When choosing a place to vacation, you might think that because Delaware is such a little state there won't be much to do. In reality, the First State has quite a bit to offer, including historic attractions, the elegant Chateau Country, outdoor recreation, shopping, arts and culture, sports, and casinos.
Consisting of a mere three counties, Delaware measures only 96 miles long, with its width ranging from nine to 35 miles wide. That's actually good news for travelers, since no matter where you're staying in the state, you're still a reasonable drive from everything. Located on the Delmarva Peninsula, the majority of the state belongs to the Atlantic Coastal Plain, mainly consisting of flat, low land and some swampland along its southern border with Maryland. In a tiny section of Delaware's most northern area, the Piedmont crosses the state, causing rolling hills. This is where you'll find the highest elevation, at 448 feet above sea level. All of the state's eastern borders are shoreline, following the Delaware River in the north to the Delaware Bay and on to the Atlantic Ocean in the south.
Delaware experiences a temperate, humid climate with four distinct seasons. Along the ocean, temperatures are approximately 10 degrees warmer in the winter and 10 degrees cooler in the summer. Summer temperatures hit an average high of 86 degrees Fahrenheit, while winter lows dip down to an average of 23 degrees. Although the state receives about 21 inches of snow per year, the only winter sport you'll find is ice skating.
Past Times
Prior to European contact, several Native American tribes inhabited the lands of Delaware. The most notable, the Leni-Lenape (also known as the Delawares) and the Nanticokes, were related to each other. Henry Hudson, exploring for the Dutch East India Company, discovered the Delaware Bay and River in 1609. By the 1630s, battles for Delaware's land had broken out between Sweden, Holland, and England. Power changed hands a number of times over the next four decades, until the British finally triumphed in 1674. Soon after, they forced the majority of Delaware's Native Americans to leave. However, approximately 500 Nanticokes still live in Sussex County. Between April and October, travelers can visit the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro to learn about the tribe's culture and history. Groups can also call to schedule a tour.
In September of 1777, troops commanded by George Washington fought the British at Cooch's Bridge, the only Revolutionary War battle to be fought in Delaware. Although American forces launched a more aggressive campaign than the British had expected, the British managed to partially occupy Delaware until June, 1778. Delaware ratified the new United States Constitution on December 7, 1787 – the first state to do so, earning Delaware its nickname, the First State. Travelers interested in colonial and Revolutionary War history will find many interesting sites in Dover.
Though no Civil War battles were fought in Delaware, there was internal conflict over slavery. Many of the state's residents were descendants of Maryland tobacco plantation owners, so they supported slavery even though most of them didn't own slaves themselves. Delaware refused an offer to join the Confederacy, but it also opposed abolition and civil rights for blacks. At the same time, a vital corridor of the Underground Railroad ran from Dover to Wilmington, which aided slaves from the eastern shores of Virginia and Maryland to escape to the north. The African-American Historical Society of Delaware, located in Wilmington, sponsors lectures and tours on the state's black history, as well as running a gallery (open by appointment) and a gift shop. Civil War buffs may want to visit Fort Delaware, which housed Confederate prisoners during the war.
Many other historic sites can be found around the state. A particularly good area to visit is the town of New Castle, once Delaware's capital city. Cobblestone streets and colonial buildings lend a quaint atmosphere to the old section of town. Among the many buildings open to the public are the Dutch House (dating back to the late 1600s), the Amstel House (built in the 1730s), and Common Goods and Embellishments, a shop selling period clothing and tools for re-enactors. Also stop by the Old Library Museum, a Victorian-era hexagonal building which now displays exhibits about the town's history.
Chateau Country
One of the most unique aspects of Delaware is its Chateau Country, an area encompassing the Brandywine Valley and Wilmington, where duPont family members and others built mansions. Today, a number of these homes and their beautiful gardens are open for tours. The best known may be Winterthur, featuring the most comprehensive collection of early American furniture in the world, plus 60 acres of gardens. To learn about how the duPonts made their fortunes, visit the Hagley Museum. Housed in the duPont family's first home, the grounds also include the original gunpowder mills which began the DuPont Company empire in 1802. Other palatial mansions in the area include Nemours and Rockwood.
While you're in the area, you can enjoy plenty of other attractions. Wilmington is a major cultural hub, full of professional theater, dance, concerts, art and other kinds of museums, and gourmet dining. Downtown, the luxurious Hotel duPont is worth a visit even if you aren't staying there, and you can take in a Broadway show in the hotel's DuPont Theatre. Delaware's only zoo, the Brandywine Zoo, is also located in Wilmington. For a tour of the countryside, climb aboard a historic steam train operated by the Wilmington and Western Railroad.
The Great Outdoors
Travelers who prefer outdoor recreation will find plenty to do in Delaware. The state's beaches are a popular draw in the summertime. Beach towns vary in their character and attractions. For a laid-back vacation, try the charming historic town of Lewes. To get your fill of water sports and nightlife, Dewey Beach is the place to go. The Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island area offers peace and quiet, plus ecotourism attractions. Their proximity to the hustle and bustle of both Dewey Beach and Ocean City, Maryland, also makes it the perfect place for travelers seeking a combination of relaxation and fun activities. If you're looking for upscale shopping and gourmet dining, head to Rehoboth Beach, nicknamed "the Nation's Summer Capital" because so many residents of Washington, D.C. flock here when the weather warms up.
In addition to beaches, Delaware features plenty of forests, rivers, and parks. All around the state, you can camp, fish, bike, hike, or go canoeing. Golf courses and farm tours also abound. Each of the state's regions maintains nature or wildlife preserves, such as the Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Smyrna, and Edward H. McCabe Nature Preserve in Milton. These are excellent places for birdwatching, viewing wildlife, and sometimes seeing rare plants. To add a little extra adventure, go skydiving or take a scenic biplane flight in Dover. Horseback riding is also available in some areas.
Shopping and More
Other fun things to do in Delaware include shopping, taking in the arts and cultural attractions, sports, and casinos.
In Delaware, shopping is tax-free. You can save even more by shopping at the outlet malls in Rehoboth Beach. Or go to Laurel and check out Bargain Bill's Flea Market, rated among the country's top 50 flea markets by Good Housekeeping magazine. Bargain Bill's carries a wide variety of items from new to used, including collectibles and antiques. Antique hunters will want to spend some time in Southern Delaware, where antique shops proliferate in towns like Lewes, Georgetown, and Milton. For unique boutiques and high-end shopping, try Greenville and Centreville.
While Wilmington and Dover offer the most in terms of art and culture, many other communities boast a museum, art gallery, theater, or other cultural pursuits. A few of them are the Seaford Museum (Seaford), Riverfront Theatre (Milford), and the Newark Symphony Orchestra (Newark).
Sports fans can attend a number of events, from NCAA college football to minor league baseball. For professional tennis, travel to Wilmington in July to see the Delaware Smash play in World Team Tennis matches. NASCAR races take the track at the Delaware International Speedway in Delmar. Horse racing is especially popular in the First State, with three race tracks to choose from. Harrington Raceway runs harness races, Delaware Park (Wilmington) runs thoroughbred races, and Dover Downs runs both. All three of these also include casinos with slot machines. In addition, Dover Downs features an entertainment center, where major performers like Gladys Knight, Julio Iglesias, and Sinbad take the stage.
From harness racing to historic sites, the First State packs in more than enough to do. No matter what kind of vacation you prefer, you can have it in Delaware.
