March 25, 2024

By Southern Living Editors
Updated on March 6, 2024

According to the U.S. Census, the South is the place to be. Not only is it the most populous region in the country, it accounted for 87% of our country’s growth in 2023. Plus, the South is the only region that maintained population growth during the pandemic. Visit any of the places on this year’s Best Cities On the Rise list and you’ll quickly understand why.

These reader-selected cities have excellent food scenes, cool yet quaint downtown districts, incredible natural beauty, thriving arts communities, and the warmth our region is known for. And they’re not done growing. Each one has exciting new projects on the horizon, like a minor-league baseball stadium in Spartanburg, South Carolina, entertainment districts in Huntsville, Alabama and Alpharetta, Georgia, and even economic development, like electric vehicle manufacturing in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

How did we come up with the list? Southern Living editors compiled a large list of cities based on research, reporting, and our own experiences. Then, our readers selected their top picks in our annual South’s Best Awards survey. The result is a diverse mix of large and small cities, and each one has something different to offer. Whether you’re looking for a new place to live or somewhere fun to visit, you’ll find plenty of options here.

South’s Best Voting Process

An online survey was conducted by third-party agency Proof Insights among Southern Living consumers, asking them to rate their favorite places across the South for the South’s Best Awards 2024. The survey was fielded from July 12 to August 23, 2023, and had over 20,000 respondents.

25. Dover, Delaware

With a 300-plus year history, Delaware’s capital has changed quite a bit since its early days as the appointed court town for Kent County. It still houses the Delaware Supreme Court, but may be about to embark on its biggest season of change yet. In 2023, the Downtown Dover Partnership presented a redevelopment plan called Capital City 2030 that will transform the area with a proposed multimodal transportation hub, 100,000 square feet of commercial space, 20 acres of greenspace, 1,000 residential units, and a half-mile riverwalk to be built over the next decade.

Explore Southern Living’s 7 Best Things To Do In Dover, Delaware, here.

Read the rest of Southern Living’s The South’s Best Cities On The Rise 2024 here.

March 11, 2004

By Krys’tal Griffin
Delaware News Journal

If you’re still not over the Barbie craze sparked by the release of the hit “Barbie” movie last summer, this new partnership between a Delaware business and Mattel Inc. is sure to keep Barbie a household name.

The Frozen Farmer, launched from the third-generation Evans Farm in Bridgeville in 2015, is a company striving to eliminate food waste by using the farm produce deemed “too ugly” for retail sale to create ice cream and sorbet.

The company was featured on ABC’s “Shark Tank” in 2020, winning an investment deal with Lori Greiner and eventually expanding the sale of its products to more than 5,000 stores nationwide.

Now, The Frozen Farmer is expanding its offerings to include Barbie Freezer Squeezers in partnership with Mattel Inc., the manufacturer of Barbie.

Co-founder of The Frozen Farmer and native Delawarean Katey Evans created the popsicle-like treat as an homage to her personal connection to Barbie and all that the famous doll stands for.

“As a mom to four daughters, Barbie has a special place in our home as more than just a timeless toy that brings generations together,” Evans said. “From a young age, Barbie empowered me to chase my dreams as a female founder. It’s a full circle moment to be able to partner with Mattel to bring Barbie Freezer Squeezers to market with the Frozen Farmer, a brand that grew from the seeds of self-belief that Barbie planted early on.”

The frozen treats are available in a pink strawberry lemonade sorbet flavor and come in 3-ounce squeeze tubes to be easily enjoyed on the go.

Described by the company as a mix between tart and sweet, the new offering continues the Frozen Farmer’s mission to reduce food waste while providing classic flavors everyone can enjoy, and with a nod of approval from Barbie herself, who could pass up a taste?

“What started as a way to use produce that looks unique has become our mission — and the results are delicious,” Evans said. “Barbie is a brand that celebrates the differences of all children that make them uniquely themselves—and as a mom, I love that as much as my daughters love all things Barbie.”

The Frozen Farmer’s Barbie Freezer Squeezers can be found in the following stores around the country:

Welcome to Delaware road sign at the state border. Andrey Krav, Getty Images/iStockphoto

February 27, 2024

By Krys’tal Griffin
Delaware News Journal

Delawareans are the first to shout their First State pride and boast about the allure of the Small Wonder, but it looks like the rest of the nation is finally catching on now that Delaware is deemed a top state to live in.

In 2022 when approximately 8.2 million people moved around the United States, Delaware broke through the top 20 list and ranked as the 16th-most-sought-after state in the country by net migration, according to StorageCafe.

Is everyone moving to Delaware now?

StorageCafe, an online platform that provides storage unit listings across the country, used U.S. Census Bureau data and other government data to find trends in recent nationwide moving patterns.

