It can be weird if you’re a Delaware tourist, because most Americans only hear about all the things Delaware isn’t. People think there’s nothing to do here, that we’re only highway, and that tax-free shopping is the only reason to stray from the beaches. Well, guess what, America? Delaware is more than just your vacation town! In fact, if you skip the touristy things, you’ll find a whole wonder of a state to enjoy. So, here’s how to start:
- Don’t grab a slice at Grotto’s…
Facebook / Grotto Pizza Middletown
… find a local pizza parlor for your pie intead.
Facebook / Frederica Pizza & Pasta House Grotto’s Pizza is a Delaware landmark, yes, but it’s one of the things that truly divides our state. Skip the debate and head to Tony’s Cafe, Frederica Pizza, or another local, one-off pizza parlor for lunch.
- Don’t head to the beach in July…
Flickr / Ryan Keene
… save your vacation days for local summer.
Flickr / waffleboy Fighting the crowds isn’t worth it when you can wait a few months and enjoy the beach all by yourself just after Labor Day.
- Don’t waste a day trekking to the Cape May Lighthouse…
Flickr / Ryan Howley
… climb a World War II Tower, instead.
Flickr / Jeffrey If you’ve got all sorts of time to kill, taking the 90 minute ferry ride to Cape May, riding your bike several miles to the Lighthouse, waiting in line, trekking to the top, and then heading back for another 90 minute ferry ride and arduous bike ride is worth it. I’m not being sarcastic, the view from the top of this Jersey lighthouse across the bay is beautiful. But if you’d rather save yourself an entire day, climb to the top of the World War II Observation Tower in Fort Miles. The view is equally breathtaking and you’ll be back down to the ground in time for lunch.
- Don’t get your ice cream from a chain on the Boardwalk…
Flickr / Susan Smith
… chill at a local creamery, instead.
Facebook / Vanderwende Between Vanderwende, UDairy, Hopkins Farm, and Woodside Creamery, there is no excuse to grab a chain cone. Head to a real creamery and see what ice cream is supposed to be.Here’s a list of our best ice cream shops.
- Don’t paddle the Rehoboth Bay…
Flickr / Susan Smith
…instead, escape to Prime Hook.
Facebook / Delaware State Government Prime Hook’s water trails offer the most interesting kayaking in the entire state. Forget the touristy Rehoboth Bay, where you’ll be dodging Stand Up Paddleboarders falling into the water. At Prime Hook, you’ll find nothing but peace and quiet as you surround yourself with thousands of birds and other critters.Here’s a guide to the water trails in Prime Hook NWR.
- Don’t pick up the “LSD”…
Flickr / Flutecake
…instead, recognize that you’re visiting Slower Lower.
Flickr / Lee Cannon I’m still convinced the guy who started the “Lower Slower” campaign just wanted to sell funny stickers. Anyone who’s lived here knows that it’s Slower Lower, and not the other way around.
- Don’t head to RoFo for fried chicken…
Facebook / Royal Farms
… at least if you’re anywhere near Rehoboth Beach.
Flickr / Rob Pongsajapan Royal Farms serves up great fried chicken if you’re on the go, but if you’re close to Rehoboth Beach, take a detour to Gus & Gus. There, you’ll find the best fried chicken in the state!Read more about this boardwalk icon here.
What’s your favorite way to spend some time in Delaware? Are there any hidden gems you’d like to share with us, or tourist traps you always avoid? Tell us in the comments below!
Facebook / Grotto Pizza Middletown
Facebook / Frederica Pizza & Pasta House
Grotto’s Pizza is a Delaware landmark, yes, but it’s one of the things that truly divides our state. Skip the debate and head to Tony’s Cafe, Frederica Pizza, or another local, one-off pizza parlor for lunch.
Flickr / Ryan Keene
Flickr / waffleboy
Fighting the crowds isn’t worth it when you can wait a few months and enjoy the beach all by yourself just after Labor Day.
Flickr / Ryan Howley
Flickr / Jeffrey
If you’ve got all sorts of time to kill, taking the 90 minute ferry ride to Cape May, riding your bike several miles to the Lighthouse, waiting in line, trekking to the top, and then heading back for another 90 minute ferry ride and arduous bike ride is worth it. I’m not being sarcastic, the view from the top of this Jersey lighthouse across the bay is beautiful. But if you’d rather save yourself an entire day, climb to the top of the World War II Observation Tower in Fort Miles. The view is equally breathtaking and you’ll be back down to the ground in time for lunch.
Flickr / Susan Smith
Facebook / Vanderwende
Between Vanderwende, UDairy, Hopkins Farm, and Woodside Creamery, there is no excuse to grab a chain cone. Head to a real creamery and see what ice cream is supposed to be.Here’s a list of our best ice cream shops.
Facebook / Delaware State Government
Prime Hook’s water trails offer the most interesting kayaking in the entire state. Forget the touristy Rehoboth Bay, where you’ll be dodging Stand Up Paddleboarders falling into the water. At Prime Hook, you’ll find nothing but peace and quiet as you surround yourself with thousands of birds and other critters.Here’s a guide to the water trails in Prime Hook NWR.
Flickr / Flutecake
Flickr / Lee Cannon
I’m still convinced the guy who started the “Lower Slower” campaign just wanted to sell funny stickers. Anyone who’s lived here knows that it’s Slower Lower, and not the other way around.
Facebook / Royal Farms
Flickr / Rob Pongsajapan
Royal Farms serves up great fried chicken if you’re on the go, but if you’re close to Rehoboth Beach, take a detour to Gus & Gus. There, you’ll find the best fried chicken in the state!Read more about this boardwalk icon here.
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