11 Things No One Tells You About Surviving A Delaware Winter

Winter in Delaware can be wild — sometimes, a storm will bring us a coating, and other times we may end up with a foot of unexpected snow! The weather can swing from 60 degrees to 30 degrees overnight, and driving during a snow storm can make you feel like you're in an action movie. If you play your cards right, though, you can survive a Delaware winter and maybe even enjoy it, just a little bit. Here are a few tips to get you through the coldest months:

1. Always have a coat in your car.

Surviving a Delaware winter means being prepared for the worst. Even if it's the fifties when you leave your house, have a coat in your car, because a cold wind might pick up at any time.

2. Keep extra ice scrapers everywhere.

I always keep my ice scrapers in my car — which leads to me being stuck without one when my doors are frozen shut. Buy a bunch of the little scrapers and keep them in your house, your car, your office... anywhere that you spend time in the winter.

3. Running away to the beach doesn't make you safe from the cold.

In fact, the offshore winds might make you even colder. Though the ocean does help stabilize the coastal temperatures, it's windier on the coast, and can be bone-chillingly cold.

4. But it's the best place to spend the winter, anyway.

The cold weather doesn't mean you should stay away! Stroll the boardwalk and shop Penny Lane until you're cold enough to warm up with a hot, hearty meal at any of the year-round restaurants on the coast.

5. Be prepared for the holiday traffic.

It's starting right now... pretty soon, all of New Castle County will be backed up as people come in from out of state for tax-free holiday shopping.

6. When it snows, make french toast.

That's why everyone goes to the store for bread, milk, and eggs, right?

7. Just kidding. Don't actually go to a grocery store before a storm.

Keep some extra food around in the winter so you don't have to run out and fight the crowds before a big snow.

8. Make friends with your neighbor that owns the tractor.

After all, they're much more likely to clear a rural road or driveway before the municipal plows make it through.

9. Find the best hot chocolate in the state.

A chilly winter afternoon is a perfect time to browse your local coffee shops and try all of the hot cocoa you can find! When you find the perfect cup, let us know.

10. Try a new winter hobby.

Time flies when you're having fun. Try ice skating at Winterfest or Curling in Newark. Picking up a new winter hobby is sure to make the chilly days worthwhile.

11. Enjoy our state when it's the most beautiful.

Wake up early and watch the sunrise over a fresh snowfall, or spend a day bundled up trekking through a snowy state park. Delaware is prettiest covered in a blanket of winter white.

Are you the type of Delawarean who wishes for more snow, or would you rather the winter stay as warm as possible? Either way, be sure to start checking off your Delaware winter bucket list now that the weather's finally turning chilly.