Today’s post is time-sensitive for two reasons: One, we have a big election coming up on November 5th, and if you’re new to Delaware you might have questions about who represents your district and need some additional info from the Cape Gazette’s Election Guide before casting your vote. Two, we’re in the midst of one of the most spectacular autumns I can remember, and the paper’s 55+ Guide offers a lot of news you can use to plan your leisure time.
The Election Guide https://www.capegazette.com/center/election-guide-2024/282776 is more than just a who’s who. In addition to spotlighting Delaware’s historically-enduring “Return Day” celebration, it features:
- A list of all of the people running for our state offices and Sussex County posts
- A list of polling places
- Details on candidate positions on hot-button issues, including traffic management, our schools, and growth
The 55+ Plus Guide is mostly about fun ways to spend time on your own and with your family – including grandkids! Here’s the rundown for what you can expect:
Get Fit – with advice on proper hydration for exercising and daily life, the importance (and pleasure) of stretching appropriately for physical activity and well-being, weight training for strength and flexibility, and helpful ways to interact with healthcare professionals.
Get Smart – with advice on how to make all of that traveling you’re planning safer and more fun, protecting yourself – and your finances – online, and choosing the best security system for your home.
Fuel Your Creativity – with tips for finding and nurturing hobbies, advice on how to pursue creative writing, and a list of bestselling books that tend to appeal to the 55+ crowd.
Cherish the Season – with tips on activities for all ages. This is especially fun since there’s so much to do, from outings to Fort Miles and Cape Henlopen State Park, to walking and biking on some of our less crowded but no-less-scenic trails, to crafts projects you can do with your grandkids.
Speaking of the great outdoors, there are so many beautiful places to enjoy on cool and colorful autumn days. Many are in our vast park system, with thousands of acres where nature is protected. You can find an extensive list of options at Delaware’s Parks and Recreation Web site https://www.destateparks.com/. Here are some local favorites that are especially fine for the few weeks of leaf-peeping left in the season:
New Castle County
Alpocas Run State Park https://www.destateparks.com/Alapocas has a lot to offer folks who want to hike and bike amid splendid fall color, with a .7 mile trail through an old-growth forest, the Northern Delaware Green Trail, a natural rock-climbing wall, and the Blue Ball Barn, which houses Delaware’s folk art collection.
Kent County
Killen’s Pond https://www.destateparks.com/PondsRivers/KillensPond is named for its 66-acre pond, created when the Murderkill River was dammed for grist and sawmills. It’s full of bass, crappie and sunfish, and there’s an elevated boardwalk for walking and biking among the foliage. There’s also a great waterpark for your summer planning.
Sussex County
Cape Henlopen State Park https://www.destateparks.com/Beaches/CapeHenlopen is famous and fabulous, with more than six miles of ocean and bay coastline and miles of biking and hiking trails that take you through colorful forests and vast marshlands, a nature center where your grandkids and learn all about local animal and plant life, and the Fort Miles Museum, which offers tours that give you an up close look at how U.S. service members protected Delaware and the nation during WWII.
These are just a few of the great places to visit this fall. Check out the full list of parks and historic sites at https://www.destateparks.com/FindPark/Index.