The study reports that Delaware gained around 12,500 more residents than it lost in 2022, with 29% of the 125 people who moved to the state every day being millennials, followed by 18% being baby boomers.

The top states contributing to Delaware’s influx of new residents are Pennsylvania (26% of movers), Maryland (22%), New Jersey (12%), New York (7%) and North Carolina (7%).

The typical new Delawarean earns an average of $58,000 and has an average age of 37 years old, according to the study, which adds that 38% of new residents at least have a bachelor’s degree and 7% are working remotely.

StorageCafe reports that tax leniency and housing affordability – including homes that are approximately 16% cheaper than Maryland rates and 22% cheaper than New Jersey rates – are big wins for movers choosing Delaware as their new home

Nationwide moving trends

Nineteen out of 50 states saw negative net migration numbers in 2022, according to StorageCafe.

The only U.S. region to end 2022 with a population gain is the South, which had a net gain of 690,000 residents from interstate migration. All other regions – the Northeast, Midwest and West – saw net declines, with the Northeast losing the most and shedding over 300,000 residents.

The top 10 states for net migration gains in 2022 were:

• Florida
• Texas
• North Carolina
• Arizona
• Georgia
• South Carolina
• Connecticut
• Tennessee
• Alabama
• Oklahoma

The main factors drawing movers to the South include favorable climates, a relatively lower cost of living, abundant job opportunities and a robust economy in some areas. The region has also seen improvements in infrastructure and real estate landscapes, according to StorageCafe.

Of the southern hot spots, Texas, Georgia and Florida saw the highest volumes of net migration among 24- to 39-year-olds in 2022, the same demographic that Delaware has welcomed the most in recent years and the largest moving generation in the U.S., the study reports.

For younger movers, Connecticut, North Carolina and Washington D.C. saw the most Generation Z movers.

Generation Z continues to stray away from expensive urban areas like Los Angeles and New York City, with New York, California and Illinois all seeing negative migration of the demographic. Instead, Generation Z prefers relocating to states like Texas, Pennsylvania, Utah, North Dakota and Alabama.

Beebe’s first Amulet patient Margaret Erner with Marcelle Brady, RN, Jordana Bumgarner, RTR, Annie Villalobos, MSN, Tammy Kelly, RN, Donna Fleitz, RN, and Mouhanad Freih, MD.

LEWES, DEL. – Beebe Healthcare’s Cardiovascular team recently celebrated two milestone procedures that provide the latest, most advanced care for patients in Southern Delaware.

The healthcare system continues to look for innovative technologies, devices, and procedures to provide the best care for Sussex County – most recently launching use of the Amulet device and completing the 200th Watchman device implant in the cath lab. Both are Left Atrial Appendage Closure (LAAC) devices, used to treat patients who have been diagnosed with non-valvular atrial fibrillation.

“Both the Watchman and the Amulet are powerful assets in our arsenal of tools to prevent stroke,” said Annie Villalobos, MSN, APRN, AGCNS-BC, Structural Heart Program Coordinator and Clinical Nurse Specialist. “Decisions about which device is best for each patient are made based on what the imaging shows us, and how the patient’s anatomy is structured. The availability of Amulet gives us new options to ensure complete closure of the left atrial appendage and signifies Beebe’s commitment to having the right systems in place to care for every unique patient.”

Atrial fibrillation is a heart rhythm disorder that increases risk for stroke and requires that many patients rely on anticoagulation medications, long-term. The introduction of the Amulet, and continued successful use of the Watchman, offers patients new, life-changing options. The two devices are similar in that they are both used to close openings between the left atrium and the appendage. What varies is their shape and size. Having both options means Beebe’s structural heart team can more effectively treat patients with left atrial openings that vary in depth and size.

Beebe introduced use of the Watchman device in 2018. The first patient to receive the Amulet device implantation was in December 2023.

Watchman team Annie Villalobos, MSN, Mouhanad Freih, MD, Lori Kline, RN, Bob Henchy, Boston Scientific, Georges Dahr, MD, Paul Peet, MD, Alberto Rosa, MD and Ehtasham Qureshi, MD.

Beebe’s Structural Heart Program is led by Mouhanad Freih, MD, who serves as Medical Director, and Ehtasham Qureshi, MD, Chief of Cardiology, along with Villalobos. Electrophysiologists Michael Sabadish, MD, and Maria Pia Del Corral, MD, have also played an instrumental role in the growth of the program, and Beebe’s ability to introduce the Amulet device. A special thanks also to Georges Dahr, MD, and Jillian Dashiell, MD, as the intraprocedural transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) imaging specialists for LAAC.

Additionally, collaboration with Beebe’s cardiovascular surgeons, operating room team, and catheterization lab team is essential in the delivery of comprehensive, quality-centric, outcomes-based care for every patient.

