{"id":25447,"date":"2017-02-02T12:19:09","date_gmt":"2017-02-02T17:19:09","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/?p=25447"},"modified":"2017-03-25T08:00:21","modified_gmt":"2017-03-25T12:00:21","slug":"discovering-delaware-in-19-delightful-places","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dougbardwell.com\/db\/discovering-delaware-in-19-delightful-places\/","title":{"rendered":"Discovering Delaware in 19 delightful places"},"content":{"rendered":"

19 Amazing reasons to visit our first state<\/i><\/strong><\/h2>\n

What\u2019s the top thing to do in Delaware?\u00a0 Mostly, prepare to be amazed.\u00a0 With attractions, so diverse and so much fun, the state\u2019s small footprint belies its potential. Don\u2019t know much about Delaware?\u00a0 Follow along as we illustrate 19 great Delaware discoveries we made last fall.<\/p>\n

Rehoboth Beach, DE<\/h1>\n

1) Rehoboth Beach<\/b>\u00a0\u00a0 For my money, Rehoboth Beach<\/a> is one of the best beaches on the eastern seaboard. Wide and clean, this beach offers something for everyone.\u00a0 Plenty of room for sunbathers, book readers, or for building sand castles.\u00a0 The sand warms and comforts each footstep as you are drawn to the surf\u00a0\u2013 large enough for fun, but still family friendly.\"\"<\/p>\n

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The boardwalk, originally built in 1873, stretches a mile long, and is ideal for bike riding in the morning. Feeling frisky, continue your ride north to Gordon Pond Wildlife Area or all the way to Cape Henlopen State Park<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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2) Boardwalk Plaza Hotel<\/b>\u00a0 If you can get a reservation, the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel<\/a> (2 Olive Ave & the Boardwalk | Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971) is the iconic place to stay in Rehoboth Beach. \u00a0Victorian in design, but up-to-date with T-1 Internet access, this beautiful hotel is famous for their service and hospitality.\u00a0 Complimentary parking is invaluable, and the hotel is located just a one-minute walk from the center of activity in downtown Rehoboth.<\/p>\n

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There\u2019s a coffee shop on the boardwalk level that\u2019s great for that cup-to-go with fabulous bakery treats, but take time if you can, and dine in the three-level restaurant with great beach and boardwalk views. You\u2019ll be entertained by Jeff Irwin on the baby-grand, who\u2019s been playing there every week since 1992.<\/p>\n

3) Chesapeake & Maine<\/b>\u00a0 Looking for some beer-inspired cooking?\u00a0 Chesapeake & Maine<\/a> (316 Rehoboth Avenue; Rehoboth Beach, DE (302) 226-3600) is the place. As part of the Dogfish Brewery family of companies, you\u2019ll be able to get all the Dogfish favorites along with keg-conditioned cocktails.<\/p>\n

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Select from a wide variety of oysters or the raw bar, ocean-inspired appetizers, soups & salads, seafood entrees, or try the Land & Sea Burger \u2013 a blend of Angus beef burger with butter-poached lobster on toasted brioch. We ate here with a number of friends, and everyone raved about their meals.<\/p>\n

4) Delaware Distilling Company<\/b>\u00a0 If you\u2019re into craft spirits, a ride down the street to Delaware Distilling Company<\/a> (18693 Highway\u00a0One; Rehoboth Beach; Delaware\u00a019971 (302) 645.8273) would be in order.\u00a0 They make their own vodka, rum and gin. Until we visited, I never imagined I would appreciate gin neat.\u00a0 I was pleasantly surprised, as their premium gin is quite tasty with blood orange and a special botanical blend.<\/p>\n

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5) Jimmy\u2019s Grille<\/b>\u00a0 Before leaving Rehoboth, you\u2019ll kick yourself if you don\u2019t stop here for breakfast \u2013 served until 11 a.m. Jimmy\u2019s Grill<\/a> (19724 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. (302) 227-4888<\/a>) They make their own bread for sumptuous thick French toast, but my favorite was the perfectly done, golden waffle with a side of scrapple, like you only get on the eastern seaboard.<\/p>\n

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Save room for dessert, or take a pie with you.\u00a0 You\u2019ve never seen a stack of meringue like they pile on their coconut or lemon meringue pies. It\u2019s enormous.<\/p>\n

Milton, DE<\/h1>\n

6) Dogfish Head Craft Brewery<\/b>\u00a0 If there\u2019s one site you won\u2019t see anywhere else, it has to be the \u201ctreehouse\u201d outside Dogfish Head Craft Brewery<\/a>. (6 Cannery Village Center; Milton, DE 19968 1-888-8dogfish) Milton is about 30 minutes from Rehoboth, but worth the trip.<\/p>\n

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