Delaware is the best state, of course, and most of us (including myself) couldn’t be happier with all the Diamond State has to offer. Still, sometimes, it’s nice to think about the things that I wish Delaware had. Some of them are food based (and those who’ve lived out of state might appreciate them the most) and some are attractions based, but all of them would improve the lives of Delawareans, overall. So – if you’re a business mogul or investor, listen up! Here’s what you need to create to improve the First State.
- 24 Hour Diners
Facebook / Marsh Rd Diner There are a few of these in the northern part of the state, and one in Rehoboth, Dover, and at the intersection of 113 and 9. That’s not enough!
- Better Pizza
Flickr / Afshin Darian Charlie’s Pizza in Claymont and Frederica Pizza are both great, but overall, Delaware could stand to learn a lesson or two about thin crusts and high quality pizza from our neighbors to the north in Philadelphia and New Jersey.
- Mountains
Flickr / Brad Hammonds There are some great views in Delaware - from the top of Rockford Tower and the World War II Observation Tower at Cape Henlopen. Even White Clay Creek State Park has some great, hilltop views. But none of these are the same as seeing your whole state from the rolling mountains, like you can in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. If only part of the Appalachian range stretched into the Diamond State…
- Wegman’s and Whole Foods
Flickr / Stef Noble Wegmans and Whole Foods are two grocery stores catering to consumers looking for healthier, organic options for their families. Sure, both of these stores are right over the PA border, but that doesn’t help those of us in Slower Lower, who have to seek out smaller health food stores and make additional grocery shopping trips.
- Better bagels
Flickr / Jenna Wentz There are a few great bagel places in Delaware -but that’s the problem, there are only a few. Surf Bagel in Lewes, K&H Bagels in Rehoboth, Newark Deli on Main Street, and one or two places in Wilmington. If I can name all of the good bagel places in the state, that’s a sign that there aren’t enough of them.
- Beer and Wine Sales - outside of Liquor Stores
Flickr / Thomas Hawk It’s about time Delaware caught up with some of our neighboring states (and most of the country) and allowed us to pick up a 6 pack at Wawa, or a bottle of wine at a grocery store.
- Amusement Parks
Flickr / landscapesandmore I love Funland in Rehoboth Beach, but I wish there were more permanent amusement parks in Delaware. I love the state fair, but temporary rides kind of frighten me. I’d be so much happier with a permanent park in Delaware!
- An Airport
Flickr / Faungg It’s a pain to have to travel out of state to fly out. It adds to our travel time, adds sales tax to our in-airport goodies, and is just generally difficult. Why can’t we just have a small airport - something like ACY?
- More Train Routes
Flickr / Adam Moss It would be great to hop on a train in Wilmington and take a high speed rail down to Dover or the beaches! Locals wouldn’t have to deal with summer traffic, and it would mean greater accessiblity to the wonders our state has to offer for those without cars.
- A Southern Professional Sports Team
Flickr / Simon We all have our “major league” teams - from other states - but it would be nice to have a few good home teams to root for. The Wilmington Blue Rocks are great, as are the Delaware 87ers, and going to see the Delaware Black Foxes is a lot of fun. But, again, that’s all up north. I wish I could reasonably drive to a professional Delaware sports team team from Laurel or Dover and enjoy a summer night watching a ball game.
If you’re feeling a little bummed out about what the First State lacks, take a minute and focus on some of the best things to do in Delaware when it’s raining (like it is this week!) and you’ll begin to appreciate all that this small state DOES offer us.
Facebook / Marsh Rd Diner
There are a few of these in the northern part of the state, and one in Rehoboth, Dover, and at the intersection of 113 and 9. That’s not enough!
Flickr / Afshin Darian
Charlie’s Pizza in Claymont and Frederica Pizza are both great, but overall, Delaware could stand to learn a lesson or two about thin crusts and high quality pizza from our neighbors to the north in Philadelphia and New Jersey.
Flickr / Brad Hammonds
There are some great views in Delaware - from the top of Rockford Tower and the World War II Observation Tower at Cape Henlopen. Even White Clay Creek State Park has some great, hilltop views. But none of these are the same as seeing your whole state from the rolling mountains, like you can in Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. If only part of the Appalachian range stretched into the Diamond State…
Flickr / Stef Noble
Wegmans and Whole Foods are two grocery stores catering to consumers looking for healthier, organic options for their families. Sure, both of these stores are right over the PA border, but that doesn’t help those of us in Slower Lower, who have to seek out smaller health food stores and make additional grocery shopping trips.
Flickr / Jenna Wentz
There are a few great bagel places in Delaware -but that’s the problem, there are only a few. Surf Bagel in Lewes, K&H Bagels in Rehoboth, Newark Deli on Main Street, and one or two places in Wilmington. If I can name all of the good bagel places in the state, that’s a sign that there aren’t enough of them.
Flickr / Thomas Hawk
It’s about time Delaware caught up with some of our neighboring states (and most of the country) and allowed us to pick up a 6 pack at Wawa, or a bottle of wine at a grocery store.
Flickr / landscapesandmore
I love Funland in Rehoboth Beach, but I wish there were more permanent amusement parks in Delaware. I love the state fair, but temporary rides kind of frighten me. I’d be so much happier with a permanent park in Delaware!
Flickr / Faungg
It’s a pain to have to travel out of state to fly out. It adds to our travel time, adds sales tax to our in-airport goodies, and is just generally difficult. Why can’t we just have a small airport - something like ACY?
Flickr / Adam Moss
It would be great to hop on a train in Wilmington and take a high speed rail down to Dover or the beaches! Locals wouldn’t have to deal with summer traffic, and it would mean greater accessiblity to the wonders our state has to offer for those without cars.
Flickr / Simon
We all have our “major league” teams - from other states - but it would be nice to have a few good home teams to root for. The Wilmington Blue Rocks are great, as are the Delaware 87ers, and going to see the Delaware Black Foxes is a lot of fun. But, again, that’s all up north. I wish I could reasonably drive to a professional Delaware sports team team from Laurel or Dover and enjoy a summer night watching a ball game.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
