Delaware - "The First State" |
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As I entered the second smallest state in the United States, several folks inquired, "How are you going to spend one month in such a small state?" Weeks of exploration lead me to one conclusion - Size does not Matter! Delaware is large on American colonial history, unique local food and rural towns full of some of the most down-to-earth folks I have met so far in the last two years of traveling 48 States in 48 Months. I hope to share with you the uniqueness of Delaware through this month's edition of "Traveling Gazette".
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Delaware - 2nd smallest state
The width of Delaware ranges from 9 to 25 miles wide. The length is only 96 miles long covering a total of 1,982 square miles. In comparison, the state of New York encompasses 54,556 miles.
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My Favorite and Unexpected Day in Delaware |
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I drove into the parking lot of Sea Shell Shop with low expectations as the store was your typical souvenir shop. Walking past thousands of assorted shells to purchase, I come to a locked door with a sign posted, "Open Saturday and Sunday". Today was Thursday. Leaving discouraged, I decide to return on Saturday. I might not ever have the opportunity again to visit a sunken treasure and pirate booty museum. Little did I know this decision was going to be the highlight of my time in Delaware!
As reach the top of the wooden stairs, I see several people gathered today engaged in a very lively conversation. Curiously I boldly join them. A stranger whispers to me, "He has been diving for sunken treasure since he was fourteen." We follow him from exhibit to exhibit listening to the detailed stories of each courageous dive. Meet Dale Clifton.
Being surrounded by thousands of sunken ship treasures, Dale is able to retrieve gold bars, coins and other relics from various closets. I was in complete awe! At the end of our time together, I asked if I could take a memorable photo of Dale. We stood, arm in arm, as though we have been friends for a lifetime.
When in Delaware, you absolutely need to make a stop at the Sea Shell Shop. The museum is amazing! What is more amazing is to meet the diver who made it all happen - Dale Clifton.
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Delaware Weird Law
It is illegal to get married on a dare!
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Rural Towns Speak in Volume |
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John Denver, folk music icon, sings it best , "Take me home country road." There is something very real and authentic when we break away from the big cities to travel the back roads of America. It is about turning off the GPS and trusting where the rural roads will take you. In each state I travel, I have such a day. I turn off my GPS and spend the day exploring unknown roads. Oftentimes, I leave my vehicle at a local park to walk or ride my eBike, hoping to meet local folks. Many times, my brief encounters turn into hour-long, engaging conversations. A few times, I find myself eating a delicious meal in their home or at their favorite local restaurant.
As my father told me, "Everybody has a story. You just need to be willing to listen." In two years of traveling, I have listened to dozens of stories, from generation to generation, why these rural folks continue to live a life with little or no internet, no traffic lights and several wooden chairs on their front porch. I am told again and again, "We would have it no other way."
In summary, no matter the state you live in, take some time off from the big city. Turn off your GPS and just drive. Stop in small towns to walk or bike the streets. Say hi to strangers. Ask about their stories. Who knows where it will lead you?
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Delaware Fun Fact
There are over 200 times more chickens than people in the entire state of Delaware!
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'Lettuce' Talk about where you get your Lettuce from! |
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While in Delaware, be sure to make a stop at the largest Aquaponics greenhouse in the state. This is a super educational experience teaching one of the future ways of farming. No pesticides, no fertilizers and no soil produces 800 heads of lettuce a day at this location! The Woods, owners of 302 Aquaponics, are amazing and super friendly. If you find yourself near Dover, Delaware this is a must stop. Yes, there is plenty to buy! |
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Delaware Music Trivia
Before Bob Marley (Reggae Music Icon) was famous, he was a plant worker for Chrysler in Newark, Delaware.
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MUST SEE and DO in DELAWARE! |
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Fort Delaware State Park - Reenactments/1800's Military Fort/Ferry Ride
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DiscoverSea Shipyard Museum - 1,000's discovered shipwreck artifacts
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New Castle - First Settlement/Colonial-era Buildings/Step Back in Time
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Fife Orchards - Family-owned/Store/Family Activities/Picking/Apple Donuts
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Dover International Speedway - Meet Miles the Monster
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Small Towns - Dagsboro/Seaford/Port Penn
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Lewes - Considered "Most Beloved Town in Delaware"
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Covered Bridges (1800's) - Smith Bridge/Wooddale Bridge/Ashland Bridge
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Hall's Restaurant - Chicken and Slippery Dumplings
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