STATISTICAL OVERVIEW: QUALITY OF LIFE
Delaware provides a variety of leisure time offerings, including world-class museums, historic sites, gardens, performing arts, festivals, tax-free shopping, and outdoor recreation.
Although situated in the densely populated Northeast Corridor, Delaware retains extensive open space and a relaxed atmosphere. Delaware residents enjoy the comfortable pace of their home state and its many amenities which are all within a two-hour drive.
Section Title
Buying Power of State's Salaries Exceeds National Average
Outdoor Recreation and Other Activities
A Full Range of Health Care Services
In March 2002, the Runzheimer Company prepared a cost-of-living analysis for two cities in Delaware compared with the nation's " Standard City ." Runzheimer used an income level of $40,000; assumed a family of four which owned its home; and compared transportation, tax, and housing costs. The cost-of-living in Dover was found to be 6.0 percent lower than that of the " Standard City " (which represents the arithmetic mean of the living costs in 100 representative U. S. cities).
Index of Living Costs
Family Income
$40,000
| Dover , DELAWARE |
94.1 |
| Wilmington , DELAWARE |
98.9 |
| Phoenix , Arizona |
101.3 |
| Sacramento , California |
106.8 |
| Denver , Colorado |
109.4 |
| Washington , DC |
117.8 |
| Baltimore , Maryland |
108.9 |
| Boston , Massachusetts |
128.1 |
| Princeton , New Jersey |
120.2 |
| New York , New York |
123.7 |
| Philadelphia , Pennsylvania |
113.6 |
| Portland , Oregon |
106.9 |
| Austin , Texas |
98.1 |
| Standard City , USA |
100.0 |
Source: Runzheimer and Company, Inc., Rochester , Wisconsin ,
March 2002.
Homes in Delaware are available and affordable. As a result, the predominant form of living in the State is in owner-occupied housing. In its 2001 Current Housing Report, the Census Bureau estimated that 75 percent of Delawareans owned their homes, compared with the nationwide average of 68 percent. The rate for home ownership increased 7.7 percent since the 1990 Census for Delaware . For the nation as a whole, it increased only 3.9 percent.
Delaware offers a wide variety of housing choices, including beach cottages, farmhouses and historical settings. A brief description of some Delaware communities is included later in this section.
The price an average family will pay for a home in Delaware is considerably below the national average and compares very favorably with the surrounding metropolitan areas.
Average Home Market Value, by Income Level
March 2002
Family Income
$ 40,000
| Wilmington , DELAWARE |
146,900 |
| Dover , DELAWARE |
126,100 |
| Phoenix , Arizona |
148,300 |
| Sacramento , California |
201,300 |
| Washington , DC |
260,600 |
| Baltimore , Maryland |
198,500 |
| Princeton , New Jersey |
218,200 |
| New York , New York |
198,900 |
| Philadelphia , Pennsylvania |
168,800 |
| Portland , Oregon |
182,400 |
| Austin , Texas |
138,300 |
| Standard City , USA |
162,000 |
Source: Runzheimer and Company, Inc., Rochester , Wisconsin ,
March 2002.
BUYING POWER OF STATE'S SALARIES EXCEEDS NATIONAL AVERAGE :
In March 2002, the Runzheimer Company prepared a cost-of-living comparison for two cities in Delaware , several other cities in nearby states, and the " Standard City " across the U.S. Runzheimer then calculated the salary adjustment that would be necessary to enable the families living in these different areas to purchase comparable lifestyles. For example, the following table indicates that in order to compensate for differences in the cost-of-living at the $40,000 average lifestyle, an employee would have to be given an annual salary of $48,588 if he chooses to locate in New York and could be paid $38,313 if he or she worked in Dover , Delaware .
