Everyone has a state they associate themselves with, even if they don't want to. I used to be like that; however, as I have gotten older, I've learned to appreciate and love what makes home, in fact, home. I grew up in the big city of Selbyville, Delaware (if you're from there, you can sense my sarcasm). If you've never heard of it, don't worry I'm not offended.
Selbyville is part of Slower Lower Delaware, an area that is extremely different from the northern part of the state. We are known for our slower way of life and chicken houses. We’re seen as redneck by our northern counterparts, but we don’t take offense to this. We’re kind, self-sufficient, and family with almost everyone, so if that is what it means to be a redneck, we’ll take it. So without further ado, I’m going to give you a little insight to what it means to be from Slower Lower Delaware.
1. We are the home of tax-free shopping.
There is no false advertisement here. When you go out of the state, you get slightly offended when people say that there is no such thing as no sales tax. Um, excuse me, sir, it is very real, so get your facts straight. In Slower Lower, "five and below" actually means "five and below," not $5 and 15 cents worth of tax. This is a beautiful thing. Beautiful.
2. We have grade-A beaches.
With almost 30 miles of nothing but coastline and multiple inlets, Delaware has a lot of prime beach locations. If you're 21 years old, head over to Dewey for a drink at the Starboard. If you're looking for your touristy fix, head on over to Bethany or Rehoboth. If you want a quaint and relaxing beach scene, head on over to my favorite, Fenwick Island. Either way, the Delaware beach scene has everything you're looking for in a 30-mile radius. Does it really get any better than that?
3. Two words: good food.
You haven't lived until you've had the Bobby from Capriotti's, a good slice of scrapple, or dune fries from the Cottage Cafe. We have invented what it means to have good chicken 'n' dumplings and fresh seafood.Take it from me, you haven't had your full seafood experience until you go crabbin' on the dock with chicken necks tied to a string. The satisfaction of pulling in and netting your dinner is something special.
4. Tourists are the devil.
When you come into a local restaurant or store and say you're from New Jersey or New York, I'm apologizing in advance. We don't dislike you on a personal level because you bring in a majority of the revenue for the summer, but we can't help to feel like we've been taken hostage within our own state. I mean, for goodness' sake, Delaware only has three counties, so there is nowhere for us to go. So please take into account we aren't mad that you are bringing in the big bucks, but more so that it comes at the expense of crowded beaches and traffic.
5. You face the boredom of offseason.
Slower Lower is poppin' during the summer with music festivals like Firefly and The Delaware Junction, but what happens during the winter? Nothing. Absolutely nothing. The only thing that we have to look forward to is low-price movie night every Tuesday and peace and quiet. Although this is rather boring, it is also a time where Slower Lower can recuperate and enjoy our little section of the state.
So, ladies and gents, while these five reasons aren't the only reasons why I love my Slower Lower Delaware, these are some of my top ones. Everyone's home state is unique, so instead of running from your home, remember that this is where you grew up and this is what has molded you to be a woman or man of character. In other words, appreciate where you are from because it will always be there to welcome you back with open arms.
