Keep your eyes peeled as you wend your way to the beaches, and you might be surprised to find that absolutely amazing produce stand (fresh Delaware peaches, anyone?), or that fun-and-funky second-hand shop. wilderness, along with a boat ramp to the Nanticoke River and a scenic walking trail. For a picturesque adventure by car, head for the Nanticoke Heritage Byway , a 40-mile journey through the pristine lands along this historic river, once home to the people of the Kuskarawaok tribe—the “people of the tidewater.” If you happen to be in the area in mid July, be sure to stop by the Nanticoke Riverfest , which for more than a quarter century has celebrated Western Sussex culture with music, dance, and some simple pleasures—there’s a hotly contested fishing tournament for the young ones, a car show, and plenty of pageantry and art for all. Discover Western Sussex There’s a certain rural charm in the proud towns in Western Sussex, all a quick hop from the beaches. Imagine a calming canoe journey through the stands of towering bald cypress trees at Trap Pond State Park . Savor the delicious snap of juicy, just-picked produce at T.S. Smith & Sons Orchard Point Market . Take an afternoon to take off on a tasty tour of the craft-made brews at Delmar’s Loakal Branch Brewing Co. , where you can sample fresh-made craft beer in the burley oak-themed tasting lounge or catch trivia nights. On your way down to Delmar—known as “the little town too big for one state”—you’ll surely notice the calm natural beauty of Western Sussex’s rural landscape, home to the Nanticoke Wildlife Area . This unspoiled gem is made up of three large tracts of wooded Stroll the Milford Farmers’ Market Back in the day, town markets like these were places to catch up on local doings and stock up on perfectly ripe local produce for home cooking, and it’s still that way today at the Riverwalk Farmers’ Market in downtown Milford. Keep your eye out for such unique finds as driftwood furniture and other crafts, and be sure to take a stroll along the Mispillion Riverwalk . Farmers market open every Saturday, May through October. Anchor down at the sandbar It’s a Delaware tradition for water-loving adventurers: Rent a pontoon boat from Dewey Beach Watersports and spend the day relaxing on the Rehoboth Bay, anchored safely to one of the many shallow sandbars. It’s a day full of cool bay breezes, carefree laughter, and the occasional leap into the refreshing bay, all you need to make memories for a lifetime. Insider Tip: Drive the boat to Paradise Grill and park for free at their docks and enjoy a great meal. Savor a pile of steamed blue crabs In Delaware, it’s a rite of passage: Tucking up to the table and happily devouring steamed-and-spicy blue crabs, filled with sweet meat and dusted with Old Milford Farmers’ Market Bay Seasoning. It takes patience and time, but local 22
Official Delaware State Travel Guide 2024/2025: Page 22