Buying Power Differentials
| Family Income |
|
| $40,000 |
|
| Dover , DELAWARE |
-$1,687 |
| Wilmington , DELAWARE |
+ 261 |
| Phoenix , Arizona |
+ 550 |
| Sacramento , California |
+ 1,112 |
| Denver , Colorado |
+ 2,768 |
| Washington, DC |
+ 4,305 |
| Baltimore, Maryland |
+ 3,094 |
| Boston, Massachusetts |
+ 7,991 |
| Princeton, New Jersey |
+ 6,809 |
| New York, New York |
+ 8,588 |
| Portland, Oregon |
+ 3,749 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
+ 6,319 |
| Austin, Texas |
- 1,011 |
| Standard City, USA |
0 |
Source: Runzheimer and Company, Inc., Rochester,
Wisconsin, March 2002.
There are 57 incorporated municipalities in Delaware, with populations ranging from 100 to 73,500 persons. There are 13 incorporated areas in New Castle County, 18 in Kent County, 24 in Sussex County, and two areas that are bi-county. Each of Delaware's towns and cities, a few of which are described below, has its own unique history, charm, and atmosphere.
Arden - A picturesque artisan community founded by artists and crafts people in 1900.
Wilmington - Delaware's largest city with a newly redeveloped Riverfront area with a walkable cluster of businesses, shops, restaurants, museums and a sports venue. Downtown features a center-city shopping mall featuring restaurants, museums, performing arts, outdoor cafes, a turn-of-the century opera house, and a complex of historic homes. A variety of ethnic neighborhoods intersperse with commercial districts and elegant new or restored residential districts. The Christina and Brandywine Rivers frame the downtown area, along with the historic New Sweden district on the Seventh Street Peninsula. The latter was the site of the first permanent settlement of Swedes and Finns in North America in 1638.
New Castle - The State's original eighteenth-century colonial capital, located on the Delaware River. This was William Penn's first landing spot in North America.
Newark - Home of the University of Delaware, a quaint main street with shops and restaurants, scenic parks, numerous corporate headquarters and distribution centers.
Dover - Capital of the State, combining a government complex with impressive historic areas and twelve museums, colonial and Victorian architecture, small town atmosphere complete with a lovely main-street area and the Dover Air Force Base. Home to Dover Downs NASCAR races and gaming.
Harrington - Site of the annual Delaware State Fair and a major harness racing track. Historically significant railroad town.
Milford - Included in the boundaries of both Kent and Sussex Counties. Features include the Mispillion Riverwalk Greenway and impressive Victorian homes.
Milton - Small historic town on the Broadkill River, once an important shipbuilding town. Extensive Victorian home district in a relatively undiscovered rural area. The local ice cream parlor is renowned throughout the region.
Lewes - Quiet, historically significant fishing village near the juncture of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Delaware's earliest settlement by the Dutch founded in 1631, now famous for its restaurants, charter fishing boats and historic attractions.
Rehoboth Beach - Nicknamed "The Nation's Summer Capital," a nationally recognized seaside resort known for its boardwalk, unique shops and restaurants. Home to the State's largest outlet shopping complex.
Millsboro - Small town known as the home of Delaware's only surviving Indian tribe, the Nanticokes. At the heart of Sussex County's back bay area.
Seaford - Small town combination of sophistication and a "down-home" feeling.
Laurel - Once a bustling town, now a small farming community best known for its daily commodity auctions and huge weekend flea markets.
Delmar - Divided, as the name indicates, by the Delaware-Maryland state line.
Bethel - Located on the north bank of Broad Creek River near Laurel, the entire town is on the National Register.
Georgetown - County seat of Sussex County, by virtue of its location in the middle of the county. The town's real glory happens every two years - the celebration of Return Day, two days after Election Day.
Delaware City - On the shore of the Delaware River, the town's Battery Park serves as the departure point for summer passenger ferry rides to Fort Delaware on Pea Patch Island.
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Delaware's 32 public libraries differ in size, type of collections, and services available; however, they are all committed to assisting customers in obtaining easy access to a multitude of print and digital resources. Delaware public libraries record more than 2.4 million visits per year, circulate more than 3.5 million items, answer more than 443,000 reference questions, and provide for programs for children and adults which are attended by more than 127,000 Delawareans. All of Delaware's public libraries are fully automated and networked, providing full text digital resources and public access to the Internet. Delaware public libraries are funded primarily with county tax dollars. Public libraries are our communities' most democratic institutions, supporting the informational and educational needs of all people regardless of their age or economic status.
