Delawareans are a unique group of people. We love our state (despite how much we complain about it), and while we disagree on a lot (hoagie, or sub?), we can sure relate to some Delaware side effects that don’t even seem strange to us anymore…. here are 11 things that become a part of your life after growing up in the First State.
1. First State Pride
Yes, we WILL tell you that Caesar Rodney's ride was more important than Paul Revere's, and we WILL let you know who ratified the Constitution first! It doesn't matter to us that nobody outside of Delaware really cares... we're all about being the First State.
2. Crab Picking Compulsion
We can't help it - when we see out of staters picking crabs incorrectly, we have a duty to step in and teach them our ways.
3. Developing an Addiction to Salt Air
We end up craving the beach - sand, salt, and surf - so much that you'll find us standing by the shoreline even in the middle of winter. When we travel to the middle of the country, we can't help but feel landlocked. We need our coast!
4. Vinegar over Ketchup, every time.
Sorry, rest of the country - vinegar goes on fries. In fact, our most famous boardwalk fry stand, Thrashers, doesn't even serve up ketchup with their french fries!
5. Keeping Strong Opinions on Slower, Lower Delaware
I love writing about Slower Lower because it always generates debate in the comments. SLD or LSD? Sussex County only - or any place below the canal? You won't change our minds on this one. Whichever set of beliefs we cling to about the location of Slower Lower Delaware will stick with us for life.
6. Accepting Scrapple
It is what it is. Actually, it is what everything else isn't. Let's not think about it too much - just fry it up and serve it with breakfast.
7. Lakes = Ponds
Weve got Waples Pond, Lums Pond, Trap Pond, Killens Pond... sure, there are a few lakes in the state, but it just feels weird to not say "____ Pond."
8. Preferring Thanksgiving On a Roll
Whether its Capriottis Bobbie or Malins Jim-Bob, serve us stuffing, turkey and cranberry sauce on a hoagie roll.
9. Cringing at anyone who calls it "The Shore"
Keep "The Shore" in Jersey, please. We go to the beach.
10. Becoming an Ice Cream Elitist
Delaware is lucky to have so many incredible creameries, and that's where we get our ice cream. Forget Breyers or Turkey Hill - we'll take Woodside or UDairy any day.
11. Somehow, loving this little state.
You'll probably hear us complain about Delaware a whole lot.... beach traffic is terrible, there's no parking in Dewey, the state fair is overpriced, there's nothing to do in Kent County... but the truth is, we love this little slice of heaven on the Delaware Bay, and we wouldn't want to call any other place home.
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