30 Things No One Tells You About Leaving Delaware

30 Things No One Tells You About Leaving Delaware

30 Things No One Tells You About Leaving Delaware

how long does it take to drive across delaware

1. No One Will Really Know Where Delaware Is

To most people outside of the East Coast, Delaware is just some little state somewhere over by New York. Don’t expect people you meet around the country to accurately pin Delaware on a map anytime soon.

2. They’ll Know Even Less About What’s In Delaware

If people can’t even identify Delaware amongst other blobs on a map, expect them to know absolutely nothing about the state itself. They won’t know where the capital is, what types of foods are popular, or what makes the Slower Lower so different.

3. No One Will Really Understand Your “First State” Pride

Everyone in Delaware loves to bring up the fact that they were the first state. Unfortunately, you’ll find that to outsiders, this is nothing more than a trivial fact. If you want to celebrate coming in first place, you’ll have to find a Delawarean to do so with.

4. People Will Think Punkin’ Chunkin’ Is Insane

Flinging pumpkins thousands of feet using variations of medieval weaponry? I guess when you put it that way, it’s easy to see why outsiders might be shocked by these events.

5. “Vinegar On Fries? You’re Crazy!”

While every Delawarean knows that no order of Thrashers fries is complete without the tasty bite of vinegar, this isn’t a typical fry condiment most places in the country. If you want vinegar on your fries, you’ll have to ask for the server for a bottle knowing there’s a slim chance that the restaurant will have it.

6. Your Tan Will Shock Everyone

When most Americans think of beach states, rarely does Delaware come to mind. Most people you encounter will be shocked to hear that you’ve had your fair share of beach days that year, thankfully you’ll have the beautifully bronzed skin to prove it.

7. There’s Mad Love For Dogfish Head

While most people probably don’t know it’s from Delaware, beer lovers around the country tend to associate Dogfish Head beer with excellence. Just hope you move somewhere where they actually have these delicious brews in stock.

8. You’ll Miss A Good Local Pizza Rivalry

Whether you prefer Nicola’s pizza or the pies from Grotto, it’s hard to deny that both are delicious in their own way. Unless you move to another pizza mecca like Delaware, the only rivalry in the pizza world might mean choosing between Papa John’s and Pizza Hut.

9. 99 Cents Doesn’t Always Mean 99 Cents

If you’re leaving Delaware, you’d better get used to paying sales tax fast. While whatever is on the price tag might be what you pay in the Diamond State, some places like Tennessee have an additional 9% of the original price added to the final bill.

10. Don’t Expect To Find Many UDel Fans

Come game day, expect to be cheering on your favorite team alone. You’ll be lucky if you’re even able to find a bar willing to throw the game on the television for you.

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11. Counties Can Get A Bit More Confusing

Thanks to its tiny size, Delaware only has 3 counties, the fewest of any U.S. state. The bigger states get, the more counties there are. Heck, Texas has over 250. Seriously, how is that possible?!

12. There Aren’t Always So Many Chickens

A huge part of the Delaware economy, chickens are said to outnumber people in this state 200 to 1. Unfortunately, you won’t find this many feathered friends most places around the country. It would really be dumb luck if your new house was anywhere close to a chicken farm.

13. You Won’t Always Need A Pocket Full Of Toll Change

While Delaware uses the toll system, there are lots of states that don’t. In most places, it’s a rarity that you’ll have to pay just to pass through a certain part of a road.

14. Expect Longer Drives

Thanks to Delaware’s tiny size, you can get anywhere in the state within a couple hours. Unfortunately, in most states a trip from one town to another can take several hours. Just driving from the top of California to the bottom can take as long as 17 hours.

15. Your State Fair Was Better

Delaware might be tiny, but that doesn’t keep its residents from showing up in huge numbers to the annual state fair. With literally 1 in 3 people attending this event, it’s one of the coolest state fairs in the country.

16. Your Favorite Mascots Might Get Ragged On

When people hear that UDel’s mascots are two Fightin’ Blue Hens, expect a few strange looks. They are giant birds known mostly for making eggs, after all.