Delaware's public libraries, in partnership with the Delaware Division of Libraries, provide DELAWARE: The Digital Library of the First State. DELAWARE® provides access to:
More than 1,800 full text magazines and journals
Daily full text and back issues of The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Christian Science Monitor
State of Delaware government information
Connections to all types of Delaware libraries
DELAWARE® is available through home and/or office computers via the Internet at http://www.lib.de.us and at all Delaware public libraries.
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OUTDOOR RECREATION AND OTHER ACTIVITIES :
Delaware's moderate climate encourages many outdoor recreational activities throughout the year. Many public and private facilities offer freshwater or ocean activities, tennis, golf, bicycling, boating, camping, hunting and sightseeing. Exceptional local, county and state recreational programs support those facilities.
Parks
Enjoy the natural diversity of Delaware's 14 state parks comprising over 22,000 acres. From elegantly catered meetings at Bellevue's mansion to a sunny day at a beach park; enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, fishing, and more. Fees are in effect from May through October. Annual passes are available. For more information, call the Delaware Division of Parks and Recreation at (302) 739-4702 or visit www.destateparks.com.
Bellevue State Park - 800 Carr Road, Wilmington. Once an elegant estate of the prominent du Pont family, the park features the historic Bellevue mansion, tennis courts, equestrian stables, gardens, a picturesque pond, and a major portion of the Northern Delaware Greenway.
Brandywine Creek State Park - Route 100, north of Wilmington. The quiet Brandywine Creek runs through the heart of the park. Relax and enjoy hiking through the rolling hills, mature woodlands, open fields, and marshlands. Be sure to visit the park's nature center, too!
Cape Henlopen State Park - East of Lewes on the Atlantic Ocean. Enjoy almost 5,000 acres of history, natural wonders, and sunshine. Along with the guarded beaches and family campground, there's a quarter-mile long fishing pier stretching into the Delaware Bay. The Seaside Nature Center is a popular gathering point for birdwatching during the spring and fall migrations.
Delaware Seashore State Park - On Route One, south of Dewey Beach. There are six miles of ocean and bay shoreline offering surfing, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, a campground, a 250-slip marina with charter and head boats, and a boat ramp.
Fenwick Island State Park - Off Route One north of Fenwick Island. This quiet beach park offers saltwater fun for the whole family. Watercraft rentals available on the bay.
Fort Delaware State Park - Located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River. Boat departs from the end of Clinton Street in Delaware City. Experience exciting Civil War history with Fort Delaware's acclaimed Living History Program. Spend a fascinating day exploring ramparts, soldier's quarters, parade grounds, cannons, and much more. Pea Patch Island is also home to herons, egrets, and ibises, making it an outstanding place for birdwatching. The Fort is open April through September. The "Delafort" passenger ferry is available for charter cruises April-October.
Fort DuPont State Park - Located in Delaware City at the northern end of the Reedy Point Bridge, off Route 9. Still under development, Delaware's newest state park offers a self-guided interpretive trail as well as periodically scheduled walking tours. Other facilities available include tennis courts, a basketball court, and a ball field. A popular fishing area, the park provides a beautiful view of the Delaware River.
Fox Point State Park - Off I-495 east of Wilmington. This waterfront park provides a grand view of the Delaware River. Take a stroll, ride a bike, and bring a picnic while the kids enjoy the play area. Horseshoe pits and volleyball courts are also available.
Holts Landing State Park - Off Route 26, north of Millville. Pack the family for a day of fishing, clamming, or crabbing. Tucked away on the south shore of the Indian River Bay, the park has a convenient boat ramp, ballfield, playground, and a new crabbing pier.
· Killens Pond State Park - Off U.S. 13, south of Felton. Centrally located in Delaware, it's only about a one-hour drive from anywhere in the state. The year-round campground or one of the park's camping cabins will be a perfect "home base" for exploring the First State. The kids will love its waterslide park facilities.Lums Pond State Park - On Routes 896 and 71 at Kirkwood. At Delaware's most diversified park, anglers, hikers, swimmers, boaters, campers, athletes and picnickers will find plenty of fun on the state's largest freshwater pond.
