When someone asks me where I’m from, I usually say “Delaware.”
The normal follow-up question is, “Oh, where in Delaware?”
My next response is “Hockessin.”
And then the conversation usually takes a turn like this:
“Is that near the beaches?”
“I’ve driven through Delaware! … Once."
“... Where exactly is Delaware?”
To my fellow Delawareans, native or kindred, we have many reasons to be proud about our connections to the first state!
1. Tax-free shopping
2. City-to-city connections
Though Delaware might not have any booming international cities, the state provides a strong secondary option because of its proximity to other urban zones like Philadelphia, D.C., and New York City.
3. Capriotti’s
One criticism of the First State is that it hasn’t defined a local cuisine or culinary vision for itself. However, this hasn’t stopped restaurateurs from cooking up some delicious food and potent business ventures; shout out to Capriotti’s. (Don’t need to travel to Philly to know how good a cheesesteak can be!)
4. Joe Biden
Yay famous Delawareans, I don’t know most of you but someone else is bound to!
5. Christiana Mall
Over the past few years, Christiana mall has developed into a hub of social activity. After revamping their dining options to include Panera, The Cheesecake Factory, California Pizza Kitchen, Brio and more, the area expanded with a movie theater, Target, Nordstrom and Cabella’s.
6. University of Delaware
A central hub of the greatest minds of Delaware. Commonly known as “UD” by the insiders; and “Udel” by the outsiders. Giving life to our state bird, the blue hen, and one successful graduate at a time. Everyone in the state, regardless of future or function, will recognize the term “UD.”
7. Delaware Online
Having a centralized source for news coverage about the ins-and-outs of this gem of the eastern coast makes a morning news update that much easier.
8. Firefly Music Festival
Drawing legends into Dover since 2012. The Woodlands have welcomed Paul McCartney, The Killers, Snoop Dog, Zedd, Jack Johnson and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. This year they will be welcoming Florence & the Machine, Mumford and Sons, Kings of Leon among many other defined and budding artists/groups!
9. Sports (or lack thereof)
In Delaware you find a mixed bag of flags when football seasons rolls around: Eagles, Giants, Steelers, Ravens, Patriots—here it’s your choice!
10. Inclement Weather
Our climate is a crash course in “Nature Preparedness 101.” In the First State you can find rain, snow, sleet, hail, intense wins, sunshine and cloud coverage. Some days are definitely better than others—but much oblige to the well-rounded effects of nature.
