Delaware is a state located on the east coast of the United States. The state is bordered by Pennsylvania to the north, Maryland to the south, and New Jersey to the east. It is one of America’s smallest states but there are many things that Delaware is known for. From its unique culture to beautiful nature, Delaware has a lot to offer visitors.
What is Delaware Known For?
Delaware is known for its rich history, stunning beaches, and its tax-friendly laws. There are various fun festivals throughout the year and sports activities you can enjoy. The state is a great place to visit for anyone looking for an adventure or a place to relax.
There are many things to do in Delaware, and it has something for everyone including some delicious food to refuel. If you’re looking for a place to learn about American history, Delaware is the perfect place for you. Here are some famous things that Delaware is known for.
Food Delaware Is Famous For
Slippery Dumpling
The Slippery Dumpling is a traditional Delaware dish that dates back to the 18th century. It is made of boiled potatoes, flour, and water that are combined to form a dough. The dough is then formed into small balls and fried.
Today, the Slippery Dumpling is still a popular dish in Delaware, especially among the Amish community. It is usually served with gravy or sauce.
Peach Pie
Delaware is known for its peach pies, which are made with fresh peaches from the state’s many peach farms. The pies are usually made with a lattice crust and are served with ice cream or whipped cream. The peach pie is actually also the official state food reflecting the prominence of their peach production.
Delaware Bay Oysters
Delaware Bay oysters are some of the most popular in the world. The oysters are harvested from the Delaware Bay and are known for their sweet and salty flavor.
The oysters are usually eaten raw, but they can also be cooked. Delaware Bay oysters are a popular ingredient in many dishes, such as stews, chowders, and salads.
In addition to being delicious, Delaware Bay oysters are also healthy. They are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
History, Culture, And Traditions Delaware Is Known For
“The First State”
Delaware is known as “The First State” because it was the first state to ratify the United States Constitution. This happened on December 7, 1787, just two days after the constitution was signed by the delegates at the Constitutional Convention.
The state’s official nickname is still “The First State,” and it appears on license plates and state seals.
Blue Hen
The blue hen is the official state bird of Delaware, and it is also the mascot of the University of Delaware.
The blue hen was chosen as the state bird because of its connection to the history of Delaware. These birds were used for cockfighting in the 18th century, and they were known for being fierce and brave.
The blue hen is a symbol of Delaware’s independent spirit and its connection to the history of the state. There are different places to see blue hens in Delaware, including at the University of Delaware, at local farms, and even in some city parks.
Swedish and Dutch Settlement
In 1638, Delaware was part of an effort by Sweden to colonize and settle the area now known as Wilmington. The Swedish colony only lasted a few years, but it was formerly known as New Sweden.
The Dutch took over Delaware in 1655, and they ruled the colony until 1664 when it was taken over by the English. The area changed hands a few more times before it finally became a state in 1787.
If you’re looking for a place with a lot of history and interesting facts, Delaware has much to offer.
Firefly Music Festival
The Firefly Music Festival is a four-day music festival that takes place in The Woodlands of Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware. It features over 100 different artists and bands, from all genres of music.
The festival was founded in 2012 by Red Frog Events, and it has become one of the most popular music festivals on the east coast of the United States. Over 80,000 people attended the festival in 2015, and that number is expected to grow in future years.
The Firefly Music Festival has something for everyone, with a variety of food vendors, carnival rides, gaming areas, and more. There are also a number of different stages set up throughout the festival grounds, so you can always find a good spot to listen to your favorite band.
The festival takes place in June, and tickets go on sale in January.
Apple Scrapple Festival
The Apple Scrapple Festival is a two-day festival that takes place in Bridgeville, Delaware since the 1970s. It celebrates the scrapple, a dish made of pork scraps and cornmeal that is popular in the area.
The festival features a number of different events, including a scrapple carving contest, a 5K race, a parade, and a scrapple eating contest. There are also a number of different food vendors at the festival, so you can try all kinds of different scrapple dishes.
The Apple Scrapple Festival takes place in October, and it is always a lot of fun. If you’re in the area, be sure to check it out.
Pumpkin Chunkin’
Pumpkin Chunkin’ is an annual event that takes place in Delaware on the first Saturday of November. It is a competition where teams from all over the world compete to see who can hurl a pumpkin the furthest using various contraptions, such as catapults, trebuchets, and air cannons.