Port Penn Interpretive Center - At Route 9 and Road 2 in Port Penn. Discover historic Port Penn with its distinctive way of life. Exhibits and programs are devoted to the traditions of this wetland community. A self-guided tour includes the Wetland Interpretive Trail and the Historic Homes Village Walk. Interpreter led group tours available by reservation.
Trap Pond State Park - Off Route 24 east of Laurel. There may be no more enchanting location in the state to hike, fish, camp, or picnic. A canoe trek or summer pontoon boat ride into the swamp will bring you into a world of abundant wildlife, wildflowers, and the unique baldcypress trees which flourish in the swamp's wetlands.
White Clay Creek State Park - Approximately three miles north of Newark on Route 896. Nestled in the northwest corner of Delaware, the tranquil beauty of the park's forested hills creates a relaxing oasis of cool green leaves and rushing streams. The park includes the Carpenter Recreation area, pristine White Clay Creek Preserve, the peaceful trails of Possum Hill, and the elegant Judge Morris Estate.
Wilmington State Parks - Centrally located in the City of Wilmington, this cluster of parks offers opportunities for recreation, education, and sports and community events. Connected by trails, these parks are the perfect place to relax, hike, picnic, or just enjoy the beauty of the famous Brandywine River. The main areas include Brandywine Park (including the Brandywine Zoo and Baynard Stadium), Rockford Park, H. Fletcher Brown Park, and Alapocas Woods Natural Area.
An ambitious program linking Delaware's open space, recreation areas, historic sites and tourism services was begun in 1991. Visitors and residents are able to enjoy all facets of outdoor recreation and will find many unexpected bonuses along the way. Along the Coastal Heritage Greenway Auto Tour, signage points out places of interest that are open for public enjoyment. For a map and brochure on the Greenways, call (302) 739-5285.
Calm lakes, inland bays and the open waters of the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean provide excellent boating and sailing opportunities in Delaware. Access to such waters is provided by more than 50 boat ramps that can be found at the more than 30 public millponds and at tidal areas such as Augustine, Collins, Woodland and Bowers Beaches, Port Mahon, Cedar Creek, Milton, Lewes, Delaware Seashore State Park (Indian River Inlet) and Phillips Landing.
Delaware offers a variety of fishing with its many freshwater ponds, inland bays, the Delaware Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. During the season, Delaware Bay is alive with sea trout, bluefish, flounder and tautog. For a relaxing day of bay or deep-sea fishing, Delaware has a large contingent of boat captains offering charter and head boat services. Most are located in Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Slaughter Beach or Bowers Beach and operate between April and November.
Delaware's Atlantic Ocean beaches are rated among the ten best in the country by the nation's travel industry and boast excellent surf fishing. For freshwater enthusiasts, Delaware has more than 30 public millponds that breed panfish, chain pickerel, largemouth bass, bluegills and perch.
Shellfishing
The clam and blue crab top the list of preferred shellfish in Delaware. Crabbing is popular on piers, bridges, and canals, while clams are found in many sections of the Indian River Bay, and Rehoboth Bay.
Situated midway on the Atlantic Flyway, Delaware hosts a large concentration of wintering waterfowl, especially snow geese and ducks. Doves, squirrels, cottontail rabbits, white-tailed deer and raccoon also offer excellent seasonal hunting throughout the State.
There are 56,920 acres of State wildlife areas and 15,100 acres of State forests open to public hunting. The State wildlife areas provide 192 waterfowl blinds (including five for disabled hunters), most of which are accessible only by water and more than 400 deer stands. In addition, six State parks -- Cape Henlopen, Delaware Seashore, Holts Landing, Fenwick Island, Lums Pond and White Clay Creek -- offer public access areas for licensed hunters with a valid permit.
At Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, restricted public hunting is permitted for deer, waterfowl, and, in one small area, upland game. Goosehunting is the major attraction in this area. About 3,500 of the Refuge's 15,978 acres are open to hunting. Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge, with 8,818 acres, has 25 waterfowl blinds and numerous areas designated for upland game hunting.
