Delaware
WorldAtlas names the 8 quietest towns in Delaware
Lewes Brewing Co. serves beers along Lewes-Georgetown Trail
The first microbrewery in the first town in the First State is owned by Dave and Christine Jones.
Even though Delaware is sixth in nation in population density, there are eight cities and towns in the First State that are as peaceful as they come.
WorldAtlas named eight of Delaware’s quietest towns for 2025. In its report, it said Delaware’s smaller communities blend nature, history and hospitality into one charming package. The list includes places in every county, with the less dense Sussex County taking half of the list.
New Castle County
Despite the nearby refinery, Delaware City finds itself on the list for its historic charm. This city sits on the banks of the Delaware River and has ferry rides to Fort Delaware and Pea Patch Island. It is also home to Fort DuPont State Park. The report cites the city’s historic, small-town vibe on the river as reason for its inclusion.
Odessa’s historic colonial district and architecture puts it on the list of quietest towns for day-trippers. Nearby Townsend is on the list for its larger, friendly community and its access to Wiggins Mill Park, which the report says is a great spot for hiking and picnicking. Unless there’s a deathmatch tournament going on, expect Townsend to be a quiet, easy-going place to visit.
Kent County
Wyoming is on the list for its agricultural fun. The report said Fifer’s Orchards and the annual summer Peach Festival add a lot of activity to the quaint Kent County town. It’s not the first time Wyoming has found itself on one of these lists. Recently, Brown’s Wyoming Tavern found itself on a list of America’s best dive bars for food.
Sussex County
It shouldn’t be a surprise to see Lewes, one of Delaware’s oldest cities, included on this list. The bayside city has been a summer destination for generations of Delawareans. Cape Henlopen State Park and the rest of its bay beaches bring people to the sand and into its bustling downtown. The report said its Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse offers a unique photo opportunity to visitors looking to cool off in the summer.
Bethany Beach is south of the Summer Capital of the World but has the same amount of activities. It’s on the list for its access to Delaware Seashore State Park and small beach town vibes on and off of the sand. Fishing, swimming, surfing and more without the bustling crowds of Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach make this one of the quietest towns at the beaches, according to WorldAtlas.
WorldAtlas looked toward the banks of the Broad Creek to find the next two towns: Bethel and Laurel. The report said Laurel’s accessible and plentiful green spaces offer a great place to hang out. The much smaller Bethel is home to the Bethel Maritime Museum, which explores the town’s unique shipbuilding past, according to the report.
Delaware is in the midst of a heat wave the like of which the First State hasn’t felt since 2011.
With temperatures hitting the 100s and heat index values reaching the 110s, it’s time for people to be careful outside – especially pet owners.
When a heat wave arrives, your pets will need extra attention, too. Dogs and cats can be vulnerable to extreme temperatures, making it important to know the signs of heat-related illness and how to keep them safe during hot weather. Here’s what pet owners should know.
Can heat stoke impact my pet?
When heat waves hit, dogs are also susceptible to heat stress and head strokes, according to the American Kennel Club.
- Heat stress: Heat stress in dogs occurs when a dog’s resting temperature hits 104 degrees. The signs and symptoms of heat stress include a dog looking for shade, limiting its movements, choosing to sit or lie down, panting, vomiting and excessive saliva.
- Heat stroke: This condition occurs when your dog’s resting body temperature exceeds 106 degrees. The symptoms include the dog acting confused; excessive drooling and thickening saliva; gums being bright red, blue or purple; refusing to drink water; losing consciousness; or having seizures. Immediate veterinary attention is required.
If your pet shows signs of heat stress, act quickly to help cool them down. The American Kennel Club recommends moving your dog to a shaded area, placing ice packs under its front legs and on its chest, and pouring cool water over its head and body. Offer fresh water to drink and, if available, have your dog lie or stand on a cooling mat to help lower its body temperature.
When should I walk my dog in a heat wave?
The first thing you should do is be aware of the type of dog you have. Overweight dogs and short-nosed dog breeds have a high risk of problems related to heat, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
When exercising, do the following:
- Do not walk, run or hike during the hottest part of the day or on particularly hot days.
- Take frequent breaks when exercising.
- Bring water for you and your pet.
- Avoid asphalt or other hot surfaces that can burn your pet’s paws. You can also use booties to cover its paws during walks.
How can I protect my pet around the house?
Even in your house, you pet could be battling the heat.
The AVMA and ASPCA offers these suggestions:
- Provide different temperature zones within your house for your pet’s comfort.
- Leave your pets at home if possible when you need to go out and about.
- Never leave a pet in the car, even in the shade or with windows cracked. Cars can overheat quickly to deadly temperatures, even when the weather isn’t severe.
- Make sure your pets have unlimited access to fresh water.Keep your pet free of parasites that are more common during warm weather, such as fleas, ticks and heartworms.
- Make sure all unscreened windows are closed and any screens are tightly secured.
- Talk to your vet or groomer about a summer haircut, but don’t shave your dog’s hair.
