DISCOVERING THE FIRST STATE: DELAWAREText and Photography by Sandy Katz |
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| Delaware's natural beauty, rich history and cultural attractions lured me to the state. Governor Ruth Ann Minner did too with the promise of magnificent sights like the sun rising over the Great Dune near Lewes and a great blue heron as it takes flight from Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge. |
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The museums and historical sights that abound in Delaware trace the pivotal role of Delaware in America's early history. Caesar Rodney, now featured on the Delaware quarter, rode all night to cast the deciding vote to set the Declaration of Independence into motion. Delaware was the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. The journey begins My tour of Delaware started in the Southern part when I took a 70- minute ride across the Delaware Bay on Cape May-Lewes Ferry (1-800-64-FERRY) www.capemaylewesferry.com to the first Dutch settlement in Delaware, Zwaanendael, now known as Lewes. Often referred to as the "First Town of the First State," Lewes was first settled by the Dutch in 1631 and is located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean with miles of beautiful ocean and bay beaches. Lewes is a walking town of museums, historic sites, shopping district, lodging and eateries all within a half-mile walk from the beach.The beaches are a major attraction, but the wide variety of antique shops and boutiques, great cuisine and architecture make Lewes a great destination any day of the year. The Historic Lewes Visitors Guide and Map was a useful tool for getting to the many interesting sites: History buffs visit Lewes for its rich Colonial and Victorian history. The distinctive ZWAANENDAEL MUSEUM was built in 1931 to commemorate the town's 300th anniversary. This Delaware State Museum is located in a Dutch Renaissance building adaptation of the town hall at Hoorn in the Netherlands. The exhibits include historic military and maritime artifacts dating from 1631 to the War of 1812, including items from the wreckage of an 18th-century ship, the De Braak, discovered off the Delaware coast in 1986. A collection of various buildings awaits your arrival at the LEWES HISTORIC COMPLEX, owned and operated by the Lewes Historical Society. Colonial homes, a country store, schoolhouse, and doctor's office are all located beneath large shade trees. For more information, contact the Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Visitors bureau 877-GO-LEWES. Web site: www.leweschamber.com Accommodations at Zwaanendael Inn 800-824-8754 Outdoor fun After touring Lewes, we enjoyed a sunset mudflat hike at Cape Henlopen State Park located one mile east of Lewes 302-645-6852 (Nature Center,) At Delaware's largest state park we explored the timeless beauty of the dunes at the Cape. Rich in history and wildlife, it provides inspiration to all those who are drawn to the sea. It was especially delightful to walk along the long fishing pier to watch the beautiful sunset. For more information on Southern Delaware log on to www.visitsoutherndelaware.com Next morning, we departed for bay kayaking and the sea museum located at the Fenwick Island State Park (Bayside.) Just minutes from the crowded beach, we found ourselves paddling through the pristine salt marsh that is home to a multitude of birds and animals. The highlight of the trip was witnessing the ancient mating rituals of the horseshoe crab. Coastal Kayak 302-539-7999 www.c-kayak.com, Sea Shell City
State Capital: Dover Further along was historic Dover where we picked up our maps at the Visitor's Center for our self-guided tour. There were two exhibit galleries in the Visitor's center not to be missed.
The Biggs Museum of American Art is a marvelous must-see museum with its 14 galleries housing the remarkable collection of American fine and decorative arts assembled over the past 60 years by the founder, Sewell C. Biggs. www.biggsmuseum.org Birds and Wildlife Refuge Later in the afternoon we went on a guided tour of Bombay Hook Wildlife Refuge. Established in 1937 the 15,978-acre refuge for migrating and wintering ducks, geese and shore birds as well as the southern bald eagle and peregrine falcon. Wildlife can also be seen year-round. Much of the food supply for these birds come from the aquatic environment, while crops are planted by local farmers on a co-operative basis to provide additional food. To fully enjoy the tour, we climbed up to the observation tower for a panoramic view of the area. More wetlands
We ate a picnic lunch at Killens Pond State Park pavilion and toured the water park. Pinewoods and a picturesque millpond make a great setting for summer fun. Wildlife at Canis Lupus Wolf Foundation was active and the wolves were kept at bay by giant cage. Owl spotting
Wimington and Brandywine Valley Located half-way between Washington, D.C. and New York City, Wilmington, Delaware is gateway to the beautiful Brandywine Valley. Wilderness Canoe took one group for a canoe ride down the Brandywine River, while we went to the Winterthur museum, Garden & Library in Wilmington. We journeyed through America's past at the former Du Pont estate, where the period rooms are filled with the largest and richest collection of decorative arts made or used in America from 1640 to 1860. We strolled through the gardens, a masterpiece of color and design and then shopped in the wonderful gift shop tax-free, of course. 800-448-3883 Wilmington's redeveloped Christina Riverfront has over a mile-long path on the Riverwalk that offers a scenic view of the Riverfront and pedestrian access to Riverfront attractions. www.riverfrontwilmington.com For more information on Wilmington call 302-652-4088 www.VisitWilmingtonDE.com
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Discoveries from the Sea Museum was founded in 1995 with the goal of recovering and preserving maritime heritage. It is located on the second floor of Sea Shell City and is a very interesting attraction. Dale Clifton gave a great tour and lecture. We were amazed at the valuable artifact collection that was recovered from local wrecks. These included coins, bullion, silver and gold bars, and jewelry. 1-888-743-5524 www.discoversea.com and www.seashellcity.com
Dover is the state capital of Delaware with stately houses built around attractive greens. Delaware's restored 1792 State House is on the east side of the Green with contents such as period furnishings, historical documents and photographs.
On a boat tour of St. Jones River at Delaware Estuarine Reserve we witness the fresh water from the river meeting the salt water from the sea to combine and form an estuary. This tour allowed us to appreciate wetlands for their beauty as well as their value in providing wildlife habitat, recreational and commercial opportunities, and protection from storm surges and flooding. The reserve is involved in research and education including horseshoe crab ecology, weather monitoring and water quality monitoring. 302-739-3436.
Tonight we went owl spotting at Brandywine Creek State Park. Towering tulip trees, old farm buildings, and rolling hills framed by gray stone walls welcome visitors to this beautiful park. After a brief lecture about the myths and mysteries behind the owl, armed with flashlights we ventured forth to discover the fascinating world of the owl or "winged tiger." (Park Office - 302-577-3534) This time we didn't see the owls in the wood, but maybe the next time our guide promised.