Delaware may the second smallest in the US but those who travel here consider it a hidden gem. Often overshadowed by neighbouring Pennsylvania and Maryland the handful of tourists who head to Delaware for holiday enjoy the seclusion and secrecy of this east coast state.
Delaware’s nickname, The First State, refers to the fact that Delaware was the first to ratify the Articles of Confederation (the first document in the United States Constitution that legally names political entities “states”). The first of many things occurred in Delaware. The first time Betsy Ross's famous flag was flown was at the Battle of Cooch's Bridge located in Newark. Nylon was first produced in Delaware at the Du Pont Laboratories in Seaford. And, New Castle was the site of the nation's first scheduled steam railroad in 1831.
Since there is no major airport in Delaware, there are no direct flights to Delaware. Flights to Delaware’s New Castle County Airport are available for private aircraft and some limited commercial flights. Once you’re in Delaware, sit back and enjoy the crisp air from the ocean breeze. Take a walk under the stars in charming downtown Wellington, or just sip a nice glass of wine at one of the many hidden restaurants in the hills. Whatever the reason for visiting this small state, visitors always leave wanting more.
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Delaware has a moderate climate with average monthly temperatures that range from zero degrees (Celsius) in winter to 24 degrees in summer. More than half the days are sunny, and temperatures along the Atlantic coast are about ten degrees warmer in summer and cooler in winter.
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Peak Season:
Delaware’s 30 miles of Atlantic coastline are a beach haven in the summer. Many businesses, campgrounds, and services are open only for the summer season, Delaware flights are high, and reservations should be made in advance.
Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley are year-round destinations.
Off Season:
Off-season bargains abound along the Atlantic coast. Even though many of the businesses close, if you look around you can find a place to stay. May and especially September are great times to find cheaper rates, comfortable temperatures, and quieter beaches.
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Delaware is 96 miles long and varies from nine miles to 35 miles in width. The best way to get around the state is by car.
Wilmington is on the main East Coast train and bus routes, but to get to other parts of the state you will need to drive.
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- Delaware is known as the “First State” as it was the first to ratify the US constitution. It is fiercely proud of this history, and there are many attractions throughout the state to reflect this. The Historical Society of Delaware is a state-wide organisation devoted to the preservation and appreciation of the state’s history. It owns three historic sites in Wilmington, all of which are worth a visit: the Old Town Hall, Willingtown Square and the Read House and Gardens.
- Also in Wimington, the Delaware Art Museum is one of the best galleries in the state. Recently expanded in 2005, the Copeland Sculpture Park is the first of its kind in the Brandywine Valley. The park currently features nine spectacular sculptures from the museum’s own collection and one on loan.
- For garden lovers, the Winterthur Garden in Wilmington is a must-visit. The du Pont family has shaped the history of Delaware – the huge DuPont chemical plant is one of the major industrial works in the state – but the house and garden created by Henry Francis du Pont in the early 20th century is a far more attractive monument on the landscape.
- Delaware has some of the best beaches in the mid-Atlantic. The busiest resort is Rehoboth Beach, which boasts one of the last wooden boardwalks on the east coast – though the rest of the town is not so historic. The stretch of beach is surrounded by a golf course, hotels, shopping malls, conference centres, condos and nightclubs. Nearby Lewes is a smaller, more historic fishing town. On offer here, as well as the beach and water sports, are bird watching, fishing, hiking, biking and wine tours. The main appeal, however, are the surrounding beaches, many of which have been protected by development as state parks – ensuring long stretches of sand and not much else.
- Though Dover is the state capital, it is much smaller in size than Wilmington and often missed by visitors. If you do visit, don’t miss Spence’s Auction and Flea Market, held every Tuesday and Friday. The market is mainly for food and vegetables – homemade sausages and preserves from the local Amish community are specialities.
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