Delaware Day: Top 10 Reasons Why People Love Delaware

December 7, 2020 – 

It’s Delaware Day – commemorating a chilly day back in 1787 when Delaware delegates ratified the Federal Constitution ahead of those in the other 12 original states.

Here are our top 10 reasons to celebrate all things Delaware.  Tell us yours.

1. The Coast 

Beaches, bays, rivers, canals — Delaware has them all. The boardwalks and river walks are tourist attractions, while the waterways are a boon for shipping businesses.

2. The Chicks 

What do you do when you get 500 chicks instead of 50? In 1923, Cecile Steele sold them for meat and started Southern Delaware’s booming broiler business.  Did you know there are 200 chickens for every Delaware resident?

3.  The Corporate Scene 

More businesses choose to incorporate in Delaware than anywhere else in the world.  Delaware’s bench strength in corporate law and its business-friendly reputation make it the preferred place to register a business. 

4. The Flocks 

Just one more for the birds — and birdwatchers. Delaware is on the Atlantic Flyway. Raptors and snow geese are among the thousands of birds who visit Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and other parks and preserves. Bring binoculars when you hit the state’s many biking and hiking trails.

5. The Arts

From the show tunes at The Playhouse Theatre to the showstoppers at Firefly Music Festival, the music scene includes international, national and local acts. There’s an opera company, a symphony and three jazz festivals. The Delaware Art Museum will introduce you to the “Brandywine School” — N.C. Wyeth and Howard Pyle — while Delaware Contemporary takes a modern look at the arts.

6. The Flowers

The world travels to Delaware to experience its formal gardens. Stop and smell more than roses at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, Mt. Cuba Center and Delaware Botanic Gardens, a newcomer.

7. The History

For a small state, Delaware has seen a lot of action. Lewes dates back to 1631, and the British bombarded the defiant city in 1813. Fort Delaware was a prison for Confederate soldiers, and Cape Henlopen State Park was originally a World War II Army base. There are 18th-century buildings, 19th-century lighthouses and 1940s-era firing towers.

8. The Blue Crabs

Move over Maryland, Delaware loves its blue crabs — steamed and served hot on a newspaper-covered table. There is no shortage of crab houses in southern Delaware. And a crab cake is a must-have menu item statewide.

9. The Cuisine

There are so many acclaimed beach-area restaurants, farmers markets, chefs and boutique farms that Visit Southern Delaware copyrighted the phrase “Culinary Coast” to market them. Statewide, you’ll find ethnic cuisine, fine dining and more sub and cheesesteak shops than you can count. 

10. The Brews 

Wash it all down with a beer from one of the many breweries in the state. Dogfish Head Craft Brewery started the boom in 1995, and it shows no sign of slowing. In fact, on Delaware Day, Wilmington Brew Works will release Rail Car One, a “Double Delaware IPA.” 

Cheers to the First State!