Wilmington's new beer garden opens to rave reviews
A gift many thought would be delayed came early.
Jill Schoenberg, 34, along with her husband and 1 1/2-year-old son were some of the first to arrive at the surprise opening of The New Constitution Yards Beer Garden on Wilmington's Riverfront. To Schoenberg's surprise, the weather cleared up and the rain ceased, which she said made the decision for a family outing easier.
"We decided to check it out," Schoenberg said as her young son played in the sandpit while her husband stood in line for a beer.
Day one of what she hopes is many was a success in her eyes, as she applauded those responsible for coming up with the idea, adding that she hopes the venue "will draw a diverse group of people, young and old and kids."
The relaxing atmosphere is what drew Stan Soja, 64, who works in the Wilmington area, to the downtown beer garden.
“It kind of brings the beach to the urban area, the beach to the Riverwalk,” Soja said.
Soja, who frequents the Riverfront area for the bars, restaurant and entertainment, lives in the area as well and after of months of walking the River Walk and noticing the ongoing construction of the beer garden, was pleased with how everything turned out.
“It’s nice and relaxing and people are playing games,” he said. “I think it’s great.”
As Soja sipped on a beer on a bench, a group of young adults played a game of Jenga nearby.
Paige Kohler, 22, recently moved to Wilmington from the Philadelphia area where she said beer gardens were a big hit in the city.
“I think it’s going to bring a lot of young people here,” she said.
Zachary Selter, who works as a program engineer in the city, agreed.
“I like the sanded area and the beach games," Selter said. "That’s a cool addition.”
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Jenga and cornhole were some of the popular games of choice on opening day of the Wilmington beer garden, which impressed Kohler. She envisions the new hangout attraction will be a popular happy hour site for workers throughout the area.
“I think this is what people are looking for more after work,” she said.
Brian King, 39, likes the concept of the beer garden, which offers guests an outdoor experience for both the day and nighttime. He hopes the beer garden evolves past a late afternoon, early evening outlet and considers opening for lunch hours.
"I would love to see this become a success, and I think it could be," King said.
The Constitution Yards Beer Garden is located in a great area with a lot of space, and King said he saw no reason why he wouldn't return.
"You won't be elbow to elbow to people, prices don't seem all that bad to me and I don't live too far away so I'll be back," King said.
IF YOU GO
What: Constitution Yards Beer Garden opening
When: Saturday (noon-midnight) and Sunday (12 p.m.-9 p.m.)
Where: 308 Justison St., Wilmington
Information: constitutionyards.com
Contact Alonzo Small at (302) 324-2856 or asmall@delawareonline.com. Follow him on Twitter @P_AlonzoSmall.