Wilmington’s Bardea Makes USA Today List of Best U.S. Restaurants

Written by Live Love Delaware on February 19, 2025. Posted in Living In Delaware.

Downtown Wilmington Restaurant Named as One of Best in United States

Delaware’s Bardea Food & Drink selected for inclusion on USA Today’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year list

February 12, 2025

Delaware News Journal

Bardea Food & Drink quickly became one of Wilmington’s and Delaware’s most popular restaurants soon after it opened six years ago. But, this week? It’s made national news.

According to USA TODAY’s 2025 Restaurant of the Year list, the local powerhouse is one of the top 44 places to eat in America. Food writers across the country nominated restaurants that excited them, restaurants they would recommend to friends and family, restaurants they’d return to again and again.

Scott Stein, co-owner of the restaurant with partners Antimo and Pino DiMeo, said it was a well-deserved honor.

“We strongly believe we are one of the best restaurants in the country,” said Stein. “This is where people come to celebrate. Visitors come from out of town and say they were told, ‘You have to go and try Bardea.’ We check off all the boxes. We think we have something for everyone.”

What makes Bardea stand out

Executive Chef Antimo DiMeo’s fresh spin on innovative, modern Italian cuisine has earned Bardea two James Beard Award nominations. In 2018, it was one of the best new restaurants in the country, and in 2022, DiMeo was selected as one of the best chefs in the Mid-Atlantic region.

Former President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden have dined in the restaurant, and the Biden White House chose Bardea to cater an Italian dinner for a gathering of world leaders who traveled to Delaware. The Bardea team also has been featured on TV cooking segments, including the “Today” show.

Bardea was created inside a historic building that was once a former fried chicken restaurant, an optical store and a law firm. The 5,000-square-foot space was completely refurbished and the name comes from the Italian word for “goddess of food and drink.”

Bardea’s almost immediate success with diners helped jump-start a downtown Wilmington revitalization movement and it soldiered on throughout the pandemic.

The lighting is dim, on purpose, giving the dining room a sexy mood. The activity from the open kitchen adds to its vibrant energy as chefs, who use ingredients sourced from Italy as well as from local farms and purveyors, bustle around stirring pots and pans and plate dishes. Bardea is widely known for plate sharing, and its menu is divided into snacks, small plates, seafood, vegetables, pasta, pizza and “feed the table” options.

It’s also a people-watching scene whether you’re at a table or grabbing a stool at the 20-seat bar to sip a glass of Italian red wine, an espresso martini or one of Bardea’s signature classic cocktails such as a smoked old-fashioned blended with Old Overholt bonded rye, spiced simple syrup and Angostura bitters.

What to order at Bardea

Burrata Pop Tart. If you’re a first-time patron or even a Bardea veteran, this is the signature savory starter to get. It’s flaky, crunchy and filled with sweet onion-fennel jam. After your first bite, you’ll probably think about ordering another one.

Diver Scallops with Green curry and Lemongrass. The kitchen isn’t fully committed to Italian flavors, and DiMeo likes to stretch his culinary muscles by sometimes using Asian ingredients.

Pizza and pasta. The kitchen usually has about four to five different pies that are perfect for sharing, and the handmade pasta includes Octopus Bolognese Tagliatelle and Ravioli with Duck Confit, Gorgonzola and Pear-Walnut Pesto. If you’re going to splurge, go for the Dry-Aged Bone-In Ribeye with a Mojo Citrus Rub. The Bardea team also caters to meat eaters at its classy, next-door restaurant Bardea Steak.

See the full menu.

What else: Bardea’s upscale sister steakhouse operation, Bardea Steak, is perfect for celebrating or just a night on the town. The lush, outdoor “garden” area is open during warm weather months. Roost is the Bardea team’s recently opened, casual restaurant, located a few blocks away on Market Street, that has burgers, wings and unique draft beers.

The Bardea team is now managing the DE.CO food hall at 10th and Orange streets, which is home to two Bardea stalls that offer tacos and burritos and another serving pizza, salads and sandwiches. They are opening more dining options there soon. Chef DiMeo also will be presenting classic Italian American dishes at Bardea and the food hall’s newest restaurant Casa Nonna, which honors the kind of food DiMeo’s grandmothers would make for his family.

Details: Bardea Food & Drink, 620 N. Market St., Wilmington, Del.; 302-426-2069, bardeafoodanddrink.com

This article was originally published by the Delaware News Journal at https://www.delawareonline.com/story/life/food/2025/02/12/bardea-wilmington-restaurant-review/75920420007/.