Delaware The First State: It's Good Being First
Explore the rolling hills of the Brandywine Valley with a drive down scenic Route 82 or visit the region's world-class museums. Offerings include the world's most important collection of early American antiques as well as the original estate and gunpowder mills of the renowned du Pont family. In the City of Wilmington, experience the $80 million rebirth of the historic Christina Riverfront. Stroll the 1.2-mile Riverwalk, and be sure to check out the Riverfront Market featuring gourmet foods and specialty shops. Wander through seven galleries of contemporary art, see nationally-acclaimed exhibitions, and enjoy tax-free shopping at the Shipyard Shops outlet stores. Or, visit Old New Castle, considered one of the undiscovered jewels of the eastern seaboard. This historic town's featured attractions include one of the oldest courthouses in America.
Baby Grand - 300-seat venue for art films, chamber music, etc. Affiliated with the Grand Opera House. (Wilmington)
Delaware Art Museum - Distinguished nineteenth and twentieth century American art, with renowned Pre-Raphaelite and Golden Age of American Illustration collections, featuring the works of three generations of Wyeths and Howard Pyle. (Wilmington)
Delaware History Museum - In a restored 1941 Woolworth Building, interactive exhibition of Delaware history from the state's first settlement in the 1600's through its incarnation as a twentieth century corporate capital. Hands-on discover experiences for children. (Wilmington)
Delaware Museum of Natural History - Set in the lovely rolling hills of the Brandywine River Valley, interactive children- and adult-oriented exhibits present nature from the wilds of Africa to the local area. Permanent exhibits include a dinosaur exhibit, a walk across the Great Barrier Reef, and a 500-pound clam. (Wilmington)
Fort Delaware State Park- Restored Civil War fort on an island in the middle of the Delaware River. Extensive costumed living history program. A short ferryboat ride transports visitors over to this unique "time machine" set in 1854. (Delaware City)
Grand Opera House - Delaware's premier center for the performing arts, located in a meticulously restored 1871 Victorian theater with majestic a cast-iron facade. Hosts a wide variety of world-class performing artists. (Wilmington)
Hagley Museum and Eleutherian Mills - Original du Pont mills that launched an international corporation and the family's restored estate and gardens on 235 acres along the scenic Brandywine River. Features include a massive water wheel, vintage steam engine, and machine shop. (Wilmington)
Historic Houses of Odessa - Experience eighteenth and nineteenth century life with tours of three restored historic homes and the Brick Hotel Gallery's impressive collection of Belter furniture.. Luncheons/teas for groups available. Houses owned and operated by Winterthur. (Odessa)
Old New Castle - Delaware's restored colonial capital on the Delaware River with original cobblestone streets and guided historical tours. Entire town preserved into an authentic history site with original courthouse, mansions, gardens, bed and breakfasts, restaurants and shopping opportunities. (New Castle)
Amstel House - Brick mansion with original ornate woodwork and architectural details offers a glimpse of life in the eighteenth century, including a complete colonial kitchen. George Washington attended a wedding here.
Dutch House - Reflects the 1651 founding of New Castle by the Dutch. Furnished with colonial antiques.
George Read II House and Garden -- A prime example of seventeenth century Georgian architecture and home of the son of a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Restored period garden.
Immanuel Episcopal Church - Built in 1703, the first Church of England parish in Delaware.
New Castle Presbyterian Church - Built in 1701 for its Dutch congregation.
New Castle Court House - Built in 1732, this building once was Delaware's colonial capitol building and county seat.
Old Library Museum - Hexagonal Victorian building, built in 1892.
Nemours Mansion and Gardens - Set among spectacular French formal gardens, this Louis XVI-style chateau was built for Alfred I. du Pont and contains 102 rooms furnished with fine examples of antique furniture, rare rugs, tapestries and outstanding works of art. (Wilmington)
The Playhouse - Located in the DuPont Building downtown, features touring broadway shows and New York-bound productions. (Wilmington)
Wilmington Riverfront -- On the Christina River, an exciting renaissance is taking place. This area is tied to the bustling shipbuilding community of yesteryear, but with a unique mix of modern attractions all within a walkable distance of each other.