The event started in 1986 with just a few local teams competing. Today, Pumpkin Chunkin’ is a major event that attracts over 20,000 spectators and has been televised on the Discovery Channel. However, the state no longer holds the event due to various factors including high insurance liability considerations.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is a craft brewery in Milton, Delaware. The brewery was founded in 1995 by Sam Calagione, and it is now one of the most popular craft breweries in the United States.
Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is best known for its India Pale Ale (IPA), which is one of the most popular styles of beer in the country. The brewery also produces many other popular beers, including the 60 Minute IPA, 90 Minute IPA, and 120 Minute IPA.
In addition to its flagship beer, Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is also known for its wide variety of experimental and limited-release beers. The brewery has produced over 1,000 different types of beer, and it is always experimenting with new flavor combinations.
If you’re a fan of craft beer, then a visit to Dogfish Head Craft Brewery is a must. The brewery offers tours, tastings, and a gift shop, so you can learn about the brewing process and try some of their delicious beers.
No Sales Tax
Delaware is one of five states in the United States that does not have a sales tax. This makes Delaware a popular destination for shopping, as you can avoid paying taxes on your purchases.
Delaware is also known for its low taxes and business-friendly environment. Many large corporations, including Google, Apple, and Walmart, have incorporated in Delaware. This is because Delaware has very favorable tax laws for businesses.
The lack of sales tax does not mean that there are no taxes in Delaware. The state does still have property, income tax, as well as taxes on liquor and cigarettes. Nonetheless, Delaware is known for being a relatively tax-friendly state in the US.
Horseshoe Crab
The horseshoe crab is a type of crustacean that is found in the Delaware Bay. These crabs are ancient creatures, and they are an important part of the ecosystem in the Delaware Bay.
The horseshoe crab is also an important food source for many animals, including the red knot bird. These birds migrate from as far away as Siberia to the Delaware Bay each year to eat horseshoe crab eggs.
If you’re interested in seeing these creatures up close, you can take a horseshoe crabbing tour. These tours take place in the spring, when the horseshoe crabs are spawning. You’ll be able to see these crabs up close, and you may even be able to catch one yourself.
Delaware Is Famous For Its Beaches
Delaware is well-known for its beaches, which are popular tourist destinations. The state has a number of different beaches, including Rehoboth Beach, Lewes Beach, and Bethany Beach. These beaches are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and more.
Sports Delaware Is Famous For
Disc Golf Courses in Delaware
If you’re a fan of disc golf, then Delaware is the place for you. The state has over 15 different disc golf courses, and that number is growing every year.
Disc golf is a sport that is similar to traditional golf, but instead of hitting a ball with a club, you throw a Frisbee-like disc into a basket.
It’s a great way to get some exercise, and it’s also a lot of fun. There are a variety of different courses to choose from, so you can find one that suits your skill level.
If you’re looking for a challenging course, then you should check out Iron Hill Disc Golf Course in Newark. This 18-hole course is one of the most challenging in the state, and it’s also one of the most popular.
Another well-maintained course is at Brandywine Creek State Park in Wilmington, sometimes with strong winds that make it challenging. Nonetheless, the State Parks in Delaware are great places to take a walk and enjoy the scenery.
Delaware as a Bike-friendly State
Delaware is a great state for biking, with over 200 miles of trails to explore. The state also has several different bike-friendly laws, such as the “3 Foot Rule” which requires drivers to give cyclists a three-foot buffer when passing.
There are different biking organizations in Delaware, such as the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley Greenway. These organizations work to promote biking in the state and to make Delaware a more bike-friendly place.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, Delaware is a great state to explore by bike.
Monster Mile and Dover Motorway
The Monster Mile is the nickname for the Dover International Speedway, a NASCAR racetrack in Dover, Delaware. The track is one of the most popular racetracks in the United States, and it is home to two NASCAR races each year.
The Monster Mile got its nickname from the fact that it is a one-mile (1.6 km) long oval track. The track has 24 degree banking in the turns, which makes it one of the fastest racetracks on the NASCAR circuit.
The Dover International Speedway is also home to the Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, which is adjacent to the racetrack. The casino offers a variety of gaming options, as well as several restaurants and bars.
Cities And Travel Destinations Delaware Is Famous For
Wilmington
Wilmington is one of the largest cities in Delaware. It located on the Christina and Delaware River, and is a major center for the chemical industry.
The city of Wilmington is also home to several historical sites, such as the Second Bank of the United States and the Old City Hall. Wilmington is also a popular destination for tourists, with many museums and art galleries to explore.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Wilmington, there are no shortage of hotels and bed & breakfasts to choose from.
