A Surfer’s Guide to Delaware

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A surfing vacation in….Delaware? Yes! There are enough surf spots along Delaware’s coastline to challenge surfers of all abilities. Because it is easy to access Maryland’s surf spots, many surfers who come to surf Delaware also check out neighboring breaks.

Surfing is one of the more popular summer sports on Delaware and Maryland’s Atlantic shorelines. Hot and humid summer weather draw residents and tourists alike to the water, so during peak season, some beaches can get crowded. Both Maryland and Delaware have a few beaches designated solely for surfing, which can alleviate user conflict issues.

There are surf shops scattered along the coast; many are open year round, and offer rentals and surf lessons for aspiring surfers. Boogie boarding is also very popular with tourists, and boards can be rented at surf shops and other retailers. Boogie boarding is appealing to many visitors because they can be used at most beaches, while surfers must stay in areas reserved for surfing.

When conditions are good, these surf spots shouldn’t be missed:

Rehoboth, during south swells. Jetties can create fun waves, and close by Dewey Beach can also get good surf.

Lewes, during strong south swells with west to southwest winds. Long rides can be had, and this wave can be great for beginners.

Indian River Inlet, north and south sides. The north side waves can be long and mushy, making it a good place to learn. Big swells from the south can produce excellent waves for the experienced surfer. The south side is typically best for boogie boarding, but when conditions are perfect, big hollow tube rides may form. These waves can be on par with the best waves in Hawaii! Another great destination for surfing is Florida. Florida vacation rentals are perfect for anyone that wants to surf or even learn to surf.

Fenwick Island, on any swell angle when the winds are right. The waves can vary from being perfect for beginners and challenging for advanced surfers.
Ocean City, Maryland has ten miles of beach, and often has good waves but the break can be crowded so follow proper etiquette.

Assateague Island, Maryland, with twenty miles of beach. It is a great place to learn, but when the swell gets huge (during hurricane season), Assateague attracts serious surfers.

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Kiteboarding and Windsurfing the Delaware-Maryland Coast

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There are some great windsurfing and kiteboarding spots on the Delaware coast. In fact, the Delaware and Maryland shorelines have some of the best conditions along the entire eastern seaboard. All skill levels will have fun in both the open ocean and inside of the bays, and there are a few gear shops in the vicinity of all of the popular beaches.

In Delaware, the Dewey Beach area has 24 miles of sandy shoreline along the Atlantic, and it recent years has become a kiteboarding hot spot. Most of the good spots are in the state parks, with the best winds occurring March to June, and September until November. Summer winds are a bit inconsistent but afternoon thermal winds can make for good conditions. Kiteboarders from all up and down the mid-Atlantic seaboard travel to Dewey Beach during the height of the season.

The average kite size is typically an 11 to 17 meters. On big wind days, however, having a small kite on hand can be a good idea, particularly when low pressure forms or builds along the coast. Kiters launch both on the bay and ocean sides of the Delmarva peninsula, and because the launch areas are in the park system, there is an entrance fee.

Rehoboth Bay in Dewey Beach is ideal for windsurfing, with plenty of good waves and whitecaps; windsurfers also like the bayside state park beach on Delaware’s Route 1 south of town.

In neighboring Ocean City, Maryland, the windsurfing and kiteboarding condition are diverse on the open ocean, and in the bays. Tall buildings along the ocean front shoreline can block the winds coming off the land, but when the wind blows from the south, the sailing is really good. The bay is perfect for beginners because the water is shallow and has a clean bottom.

Also in Maryland, Assateague Island has great windsurfing, minus any buildings to block the wind coming off the land. The best spot in town is the Mellow Beach Yacht Club, where there is a grassy area for rigging, lessons available, and equipment rentals.

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Festivals and Fun in Delaware

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In addition to historical and natural attractions, Delaware has many annual festivals and other special events to entertain visitors and residents alike. Most towns also have small, local festivals not listed here; check with area chambers of commerce for more information.

One of the most popular events is the Delaware State Fair, the state’s only such event. It lasts for two weeks at the end of July, with numerous activities for all ages, including a circus, demolition derbies, music, and other entertainment.

Wilmington hosts a number of ethnic festivals throughout the year, including the popular Italian Festival held in June. There is a Greek festival in June, and a Polish festival in October, all featuring traditionally prepared food and drink, crafts and other artisanal goods, and music and other entertainment.

The Clifford Brown Jazz Festival is held outdoors in Wilmington’s central area, and is free. The Wilmington Flower Market takes place every May in Rockford Park. It is a three-day long fundraising event to benefit state-wide children’s charities.