Christina River Boat Company -- Water taxi specializing in history tours along the Brandywine and Christina Rivers.
Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts - Renovated, early twentieth century passenger railroad car factory serves as home to Delaware's only professional contemporary arts organization, featuring rotating gallery shows of modern art.
Delaware Theatre Company - Resident, professional troupe produces a full season of plays in Wilmington.
First USA Riverfront Arts Center -- Features changing exhibits showcasing some of the world's most beautiful and intriguing fine art. Examples of traveling exhibits that have been in display in the past include master works from Japan, Russia, Syria and France.
Greenbank Mill -- See early-nineteenth-century Delaware in a 300-year-old gristmill, textile mill and farm site with agricultural exhibits, livestock and living history programs.
Kahunaville -- High-tech games and arcade along with local nightclub the Big Kahuna.
Kalmar Nyckel Shipyard - Living-history shipyard and museum with tours and sailing excursions. Home of Delaware's Tall Ship Ambassador, the Kalmar Nyckel, an authentic re-creation of the sailing vessel that brought the first Swedish settlers to Delaware.
Riverfront Market -- Indoor produce market and diverse eateries.
Shipyard Shops - Tax free outlet stores featuring L.L. Bean, Samsonite, Totes and Westpoint Stevens.
Wilmington Blue Rocks - Class A minor-league
baseball team affiliated with the Kansas City Royals, offering affordable
family entertainment.
Wilmington and Western Railroad - Authentic turn-of-the-century steam train that offers trips through the scenic Red Clay Valley. (Wilmington)
Winterthur: An American Country Estate - Set amidst the scenic Brandywine River Valley, a country estate filled with Henry Francis du Pont's collection of antiques made or used in early America. Extensive English-style naturalistic gardens with a new "Enchanted Garden" for children. (Wilmington)
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS : Central Delaware
Experience a piece of Americana by visiting the Green in Dover, Delaware's state capital. It's just off this historic square that Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, earning it the moniker "The First State." Or, explore the Amish countryside, just outside of town. A number of shops specialize in Amish-made goods, offering everything from homemade baked items and quilts to crafts and willow oak furniture. Dover also offers more than 10 museums, each focusing on a unique aspect of history -- agriculture, small town life, military aircraft, and talking machines to name a few. For nature lovers, a number of wildlife areas create the perfect setting for bird-watching, hiking, or just enjoying the great outdoors.
Air Mobility Command Museum - Vintage planes and artifacts reflecting airlift history. Located within the Dover Air Force Base. (Dover)
Barratt's Chapel &Museum - The oldest Methodist church still standing the country, known as the "Independence Hall of American Methodism," built in 1780. (Dover)
Biggs Museum of American Art - More than 200 years of American art, including works by the Peal family and Delaware artist Frank Schoonover. Also featuring American antiques. (Dover)
Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge - Beautiful 15,978-acre natural haven for waterfowl and other migratory birds with auto tour route, foot trails and visitor center. (Smyrna)
Delaware Agricultural Museum & Village - Preserving the agricultural heritage of the Delmarva Peninsula through exhibits that explore agriculture from artistic, scientific and historic perspectives. Outdoor rural village with historic buildings. (Dover)
Old State House - Built in 1792 and situated upon the colonial square or "Green," Delaware's symbolic capital contains an 18th century courtroom and legislative chamber.
Dover Downs - NASCAR racing on the famous "Monster Mile," track, harness racing, performing artists, plus video lottery machines bring excitement to central Delaware. (Dover)
The Green - Historic colonial square laid out in 1722 in accordance with William Penn's orders. Center of life for the county seat and state capital. (Dover)
John Dickinson Plantation- 1806 brick mansion, reconstructed outbuildings and a slave/tenant house stand as a memorial to the "Penman of the American Revolution." Costumed living history guides interpret the daily life of the Dickinson family, tenants and slaves who lived on the farm. (Dover)
Johnson Victrola Museum - Recollections and displays of Dover native Eldridge Reeves Johnson's inventions. See Victrolas, the pre-cursor to the record player, and listen to early recordings. (Dover)
Killens Pond State Park - Year round campground plus popular cabins along the pond's quiet edge. Trails, recreation, disc-golf course and nature. (Felton)
Midway Slots & Simulcast - Video operated lottery machines and live performers. (Harrington)
Schwartz Center for the Arts - New home for the performing arts hosting touring shows, educational activities and family entertainment.
