Delaware really is the most amazing state. It was the first of the
original colonies to join the Union and is the second smallest state, a tiny
jewel filled with history, mystery, quirky sites and a plethora of outdoor
activities. The state consists of three counties, New Castle, Kent and Sussex,
and is so close to Philadelphia that your entire vacation can require a single
tank of gas. www.visitdelaware.com
The Lenape
Indians occupied the west bank of the Delaware River when the first Europeans
arrived in 1638 to found the first permanent colony in the Delaware Valley. The
ship, Kalmar Nyckel, landed in what is now Wilmington. In 1640 the Fogel Grip
arrived with a slave from Angola named Anthony Swartz. The Swedish and Dutch
travelers purchased land from the natives for the New Sweden settlement.
William Penn was deeded the lower Delaware counties in 1664 and the colony fell
under the control of England and Penn’s Province of PA from 1682-1701. In 1776
Delaware voted for independence from England and Pennsylvania.
Forty-miles
south of Wilmington stands the state capitol, Dover. Penn had it chartered,
surveyed and laid out in 1683 and four years later a courthouse was erected there.
In 1717 Dover was founded and became the capitol in 1777. The Green is at the
center of the city today as it has always been. Many important events occurred
in the area known as First State Heritage Park that includes The Green and the
Delaware Constitution Monument. There are 12 park sites and free walking tours
including “Tales of Slavery and Freedom” are offered. The John Bell House, the
oldest wooden structure in Dover, houses the park’s interpretive center. www.destateparks.com/park/first-state-heritage
Thirty
delegates met at the nearby 1730s Golden Fleece Tavern on Dec. 7, 1787 to
ratify the Constitution and the site is still visible. The tavern was female
owned and served as a legislative meeting place until 1791. The current Golden
Fleece Tavern features good food and a number of activities. In 1792 the
Georgian-style Old StateHouse, with an 18th-century courthouse and
chambers of the State Legislature, was constructed. Fun fact, a colonial jury was allowed no food, water or bathroom
breaks until they reached a verdict. www.goldenfleecetavern.com
The
Green is also the site of the first mail murder, The Chocolate Candy Murder, in
the United States. The plot involves a straying husband who wished to return to
his wife and a mistress who didn’t agree. The California mistress sent the
Dover wife a box of poisoned candy resulting in her death. The story went viral
and the mistress went to San Quentin. Walking tours originate at the Delaware
Store and cover approximately ¼-mile. There is a fee and reservations are
strongly
suggested.www.delaware-store.com/walking-tours/walking-tour-chocolate-candy-murder. The
Delaware Store, located on the site of the original Golden Fleece, is the best
place to purchase mementos and gifts. www.delaware-store.com
Eldridge
Reeves Johnson, founder of the 1901 Victor Talking Machine Company and an
innovator in the recording industry, was awarded a Grammy Award in 1985. His
company once encompassed 10-blocks in Camden and recorded the greatest artists
of the era. He retired in 1927 and sold his company for $155-million (more than
$2-billion in 2018) to RCA in 1929. The two-level Johnson Victrola Museum
interprets his life and career and displays artifacts, models and memorabilia.
Photo ops with a giant Nipper the RCA dog are offered. www.history.delaware.gov/museums
Before
leaving downtown Dover you should stop in for a meal in an 18th-century
restored mansion, the Grey Fox Grille & Public House. The floors and
ceilings are original and the food is fresh and spectacular. www.greyfoxgrille.com
Georgian-style Belmont Hall was
built in 1773 by Thomas Collins. Collins invited the Assembly to meet in
Belmont Hall when it was no longer safe to meet in the capitol in 1776. The
mansion’s tower was built for use by sentries. It is a now available for event
rental. www.belmonthall.org
The “Penman
of the Revolution”, John Dickinson’s ancestral home was a 3,000-acre plantation
built in 1740. At one time he owned as many as 37 slaves but in 1777, because
of his Quaker beliefs, he conditionally freed them and in 1786 freed them unconditionally. Tours
of the complex include the restored mansion, slave dwellings, displays and
stories of the enslaved. Tours are guided and begin with an orientation video. www.dickinsonmansion.org
Bombay Hook
National Wildlife Refuge consists of more than 15,000-acres of protected tidal
salt marsh. The location is the site of spring and fall migrations and features
a 12-mile wildlife drive, 5 walking trails and three 30-foot observation
towers. www.fws.gov/refuge/Bombay_Hook
The 2,500-acre Fifer Orchards was
established in 1919. In addition to seasonal activities it offers the Farm and
Country Store with heritage and heirloom fruits and vegetables, specialty foods,
a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, U-Pick and free tours.
www.fiferorchards.com/country-store
A real must
is a visit to the Air Mobility Command Museum (AMC), the world’s sole museum
dedicated to airlift and air refueling history. Hangar 1301 was once home to
secret operations and now houses the museum. The complex has three sections, an
indoor museum with planes that you can touch, and in some cases, climb aboard,
an outdoor display with numerous aircraft including Air Force Two and a control
tower you can ascend for a spectacular view. The simulator experiences, usually
very pricey, and the museum are free. www.amc.org
AAA Four
Diamond Dover Downs Hotel and Casino provides perfect accommodations. There are
10 dining and drinking options, entertainment and amenity filled deluxe rooms.
One-hour Track tours are available and showcase the over the track bridge seats,
Victory Lane and the 46-ft. tall Monster Monument on Victory Plaza. The monster
holds aloft a full-sized stock car and his glowing eyes can be seen from the
highway. Check the website for special packages. www.doverdowns.com
Delaware
has something for everyone and everything is unique and affordable.
www.visitdelawarevillages.com