Southern Delaware Tourism Launches Culinary Coast Restaurant Website

Written by Live Love Delaware on November 8, 2023. Posted in Working in Delaware.

Southern Delaware Tourism Launches New Restaurant Website

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.

This article was originally posted on the Delaware Delaware Business Times website at: https://delawarebusinesstimes.com/news/southern-delaware-tourism-website/.

Is Delaware an Exciting Place to Live?

Written by Live Love Delaware on October 10, 2023. Posted in Living In Delaware.

Are you in search of a vibrant and welcoming place to live? Look no further than the charming state of Delaware. Living in Delaware offers a unique blend of communities and neighborhoods catering to diverse tastes and preferences. Beyond its picturesque landscapes and historic sites, Delaware cities thrive with lively community events, a dedication to education, and cultural attractions that bring residents together and make it an exciting place to call home.

Delaware’s communities and neighborhoods are as diverse as its residents. From the historic streets of Wilmington to the coastal tranquility of Lewes, you’ll find a wide array of options to suit your lifestyle. The state’s cities, such as Wilmington and Newark, offer a bustling urban experience with vibrant downtowns, eclectic dining options, and cultural attractions. For those seeking a more suburban or rural setting, picturesque towns like Middletown and Dover provide the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience. Delaware’s communities pride themselves on their tight-knit nature, making it easy to forge meaningful connections with your neighbors.

Explore Delaware Events

There are many reasons why living in Delaware is exciting. No matter the season, there’s always something happening. In the spring, the annual Dover Days Festival celebrates the state’s heritage with parades, historical reenactments, and arts and crafts vendors. As summer rolls around, the picturesque beaches of Rehoboth and Bethany host free concerts, fireworks, and art fairs. Autumn brings the charming Hagley Craft Fair, where local artisans showcase their handcrafted goods. And as winter approaches, you can embrace the holiday spirit with the stunning Winterthur Yuletide Tour, which transforms a historic mansion into a winter wonderland. These events not only offer entertainment but also foster a sense of community and togetherness among Delaware’s residents.

Delaware’s Education and Culture

Delaware’s commitment to education, culture, and the arts also contributes to its appeal. The state is home to renowned institutions like the University of Delaware and Delaware State University, providing a hub of learning and innovation. You’ll find world-class museums, such as the Delaware Art Museum and Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library, where you can immerse yourself in art, history, and culture. The Delaware Symphony Orchestra and numerous theaters and performing arts centers ensure that there’s always a live performance or show to enjoy.

Life in Delaware Checks All the Boxes

The natural beauty of Delaware further enhances its allure. The state boasts a picturesque coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, where you can relax on sandy beaches, indulge in water sports, or simply enjoy a serene sunset. Delaware’s numerous state parks and wildlife reserves offer endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, from hiking and biking to birdwatching and kayaking. The scenic Brandywine Valley and charming countryside provide an idyllic backdrop for leisurely drives and exploration.

Whether you prefer the urban buzz of Wilmington or the coastal charm of Lewes, Delaware has something to offer everyone. Its commitment to education and the arts, along with its natural beauty, make it a truly enchanting state to call home. So, why wait? Come and discover the unique benefits of living in Delaware and you’ll quickly understand why it’s such an exciting place to live.

High Volume of Visitors to DE Turf Complex Prompts Development Nearby

Written by Live Love Delaware on August 31, 2023. Posted in Working in Delaware.

_{Cutting the ribbon at the new Springhill Suites by Marriott in Frederica Aug. 22 is Michael Meoli, third from right, with his family, business partners, and leaders from town, county and state governments. Meoli is president of Meoli Companies and principal owner of Asbury Hospitality LLC. Ben Mace, Delaware News Journal}

New hotel first of several businesses planned near DE Turf sports complex in Kent County

A new hotel on Route 1 in Frederica will be the first of what could be multiple developments catering to the thousands of visitors each year at the DE Turf sports complex in central Kent County.

The grand opening was held Tuesday for SpringHill Suites by Marriott, an 86-room hotel with a conference/banquet room with a capacity for 66 people, an indoor pool, exercise room and upscale lobby with artwork, tables, chairs, couches and televisions.

“This hotel represents the next iteration of what DE Turf is designed to do: spur economic growth here in Kent County,” said Michael Meoli, president of Meoli Cos., which owns hotels and McDonald’s restaurants in Delaware and Maryland.

On Route 1 south across from the sports complex, the hotel’s address is 208 Dominus Drive at Exit 83, an exit that could soon be the home of restaurants, gas stations, convenience stores and retail stores.

