Delaware: The State That’s So Small, It’s Practically a Doorstop
Ah,
Delaware! The little state that could, but mostly just hangs out quietly in the Mid-Atlantic region, like that friend who always shows up to the party but never really steals the spotlight. With a total area of just 1,949 square miles, Delaware is so small it could fit into the average backyard—and still have room for a swing set and a barbecue grill. So, let’s take a whimsical journey through this tiny gem of a state that’s packed with more quirks than a sock drawer after laundry day.
1. The Great Debate: Is It “Delaware” or “Dela-Who?”
First things first: let’s address the elephant in the room.
When you mention Delaware, people often respond with a blank stare, followed by a series of increasingly ridiculous guesses about where it is. “Is that near Idaho?” “Wait, isn’t that a city in Vermont?” And though it’s the second smallest state in the U.S. (only Rhode Island is smaller, but we’ll get to that little fish in the big pond later), Delaware is actually bursting with character.
In fact,
you could argue that Delaware is the state version of a hidden gem—except that, unlike your favorite artisanal coffee shop, Delaware is not trying to be hipster. It’s more like your quirky uncle who insists on wearing Hawaiian shirts year-round and has a pet parrot named “Captain Crunch.”
2. The First State: A Title That’s All About Timing
Delaware is known as “The First State,
” a title it earned by being the first to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787. That’s right, folks! Delaware was the first state to say, “You know what? A government sounds like a great idea! Let’s do this!” Of course, the rest of the states followed suit, leading to a whole lot of paperwork and a national obsession with bureaucracy.
But let’s not kid ourselves—Delaware’s claim to fame could just as easily have been “The State That Really Likes to Get Things Done Early.
” You know, if procrastination were a crime, Delaware would be the law-abiding citizen that shows up 15 minutes early to every meeting. Perhaps we should all take a page from Delaware’s book and get our act together—except for the part about being small and often forgotten.
3. Tax-Free Shopping: The Dream Come True for Bargain Hunters
Picture this: You’re driving through the charming streets of Delaware,
and suddenly, you spot a sign that reads “Tax-Free Shopping!” It’s like a beacon of hope for your wallet! Delaware is one of the few states in the U.S. without a sales tax, which means you can buy that shiny new gadget or those trendy shoes without the added burden of taxes weighing you down like a bag of bricks.
In fact,
Delaware might just be the only state where people are literally high-fiving cashiers while checking out. “No sales tax? Let’s do this!” It’s a shopper’s paradise, and you can bet that Delawareans have mastered the art of retail therapy. Just be warned: if you bump into someone in a store, you might find yourself in an impromptu discussion about the best places to buy discounted socks.
4. Beaches, Beaches, Everywhere: Not Just for Summer Fun
Delaware’s beaches are legendary—or at least they are among the locals who have spent countless summers perfecting their sandcastle-building skills.
From Rehoboth Beach to Dewey Beach, these sandy shores are the place to be when the sun is shining, and the ice cream is melting faster than you can say “beach day.”
Rehoboth Beach,
in particular, is known for its boardwalk, which is home to more fudge shops than you can shake a stick at. Seriously, if you ever wanted to see a group of adults lose their minds over chocolate-covered gummy bears, this is the place to do it.
And don’t even get me started on the seagulls.
Those feathered fiends have a keen eye for beachgoers with snacks and are not afraid to swoop in and steal that delicious french fry right off your plate. It’s like they have a sixth sense for identifying the most vulnerable prey—kind of like a shark, but with feathers and a penchant for saltwater taffy.
5. The Delaware State Fair: A Cornucopia of Quirkiness
Every summer,
Delaware plays host to the Delaware State Fair, an event that can only be described as a glorious combination of fried food, carnival games, and livestock competitions, all under a giant banner reading “Welcome to the Wonderful World of Slightly Strange.”
Imagine a place where you can find deep-fried Oreos,
turkey legs the size of your forearm, and a Ferris wheel that’s just a tad more rickety than you’d like. It’s a magical experience where you can watch a cow being judged for its mooing technique while simultaneously competing in a pie-eating contest.
But let’s not forget about the entertainment! The Delaware State Fair has a lineup of musical acts that range from local bands to slightly outdated pop stars.
If you’ve ever wanted to see a 90s boy band perform their greatest hits while a goat looks on in mild confusion, this is your moment.
6. The DuPont Dynasty: More Than Just a Name on a Building
When you think of Delaware,
you might think of the DuPont family. Yes, the very same DuPonts who brought you everything from gunpowder to Teflon. You see, the DuPonts didn’t just stop at inventing useful things; they also built an empire—complete with mansions that look like they belong in a fairy tale.
One such mansion is the Winterthur Museum,
which is packed with art and antiques that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine. Here, you can stroll through gardens so beautiful that you’ll start questioning your own landscaping abilities. It’s a place where you can admire the fine art of the DuPonts while simultaneously wondering if you can convince your neighbor to let you borrow their lawnmower.
7. The Quirky Laws That Make You Go “Huh?”
Delaware has its fair share of quirky laws that will make you raise an eyebrow and think,
“What were they thinking?” For instance, did you know that it is illegal to whisper in someone’s ear while they are on a public street? Yes, you read that right.
And while we’re on the topic of odd laws,
let’s talk about the prohibition of selling dog hair. Now, we’re all for creative entrepreneurship, but selling dog hair? That’s a new one! Just imagine the marketing slogans: “Get your one-of-a-kind dog hair scarf—perfect for any occasion!”
8. The Conclusion: Embracing the Quirkiness of Delaware
In conclusion,
Delaware may be small, but it’s a state that’s bursting with character, humor, and a healthy dose of absurdity. From tax-free shopping to quirky festivals, it’s a place where you can always find something entertaining—whether it’s a deep-fried delicacy or a chicken-themed event that defies logic.
So,
the next time someone asks you where Delaware is, don’t just shrug your shoulders and mumble something about it being “somewhere on the East Coast.” Embrace it! Share your newfound knowledge of the first state, the quirks, the beaches, and the fried food. After all, Delaware may be small, but it has a big heart—and a sense of humor to match!
So pack your bags (and your sense of humor),
because Delaware is waiting for you with open arms and a plate of fried chicken. Just remember, no whispering on the streets, and definitely no selling dog hair!
