Under $100: Dover, Delaware

Discover the capital of America’s first state, and all for a steal!

Grab breakfast at a local hot spot. Countrie Eatery serves up down-home favorites — from omelettes to piles of pancakes to the regional breakfast meat, scrapple — alongside great views of Silver Lake. Make sure you get there early, though. This small restaurant can fill up fast, both with locals and travelers.

After a hearty, filling breakfast, it’s time for a little exploration. Start off at Delaware Public Archives, where, no, you don’t have to be a Delaware native to find plenty of interesting history. In addition to housing some of the oldest and most interesting documents in the entire country, the archives also host fascinating exhibits on Delaware’s history and culture. Currently, you’ll find exhibits on Delaware’s historic state fair and the state’s role in World War I.

From the archives, it’s just a hop, skip and jump to First State Heritage Park. The first urban “park without boundaries,” it links sites all over the city, but the hub of activity is pretty centralized. From landmarks to parks to historic taverns, there’s a little bit of everything. The John Bell House is the oldest wooden structure on The Green and is the starting point for many engaging tours led by interpreters in full costume. You can also enjoy a free daily tour at The Old State House. Check out the First State Heritage website for information on special programming and fun events that may coincide with your visit.

Take a little stroll around downtown, too, and stop in to some of the locally owned boutiques and eateries. Suds Bar Soap offers natural, from-scratch candles, bath salts and other home and bath products. BLU Vintage is the spot to go for women’s clothing the brand describes as “Coastal to Country.” Bel Boutique sells modern and stylish clothing and accessories for women, right in the heart of downtown.

Then, dive into the history of music at the Johnson Victrola Museum. This small, two-story spot boasts a huge collection of phonographs, plus tons of memorabilia.

For dinner, head to Restaurant 55, known for its freshly made burgers and use of locally sourced ingredients, as well as its broad selection of local beers on tap.