When it comes to American states, size definitely
doesn’t matter as Delaware is the second smallest in area and
sixth smallest in population with about a million residents. But
it’s one of the best when it comes to economic and industrial
development, scenery and activities.
Adding to the beauty of the state is the fact it
sits on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern seaboard.
Delaware’s is separated into just three counties with Dover
being its capital city and Wilmington its largest. Other popular
centers include Delaware City, Lewes, Harrington, Middletown,
Milford, New Castle, Newark, Rehoboth Beach, and Seaford.
The region was inhabited by Native Americans when
the first Europeans started to settle there in the 16th century.
It was colonized by Dutch traders and became one of the 13
colonies that participated in the American Revolution in 1787.
Delaware was the first American state to ratify the Constitution
of the nation and from then on has been known as the First
State. The culture of the state is a combination of African
American, Irish, German, English, and Italian influences.
The state is only 96 miles long and 35 miles
across at its widest point, so it’s pretty easy to get around
and see all it has to offer. The land is on level plain and has
the lowest mean elevation of all the states. The northern area
of Delaware belongs to the Appalachian Piedmont and features
rolling surfaces and hills. Other areas include the Atlantic
Coastal Plain, the Delaware River, and Chesapeake Bay.
Delaware is linked together by a fine highway
system and there are three ferry services that link it to New
Jersey. There are two Amtrak rail stations, which are located in
Newark and Wilmington. There’s also a regional rail service to
get around the Northeast Corridor with stations in Wilmington,
Claymont, Newark, and Churchmans Crossing. There is also bus
service throughout the state and in the major cities. However,
Delaware is a great place to rent a car and tour the countryside
as it’s a small area.
One oddity about the state is that it’s the only
one in the country that doesn’t have commercial air service, but
it has a large air force base. So if you’re planning to fly
there, you might want to land in Philadelphia, Baltimore,
Washington, Wicomico Regional Airport, or Newark, New Jersey.
The ocean definitely affects the weather and
this means the temperature can vary quite a bit. However, the
whole state generally receives hot, humid summers and the
beaches of Delaware become pretty popular during those months.
Visitors to Delaware usually take to the beaches
as well as the museums, parks, wildlife refuges, lighthouses,
and other historic sites. The state is also home to the Delaware
Memorial Bridge, which is the world’s second longest twin-span
suspension bridge. The excellent beaches can be found at
Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Lewes, Bethany Beach, Fenwick
Island, and South Bethany. Rehoboth Beach is especially popular
as it offers artistic appeal, tax free shopping and a booming
nightlife.
The state also holds several fairs, festivals
and cultural events. These include the Riverfest Festival in
Seaford, the Rehoboth Beach Chocolate Festival, the Rehoboth
Beach Jazz Festival, Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral, the Apple
Scrapple Festival in Bridgeville, the Sea Witch Halloween
Festival and Parade, the Nanticoke Native Pow Pow, and the
Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival.
There are no major league sports teams in the
state, but there are several minor league franchises. However,
sports lovers can visit the Dover International Speedway along
with Dover Downs as there are two NASCAR events every year along
with harness racing. You’ll also find the Diamond State Games
taking place each year, which is an amateur sports festival that
welcomes competitors of all ages.
There are plenty of excellent hotels and
restaurants to choose from and these come in all price ranges.
Delaware is an ideal place to visit when you want to mix in some
interesting history with relaxation at the wonderful beach
towns.
About Delaware