Mark your calendars for these shows (beginning at 9:15 unless otherwise noted):

Sunday, May 30 – Ladies & Gentlemen . . . The Beatles
Sunday, July 4 – Founder's Favorites
Saturday, July 10 – Ladies & Gentlemen . . . The Beatles
Saturday, July 24 – Gershwin Gala
Saturday, August 14 – Ladies & Gentlemen . . . The Beatles
Sunday, September 5 – Gershwin Gala (8:15 pm start time)

Tickets are on sale now online, in the Visitor Center, or by calling 610-388-5200.

Click here for our Escape to the Brandywine Valley Packages, includes 2 tickets to LWG!

Brandywine River Blues Festival

2010-05-24T10:00:00.001-04:00

May 29-31, 2010 at Chaddsford Winery

Skip the beach crowds and spend this holiday weekend closr to home on the scenic grounds of the beautiful small estate winery in Chaddsford. Taste the nationally acclaimed Chaddsford wines, see the winemaking and barrel-aging cellars, and then relax and picnic on the grounds to the lively sounds of two live Blues bands each day. Admission is $25/person and includes winetastings, souvenir wine glass, and two concerts. Food is available from Pace One Restaurant or bring your own picnic!

Visit www.chaddsford.com for more details.

Make a weekend out of it with our Food and Wine Escape!

2010-05-22T10:15:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day Weekend Fun!

Memorial Day marks the unofficial beginning of the Summer Season! It's also the perfect time to explore the Brandywine Valley. Flowers are in full bloom at Longwood Gardens, Blue Rocks Baseball is in full swing at the Wilmington Stadium, and there are so many outdoor festivals to enjoy.

Here at the Estate, we are getting prepared for the Summer, too! This Memorial Day Weekend, we are excited to be opening our Courtyard for Outdoor Dining this Summer! Serving Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner daily. Our outdoor pool and jacuzzi will also be opening this weekend, so don't forget to pack your bathing suit! Want to soak up the sun and stay by the pool all day? Daily Drink Specials and our Poolside Menu will be available from our Estate Butler Staff to enjoy outdoors all day.

Click here for a list of our Specials!

Summer Savings!

2010-05-21T11:19:00.000-04:00

Don't miss out on these savings this Summer! Hilton is offering 25% OFF when you book any trip before July 15, 2010, and stay through September 6, 2010! Best of all, your rate includes our Hot Breakfast Buffet! There's so much to do in the Brandywine Valley this season... come explore!!

Click Here to Book Today!!

Donald the Estate Omelet Master

2010-05-19T12:40:00.000-04:00

Introducing Summer Fun!
Your Overnight Experience includes:

Overnight Accommodations for Two
Full American Breakfast Buffet for Two
$25.00 Dining & Spa Voucher redeemable at any of the following: Brasserie Grille, Potstickers Asian Grill & Sushi Bar, or Soffritto Italian Grill or Trilogy Spa & Salon

SPECIAL OFFER: Sunday, May 30 through Tuesday, June 1 enjoy a special rate of only $99.00 on our Summer Fun package!

Book Now or call 1-800-348-3133

Escape to the Estate and spend time exploring the different summer festivals, world-class attractions and art galleries that the Brandywine Valley has to offer. Unwind in our courtyard, where you can relax under our charming gazebo or by our outdoor pool. Don't forget to indulge in our delicious food and drink specials by the pool all season long!

Wilmington Grand Prix 2010 Bike Race

2010-05-18T23:00:00.001-04:00

More Than 10,000 Expected for

2010 Wilmington Grand Prix!

A crowd of more than 10,000 is expected in Downtown Wilmington on Sat., May 22 as the Wilmington Grand Prix returns for its third year as a stop on the U.S.A. Cycling National Race Calendar Series.

The Wilmington Grand Prix is part competitive cycling and part street festival. Grand Prix festivities include an Opening Ceremonies Parade presented by Walgreen’s and a Miles for Meals Relay (Foot) Race presented by Wilmington Trust. Both events also serve as an awareness and fundraising effort for the Food Bank of Delaware. In addition, there will be six blocks of free family activities, presented by Bank of America. Attractions include a sidewalk sale, live music, moon bounces, giant slides, bungee jumping, rock walls and and more!

