Delmarva is one of the local colloquialisms used in the DMV - District, Maryland, Virginia - area to describe the large peninsula east of Washington, D.C. consisting of Delaware, Maryland, and a little bit of Virginia. This is a coastal area with a large and beautiful Atlantic shoreline and lots of recreational opportunities. I was able to rent a car to drive out to explore this area during my trip.
Layton's Chance Winery
There is a historic and growing wine region on the East Coast. Our founding fathers loved booze of all kinds, and locally grown wine was easier to handle compared to imports from Europe. Native grapes and hearty hybrids flourished in the colonies, and many have been resurrected as an alternative to the French styles dominating the liquor store. I was able to sample some local wines on the way to the coast including a rather unique and refreshing watermelon wine made from the famous local watermelons.
Beginning of US Highway 50
This picture may either instantly click or take some explanation. Drivers in Sacramento may be familiar with the highway sign in West Sacramento that states "Ocean City, MD 3073 mi." For many years, this sign was a standalone panel on eastbound US 50 just past the Reno exit, but it has been incorporated into the main destination sign. This is a tradition for highways at the beginning and end of the highway. The beginning of US 50 - one of the original transcontinental highways - is Ocean City, MD and was a destination of mine mostly to see this sign! It also happens to be a popular ocean town with a fun boardwalk and lots of big beaches.
The real goal for my Delmarva trip was to see the Atlantic Ocean. Compared to the Pacific Ocean found on the West Coast, the Atlantic is much warmer and calmer with wide shallow beaches inviting you in for a refreshing dip. The weather during my trip was very hot and humid, so a few hours near and in the ocean was a great idea. Even on a weekday, the beach was full of vacationing families and relaxing locals escaping the heat and enjoying the water.
Dogfish Head Brewery
Besides being home to many corporations and tax-free shopping, Delaware is also home to Dogfish Head Brewery which is a famous national brewery roughly equivalent to the East Coast version of Lagunitas. This popular brewery is located in a rural part of Delaware which is a delight to see the classic coastal architecture and farms nestled along the highway. You can get a small tasting of their special beers and buy enough to drink back at the hotel, plus all sorts of souvenirs.
Annapolis, Maryland
Although technically not part of Delmarva, you must travel through Annapolis to visit the area across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. It is a convenient excuse to stop and see this historic city which has also been the capitol of Maryland since the colonial era. They have the oldest active state house and a classic colonial village look worthy of a stop and wander. Please enjoy the rest of my pictures below.
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