destination
Delaware
With its easily accessible, central location on the mid-Atlantic seaboard and short, two hour driving length, visitors to Delaware not only can get to the state quickly, but are also sure to be able to take in all the state has to offer during any visit.
As the first state to declare its spot in a young America, Delaware is rich in colonial history. A trip down the state’s history trail takes travelers from the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley all the way to the shores of the Atlantic, pulling visitors back in time to see the birthplace of the state, historic architecture, unique museums, and the state’s Native American heritage.
Adventurers will be eager to try their hand on the state’s geocaching trail, which takes treasure hunters throughout Delaware’s three counties and teaches explorers about early Native American tribes, state colonial history, and more. Along the way, be sure to take in even more of Delaware’s engrossing, outdoor experience by visiting any of the state’s many sandy beach trails or historic waterways. Family-friendly beaches are a hallmark of the state’s coastline. In fact, Rehoboth Beach was named one of the top 10 best beaches for families by Family Vacation Critic.
Autumn vacationers should plan a special tour through Delaware’s beautiful state parks to see the lush green foliage of summer give way to the deep red and gorgeous orange tones of the fall color changes. Fall is also when Delaware hosts the “World Championship Punkin Chunkin” contest, where competitors use everything from cannons to medieval siege weaponry to try and out-distance each other in long-range pumpkin tossing! If eating fruit is more your style than throwing, then the state’s “Apple Scrapple Festival” in October is sure to please. This annual food festival celebrates the state’s apple harvest with live entertainment, carnival rides, trade and craft shows, and, of course, hearty samples of Delaware’s one-of-a-kind scrapple! For the courageous, the state also hosts a number of ghost tours throughout October in spots like the Amstel House – where the notorious “Woman in Blue” lurks in the shadows – and historic Fort Delaware, a civil war-era fortress that recently was “certified haunted” by Sci-Fi Channel’s “Ghost Hunters”. Other seasonal festivals include Seaford’s “Riverfest”, the Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival, the Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral, the Sea Witch Halloween Festival, and many more.
Vacationers with a plan to do a bit of shopping couldn’t pick a better to visit than Delaware. The state is a shopper’s paradise with its abundant name-brand outlets and malls, charming boutiques, and more, all entirely tax free! With no state sales tax, Delaware is the place to buy more for less. And if shopping doesn’t rev your engine, the action at the state’s casinos is sure to. Excitement is plentiful at any one of the state’s three “racinos” – race track oriented casinos – which boast the only sports betting to be found on the east coast. And folks who want to watch the excitement, first-hand, should make a stop at Dover International Speedway which is, twice a year, host to NASCAR’s Monster Mile race weekends, packed with thrilling races and an 8-acre FanZone, full of on-site activities and attractions.
Fans of the culinary arts will love Delaware’s Wine and Ale trail, a unique collection of twelve wineries and breweries that travels from the riverfront in Wilmington to the shores of the Atlantic. Don’t forget to stop at the Dogfish Head craft brewery for a taste of their nationally famous, artisan brews! Restaurants and fine dining, too, share the trail and make the experience a requirement for any foodie.
Whether its exploring the outdoors, participating in a festival, diving into the state’s history, or simply pleasing your palate, Delaware packs enough excitement for anyone. Famous for being the “First State”, a visit to Delaware will have you remembering it as the best state.
