If you haven't seen the cherry blossoms in Brandywine Park, on the stretch of grass between the zoo and the river, go this week. The weather is ideal (not the case when this happens, most years), and you will not find a finer display of heirloom blooms north of D.C. Most of the trees, originally a gift from Japan, are nearly 100 years old. This is a little more poignant when you remember that Wilmington's sister city, Miyagi, was one of the cities devastated in the recent earthquake in Japan. I can't find info on whether the cherry trees actually came from Miyagi, but it's a pretty good possibility. There are placards under the trees that explain more.
When you've finished taking it all in, go for a walk on the trail that runs next to the park. In daylight hours, it's perfectly safe, with plenty of other walkers and joggers always around.
If you're looking for a quick picnic lunch to bring, try the take-out at these eateries in Trolley Square: Ciao Pizza (they have great subs as well as pizzas), Temptations (NY deli sandwiches priced from $7-$10. A lot of the sandwiches include the words 'chopped liver', but there are plenty without if you don't happen to be a connoisseur of the liver), or Diablo Burritos.
A personal favorite of mine on Lovering Avenue, down the street from Gallucio's, is the Fresh Thymes Cafe. A small mostly-lunch joint owned and operated by a mother and daughter team, Fresh Thymes is always good for a gourmet take-out sandwich, as well, with plenty of choices for vegetarians and vegans. So bring some food and your honey to the side of the Brandywine River, lie back and stare up at multitudes of fluffy, pom-pom-like cherry blossoms like Wilmingtonians have been doing for many decades, say hi to the llamas (or possibly alpacas) at the edge of the Brandywine Zoo, and enjoy the sunshine while it's here.
More info on Brandywine Park:
http://www.destateparks.com/park/wilmington/brandywine-park/index.asp