TV, kickoff times set for 2026 Delaware football schedule
Blue Hens with numerous national TV appearances in second Conference USA season
The all-important recruiting game is sped up now that Delaware is a Football Bowl Subdivision outfit as it heads into its second season in Conference USA.
With the start of preseason practice still a month away, Blue Hens coaches have been busy watching future prospects show their skills during on-campus camps as they attempt to build future rosters.
At least 15 Class of 2027 high school recruits have already verbally committed to accepting Delaware’s scholarship offer as of June 30, according to social media reports.
Recruits are not officially part of the UD program until December’s signing period.
That list includes four players from Delaware high schools – Cape Henlopen quarterback Jameson Tingle, Middletown linebacker Mekhi Corbin and offensive linemen Mario Castillo from Red Lion and Game Medico of Salesianum.
Delaware Class of 2027 commits
Douglass Callihan, 6-0, 215, LB, Gilmer/Ellijay, Georgia
Charles Carpenter-Simms, 6-2, 200, DB, Dexter Southfield/Brookline, Massachusetts
Mario Castillo, 6-6, 290, OL, Red Lion Christian Academy/Bear, Delaware
Mekhi Corbin, 6-1, 210, LB, Middletown/Middletown, Delaware
Austin Farrell, 6-3, 265, DL, Iona Prep, New York City
Kodi Gbanite, 6-3, 250, DT, Livingston/Livingston, New Jersey
Cooper Hodson, 6-3, 310, OL, Providence Day School/Charlotte, North Carolina
Chase Hyacinth, 6-4, 220, DE, Eagle Academy, New York City
Gabe Medico, 6-5, 260, OL, Salesianum/Wilmington, Delaware
Darius Smith, 6-1, 170, DB, Millbrook/Raleigh, North Carolina
Ronny Taylor, 5-11, 180, DB, Jenkins/Savannah, Georgia
Jameson Tingle, 6-2, 185, QB, Cape Henlopen/Lewes, Delaware
Aaron Truedell, 5-9, 170, RB, Lakeland Christian/Lakeland, Florida
Charles Williams, 5-10, 170, WR, Bamberg-Ehrhardt/Bamberg, South Carolina
Anthony Willis, 6-2, 180, WR, Bergen Catholic/Oradell, New Jersey
Contact Kevin Tresolini at ktresolini@delawareonline.com and follow on Twitter @kevintresolini. Support local journalism by subscribing to delawareonline.com and our DE Game Day newsletter.
DELAWARE – As Delaware prepares to celebrate America’s historic 250th anniversary of independence, the Delaware State Fire Marshal’s Office (DSFMO) reminds all residents and visitors to prioritize safety this holiday weekend.
With unprecedented crowds and community events planned across the state, Delaware fire officials are tracking a heightened risk of preventable injuries and property damage from illegal consumer fireworks. Further, with a drought watch declared statewide, DSFMO is intensifying its public education and enforcement efforts throughout the summer.
“Delaware played a foundational role in the birth of our nation, and the best way to honor that legacy during America 250 is by keeping our communities safe,” said State Fire Marshal John W. Rudd. “A single spark can cause irreversible injury or a devastating house fire. We strongly encourage all Delawareans and visitors to celebrate our nation’s milestone safely by attending one of the many spectacular professionally managed public displays hosted throughout the First State.”
Fireworks: What’s allowed and what isn’t?
State Fire Marshal Rudd reminds residents and visitors that the possession, sale, and use of most consumer fireworks are illegal at all times under Delaware law. Firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets, aerial fireworks, and other explosives are included in the prohibition. Further, any other device that explodes or shoots into the air is prohibited per the fireworks chapter of Delaware’s Health and Safety code.
DSFMO also reminds Delawareans that it is illegal to purchase fireworks across state lines and bring them back to Delaware. Firework misuse and/or illegal possession are misdemeanor crimes that can result in fines; but, any injuries or damages caused by firework use can result in felony charges.
However, certain fireworks, such as sparklers, ground-based displays, and a selection of other non-airborne, nonexplosive novelty items, regulated by the federal government, are allowed to be used only on Independence Day. Permitted ground-based fireworks include the following:
- Spinners
- Fountains
- Jumping jacks
- Ground blooms
- Handheld sparklers
These fireworks can be purchased by a person 18 years or older between Jun. 4 and Jul. 4. DSFMO urges caution when using legal novelties as even they can pose severe burn risks, with sparklers burning at temperatures hot enough to melt gold.
Firework Safety Tips
DSFMO offers the following tips to ensure that Delawareans celebrate the holiday safely:
- Follow proper safety measures when using fireworks
- Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby when lighting fireworks in case of fire or other mishaps
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Dispose of used fireworks by placing them in a bucket filled with water located at least 10 feet away from any buildings for at least 12 hours.
Fire officials maintain the safest alternative to lighting your own fireworks is to attend professional fireworks shows. For a full list of fireworks on Delmarva, click here.
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