Delaware is full of quirky small towns, but there’s one town upstate that’s one of the most unique places in the country! The Utopian village of Arden is home to fewer than 500 residents, and the community is probably the most closely-knit group in the state. The village was founded in 1900 by the famous architect Will Price and renowned sculptor Frank Stephens, who wanted to create a utopian, radical Georgist single-tax community. Since its founding, Arden has grown to include 160 acres, and over 80 of those acres exist as preserved open space. Read more about what makes Arden one of the last of its kind.
The Village of Arden in New Castle County, Delaware, was founded in 1900 and is unlike any other place in the world.
The Arden Club
This Georgist community is characterized by its unique architecture, and homes are still referred to by their names. These include Friendly Gables, The Lodge, Rest Cottage, and Green Gate.
Facebook / The Arden Gild Hall
Arden’s residents enjoy the gild-based community, where there are clubs for many of this artsy Delaware village’s interests.
Facebook / The Arden Shakespeare Gild
Perhaps the best known is the concert gild, which draws large audiences to enjoy live music performed by both local and nationally touring acts.
Facebook / Arden Concert Gild
Every year, the community opens its doors for the Arden fair, which draws visitors from all over the mid-Atlantic to experience this unique town.
Facebook / The Arden Fair
The residents of Arden know that their town is special - and they welcome creative and odd folk from all over. Visit the Oddporium in the village to see the craziest shop in Delaware!
Facebook / The Oddporium
Arden’s dinner gild is a throwback to large community dinners, where neighbors catch up on local gossip and lifelong friendships are forged and strengthened.
Facebook / Arden Dinner Gild
And the Stephens Theater, right in the middle of the Village, is the site of amazing performances put on by the Arden Shakespeare Gild.
Wikimedia Commons
The entire town has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places, so when you visit this Delaware village, you’ll be walking through history.
Wikimedia Commons
Arden is worth a visit, particularly in the fall when the bright colors of autumn turn the town into a gorgeous canvas. And you really ought to visit the Oddporium, Delaware’s most unique store that’s located in the heart of Arden. Learn more about this spooky store by clicking here.
The Arden Club
Facebook / The Arden Gild Hall
Facebook / The Arden Shakespeare Gild
Facebook / Arden Concert Gild
Facebook / The Arden Fair
Facebook / The Oddporium
Facebook / Arden Dinner Gild
Wikimedia Commons
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