The hotel is part of Asbury Square, about 22 acres that Meoli’s company is developing with six other commercial “pad sites.” One other business already under construction is Empire Wine & Spirits, which also has a store in Middletown. Meoli is the principal owner of Asbury Hospitality LLC, and his partners in Asbury Square are John Paradee and Mike Koppenhaver.

Meoli said what initially drew his attention to the Frederica site was DE Turf. Then the highway interchange with the exit and overpass was built for easy access to and from the sports facility. The third factor was Bayhealth’s new Sussex Campus hospital nearby in Milford with the addition of Nemours Children’s Health.

“With those generating demand, you could see this area needs lodging,” Meoli said. “And we’ll also have guests who are visiting Delaware and traveling through the state.”

The hotel employs a staff of about 25.

Those numbers already sound good to Frederica Mayor William “Chick” Glanden, who said the hotel signals the tip of the iceberg as far as new businesses in the area.

“We need jobs, especially for young people, and this will also help our town’s tax base,” Glanden said.

In the 20 years he’s been mayor, the two biggest development projects in town limits are these Asbury Square plans and a new 285-home home neighborhood, which could boost the town’s population by 50% or more, he said. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated the population at 1,100 in 2022.

Meoli expects the Frederica area near DE Turf to “really take off in the next five to seven years. We’re just on the front end of it.”

Sports facility operates 42 weeks each year

Bill Strickland, chairman of the DE Turf board, said the sports complex was envisioned to be a catalyst for economic growth in Kent County and the new hotel is “the next step in the realization of that vision.”

Opening in 2017, DE Turf now holds sports tournaments and instructional programs 42 weeks a year, primarily on weekends with some week-long sessions. The facility has 12 artificial turf fields, all with lights.

The primary sports at the facility are soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and flag football. Teams have come to play from more than 30 states.

Strickland credited the county leaders who advocated for the sports complex including Linda Parkowski, executive director of the Kent Economic Partnership, who received multiple requests for a sports tournament venue when she was state director of tourism.

She called DE Turf a “field of dreams” and said, “For me, today is about courage.”

She thanked Meoli and his partners for their courage in being the first to develop property near the sports complex, the Kent Levy Court commissioners for having courage to sign a long-term lease for the sports facility, and the DE Turf leaders for the courage to persevere in the face of numerous obstacles.

As an example of how the sports complex is driving visitors to the hotel, during a tournament in November, the hotel is already 80% booked with rooms going for as much as $330 per night.

She called DE Turf a “field of dreams” and said, “For me, today is about courage.”

As an example of how the sports complex is driving visitors to the hotel, during a tournament in November, the hotel is already 80% booked with rooms going for as much as $330 per night.

DE Turf Brings Sports, Community Together in Central Delaware

_{In this DPP video, DE Turf Executive Director Angie Eliason shares how access and a central location attracts teams and families from all over the state, region and beyond to Delaware.}

This article was originally posted on the delaware online website at: https://www.delawareonline.com/story/money/business/2023/08/23/springhill-suites-opens-near-de-turf-sports-complex-kent-county/70652490007/

Nassau Valley Vineyards of Lewes is Delaware’s Pioneer Winery

Written by Live Love Delaware on July 1, 2022. Posted in Working in Delaware.

In terms of age, Delaware’s wine industry is a baby. And that baby’s mother is Nassau Valley Vineyards co-owner Peggy Raley.

Raley and her father Bob almost single-handedly started the Delaware winemaking tradition about 30 years ago, when they planted their vineyard in Lewes and championed legislation to enable commercial winemaking.

Delaware had long been a state where it was illegal to operate a small-scale alcohol-producing facility – likely a holdover from more puritanical times. Raley, a Delaware-native, originally left home to globetrot and pursue a career in the wine industry. She ended up working for Les Amis du Vin International and The Friends of Wine magazine for several years. Eventually, citing the Delaware “sand in her shoes” that she never got out, she returned home to the beaches in the 1980s and vowed to bring winemaking with her. The Delaware vintner and her father planted their first grapes in 1987, helped change the laws in 1991 and opened the doors of Nassau Valley Vineyards in 1993.

“I drafted the legislation that the General Assembly ended up passing – it essentially created what is known as farm wineries in the state,” she said. “The legislation actually ended up opening the door for the entire craft beverage industry here. The manufacturing and reselling clause that was passed through was done in a way that didn’t break down the three-tier system (of Delaware’s alcohol distribution policy). So other craft brewers began popping up after that.”

