Delaware

Introducing Delaware

Delaware: the First State, mascoted by the smurfish, poultryesque Blue Hen, a blip on the American map, out-sized (or under-sized) in reputation by tinier Rhode Island. Ah, give her a break. Delaware still rides her reputation as first state to ratify the Constitution, but she’s probably better known as a low-tax haven and ‘headquarters’ (ie mailing address) for a glut of corporations.

So you may be pleasantly surprised to find Delaware neat and attractive, home to sound little towns, cozy countryside and long, sunny beaches. Plus: Wilmington is like a safer Baltimore, Dover is twee, and many towns alternate between two almost-English sensibilities: cute, compact village greens versus the magnificent (if gaudy) estates of the Brandywine Valley.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009