For race and event details or to register- http://www.wilmgrandprix.com/About.aspx

Mother's Day Brunch

2010-05-06T15:35:00.005-04:00

Sunday, May 9th

10:00am-3:00pm

Experience our Legendary Mother's Day Brunch Buffet with inspiring cuisine and service that will leave no desire unfulfilled!

Featured menu items include: Belgian Malted Waffles; Omelets Cooked to Order; Gorgonzola Ravioli, Poached Atlantic Salmon with Dill & Caviar Creme; Oven Roasted Turkey; Virginia Slow Smoked Ham; Assorted Cakes, Mousses and Cheesecakes

Book early for preferred reservation times. For reservations call 302.782.7000.

$34.00 per person, $17 for children under 12, free for children under 4

Swan Update

2010-04-03T13:51:00.002-04:00

Greetings from the Pond!

As you may or may not know, Ethel the Swan is 'with egg'. From what we can tell, there are 3 eggs that she is sitting on in her nest.

Larry, the proud Pappa Swan, is doing what Mother Nature tells him to do, aggressively protecting his mate and the eggs from anyone who might come near it. Unfortunately, this includes their son Conrad Hilli, our 1 year old Cygnet.

Today we relocated Conrad to a new home. He has been adopted by two guests of ours who have a large parcel of land in the south with a fenced pond.

While we are are sad to see Conrad go, we are looking forward to the arrival of a new batch of Cygnets in early May. Maybe even in time for Mother's Day!

Stay tuned for more Swan Updates this Spring.

Wilmington Blue Rocks

2010-03-28T21:14:00.003-04:00

Watch minor-leage baseball excitement just 15 minutes away along the Wilmington Riverfront.

Opening day will be celebrated on Friday, April 16th with a post-game fireworks display!

Visit www.bluerocks.com for details, or call 302.888.BLUE.

Latest Price Fix Menu

2010-03-25T08:50:00.000-04:00

Visit the Brasserie Grille for our $30, three course, Price Fix Menus.

A new menu is published each Tuesday - the items below are available from now through March 29th:

Starters:

Fettuccine with Jumbo Lump Crab Meat, finished with a Zesty Roasted Red Pepper-Basil Sauce

or

Mixed Spring Greens with Grilled Asparagus, Hearts of Palm, and Tomatoes, Tossed in a Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Entrees:

Mixed Seafood Grill with Swordfish, Red Snapper, and Jumbo Shrimp with Lemon-Basil Olive Oil, over Whole Grain Rice Blend

or

Cajun Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Andouille Sausage, Corn, and Okra Hash, served with Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

or

Stuffed European Style Chicken Breast with Spinach, Dried Cranberries, and Feta Cheese, finished with a Light Orange-Ginger Sauce

Finale:

Jamaican Strawberry Torte

or

Chocolate Peanut Butter “Won-Ton” with Spiced Whipped Cream

Easter at the Estate

2010-03-22T08:53:00.001-04:00

Experience the legendary Easter Brunch Buffet at Brandywine Valley's Country Estate.

Sunday, April 4th from 10:00am - 3:00pm

Adults $34.00, Children under 12 $17.00, Children under 4 are complimentary

A Few Featured Menu Items Include: Omelets Cooked to Order, Fruit-Filled Pancakes, Roasted Almond Herb Crusted Chicken Breast, Garlic Studded Roast Baron of Beef, a Lavish Presentation of Mousses, Cheesecake, Pies & Chocolate Desserts.

The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos, and while you’re here, don’t forget to stop by the Patio and visit our Royal Swans.

Call 302.781.7000 for Easter Brunch reservations.

Spa & Dining Offer

2010-03-18T10:25:00.000-04:00

Book a reservation for any Friday or Saturday night in March and receive a complimentary $25.00 Spa & Dining Voucher!