Spence's Bazaar - Serves up culinary treats presented by local Mennonite and Amish residents. Also features open-air and enclosed market plus auction. (Dover)
MAJOR ATTRACTIONS: Southern Delaware
Delaware's pristine beaches create the perfect setting for rest and relaxation, and each of the area's five resort towns features its own unique personality. Chic shops, restaurants, water sports and family fun, can be enjoyed here year-round. Well-preserved historic towns can be found throughout the region and many reflect Delaware's rich nautical history. For golfers, more than five courses have been constructed here recently. For bargain hunters, a plethora of antique shops, boutiques, and 140+ outlet shops make this a great place to enjoy Delaware's tax-free shopping. At the western end of the region, visitors can explore the northernmost publicly owned stand of bald cypress trees, visit an antebellum-era plantation, or take a ride across the Nanticoke River on a cable-run ferry that is more than 200 years old.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry - 70-minute cruise across the open salt water from Cape May, New Jersey to Lewes, Delaware for passengers on foot, on bike or with their car. Just minutes from ocean beaches and quaint historic towns. On-board dining and occasional entertainment. (Lewes)
Carriage Place Clydesdale Farm - Barn tours and rides available by carriage, wagon or trolley with these magnificent animals. (Bridgeville)
DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum - Dedicated to preserving our maritime heritage with changing exhibits about local shipwreck history and a large collection of shipwreck artifacts. Items from the Titanic, Republic and Atocha on display. (Fenwick Island)
Governor Ross Mansion & Plantation - Civil War-era, 20-acre plantation featuring a brick, Italian villa-style mansion (c. 1859), granary, carriage house, barns, corn crib and Delaware's only documented log slave quarters.
Indian River Lifesaving Station - The only standing lifesaving station on the East Coast still in its original location. Now a maritime museum and educational facility. Built in 1876 as a station for "surfmen" who rescued sailors and passengers in distress; the predecessor to the Coast Guard. (Rehoboth Beach)
Lewes Historical Complex - A unique collection of restored buildings, most from the late 1700's and early 1800's, including a doctor's office, Swedish-style plank house furnished as a settlers cabin, blacksmith shop and country store. (Lewes)
Nassau Valley Vineyards - Delaware's first and only winery, located a few miles from beach resorts with self-guided tours, wine tastings, gift shop and special events. (Lewes)
Nanticoke Indian Museum - Former community schoolhouse listed on National Register of Historic Landmarks and transformed into a showcase of native culture. (Millsboro)
Beach Resort Towns - Delaware's pristine beaches are renowned for rest and relaxation, particularly in the five small coastal towns offering culture, cuisine, and surfside adventures.
Dewey -- An exciting town full of daytime surf and nighttime entertainment. Very popular for sailing, crabbing and clamming along the shallow Rehoboth Bay.
Bethany, South Bethany and Fenwick Island -- Known collectively as the Quite Resorts, these beach towns offer family-oriented getaways, a boardwalk, old cottages and luxury accommodations.
Rehoboth -- Recognized as one of the premier beaches in the country, this town offers a boardwalk, quaint streets lines with unique restaurants, boutiques, and surf shops.
Ocean Beach State Parks - Enjoy Delaware's coastal landscape at three beach state parks showcasing a natural beach setting.
Cape Henlopen State Park -- Over 4,000 acres of history, natural wonders and sunshine. Swimming beaches, hiking trails, campground and a Seaside Nature Center.
Delaware Seashore State Park- Six miles of ocean and bay shoreline offering surfing, fishing, swimming, sunbathing, a campground, a 310-slip marina, and a boat ramp.
