Some weird First State traditions are a solid part of our way of life, but outsiders might do a double-take at the things Delawareans do regularly. Which of these weird things about people from Delaware are relevant to your life? Has anyone ever given you a hard time about it?
- Eat scrapple
Facebook / Wilson’s General Store I’ve heard it described as “Everything but the oink.” Why do we eat this stuff? Oh, that’s right, because it’s delicious. If you grew up in Delaware, you’ve accepted this breakfast meat as part of your regular diet.
- Rescue horseshoe crabs without a second thought.
Flickr / Jeffrey We’ve been turning them over and carrying them back into the ocean since we were toddlers. Why are out-of-staters so afraid of these cute, cuddly dinosaurs? They don’t pose any danger!
- Leave town during Firefly.
Facebook / Firefly Festival With so many people traveling into Delaware for the festival, we’d all rather get right out. Enjoy the traffic, I’m gonna go sleep in a cabin in the woods, or head to the beach for a seaside escape.
- Make friends with everyone.
Flickr / lsmo Someone from Delaware will strike up a conversation with anyone, at any time! We’re just friendly people, and we all know each other in some way, anyway.
- Argue hoagie vs. sub
Flickr / PlanPhilly Well, which is it? If you’re from Wilmington, you might call it a Hoagie. If you’re from Georgetown, it’s a sub. Either way, we’re passionate about our torpedo rolls and sandwiches. Local delis make the best lunches you’ll ever try!
- Go to the Beach… in the winter.
Flickr / Bob Mical There’s nothing more refreshing than ice cold air coming off of the ocean to a true Delawarean. We love enjoying our beach towns when they’re nearly empty, rather than when they’re packed with tourists.
- Disagree over what divides the state.
Facebook / Jon Lloyd Jr Slower Lower starts below the canal! Some people disagree with that… but to be honest, those people are wrong. They’re just as wrong as those who call it “Lower Slower Delaware”.
- Refuse to shop out of state.
Flickr / Jaclyn Florescio SALES TAX?! You’ve got to be kidding me. No, thank you. We do all of our shopping in Delaware, and we’re always annoyed when out-of-staters come in during the holidays to take advantage of our tax-free system.
- Become obsessed with rare birds
Flickr / Ellen & Tony Because Prime Hook, Bombay Hook and Cape Henlopen are some of the best birdwatching spots in the world, we’ve all grown up with an appreciation for cool birds. Do you remember last year when the state went crazy because there was a Crested Caracara hanging out?
- We take children to one of the most haunted places on earth - on field trips.
Facebook / Fort Delaware What elementary school didn’t go to Fort Delaware? It was one of my favorite field trips as a kid. It wasn’t until much later, though, that I realized we were running around, learning, and playing in one of the most haunted places in the world. Creepy!
When you live here, you learn to really embrace all the weird things about people from Delaware. It’s just part of life here in the First State! As strange as our Delaware ways are, I wouldn’t trade this state for any place in the world! There’s nothing quite like Delaware’s scenic towns and amazing traditions.
Facebook / Wilson’s General Store
I’ve heard it described as “Everything but the oink.” Why do we eat this stuff? Oh, that’s right, because it’s delicious. If you grew up in Delaware, you’ve accepted this breakfast meat as part of your regular diet.
Flickr / Jeffrey
We’ve been turning them over and carrying them back into the ocean since we were toddlers. Why are out-of-staters so afraid of these cute, cuddly dinosaurs? They don’t pose any danger!
Facebook / Firefly Festival
With so many people traveling into Delaware for the festival, we’d all rather get right out. Enjoy the traffic, I’m gonna go sleep in a cabin in the woods, or head to the beach for a seaside escape.
Flickr / lsmo
Someone from Delaware will strike up a conversation with anyone, at any time! We’re just friendly people, and we all know each other in some way, anyway.
