Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Delaware - Little State, Big Opportunities

Bustling boardwalks, beautiful beaches, serene parks and vast amounts of history make Delaware an interesting and exciting place to live or visit. There are endless opportunities, it's no wonder Delaware has earned the title “The Diamond State” - it really is the little gem of the east coast!

Beaches:
Delaware was nicknamed by Thomas Jefferson as “The Diamond State”  due to its strategic location on the eastern seaboard. What does that mean for you? Beaches. Delaware features miles of beaches, some of the finest in the country as a matter of fact. According to www.visitdelaware.com: “Dewey and Rehoboth Beach have been recognized as two of the nation’s cleanest beaches by the Natural Resources Defense council. Plus, Bethany Beach was named one of the "Top 10 Best Beaches for Families" by Family Vacation Critic and is known as one of the "Best Secret Beaches" by Travel + Leisure Magazine”.



Beaches aren’t just for sun bathing or playing in the waves - there are an astounding amount of things to do while you are there. The boardwalks feature a variety of options. Charming shops offer everything from beach gear, to toys and souvenirs, to portraits. And with all the amazing food options, you are sure to find something for everyone. 

Want more adventure? You can take part in some of these other exciting beach activities:

• Sportfishing - Grizzly Sportfishing, for example, in Rehoboth. A wonderful charter boat experience able to support parties of 6 or more. Flounder, Tuna, Sharks… Need we say more?

• Amusement Parks – Places such as Funland and Midway Speed Park, also located in Rehoboth, offer a variety of carnival-style rides for people of all ages.


• Parasailing – What better way to get a view of the beach but by parasail! Places such as Dewey Beach Parasail, which has been in business for roughly 10 years providing an amazing experience for beach goers ages 6 and up.


Trails and Parks: 
While Delaware may be well known for its sandy coastline, other natrual beauties can be enjoyed via state parks and trails. While there are too many to list them all, here are some examples within different areas of Delaware to get you started:


Cape Henlopen State Park - Located in Lewes, Delaware, this park boasts an astounding 5,193 acres of beautiful landscape to explore. In addition to offering beaches to its guests, there are plenty of things to do while visiting:

• Boating - Canoe/Kayak rentals and excursions provided by Delaware State Parks.

• Disc Golf – A fun activity for the whole family! Discs are reasonably priced and can be purchased at almost any sporting goods store. Click here for a list of some of the stores available in Delaware.

• 8 Trails – Difficulty ranges from easy to moderate and trails are available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

• Camping – Cape Henlopen has accommodations for RV, Tent and cabin camping.



Bellevue State Park  - Located in Wilmington, Delaware, this park is noted as a park for all seasons. Bellevue offers its visitors a wide range of activities including:

• Tennis Center – Offers eight clay courts near Bellevue Hall. Instructional and social programs available.

• Arts Center – Offers a variety of activities such as concerts, tournaments and volleyball to name a few.

• 3 Trails – Rated as easy in difficulty, trails are available for hiking, biking and horseback riding.

• Historical Sites – Including Bellevue Hall, Cauffiel House and Mount Pleasant Meeting House.


Lums Pond – Located in Bear, Delaware, Lums Pond is built around the state’s largest fresh water pond. This beautiful state park offers amazing relaxation and fun:

• Fishing – Some of the best freshwater fishing in the state.

• Boating – Since the pond is the park’s main focus, boating is one of their main forms of recreation. Sailboats, rowboats, canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are available for rent. Check Scheduling and Prices.

• Go Ape! Treetop Adventure Course – See the park from the trees! Double Stirrups, Zigzag Trapeze, Flying Carpet, Canyon Crossing, two Tarzan swings and five zip lines. Watch the video to see it in action!


Killens Pond State Park – Located in Felton, Delaware, Killens Pond became a state park in 1965. Open year round, this popular park has much to offer:

• Boating – Canoes, rowboats, kayaks, and pedal boats can be rented during the summer.

• 4 trails – Available for hiking and biking, these are easy rated trails.

• Killens Pond Water Park – Gently sloping pool, Mushroom Fountain, Lily Pad Fun Walk, Tot Pool, small slides and much more! Tons of fun for the whole family! Click here for more info.

• Nature Programs – Offering concerts, nature exhibits and other activities. See their schedule.

This is just a small sampling of all the parks available to visit in Delaware, to see a more complete list and further details, click here.

Park photos courtesy of www.destateparks.com

History:
 There is a vast amount of history that surrounds the state of Delaware. History buff? Just like learning? Here are some sites you can visit to learn more about our nation’s first state:

• Lighthouse Tours – There are various lighthouses throughout the state that can either be visited for photo opportunities as well as some you can climb inside. Click here for more information on visiting some of these amazing landmarks.

• Delaware History Trail – A wonderful trip that gives explorers the chance to visit historical locations and sights. Learn More Here!

• Nemours Mansion and Gardens - Located in Wilmington, Delaware, this DuPont family estate is one amazing site to behold. The mansion is positioned on a spectacularly landscaped 3,000 acre lot featuring immaculate décor and gardens.

• Delaware Museum of Natural History – Another Wilmington location, this museum invites vistors to discover the wonders of natural history up close and personal.

• Ryves Holt House – The oldest standing house in Delaware, built in 1665.
Delaware is bursting with history and facts - If you’d like to find some sites on your own, click here for one suggested resource to get you started.

There you have it, just some of the wonderful reasons you might want to consider living in or even just visiting the lovely state of Delaware, a little state with big opportunities.