Your voucher is redeemable at any one of three restaurants in the area:
• Brasserie Grille here in the Estate
• Soffritto Italian Grill
• Potstickers Asian Grill

Or, relax and pamper yourself with a $25.00 credit towards spa services at Trilogy Salon & Day Spa.

When making reservations, use promotion code “PL10” to receive this special offer.

Click here for online reservations or call 800.348.3133 for personal assistance from one of our Reservation Specialists.

Orchid Extravaganza

2010-03-08T11:15:00.000-05:00

The divas of the plant world are putting on an unforgettable show for you, with thousands of orchid blooms, displays and special exhibits throughout the month of March at the world-famous Longwood Gardens.

The exhibit runs from March 1st through the 31st, and is open daily from 9:00am-5:00pm.

Admission to Longwood Gardens is $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, and $6 for children between the ages of 5-8. Discounted adult admission tickets can be purchased directly from our Front Desk staff here at the Estate, saving guests $2.00 per person off the price of each adult ticket.

Visit www.longwoodgardens.org for additional details about this exhibit, as well as a calendar of seasonal events throughout the year.

Congratulations Chef!

2010-03-04T12:41:00.000-05:00

Our very own Chef James Lauser was recently awarded the honor of Chef of the Year by the First State Chef’s Association of Delaware.

Sponsored by the American Culinary Federation, the award goes to those who have “demonstrated the highest standard of culinary skills, advanced the cuisine of America and given back to the profession through the development of students and apprentices.”

Stop by the Estate and dine on the award-winning steak and seafood items available daily in the Brasserie Grille!

For reservations call: 302.781.7000

Cabin Fever?

2010-03-01T08:20:00.000-05:00

If you are feeling the urge to get out and cure that cabin fever, escape to the Hilton Wilmington/Christiana!

We’re excited to offer our guests an exclusive CABIN FEVER relief offer for the month of March!

Book either the Godiva Sweet Escape, Food & Wine Escape, or Delaware Park Play & Stay packages for any Friday or Saturday night in March, mention promotional code CF10 when making your reservation, and receive $50.00 per night off of your room rate.

Click here for online reservations or call 800.348.3133 for personal assistance from one of our Reservation Specialists.

New In-Hotel Activities

2010-01-28T11:55:00.000-05:00

We will be kicking-off our Month of Love celebrations at the Estate on February 2nd with a host of new In-Hotel Activities.

Each event is complimentary for our overnight guests.

Godiva Martini Classes will be held each Tuesday evening from 5:00-6pm in the Lobby. Guests can try their hand at mixing a decadent white or dark chocolate martini and receive a special gift that night if they dine with us in the Brasserie Grille.

Each Saturday there will be three separate events taking place:

5:00-5:30pm, cooking demonstrations with award-winning Chef James Lauser
5:30-5:45pm, the Royal Swan Feeding ceremony
5:45-6:30pm, Godiva Martini Classes

Esperanza Spalding

2010-01-26T11:25:00.000-05:00

Invited at the personal behest of President Obama himself, 25-year-old jazz virtuoso Esperanza Spalding performed at the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in Copenhagen, and now you can see her live at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington on January 31st.

Blessed with uncanny instrumental chops on the upright bass, a multi-lingual voice and a natural beauty that borders on the hypnotic, this 24-year-old prodigy charts vibrant new future for jazz and instrumental music.

The performance begins at 7:00pm and ticket prices range from $27 - $42 each. For additional information and to purchase tickets online, visit www.grandopera.org

New Riverfront Attraction

2010-01-24T11:22:00.003-05:00

Reconnect with the natural world at the new DuPont Environmental Education Center!

Located in the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge in the southernmost portion of Wilmington's Riverfront overlooking the Christina River.

It provides panoramic views of the tidal marsh, which has been transformed into a thriving ecosystem where eagles soar and ospreys nest. The area currently supports more than 200 species of wildlife.

Outside, the Urban Wildlife Refuge trail system allows visitors access through 212 acres of marsh. After a visit to the Refuge, stop by either the casual Iron Hill Brewery or upscale Harry's Seafood Grill; both offering lunch and dinner service with water views from each restaurant..

