The tiny state of Delaware sits off the coast of Maryland, south of New Jersey and is second in size to Rhode Island. It’s often used as a suburb of Philadelphia having almost no recognition of its own when you go looking for things to do. So what does Delaware have to offer visitors and residents alike? A look inside of Delaware shows that the state is bursting at the seams with something for everybody.
In the northern most part of the state, the town of Wilmington holds the largest population and is the center of most of the activity in Delaware. It is home to the DuPont Company, several museums and is a direct link both north and south. Here you will find the Henry Francis du Pont Winterthur Museum and Gardens. In residence at the museum, there are decorative arts from the 1600's to 1840. Most of the 80,000 pieces are displayed in room settings and a tram is available to carry visitors through the formal gardens. The Hagley Museum and Eleutherian Mills on Brandywine Creek is just outside of the city limits. E.I. du Pont founded his powder mill here in 1802 and several of the original buildings have been restored masterfully. Visitors have the opportunity to observe how the mill was operated and how the mill workers lived. Nemours, the du Pont family estate, include a replica of a French chateau and extensive gardens for public viewing.
Not everything in Wilmington is associated with the du Pont family. The Delaware History Museum, located near Old Town Hall, is a beautiful restoration of a former Woolworth’s done in art-deco. A nine-foot-tall statue of George Washington is outside the museum gift shop which is an ideal place to find hand-crafted items local to Delaware. There is a great deal to keep even the most bored child and possibly the most bored adult busy. Among the permanent collection is a flak jacket worn by a Delaware fighter pilot worn during Pearl Harbor and “hippy” furniture from the 1960's.
Following the coastline to the south, you will find Dover, the state’s capital. Near here, Dickinson Mansion sits regally awaiting visitors. This was the family home of John Dickinson who was a Revolutionary War leader and writer. Dover also serves up NASCAR racing to the fans twice a year at the Dover Speedway. The roar of the engines can be heard on The Green in downtown Dover. The Green itself is a public square in the center of historic buildings. Immersed in these historic buildings is Old State House, seat of the legislature since colonial times.
Moving further south is Lewes where you will find the Zwaanendael Museum and the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. The museum is a replica of a historic Dutch building and commemorates the Dutch settlement in 1631. The houses display both colonial American life and Native American life. The ferry is a three-hour trek across the Delaware Bay to historic Cape May, New Jersey. Cape May is popular for its bright Victorian homes and quaint stores. The small town also has several good restaurants, an opportunity for shopping and several museums for visiting. If you’re lucky, a dolphin may accompany you along the side the boat.
Fenwick Island sits on the Atlantic coastline at the Maryland border. Here you will find a lighthouse built in 1857 purchased by the federal government for $50.00. The shoals which extend some six miles out into the entrance of Delaware Bay were a hazard to ships and in the 19th century the 87-foot-high lighthouse began to cast its ray of light into the water. The money was well spent as the lighthouse still stands today and can be seen from 15 miles out on clear days.
Delaware also boasts a strong supply of state land. Rehoboth Beach is probably the most populated and talked about as it is a preferred escape from Washington, D.C. Rehoboth Beach sits on the coast of Rehoboth Bay, the state’s only natural lake. Other beaches are Primehook Beach, Broadkill Beach, Indian Mission, and Dewey Beach. The state parks include Seashore State Park, which is home to the sand of Rehoboth Beach, and Fort Delaware State Park, with a preserved fort from the Civil War.
Delaware may rank second to Rhode Island and be viewed as a suburb of Philadelphia but as a state it has plenty to brag about. With open venues like beaches and parks, breathtaking views of the water from atop a lighthouse and museums that give you a glimpse into our past, Delaware’s borders are bursting at the seams with delights for you and your family.
