Peterson Sorenson
Delaware might be small, but it sure knows how to keep things interesting. Here, outsiders often find themselves puzzled by the state’s everyday quirks—things that locals consider completely normal. Hence, Delaware’s oddities will have you scratching your head and wondering if you’ve stepped into an alternate reality. So, let’s look at some of the most baffling yet charming things Delawareans consider normal!
Delaware’s “First State” Title
Delaware proudly claims the title of “First State” for being the first to ratify the Constitution on December 7, 1787. It’s an achievement that residents love to brag about. Outsiders might wonder how a small state like Delaware earned such a prestigious honor. But for locals, it’s a symbol of Delaware’s integral role in America’s history.
Sales Tax-Free Shopping
Imagine shopping without worrying about taxes adding up. In Delaware, this is the reality, as it’s one of the few states in the U.S. with no sales tax. For tourists, it’s a delightful surprise that makes shopping feel like a treat. No surprise that shopping malls here are packed with shoppers taking full advantage of this oddity.
Delaware’s Sunday Alcohol Laws
Here’s something that throws many off: Delaware doesn’t allow alcohol sales before noon on Sundays. It’s a law rooted in the state’s history of temperance movements, though it’s often seen as quirky by newcomers. You might be thirsty on a Sunday morning, but you’ll need to wait a few hours.
Highway “Bottlenecks” That Aren’t Actually Traffic Jams
Delaware’s highway system is notorious for its bizarre “bottlenecks”—narrow stretches of road that aren’t really congested but feel like they should be. Visitors unfamiliar with the layout might find themselves confused. What’s even stranger is that once the bottleneck passes, traffic is smooth again!
Delaware’s Strange “Blue Laws”
Delaware still enforces a set of so-called “Blue Laws,” which restrict certain activities, such as the sale of cars on Sundays. While most states have loosened or abandoned these laws, Delaware’s quirky restrictions have remained in place, creating confusion for visitors who aren’t used to them.
Legislative Days of Rest
Unlike many states, Delaware’s legislature takes breaks during religious holidays. While it’s a tradition that reflects the state’s historical connection to religion, outsiders find it peculiar. In an era of non-stop politics, it’s refreshing, yet odd, to see a state where lawmakers get a pause for reflection.
Obsession With Low-Digit License Plates
A low-digit license plate is a status symbol. Some fetch tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions, with single-digit plates being the ultimate prize. The state’s small size and long-standing plate traditions fuel this market, which makes these plates a prized family heirloom and a sign of prestige.
Delawareans Are Wildly Loyal To Their Ice Cream
In Delaware, ice cream is practically a way of life. Many Delawareans have a favorite family-owned ice cream shop they visit year after year. Moreover, one of the state’s quirkiest ice cream-related traditions is the annual “Ice Cream Festival,” where Delawareans gather to celebrate their favorite dessert.
The State’s Official Horse Is A Mystery
Delaware’s official state horse is the “Thoroughbred,” but visitors might find it odd that the state doesn’t have a specific breed of thoroughbred or a famous connection to horse racing like Kentucky does. Interestingly, the state has never been widely known for its equestrian heritage, making it an odd pick.
The Delaware Divide
Delaware may be small, but the cultural split between its northern and southern regions is huge. Up north, cities like Wilmington feel fast-paced and business-driven, while “Slower Lower” Delaware, covering the southern part, embraces a laid-back. Locals wear these labels proudly, creating a friendly but distinct divide in attitudes.