Bethany Beach
Bethany Beach is a small town on the Delaware coast. The town is a popular summer destination for tourists, and thus home to many different hotels, motels, and bed & breakfasts.
Bethany Beach is also a great place to enjoy the outdoors, as there are different parks and beaches to explore, including the Holts Landing State Park. If you’re looking for a place to go fishing, Bethany Beach is a great option, as there are many different charter boats that offer fishing trips.
Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach is a beach town in Sussex County, Delaware. It is situated on the Atlantic Ocean, and it is a popular summer destination for tourists from all over the United States.
The town is home to different attractions, including the Boardwalk, an iconic 1.3-mile wooden promenade that stretches along the beach. The Boardwalk is a great place to take a walk, go for a run, or just relax and people watch. There are also several different shops and restaurants located on the Boardwalk, so you can find something to eat or drink no matter what time of day it is.
Rehoboth Beach is also home to the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, an outdoor concert venue that hosts a variety of different musical acts throughout the summer months. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy some live music, this is the place to be.
Lewes
Lewes is another historic town in Sussex County. The town is on Delaware Bay, and it is a popular destination for tourists who are interested in history and the outdoors.
There are several different historical sites to visit in Lewes, such as the Zwaanendael Museum and the Lewes Historical Society. If you’re looking for a place to go hiking or biking, Lewes is a great option, as there are many different trails located in and around the town.
Lewes is also home to many different restaurants and cafes, so you can find something to eat no matter what time of day it is.
Famous People From Delaware
Delaware is the birthplace or home to some famous people, including U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, inventor George Washington Carver, and writer Edgar Allan Poe.
Joe Biden
Joe Biden was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, but he moved to Delaware when he was 10 years old. He attended the University of Delaware, and he later served as a U.S. Senator from Delaware. In 2009, he became the Vice President of the United States before taking up Presidency in 2020.
Aubrey Plaza
Aubrey Plaza is an actress and comedian who was born in Wilmington, Delaware. She is best known for her role as April Ludgate on the TV show Parks and Recreation. She has also appeared in several movies, such as The To Do List and Safety Not Guaranteed.
Stephen Marley
Stephen Marley is a reggae singer and songwriter who was born in Wilmington, Delaware. He is the son of reggae legend Bob Marley, and he has won at least eight Grammy Awards for his work across solo pieces to collaborations and productions. Marley’s music often focuses on social and political issues, such as poverty and racism.
Architecture And Landmarks Delaware Is Famous For
Old Swedes Church
The Old Swedes Church is a historic Swedish Lutheran church that was founded in 1697. It is the oldest church in Delaware and one of the oldest churches in the United States.
The church is located in Wilmington, Delaware, and it is still an active congregation. The church is open to the public for tours, and it also hosts a number of events throughout the year.
The Old Swedes Church is a beautiful example of Swedish Colonial architecture, and it is a registered National Historic Landmark.
Grand Opera House
The Grand Opera House is a historic theater in Wilmington, Delaware. The theater was built in 1871, and it is one of the oldest theaters in the United States.
The Grand Opera House has been host to many famous performers, including Sarah Bernhardt, Charlie Chaplin, and John Philip Sousa. The theater is also home to the Wilmington Symphony Orchestra.
The Grand Opera House features a beautiful Second Empire Architecture in Europe style and is an impressive sight even from the exterior.
Fort Delaware
Fort Delaware is a historic fort that was built in 1859. The fort was used as a prison during the Civil War, and it held Confederate prisoners of war.
After the Civil War, Fort Delaware continued to serve as a defensive structure throughout the World Wars. The fort was decommissioned in 1947, and it is now a civil war and history museum within the Fort Delaware state park.
The First State National Historical Park
The First State National Historical Park is located in Dover, Delaware. The park commemorates the history of the state of Delaware, including its role in the American Revolution and as the “First State” to ratify the United States Constitution.
The park was established on March 25, 2013, and consists of a number of historic sites in Dover, including the Green, The Old State House, and the John Dickinson Plantation.
The Green is a public park in the center of downtown Dover that has been used as a gathering place for political rallies and other public events since the 18th century.
Many More Things Delaware Is Known And Famous For
Delaware is a small state with a lot to offer, from its history and culture to its many festivals and events. These are just a few things that Delaware is known for.
Whether you’re looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors or immerse yourself in history and culture, Delaware has some that will fit your taste. Indulge yourself in the Delaware experience with beautiful beaches, tax-free shopping, blue crabs, and more. As you enjoy the numerous items on offer, you will uncover many more things that Delaware is known and famous for.
