Here in Southern Delaware, people move to get away from their offices, to leave the hustle and bustle of their morning commute behind, to enjoy lower taxes, and to put the stresses of life aside. They come to get outside, to wiggle their toes in the sand, to swing their driver on a par five, and to casually walk from one quaint beach shop to the next. However, few know the true array of adventure, history, and beauty that waits just around each curve of Delaware’s coastline.
Back in ’91 when my parents first moved to Delaware the lead story in the local paper was about a loose pig. Coming from Long Island, they couldn’t help but think, “Where the hell did we move too?!” The only restaurant open year round seemed to be Grottos Pizza, you couldn’t find decent shopping closer than the Christiana Mall, and the term ‘Y’all’ wasn’t slang it was common tongue. However, my Dad made his living on the water and so it came to be that my brothers and I were raised in Sussex County.
I must say that we are proud and happy to have been raised in a place where thousands flock to each year to vacation. We grew up as many kids do, exploring and finding adventures wherever we could. Often our outdoor capers were just a step off the beaten path, others off a small side street…and a few in places we probably didn’t belong. As a result, we discovered many of the most extraordinary areas that the average visitor (and even many locals) would never dream of finding.
Sure people can find the quality restaurants we now have, or the tax free shopping at the outlets; however, my goal in writing “Discover the Trails of Delaware” is to share these fascinating locations and their stories so that y’all have the opportunity to experience the thrill of adventure, history, and beauty that comes from exploring and living near the Beaches of Delaware. It is my hope that as you have a chance to explore each location, you’ll find the same pride and happiness that I and so many others treasure with pride.
Stay tuned for the next installment of “Discover Delaware Trails” as I take you on an adventure along the Junction & Breakwater Trail!