Among the collection of T-shirts for sale at any of the souvenir crap shops that line the Delaware shore is one with the outline of the state and the term “Dela–WHERE?” This sliver of a state is known for being the first to ratify the Constitution, for being the home of our current Vice President, and for having a major inferiority complex. OK, maybe that’s not fair. It has a zillion Fortune 500 companies headquartered there, due to its favorable corporate tax laws. DuPont Chemical was born there. It has the fewest interstate highway miles of any state save Alaska (and, depending on how you look at it, Hawaii). It’s the only state in the country without commercial air service. That might be it.
Delaware Legislative Hall
I’ve been there a handful of times, and I’ve found it to be quite pleasant. The center of the state, away from the ocean, seems somewhat Ohio-like to me. New Castle is an incredibly charming, historic place. Rehoboth Beach, the self-proclaimed “Nation’s Summer Capital,” is popular with the D.C. set, the gays and people seeking an alternative to the Jersey Shore. Nearby Dewey Beach had an overgrown frat-boy feel to it the last time I was there, which can be appealing to some. Then there’s Dover, home to the Dover Air Force Base, Dover International Speedway (SO not my thing…) and a tiny capitol complex for this tiny state.
Some claim that the Old State House Museum is still, officially, Delaware’s capitol. I don’t buy it. But they call the building that now functions as the capitol Legislative Hall. I believe the governor’s office is there, too, so it’s more than that. But, whatever. I found it to be unremarkable. There’s not much to say about Dover, either. I think we stumbled upon a pizza joint that also serves subs, but I don’t believe there was much more than that in the way of restaurants. So if it’s summer, tour Legislative Hall, then head to a beach town for a nicer meal.
Tags: Delaware, Delaware State Capitol, Dover