17. It’s A Long Drive To Get Your Wawa Fix

While a trip to Wawa might be part of your daily routine in Delaware, this convenient store doesn’t travel much outside of the East Coast. You’ll most likely be forced to find a replacement when you leave.

18. No One Else Cares So Much About License Plates

While license plates act as a status symbol in the Diamond State, most people in America don’t really care what number they have or what color their plate is. To them, every plate is the same. At best, you can get a cool vanity plate that says something funny.

19. The Lack Of Good Cheesesteaks Can Be A Bit Daunting

Thanks to Delaware’s close proximity to Philly, there are plenty of delicious cheesesteaks consumed every year in this state. However, the farther away from Philly you travel, the more mediocre the cheesesteaks tend to get. This is one thing you’re sure to crave if you leave.

20. And Get Used To Frozen Seafood

Not every American state is lucky enough to have a coastline nearby, meaning seafood won’t be quite as fresh. There’s a good chance that if you get seafood out somewhere, it just won’t live up to your expectations.

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21. Scrapple Is A Very Confusing Concept To Some People

Outside of the Delaware area, Scrapple is essentially a foreign word. People you meet elsewhere are likely to compare this blend of pork scraps, flour, and spices to the infamous SPAM.

22. To Most, A Firefly Is Just A Bug

Firefly Music Festival is the coolest event in the country that most people haven’t heard of. Featuring huge artists every year, including Paul McCartney, Snoop Dogg, and Hozier on the 2015 lineup, it doesn’t get much bigger than this. It will be hard to find an adequate replacement, regardless of where you are in the world.

23. Drinking In The Morning Isn’t Always So Acceptable

You’ll never find a better Bloody Mary than you will in Delaware. Often topped with a variety of snacks and veggies, there’s no better way to start off your morning after that big party you barely remember. Just don’t forget that pitcher of water, too.

24. No One Will Understand Why You Love Fall So Much

It’s hard to really understand how awesome the autumn season is in Delaware until you’ve seen it with your own two eyes. As the foliage here seems to represent every single shade in the color spectrum, there are few things more awesome than taking a cool late-October hike.

25. Dumplings Are Different Than You Thought

In Delaware, “dumplings” are thin, slippery, and square, drenched in tons of broth. This isn’t really how they are anywhere else. In most places, “dumplings” can be noted for their thick, chewy texture. But don’t worry, these are also delicious.

26. You’ll Miss Being So Close To Everything

One perk of being on the East Coast is that there are so many awesome cities, mountains, and shorelines nearby. Literally anything you want can be found within a few hours of driving. Most of America isn’t quite so convenient. For example, if you want a beach in Kansas, you’re looking at either an expensive flight or a very, very long drive.

27. Disc Golfing Isn’t Typically Such A Big Deal

With so many disc golf courses in the Diamond State, it’s super easy to get your frolf on. If you’re a fan of this sport, make sure you look into local courses before you pick a new home, as most places aren’t as familiar with this outdoor activity.

28. Fresh Food Isn’t Always So Easy To Find

Thanks to the many local farms in Delaware, it’s always easy to find fresh ingredients. Most states don’t have the same great agricultural infrastructure that Delaware has, making this just one more thing that puts the Diamond State a step above the rest.

29. You’ll Miss All The Awesome History

Thanks to several hundred years of Americans living in the Diamond State, at times it can seem as if every single street in Delaware has a story to tell. Make sure you hear them all before you leave.

30. No One Will Understand Why Delaware Is So Awesome

Delaware often gets overlooked when it comes to awesome places in America to visit. Of course the locals aren’t complaining as that means less tourists crowding their beautiful home. If you’re leaving Delaware, it’s a sure thing you’ll miss everything from the delicious local cuisine to the friendliest people you’ll meet on the East Coast. There’s a good chance you’ll be back for more soon. What do you miss about Delaware? Tell us in the comments below!

This post was last modified on November 21, 2024 2:29 am