Tiny little Delaware is one of those states that people have a hard time placing on the map. Here’s a handy little trick to help you remember the state’s location. Delaware sits on a peninsula bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. It shares the peninsula with Maryland and Virginia, so someone somehow came up with the catchy name “Delmarva” to describe the peninsula. I’m sure you’ll remember that handy name, and then you’ll remember the peninsula, and the Bay, and there you go. Maybe you’ll even want to name your first born Delmarva. It does have a catchy ring to it. Think of all the clever names you could come up with just by combining the names of neighboring states! Let’s see …. Califoregon conclusion, New Jerk, Minniwischigan, I could go on forever. If that doesn’t help you remember Delaware’s location, nothing will.
We’re awfully partial to Delaware’s Bethany Beach, a small, quiet town along the Atlantic coast. Delaware is our nation’s second smallest state, and has only a bit of Atlantic coastline. The larger town of Rehoboth is generally more popular than Bethany. That’s why we like Bethany – it’s small and relatively quiet, especially outside the summer months.
The world famous totem pole welcomes you to town:
Some other favorite landmarks:
And a couple of our favorite views:
During World War II, watchtowers were built along the Eastern shore to guard against an attack. Many of these towers remain standing, including several near Bethany.
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Delmarva is farm country – fields of sweet corn grow outside classic, American small towns full of classic, American small town homes.
You can find plenty of mystery meat products for sale (our choice for Delaware’s unique food item):
And delicious corn, tomatoes, watermelon, and “lopes” at our favorite Delmarva farm stand, Ma and Pa’s:
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The town of Lewes sits north of Bethany and serves as the link to nearby Cape May, New Jersey. The ferry cruises back and forth several times a day. (You can see our spectacular photos of Cape May on our New Jersey posting).
The Dutch were the first Europeans to move into Delaware, as evident in Lewes’ architecture:
Here’s a sign you don’t see every day:
I can’t imagine looking out for pesky squirrels, but the folks of Delaware must be very animal friendly. After all, the state insect is the lady bug!
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Delaware was the first state to enter the Union, on December 7, 1787. Our founding fathers must’ve liked to shop, because the state does not have a sales tax. Shoppers go crazy at the oh-so-charming outlet malls.
We passed the malls on route 1, and also drove along routes 26, 113, and 404. The area around Wilmington has been developed by the DuPont company, and the southern part of the state is full of poultry farms. So if you still have a hard time placing Delaware on the map, just think of chemically-enhanced chickens diving into the Atlantic ocean after a wild shopping spree!
One last thought about Delaware — you can thank Perry Como for the incredible sound track. Is that a great song or what?
18. Delaware
The Bethany Beach Boardwalk Clock