Can you call yourself a Delaware local? Insider things to know

It’s a Delaware thing.

At least, that’s the case with some sites and scenes around the First State.

Whether it’s the food (looking at you, Grotto Pizza), attractions, sayings, traditions (yes, we have a Running of the Bull) or landmarks, locals usually have the answers visitors are looking for.

Here are 10 things only Delaware locals understand: 

The hype on Grotto Pizza 

If you’re visiting Delaware, there’s a good chance you’ll pass a Grotto Pizza during your trip. With 16 locations statewide, the “legendary swirl” has been a Delaware staple since 1960, when a slice cost 20 cents and a whole pie was $1.60.

What sets Grotto Pizza apart is its use of mild cheddar instead of the traditional mozzarella found at most pizzerias. First-time visitors might also notice the unique look: rather than spreading sauce directly on the dough, the cheese is added first, with the sauce swirled on top.

Low-digit license plates are considered symbols 

When Delawareans see a low-digit license plate, they know that the vehicle is of status in the state.  If your plate is 86,999 or lower, you are eligible to order a black-and-white porcelain plate instead of the standard blue-and-gold. 

These plates are so in demand in Delaware that the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles runs an online lottery for low-digit tags every year. These plates are signs of status, family heirlooms and financial investments and can sell for up to $2 million.  

The scrapple stigma 

Pork scraps, organ meats, and trimmings? You heard it! Delawareans praise the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch breakfast food “scrapple.” 

While Delaware didn’t invent scrapple, the state has long embraced it as a staple. The dish is deeply rooted in Delaware’s history and is celebrated each year at the Apple Scrapple Festival, which honors two of the state’s major agricultural products.

With such a strong local legacy, it’s worth trying scrapple at a diner before judging its bold flavor.

‘The shore’ vs. ‘the beach’

When Delawareans say they’re going to “the shore,” don’t assume they mean Delaware. The phrase typically refers to the beaches in New Jersey.

In fact, Delaware residents are so particular about the distinction that the state Senate passed a bill in 2003 designating the coastline as the “Delaware Beaches.” With its own stretch of shoreline, locals want their beaches to stand apart from those in neighboring states.

The Running of the Bull isn’t only in Spain 

The famous “Running of the Bull” takes place each July in Spain during the Festival of San Fermín, where runners sprint alongside bulls along a roughly half-mile course.

While Delaware doesn’t have free-roaming bulls, the state hosts its own version each summer in Dewey Beach. During the “Running of the Bull,” participants chase a bull mascot down the beach. Hosted by The Starboard, this year’s event marked its 29th anniversary on June 27.

The du Pont legacy 

Often described as Delaware’s “First Family,” the DuPont Co. and family have been a part of Delaware’s identity since 1802, when E.I. du Pont established a gunpowder plant on the Brandywine.

Descendants of the formerly “du Pont” family still reside in Delaware, and most of the family’s previously owned properties are now operated by nonprofits and opened to the public.

Some of the estates connected to the family’s legacy include:

Longwood Gardens

Winterthur Museum Garden & Library 

Mt. Cuba Center 

Hagley Museum and Library 

The many state parks 

Many visitors may overlook Delaware’s natural beauty. This year, Delaware State Parks celebrates its 17 parks, developed over the past 75 years.

Each park offers something unique, from acres of open meadows to a natural rock-climbing wall and everything in between. With parks spread across the state, it’s not uncommon for locals to have visited several of them.

Tax-free shopping 

Delaware is one of the few states with 0% sales tax on all retail purchases. Out-of-state visitors from neighboring states utilize this, which draws big crowds. 

In Delaware, there’s only one notable mall, as stores in the Concord Mall continue to close. That said, locals know exactly when to avoid the Christiana Mall, which draws shoppers not only from Delaware but from surrounding states and becomes a major retail hub during peak times.

Know your ‘blue hens’ 

When a local says, “Let’s go, Hens!” you may be confused. In Delaware, this phrase, and similar ones, refers to the University of Delaware as a blue hen is the university’s mascot. The saying is said throughout the First State among students, alumni and fans. 

You may be wondering why a blue hen is the school’s mascot – it honors a famous Revolutionary War regiment from Delaware. Bonus, you can visit the University of Delaware’s campus and see “real” blue hens! 

Movie filmed in Delaware 

The iconic film “Dead Poets Society” was filmed at several locations across Delaware.

Shot over three months from November 1988 to January 1989 and starring Robin Williams, the movie used sites including St. Andrew’s School, the Everett Theatre, New Castle, Westover Hills and Middletown.

Lauren Lingle is an intern with Delaware Online/The News Journal. Contact her at @llingle@gannett.com