14 Things Every True Delawarean Does At Least Once Before They Die
By Kim Magaraci|Published June 21, 2017
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Delawareans have a lot of different hobbies, passions, and interests – but there are a few things we do have in common, and one of them is a love for this beautiful, underrated state. There are so many hidden things to do in Delaware that many people would never even think of! Be sure to tackle all of these tasks – these Delaware activities are things that will give you the true First State experience! From exploring our state parks to enjoying some of our signature foods, here are 14 things that every true Delawarean does at least once before they die.
Trap Pond's Baldcypress Trees are a true natural wonder of Delaware, and everyone should paddle through at least once in their life. This epic Delaware activity is one you'll remember forever.
One of my favorite Delaware activities is tailgating the Winterthur Point to Point every May.
It's our own little derby day, and the fun of dressing up and snacking on cheese and wine never gets old!
The NASCAR races at Dover International Speedway are thrilling events that every Delawarean needs to check out, at least once.
You'll already be stuck in traffic on Route 1, so you might as well set aside one day and see what the hype is all about. You'll have a great time, even if you don't know a thing about racing!Plus,
when you visit, you can meet the World's Largest Monster, Miles.
The most magical part of the Winterthur estate is hidden in the Enchanted Woods. If you've never explored a Tulip Tree house or crossed a fairy bridge, don't let another summer go by without frolicking through this magical fairyland.
After how hot this week has been, I could really use a dip in the Brandywine! Rent a tube or bring your own, drop in at Thompson's Bridge and float all day. This is one of our state's hidden wonders, and one of the best Delaware activities you can find.
This one is a little more obvious, but if you've never climbed a tower at Cape Henloen State Park,
be sure to do that this summer! The views are absolutely breathtaking.
Slaughter Beach is the world's best beach for seeing Horseshoe Crabs! These prehistoric creatures hang out here in early summer by the thousands. Sometimes, they get flipped over and stuck, so if you see one on its back, put it right side up and bring it back down to the water. These curious critters are SO interesting to observe, and Slaughter Beach is the place to learn all about them.
Dewey Beach is our party town - and one of the coolest towns in the country! With local legends and nationally-touring acts making stops in Dewey all summer long, it's no wonder that this town draws a crowd of music lovers to its bars and venues every year. Plus, you can't beat the clean beaches and delicious dining options.
One of the most unique Delaware events is Punkin Chunkin! Held in Bridgeville, the World Championship of the event where engineers and inventors find ways to launch a pumpkin as far as possible - using cannons, trebuchets, hydraulics and a whole lot of beer. If you've never been to a Punkin Chunkin, get on that! Read more about the best festivals in the First State right here.
The most underrated trail in Delaware is a great bike loop that takes you from Cape Henlopen State Park right into Rehoboth Beach - past Gordon's Pond and along a beautiful marsh landscape. This is one trip that you've got to make on a breezy summer day.
Admit it - we've all ordered a large bucket of Thrasher's and finished the whole thing! Forget sharing - the regret is worth it. Douse them in vingear, fight off a seagull or three, and dig in.
Picking crabs by the water is a Delaware tradition - whether you go to Sambo's, Catch 54, JP's Wharf, or any of the other waterfront or riverfront crabhouses in the state. These fresh from the bay blue crabs are a signature item of any Delaware dinner on the coast.
Though this doesn't look like a typical Delaware scene, this photo was shot right in Wilmington! Alapocas Run State Park is the only place to go rock climbing in Delaware, and it's something you've got to do. This is one of the most fun Delaware activities in New Castle County!
If you've never ridden on the Wilmington and Western Railroad to a classic Delaware restaurant, you're in for a treat! Check out this amazing historic railway on the adventure of a lifetime - but hurry up, they sell out fast.