14 Surprising Things You May Not Expect When Moving To Delaware
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Delaware is a great state! It’s often overlooked because it’s tiny and full of small towns rather than large cities, but the First State has a huge personality. In fact, some of our Delaware quirks are so ingrained into our culture that when people move to Delaware, they’re stunned. If you’re soon to become a resident of our state, here’s a quick guide to what you can expect.
How can such a small state fit so many toll booths?! Get yourself an EZ Pass when you move here, it'll save you so much time.
You'd never believe some of these incredible mansions and gardens are right in Delaware. Visit Nemours, Hagley, and (my favorite) Winterthur to explore DuPont Mansions and thousands of acres of gardens.
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No, that's not a typo. Get used to local summer, when the crowds go home and you can enjoy the quiet sound of waves meeting sand.
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Just don't ever ask what it actually is.
In Delaware, we call them slippery dumplings, and they are way better than drops of undercooked dough. You will learn to love them!
And we eat them by the bucketful. By the end of summer, we're made out of potato, and our blood is malt vinegar. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Bowers Beach, Slaughter Beach, and the other bay towns are overlooked by many in favor of the bigger Atlantic Ocean towns. These little fishing towns are straight out of the past, though, and a day here is a reminder of times when life was simple.
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You don't have to do math when you shop! Sometimes new residents have no idea about this helpful Delaware quirk.
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Lots of people flock to Maryland, where they boast and brag about the best crabcakes in the world. You'll find jumbo lump, no filler crabcakes in Delaware, too, but we don't have to shout it to the world to convince people to come back again and again for more. Try Woody's in Dewey Beach, or Sambo's in Leipsic.
Delaware Bay oysters are unique in flavor and texture, and they're sought by chefs from all around. Luckily for Delawareans, they come right out of the bay and onto our plates at many of the state's Oyster houses.
Tiny restaurants in every corner of the state serve up award-winning gourmet meals. Delaware certianly knows how to do food! Try DiFebo's in Bethany Beach, Blue Moon in Rehoboth, or the ultimate treat, The Green Room at Hotel DuPont in Wilmington.
You'll figure out why when you visit Bombay Hook or Prime Hook for the first time - the diversity of waterfowl and other birds will capture your attention and your curiosity. Our coast is one of the most important stops for migratory birds.
We are, after all, the First State. We've got loads of civil war history (try Fort Delaware, which is haunted!) and lots of World War II history. In fact, you can wander around an abandoned WWII Fort in Cape Henlopen State Park.
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If you're at all worried about settling into your new state, don't be! Delawareans are among the friendliest people in the country, and we'll welcome you into our small towns like you're family.
Welcome to Delaware! You’ll soon discover places that are straight out of your imagination, restaurants that will make your mouth water, and charming small towns that will make you feel right at home.
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