Flickr / PlanPhilly
Well, which is it? If you’re from Wilmington, you might call it a Hoagie. If you’re from Georgetown, it’s a sub. Either way, we’re passionate about our torpedo rolls and sandwiches. Local delis make the best lunches you’ll ever try!
Flickr / Bob Mical
There’s nothing more refreshing than ice cold air coming off of the ocean to a true Delawarean. We love enjoying our beach towns when they’re nearly empty, rather than when they’re packed with tourists.
Facebook / Jon Lloyd Jr
Slower Lower starts below the canal! Some people disagree with that… but to be honest, those people are wrong. They’re just as wrong as those who call it “Lower Slower Delaware”.
Flickr / Jaclyn Florescio
SALES TAX?! You’ve got to be kidding me. No, thank you. We do all of our shopping in Delaware, and we’re always annoyed when out-of-staters come in during the holidays to take advantage of our tax-free system.
Flickr / Ellen & Tony
Because Prime Hook, Bombay Hook and Cape Henlopen are some of the best birdwatching spots in the world, we’ve all grown up with an appreciation for cool birds. Do you remember last year when the state went crazy because there was a Crested Caracara hanging out?
Facebook / Fort Delaware
What elementary school didn’t go to Fort Delaware? It was one of my favorite field trips as a kid. It wasn’t until much later, though, that I realized we were running around, learning, and playing in one of the most haunted places in the world. Creepy!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Delaware, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
weird things about people from Delaware April 01, 2020 Kim Magaraci What stereotypes are there about Delaware? Delaware gets a lot of flack for being a tiny state with a tiny population. Plenty of people think there’s nothing to do in Delaware, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! Whether you love the history of New Castle and Kent County or the scenic beach towns and rural roads of Sussex County, there’s a place in Delaware that’s sure to capture your heart. What are the best things about living in Delaware? Many people believe one of the best things about Delaware is the peace and quiet we get from our small towns. Personally, I love how close we are to cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore, and how the beach is never more than a short drive away. What are the worst things about living in Delaware? Okay, okay, we’ll admit it - sometimes it does get a little boring in the First State. Our quiet small towns have their pros and cons, and if you’re the type of person who needs an event to attend every single night, you might find yourself at home twiddling your thumbs if you move to rural Delaware. Plus, the traffic from tourists in the summer can be a drag.
The OIYS Visitor Center
weird things about people from Delaware
April 01, 2020
Kim Magaraci
What stereotypes are there about Delaware? Delaware gets a lot of flack for being a tiny state with a tiny population. Plenty of people think there’s nothing to do in Delaware, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! Whether you love the history of New Castle and Kent County or the scenic beach towns and rural roads of Sussex County, there’s a place in Delaware that’s sure to capture your heart. What are the best things about living in Delaware? Many people believe one of the best things about Delaware is the peace and quiet we get from our small towns. Personally, I love how close we are to cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore, and how the beach is never more than a short drive away. What are the worst things about living in Delaware? Okay, okay, we’ll admit it - sometimes it does get a little boring in the First State. Our quiet small towns have their pros and cons, and if you’re the type of person who needs an event to attend every single night, you might find yourself at home twiddling your thumbs if you move to rural Delaware. Plus, the traffic from tourists in the summer can be a drag.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Delaware gets a lot of flack for being a tiny state with a tiny population. Plenty of people think there’s nothing to do in Delaware, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth! Whether you love the history of New Castle and Kent County or the scenic beach towns and rural roads of Sussex County, there’s a place in Delaware that’s sure to capture your heart.
What are the best things about living in Delaware?
Many people believe one of the best things about Delaware is the peace and quiet we get from our small towns. Personally, I love how close we are to cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore, and how the beach is never more than a short drive away.
What are the worst things about living in Delaware?
Okay, okay, we’ll admit it - sometimes it does get a little boring in the First State. Our quiet small towns have their pros and cons, and if you’re the type of person who needs an event to attend every single night, you might find yourself at home twiddling your thumbs if you move to rural Delaware. Plus, the traffic from tourists in the summer can be a drag.