“We are incredibly proud of our team and appreciate the tremendous amount of time, energy, and passion that has gone into bringing these lifesaving devices to Beebe, and perfecting our practices for the benefit of the patients we serve,” said Tracy Belcher, BSN, RN, NE-BC, CCRP, LSSGB, Director of Cardiovascular Operations and Outpatient Infusion Center at Beebe Healthcare. “The need for state-of-the-art care that is also local and close to home is clear. Two hundred patients have now received the Watchman device, and now, with the introduction of the Amulet device, we can offer even more options for care that is customized to the individual. The very highest quality heart care is absolutely available, right here at Beebe.”

Beebe Healthcare is a not-for-profit community healthcare system with a charitable mission to encourage healthy living, prevent illness, and restore optimal health for the people who live in, work in, and visit the communities we serve. Beebe Healthcare has three campuses: the Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus, which houses the medical center; the Rehoboth Health Campus; and the South Coastal Health Campus. Beebe Healthcare offers primary care as well as specialized services in the areas of cardiovascular, oncology, orthopaedics, general surgery, robotic surgery and women’s health. Beebe also offers walk-in care, lab, imaging and physical rehabilitation services at several locations throughout Sussex County, in addition to a home health program and a comprehensive community health program.

For more information about Beebe Healthcare, visit beebehealthcare.org.

DOVER, Del. — To address nurse staffing challenges impacting state-operated facilities, the State of Delaware is implementing an innovative tuition incentive program to enhance the recruitment of Certified Nurse Assistants (CNAs) in the state’s workforce starting December 1, 2023.

Following a public request for proposal process, Delaware’s Department of Human Resources has selected three agencies to train CNAs, with the State covering the tuition cost for CNA candidates of up to $3,000 per student. The three training facilities selected are: Bear Professional Institute, Inc, the Delaware Skills Center, and Sussex County Vocational Technical School District. The program provides a pathway for individuals with some nursing experience to obtain certification while securing employment with the state.

The State operates four healthcare facilities at the Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) and the Department of State (DOS), including the Delaware Psychiatric Center, the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill, the Delaware Veterans Home and Stockley Center. These facilities provide medical services to senior citizens, veterans, and residents with severe mental health and physical disabilities.

“With Delaware experiencing the same nurse staffing challenges as every other state, we are offering this first-ever tuition incentive to attract more state employees to serve as certified nurse assistants,” said Claire DeMatteis, Secretary of the Department of Human Resources. “With certified nurse assistant vacancy rates of 40-50% in our state-operated healthcare facilities, it puts additional pressure on licensed and registered nurses in these facilities. With this new tuition incentive, along with signing and retention incentives for all types of nurses in our state facilities, we are investing significant state resources for the health and well-being of some of our most vulnerable residents.”

Participants are required to commit to working with the state for two years following their certification. DHR is pursuing a similar tuition incentive plan for licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

“I work for the State of Delaware because it’s a dynamic organization with plenty of professional development opportunities, great health benefits and a family-oriented culture. The educational opportunities provided have given me the knowledge to better understand the residents and deliver quality care. With hard work and determination, you can advance your career while working for the state,” said Hannah Sackey, a dedicated CNA currently serving in the Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill.”

Once certified, CNAs receive a state salary of $34,000 along with a comprehensive compensation package, which includes health benefits, retirement benefits, paid time off, learning and development opportunities, employee assistance programs, recognition programs, and employee discounts.

Interested individuals are encouraged to apply for current nursing assistant job opportunities (Job Code-UDCD01) at one of the four state-operated facilities through the Delaware Employment Link at https://statejobs.delaware.gov/. For questions, please contact Germaine Harris, Nurse Recruiting Manager at 302-255-9148 or Germaine.Harris@delaware.gov.

GEORGETOWN – The Southern Delaware Tourism office has launched a new website, Culinary Coast, to showcase restaurants, breweries, and farmers markets in Sussex County.

Culinary Coast provides users with the flexibility to select from a variety of cuisines, including those that feature vegan and vegetarian choices, cooking classes, and food festivals.

Tina Coleman, communication manager at Southern Delaware Tourism, told Delaware Business Times the new website is designed to provide users with a convenient platform to discover new restaurants and events.

“Not only will visitors find all the information and listings they need, but they’ll be treated to a richer virtual experience of the Culinary Coast featuring the stories and people that make Southern Delaware such a vibrant culinary destination,” Coleman said. “As we continue to add content, our goal is to create a virtual feast that makes people hungry to visit.”

The Southern Delaware Tourism office announces that the new website will serve as a destination for users looking to explore the culinary scene and to boost visitation and aid in travel planning.

It also offers a blog that welcomes guest posts from Culinary Coast chefs, restaurateurs, and producers; a news section; local chef bios; and agritourism and aquaculture components.