Every second Saturday of March brings the Chocolate Festival in Rehoboth Beach. The event showcases home and professionally-made chocolates.

Bethany Beach hosts an end of the summer traditional jazz ‘funeral’ procession along the town’s boardwalk. Rehoboth Beach holds annual Halloween and Fiddlers’ Festivals at the end of October, and the Delaware Sangerbund hosts a three-day Oktoberfest celebration. This event features German foods, traditional German song and dance, and carnival rides.

One of the most entertaining events is held the weekend after Halloween in Sussex County. Pumpkins are fired from catapults, trebuchets, and cannons during the annual Punkin Chunkin, and the activities are accompanied by food, music, and other entertainment.

Finally, a tradition unique to Delaware continues every two years on the Thursday after the November elections on Return Day. It is the only celebration of its kind in the U.S., and dates back to the 1700s. Election results are read from the Sussex County Courthouse balcony by the official town crier. Winners and losers parade together, an ox is roasted, and there is a ceremonial hatchet buried in sand from the Lewes Beach.

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Mountain Biking Delaware’s State Parks

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Delaware’s State Parks provide many outdoor recreation opportunities, with multi-use trails and paths criss-crossing the land. Running, walking, hiking, and mountain biking are among the most popular trail activities. Not all trails are open to mountain bikes, but there are plenty of fun trails that are. Biking is a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery and diverse landscapes.

Some of the best mountain biking trails can be found in the following state parks:

White Clay Creek State Park has nine trails open to mountain bikers, covering a variety of terrain. Trails inside the Middle Run Natural Area are also open to bikes, connecting with other park trails.

Lums Pond State Park has an eight mile long singletrack that is open for biking, hiking, and horseback riding. This is one of the lengthier mountain bike routes.

Bellevue State Park has about ten miles of mixed paved and unpaved trails. Bikes are allowed on any trail except for those designated for horseback riding. The park office provides free bike rentals on a first come, first serve basis.

Alapocas Run State Park has several multipurpose trails, with many part of the Delaware Greenways system. There is a mix of paved and gravel trails, with one hilly section that traverses the woods.

Cape Henlopen State Park has four trails of varying difficulty, on mixed terrain. Most are short in length, but have beautiful scenery.

Killens Pond State Park has three trails open to mountain bikes, including a three mile mixed surface trail, a paved path, and a short grass surface trail.

Trap Pond State Park has two trails that can be ridden with any type of bike. Bikes are available for free rental during regular business hours, and the park office has trail maps available for use.

Dirt singletrack should not be ridden by horses or bikes immediately after storms, as the trail bed can be damaged. Bikers should always yield to hikers and equestrians, and it is advisable to use a bell when coming up on other users.

Local bike shops can provide more information about mountain biking in Delaware, and supply any needed gear and maps.

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Glass By Glass Guide to Delaware’s Wine Country

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Delaware is known for a lot of things, and until recently, winemaking was not one of them. But that might be changing. With one very established and highly regarded winery, and a couple others that are gaining popularity, Delaware is a great place to go for a wine weekend getaway.

Award-winning Nassau Valley Vineyards is Delaware’s first winery, and is the most famous. Located in Lewes, it is by definition a”farm winery”. All of the grapes are cultivated, fermented, and bottled in the same place. The farm also serves as a tasting room and hosts weddings and other special events.

The vineyard produces several varietals, from dry to sweet, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Other fresh, locally grown grapes are used to supplement the production process.

Nassau Valley Vineyards is conveniently located near popular beach towns and resorts, but is tucked away on a private country road. The picturesque surroundings and peaceful atmosphere make the farm a perfect place to spend the afternoon. The farm is open for free tastings and tours all year long, and tours include a look at the on site History of Wine Museum, the cellar and production areas.

Pizzadili Vineyard and Winery in Felton offers a little taste of Italy to the wine enthusiast. The winery hosts tours and tastings, and special events including weddings and other parties in the large pavilion that seats 400 people. There is also indoor seating for smaller parties and corporate events.

Pizzadili wines include Pinot Gris, Vidal Blanc, Chardonnay, Reisling, Merlot and many other varietals. There is a five dollar charge for tastings, which includes a keepsake wine glass. Tours include a look into their cellar and production facilities, and exploration of their expansive farm and gardens.

Delaware’s youngest winery is Fenwick Wine Cellars, located in West Fenwick, a short distance from the beach. They offer wine tastings and tours, and grow a number of varietals off site, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. The fourth generation of family farmers have been supplying grape juice to wineries across the region since 1989.

