Rehoboth Beach. Photos courtesy of VisitDelaware.com
There are plenty of getaways on the East Coast, from Virginia Beach to Cape Cod. But the state of Delaware, tucked between New Jersey and Maryland and about a seven-and-a-half hour drive from Columbus, is a bit of a hidden treasure.
So, pack your bags – leaving room for all that tax-free shopping – and start driving toward the Diamond State.
History
Delaware was the first of America’s 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution, but its history goes back much further. In 1630s, it was the first European colony established by Swedish settlers. If you’re a history buff, look no further than the state’s various historic homes and museums.
This shipwreck museum, located on Fenwick Island, holds more than 10,000 artifacts from shipwrecks all over the world. Eighty percent of its other artifacts are rotated at exhibits throughout the country.
Fenwick Island
This 18th century French-style, 300-acre estate offers a little taste of the Palace of Versailles without actually requiring a trek to France. The chateau, located in Wilmington, has five floors and 77 rooms, and has the largest jardin à la française in North America.
Old Swedes (Holy Trinity) Church
Holy Trinity Church, located in Wilmington, is thought to be America’s oldest church that is still used for worship. The church was constructed in 1698, and is near Delaware Valley, where the first Swedish settlers landed. Old Swedes Foundation offers both walk-in and group tours.
The Zwaanendael Museum, located in Lewes, was built to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the state’s very first European settlement in 1631, and is meant to evoke the former city hall in Hoorn, in the Netherlands. The museum’s exhibits center on the culture of the settlers and others who have lived along the coast, featuring lighthouses and shipwreck artifacts.
Beaches and Recreation
A trip to the East Coast isn’t complete without a stop at the beach. Delaware may not have a very long coastline, but the quality of its beaches more than makes up for it.
Frequently ranked one of the top beaches in the nation, Rehoboth Beach is not one to miss. The city, which carries the beach’s name, is also the most visited city in the state. The mile-long boardwalk boasts numerous boutiques and restaurants – the perfect spot to enjoy that tax-free shopping.
Boardwalk at Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach may be tiny, but it still has plenty of recreational options, including parasailing, jet skiing and scuba diving. Go during the summer months (June 11 through Aug. 27), and you can join in on one of the bonfires, with marshmallows and other snacks on a first-come, first-served basis. On Mondays (June 15 through Aug. 31), you can catch a movie on the beach off Garfield Parkway.
Fenwick Island, just north of Ocean City, Md., is an ideal destination for any family. Not only can you find putt-putt golf, kayaking and the Viking Amusements and Thunder Lagoon Waterpark, you can also pay a visit to the 344-acre Fenwick Island State Park.
Food and Drink
As it is a coastal state, it’s no surprise Delaware has a dining scene largely influenced by the sea.
Sambo's Tavern
This Wilmington restaurant has been a staple for 40 years. Not only is Feby’s Fishery a restaurant, it’s also a fish market – so you can sit down and enjoy your meal, or buy your own ingredients for a homemade dinner. Its menu features items such as Maryland-style crab cakes and lobster and shrimp ravioli.
Sambo’s Tavern, which overlooks the Leipsic River, is known for having the best steamed crabs and crab cakes in the region – all in a rustic pub setting.
Located along state Rt. 54 on Fenwick Island, Catch 54 boats a casual atmosphere with locally caught seafood, steaks and cocktails. Its menu features items such as buttermilk fried oysters and jumbo shrimp and British-style fish and chips.
Delaware Fun Facts:
- Delaware is the 49th largest state in the nation, with just over 1,980 square miles. It’s about 96 miles long and, in some spots, only 9 miles wide.
- The Fenwick Island Lighthouse was painted in 1880 for only $5.
- New Castle County, the smallest of Delaware’s three counties in terms of land, holds the state’s largest population.
- In every Delaware state park, you’ll find a disc golf course.
Hannah Bealer is an editor. Feedback welcome at hbealer@cityscenecolumbus.com.
RELATED READS
The arts scene of Delaware (County)
