It’s time to write one of the most enjoyable blog posts of the year, spotlighting all of the wonderful things to do during the winter holiday season all around The First State. It’ll probably amount to two posts since the list is so extensive.
Earlier I had the pleasure of posting about ways to simplify Thanksgiving by dining at a restaurant or ordering all kinds of dishes from restaurants and grocery stores offering carry-out options. This post is even more fun for everyone who wants to cook a little less and enjoy all kinds of wonderful cuisine throughout the off-season months at the beach.
It's hard to believe that I have been living in Delaware for nearly 25 years. My first visit here was way back in 1991, and by 1999, I made the decision to make this place my permanent home. The main reason behind my move was for a fresh start. I was looking for new opportunities and a change of scenery. Delaware seemed like the perfect place for that. Before that, I've lived in a few different places like Pennsylvania, The Netherlands, New Mexico, South Korea, and Maryland.
Our state is filled with beautiful historic places, many replete with stories of hauntings and unexplainable phenomena. Throughout October you can enjoy walking tours with knowledgeable guides who will share both facts and fiction about these happenings. Highlights include Paranormal Adventures in Fort Delaware State Park every Friday and Saturday this month...
Cape Henlopen is front and center of my radar since we live about a mile away and we take our dog for a long walk there just about every single day. But regardless of where you live you’re never too far from other parks and nature preserves that are likewise protected. Even better, the Delaware State Parks Web site https://destateparks.com/ spotlights an astounding array of experiences you can enjoy – from paranormal adventures to Autumn-specific nature and cultural events to the perfect camp site or gathering place. Here are a few especially cool ones.
I’m astounded at the array of talent coming to the beach for this year’s events and – equally important – because these events sell out very quickly. If you love music and appreciate soulful vocals, soft and rumbling beats and a touch of the avant-garde, I hope you’ll check out the master schedules and plan ahead for some wonderful experiences taking place at several different venues, including the Cape Henlopen Performing Arts Center, the Rusty Rudder, the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center and other locations in Rehoboth and Lewes.
Last week I posted about a lot of the fall fun to be had on my own home turf around Delaware’s beaches and rural downstate spots listed in the 2023 Festivals Guide published by the Cape Gazette. This week I’m looking at the Brandywine Valley far to the north, where rolling pastures give way to beautiful and charming towns, including downtown Wilmington. It’s especially beautiful in the autumn, and full of entertainment and cultural attractions.
When asked to “picture” autumn, many people will describe goblets of red wine alongside comforting dinners and fiery orange, yellow and burgundy mums decorating our doorsteps. But if you live in Delaware’s rural or waterside communities there’s also a wonderful feeling as you notice the golden softening of the light, the feel of cool breezes on your face and the exciting array of activities and events happening every day.
If you’ve been led to believe that golf can only be enjoyed at some exclusive members-only country club with inheritance-busting dues, you’re in for a big surprise once you start searching for a home in Delaware. From north to south and east to west there are many beautifully maintained public courses with reasonable fees.
Unfortunately, we can count on brutal temps and cloying humidity ahead. If you still want to spend most of your time outside there are lots of great parks offering shady trails for walking and biking. But there are also so many fabulous museums where you can spend hours enriching your brain in air conditioned comfort.