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Games, Golf, and Good Times in Delaware

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In addition to all of the beach activities, outdoor recreation, and cultural and historical attractions, Delaware is known for its golf courses, sport fishing, car racing, horse racing, and other gaming.

Play a round of golf at Bear Trap Dunes Golf Club in Ocean View. The course is Delaware’s best championship course, with twenty seven holes, a large driving range and two putting greens. There is an upscale clubhouse, golf shop, banquet hall and restaurant. The Bethany Bay Golf Club in Millville offers nine challenging holes alongside Indian River Bay west of Bethany Beach.

The whole family will enjoy the Delaware International Speedway in Delmar, where stock car races are held regularly. Delaware Park in Wilmington is another gaming facility with horse racing from April to November, more than 3,000 slot machines, and an 18-hole championship golf course. Admission is free, and the slots are open day and night.

The Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame in Wilmington showcases Delaware’s sports history, all the way from the Civil War era. The exhibits consist of photos, video and audio presentations, with plenty memorabilia and sports artifacts, complete with stories about the state’s athlete’s, officials, and coaches.

For a breath of fresh air, venture out to sea to try out sportfishing. There are a number of companies offering charter tours; in Millsboro, check out Amethyst Sportfishing, which provides tours and has cottages available for rent in the marina. Camping is also available in the Indian River Inlet, with beach access.

In Dover, check out the Dover Skating Center, offering fun for the whole family. The center has lots of activities for kids and adults, including classes and exercise programs.

The Killen’s Pond Water Park in Felton is the only aquatic park located in a state park. It features two 27-foot tall spiral slides, water features, and baby and toddler pools. The facility is available for group rentals and birthday parties.

Finally, in the Rehoboth Beach area, take the family to the First State BMX track near Millford. Kids and adults alike will enjoy playing on the course, and perhaps even participating in a race.

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Marine Life in Delaware Bay

Delaware Bay © 2004 Matthew Trump

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Marine Life thrives in abundance in Delaware Bay. From fish ranging from Croakers, Flounders, Triggerfish, Sheepshead, Bluefish, Squids, Albacore, Bonito, Billfish, Tuna, Marlin, Rockfish, Tog and Bass to plentiful Crabs can be angled and hunted all year round. The vivid fact that, rare kinds of fish appearing on baits laid for the more common ones, keeps the fishing experience exciting at all times. In Delaware Bay, recreational fishing is estimated to be worth $30 million.

The most sought after fish by the people of Delaware Bay are Croakers and Flounders which appear in great number at Lewes reef and Cape Henlopen. In summer, happy anglers bring in coolers full of Croakers to the cleaning table. At some other rocks and reefs Triggerfish, the rare Sheepshead and Tog are found. Bluefish appear in plenty near Augustine Beach. Canyon fishermen are excited with good Billfish and Marlin catch and Tuna, Dolphin and Wahoo are also caught to capture the high size of meat. Tilefish, Wreck fish and Grouper are hauled in great weight. The river inlets near the Delaware Estuary buoys also provide much Bluefish, Squid, Minnow, Smelt, Shiner, Croaker, Rockfish, Tog and Sheepshead. Early morning or dark evenings are the best times to go surf fishing for Dogfish and Skates. Freshwater fishing in Broad Creek and Nanticoke River with bloodworms and fish bites provides excellent catches of Bass, Pickerel, Crappie, Slot Rockfish and other fish.

Tidal creeks at New Castle and Kent provide abundant Crab catches. Commercial fishing for Crabs begins by laying trot lines, baited with eel and bull lips, at dawn. The trot lines are worked until the morning, after which the fishermen maneuver their boats along the line. As Crabs come to the surface, some are missed but the catch appears to be the largest of the day. An alternative easier and more recreational way to catch Crabs is to toss a baited pot overboard and come back and collect the pot full. The best season for catching Crabs is in winter.

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Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge

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Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a 16,000 acre federal sanctuary near the town of Smyrna. Smyrna has been listed in the National Geographic Magazine as the one of the best towns to live and play in and the reason for this honor is its close proximity to Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Much of the land in this region is unaltered and remains like it did three centuries ago and offers wildlife watching opportunities to visitors all year round.

Bombay Hook celebrates the Migratory Bird Festival every May, where more than 250 species of migratory birds including the shorebirds, songbirds and raptors fly in across the Atlantic and occupy the tidal marshes. This event coincides with the Horseshoe Crab Survey where volunteers count the horseshoe crabs on the beaches of Delaware Bay. Birdwatchers of all levels and families participate in these events as they explore the rest of Bombay Hook. Eco tourists love the adventure as they explore the 40 mile network of trails at Blackbird State Forest. These trails further open up to 26 other birding sites. Visitors can book canoes and kayak trips to wade through the inlets and view Bombay Hook wildlife spots.

