I wrote about Oklahoma City last week out of “forgetfulness guilt” associated with the 1995 bombing in that city. This week’s subject gets featured because of a different kind of guilt. I made a small wager with a colleague that I could write down the names of all 50 states and their capitals in less than five minutes; I got to 49, but could not come up with Delaware, much less Dover.
It’s a worthy subject, for the state can claim a number of distinctions:
• It became the first official American state when delegates at its state convention ratified the U.S. Constitution on December 7, 1787—less than three months after the document was completed.
• Delaware ranks second in the number of civilian scientists and engineers as a percentage of the workforce (driven, undoubtedly, by DuPont, which calls Delaware home and is one of the world’s largest chemical companies).
• More than 850,000 business entities have their legal home in Delaware, including more than 50 percent of all U.S. publicly-traded companies and 63 percent of the Fortune 500. (Click here to learn why the state is so popular with corporate types.)
But on to travel reminiscences (yes, I have been in Delaware—several times). One great way to get a feel for the second-smallest state in the union is to drive—or ride—the 52-mile-long Route 9, an official Coastal Heritage Scenic Byway. It winds along the coast, through several wildlife protection areas, past salt and freshwater marshes, then back to Dover.
In what was a bit of a surprise to me, Delaware sports a fairly large Amish country. Just west of Dover, the area features the amazing crafts for which the Amish are known. Be aware, though, that this is less of a tourist attraction than other similar areas, so check out schedules and the like before you sally forth.
For a final outdoor activity, visit Pizzadili Vineyard and Winery. It’s a very popular event venue, as it really is in a gorgeous setting. If you squint just right, you can almost imagine that you’re in Tuscany. Avoid the fruity wines, but a couple of the “real” wines are worth a try.
Assuming that you visit the only real city in Delaware, the smallish Dover (population 32,000) is easy to get to know. For a speedy indoctrination, check out the following:
• First State Heritage Park—This collection of attractions includes museums and government and historic buildings. My personal favorite is the Old State House, which was completed in the late-18th century.
• Muesum Square—If you don’t have time to see everything in First State Heritage Park, this is a subset of that collection that allows you to visit three museums, in close proximity, for free. There’s the Johnson Victrola Museum, the Delaware Archaeology Museum, and the Museum of Small Town Life.
• Delaware Made—If you’d like to buy a little souvenir from your visit, this is the place to get something locally made.
Finally, while not really a great place to stay, Cowgills Corner Sheep & Wool Farm B&B is an awfully fun idea. With just two rooms, the place is a working farm, and if you’re interested in knitting, you can get close to the source. It’s very convenient to Dover, and the proprietors are as nice as can be.
To assuage my “forgetfulness guilt,” become aware of Delaware!
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