Fenwick Island State Park- Saltwater fun for the whole family with ocean and bay beaches, watercraft rentals and plenty of sun for everyone!
Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge - A protected 9,700-acre animal refuge which primarily serves as a wintering and breeding habitat for waterfowl and other migrating birds. Features walking trails, a boardwalk, boat ramps and plenty of space to enjoy nature. (Milton)
Rehoboth Outlets - Experience tax-free shopping in one of over 140 outlet stores lining a two-mile stretch along DE Route 1, just minutes from ocean beaches. (Rehoboth Beach)
Trap Pond State Park -- Enchanting quiet park in the midst of a bald-cypress tree swamp. Canoeing, paddle boat and pontoon boat recreation, hiking trails and a popular campground with new cabins.
Treasures of the Sea Museum - Displays of artifacts from a 1622 Spanish shipwreck including gold and silver jewelry recovered from the Florida Straits. (Georgetown)
Woodland Ferry - Cable-run automobile and pedestrian ferry established in 1793 as part of a major trading center that crossed the Nanticoke River. (Seaford)
Zwaanendael Museum - An extremely unique building with colorful architecture based on the City Hall located in the Netherlands, offers a glimpse of life along Delaware's ocean coast. Exhibits depict seventeenth century Dutch settlements, the 1798 shipwreck of the De Braak and bombardments by the British against Lewes. (Lewes)
For more information about Delaware's attractions, events, activities or special travel deals, visit www.visitdelaware.com, call (302) 739-4271, (866) 2-VISIT-DE or write to the Delaware Tourism Office, 99 Kings Highway, Dover, Delaware 19901.
MODERATE AND PLEASANT CLIMATE :
One of Delaware's attractive assets is a generally moderate and pleasant climate with a normal daily mean temperature of 54 degrees Fahrenheit. The State experiences four distinct seasons with an average monthly temperature range of 31 to 76 degrees, and an annual average of 41 inches of precipitation.
A FULL RANGE OF HEALTH CARE SERVICES:
Medical facilities include short-term acute care hospitals, nursing homes, mental health facilities, and a veterans' hospital. These facilities, which provide medical services to all geographic areas of the State, are outlined in the table below.
Delaware Health Care Facilities: 2001
| Type |
Number |
Care |
Beds |
| General Hospitals |
7 |
Short-term Acute |
1,9111 |
| Veterans Hospitals |
1 |
Short-term Acute |
63 |
| Nursing Homes |
49 |
Skilled Intermediate |
4,9673 |
| Mental Health Facilities |
8 2 |
Psychiatric |
6013 |
1Excluding psychiatric and rehabilitation.
2Five of these facilities are located in short-term acute care general hospitals.
3Approved.
Source: Bureau of Health Planning and Resources Management.
The State's community hospitals are fairly evenly dispersed throughout the State. There is also a tertiary care referral center located in New Castle County.
Emergency care is provided by area hospitals which have emergency treatment facilities staffed on a 24-hour basis. Emergency medical response to all areas of the State is provided by 53 volunteer ambulance companies, two private ambulance companies, 16 paramedic units and three State Police helicopters.
The Alfred I. du Pont Institute provides diagnostic evaluation, treatment, education and research in orthopedic, plastic surgery, sports medicine, neuromuscular disorders, and other developmental problems for children.
Delaware's close proximity to major military and teaching hospitals located in the Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia areas expands health-care opportunities available to State residents.
In addition to a full range of medical facilities, Delaware has attracted a sufficient number of medical personnel to serve the health needs of Delaware residents, as indicated in the table below.
Licensed Health Personnel, December 2001
(Rate Per 100,000 of Population)
| Occupation |
Total |
Occupation |
Total |
| Physicians (MDs) |
386.9 |
Registered Nurses |
1,464.5 |
| Physicians (DOs) |
47.4 |
Licensed Practical Nurses |
212.5 |
| Dentists |
50.5 |
Speech Pathologists |
40.9 |
| Physical Therapists |
90.5 |
Pharmacists |
160.1 |
Source: Bureau of Health Planning and Resources Management.