Tourists can visit Big Oak County Park to view the Environmental Outpost and Mount Joy Observatories, as well as the Estuarine Marine Science programs in Dover. Ample lodgings are available in the city of Dover and at the Best Western in Smyrna. Campers will find the Killens Pond State Park and the Water Park as ideal places for their venture. The Sambos Tavern and The Boondocks crab shacks on the outskirts of Smyrna are favorite sea food joints where visitors can savor local favorites including fresh blue crabs. At Sambos Tavern visitors can sit at the waterfront alongside the Leipsic River and view fishermen at work and as they haul in their catch. Head over to Wagon Wheel Restaurant to savor their boiled and sautéed muskrat. At Smyrna one will find all the amenities they can ask for to make Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge an exciting adventure.

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Grab Your Automotive Insurance Card and Head to Delaware

The state of Delaware is rich in culture, history and heritage. If making the trip on your to-do list, set aside plenty of time. The list of exciting activities includes visiting the stomping grounds of the government’s finest, touring museums and enjoying professional theater performances. When traveling, remember to bring proper identification, car registration papers and your automotive insurance card. Now buckle up and enjoy the drive through Delaware.

Delaware’s Capitol Building
The Legislative Hall in Dover provides an interesting opportunity to see legislation work. Guided tours are provided by reservation Monday through Friday 9 AM to noon with hours extending to 3 PM on non-session days. Portraits of political figures, military heroes and Delaware Governors are on display throughout the halls of the Capitol.

Delaware Museum of Natural History
One of the popular exhibits in this museum includes a mammal display featuring animals from around the world. Another featured display is found in the dinosaur gallery where a Tuojiagosaurus is showcased alongside an Archaeopteryx. The museum also has a discovery room for exploration, a gallery of different species of birds, a butterfly garden, and a simulated barrier reef. The museum is open year-round and fees are consistently $10 or less even during special exhibits.

First State Ballet Theatre: Wilmington, Delaware
This professional dance company can be found in the Grand Opera House. With a talented company of dancers, the First State Ballet Theatre performs a variety of shows throughout the year. Theatergoers will find classics such as the Nutcracker as well as newer tales performed by the best in the industry.

Delaware provides plenty of tourism opportunities for groups of all ages. Children will have fun exploring, teens will love a night of art and adults will enjoy being present while history is being made. With many great places to eat, stay and play, Delaware offers a little bit of something for everyone.

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Delaware Bay – A Home to Many

Delaware Bay has great historical significance to the nation and having participated in the American Revolution, it subsequently became the First State to endorse the Constitution of the United States.

Delaware is home to many scientists and engineers and positions many industrial companies that manufacture chemical and pharmaceutical products, automobiles, paper, rubber and plastics. Agricultural products consist of dairy, poultry, soybeans and corn. Major companies like the University of Delaware, Bank of America, Wilmington Trust, Citigroup, Du Pont and Fisker automotive provide employment opportunities to citizens. The Dover Air Force Base is one of the largest air bases of the United States Air Force. About 70 percent of the crude oil shipped into the United States from the east, transports through Delaware Bay.

The state of Delaware is divided into the three counties of New Castle, Kent and Sussex, each county representing the Legislation with its own council members. Most governmental functions throughout the state are centralized in Delaware. Owing to lying alongside the Atlantic Coast, the state has a mix of continental and subtropical climates. The summers are relatively hot and humid with some amount of snowfall in winter. The wetland habitat of Delaware Bay is conducive to concentrated populations of migratory and wading birds such as the shorebirds, songbirds, waterfowl and raptors. Delaware Bay shores hold the largest population of horseshoe crabs in the world.

Delaware Bay is a frequent summer vacation destination for tourists from Central and Mid Atlantic states. While vacationing in Delaware, some of the places to look forward to are museums, parks, wildlife reserves, beaches, lighthouses and other places of historical significance. The most famous beaches along the Delaware Bay include Dewey beach, Rehoboth beach, Bethany beach and Fenwick Island. Visitors are particularly attracted to the artistic appeal of the towns, to water activities, the nightlife and tax free shopping. Delaware Bay hosts a number of annual festivals throughout the year. The Delaware Bay Estuary harvests oyster worth over $1.5 million in value and recreational fishing alone is estimated at $30 million.

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