For a complete list of programs, go to www.delawarenaturesocity.org.

Downtown Newark's Restaurant Week

2010-01-22T11:14:00.000-05:00

The 4th Annual Restaurant Week concludes this Sunday the 24th in Newark, Delaware.

More than 15 outstanding restaurants in this lively college town will be offering specialty menus at extremely reasonable prices. Enjoy three tiers of fabulous prix fixe meals, free parking validation, seasonal decorations, in-restaurant entertainment and retail specials.

For a complete list of participating restaurants, visit www.EnjoyDowntownNewark.com.

Christiana Rotary Food Drive

2010-01-21T12:15:00.002-05:00

The Hilton Wilmington/Christiana has been hosting weekly meetings every Thursday for the Christiana Rotary Club for well over a decade.

The Rotary is currently conducting their annual Food Bank Drive, and we will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items from now through early February.

Items can be brought directly to the Sales Office here at the Estate.

For more information on the Food Bank of Delaware visit www.fbd.org

Brasserie Grille - 3 Courses for $30

2010-01-19T09:30:00.003-05:00

This week's menu of seasonal dinner options in the award-winning Brasserie Grille comes to us from Executive Chef James Lauser.

The menu will be available through Monday, January 25th and costs just $30.00 per person.

Starter: (choice of):

Sauteed Jumbo Shrimp with a Raspberry & Cucumber Glaze

or

Braised Beef Short Ribs over Smashed Yukon Potatoes

Entrees (choice of):

Teriyaki Grilled Swordfish with Julian Vegetables over Black Sushi Rice and Crispy Won-Ton Skins

or

Tempura Dipped Black Florida Grouper Smothered in an Orange Marmalade with Toasted Coconut Flakes, served over Rice Pilaf and Broccoli Buds

or

Stuffed Veal Chop, with Sun Dried Tomatoes, Prosciuto Ham and Mozzarella Cheese, served with Root Vegetables in a Port Wine Demi Glace

Finale (choice of):

Chocolate Velvet Cheesecake or Individual Peanut butter Bombe

Orchid Extravaganza

2010-01-17T14:46:00.001-05:00

January 23rd - March 31st

Longwood Gardens

www.longwoodgardens.org

Immerse yourself in a dazzling world of orchids as Longwood transforms its Conservatory into a lush oasis showcasing the divas of the plant world.

More than 4,000 colorful and fragrant orchids drape from walls, flow from pedestals and adorn beds throughout the 4-acres of indoor gardens.

See innovative displays, including a living orchid curtain and six phalaenopsis orchid topiaries, rise above the calm reflective waters in the Exhibition Hall.

Make a weekend out of it with our two-night Ultimate Brandywine Treasures package, which includes a Passport for admission to Longwood Gardens, Winterthur Museum & Gardens, and seven other Brandywine Valley Treasures.

Click here for reservations or call 800.348.3133.

Sinatra Valentine's Dinner

2010-01-15T14:19:00.003-05:00

Saturday, February 13th

An evening of romance and entertaiment

Seatings at 6:00pm & 8:30pm

Treat your Valentine to an evening filled with the magic and romance of the great supper club era.

* Deluxe Overnight Accommodations at our Estate

* Three-Course Surf & Turf Dinner for Two

* Live entertainment by Sinatra tribute artist Maurice Michoux

* Full American Breakfast Buffet for Two

Click here for reservations or call 800.348.3133.

Don't delay, seating is limited for each show!

Hilton Estate Wedding Giveaway Event

2010-01-13T14:14:00.000-05:00

February 25th

6:00pm - 8:00pm

Hilton Wilmington/Christiana

Register to win a free wedding including reception for 100 people, bridal gown, wedding rings, flowers, honeymoon and everything else you could imagine for a Memorable Moment of a lifetime.

A rehearsal dinner and a block of overnight rooms will also be given away to other lucky winners.

Fantastic discounts will be available during the event, which makes everyone a winner!

Register at www.yourmemorablemoments.com to win!