Raley notes the old legislation truly had been the only barrier for Delaware winemaking. The state’s growing conditions, she said, are excellent.

“Our conditions are very conducive to growing grapes,” she said. “Our soil, especially in the southern part of the state, is sandy, which grapevines love. Our proximity to the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean also makes for a nice temperate growing climate.”

Nassau Valley Vineyards has thrived since its opening. The operation quickly increased its menu of 14 different wines and has achieved an extensive collection of awards to drape around their bottlenecks.

“We’re at over 600 medals from various international competitions,” Raley said. “We’ve earned the respect of the wider wine world itself. I still have people say all the time, ‘It can’t be as good as the wine from the typical regions, because it’s from Delaware.’ But it is.”

Ramping up production over the years, Raley said her facility now produces between 3,800 and 5,000 cases per year depending on growing conditions. Many of the grape varieties are grown on their farm, but some are trucked in from other parts of Delmarva.

“We grow cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, petit Verdot and chardonnay – so we’re concentrating on the traditional European varieties,” she said. “We contract for a few hybrids from other growers on the Eastern shores of Virginia and Maryland. We get some things shipped in from the Finger Lakes as well, but all the wine is actually made here.”

More Than Wine

Like most craft beverage facilities, Nassau Valley Vineyards quickly became a destination. In addition to selling its high-quality wine, the vineyard offers tours, serves as an event venue and holds a regularly scheduled farmer’s market.

“We weren’t even open a full calendar year before a couple came in and asked if they could get married here,” said Raley. “I was like, ‘You want to do what?’ But we kept getting requests. We started holding ceremonies outside in tents and even in the wine cellar. Things got crowded quickly, though, so we first built a 3,600-square-foot space and later an additional 8,400-square-foot event center, and it’s been an important part of our businesses ever since the beginning. We’re one of the few places at the beach that can accommodate over 300 people in an interior building.”

The farmer’s market came more recently.

“About five years ago, we started hosting them every Sunday during the growing season,” said Raley. “All kinds of local growers, artisans and crafters show up for it, and it’s a great time. We have a sangria bar, live music, winery tours and art shows. For a lot of local folks – and visitors – it’s their Sunday hang. COVID-19 threw things for a bit of a loop, but we slowly started to reintroduce everything while observing restrictions.”

As for the future, Raley, who now runs the vineyards with her sister and business partner Suzette Hopkins, says she plans to grow and refine the young Delaware vintners’ tradition.

“Tastes have changed in recent years, and a lot more people want to be aware of exactly where what they’re eating and drinking comes from,” she said. “When I first opened, I scarcely saw anyone under 30 come through the door, but the demographics have shifted. People are very excited about trying out and enjoying local wineries and breweries.”

Wilmington Country Club to Host 2022 BMW Championship

Written by Live Love Delaware on April 21, 2022. Posted in Working in Delaware.

The PGA TOUR, Western Golf Association and Wilmington Country Club officials announced today the 2022 BMW Championship will be played on the South Course at Wilmington Country Club in Wilmington, Delaware. While official dates have not been announced, the event is scheduled to be held in late August of 2022.

“We’re thrilled to be taking the BMW Championship to Wilmington Country Club, one of the finest clubs anywhere in the United States,” said Vince Pellegrino, WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments. “The South Course has everything you look for in a traditional championship layout. It will present a strategic test for the world’s best players and a perfect venue for fans and PGA TOUR partners.”

The 2022 event will mark the first time the PGA TOUR has played an event in Delaware, and it will be the third time since 2018 that the BMW Championship has been held on the East Coast. The 2021 BMW Championship was held at Caves Valley Golf Club in Owings Mills, Maryland, a suburb of Baltimore. Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, hosted the 2018 BMW Championship.

“It is a great honor for Wilmington Country Club to be the first club in the state of Delaware to play host to the PGA TOUR, and to the prestigious BMW Championship,” Club President Gary Ferguson said. “The passion that fans in this area have for golf is unmatched, and they will enjoy the opportunity to watch the best players in the world compete on this spectacular and challenging golf course.”

Wilmington Country Club was established in 1901, with its original 18 holes covering 135 acres. The club relocated in the 1950s, bringing in renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones Sr. to design the South Course, which opened in 1959. Playing over 7,500 yards from the championship tees, the South Course has been recognized as one of the United States’ best golf courses by Golf Digest.

While this will be Wilmington Country Club’s first professional event, the club has long been a proving ground for the world’s best amateur players. After hosting the 1913 U.S. Women’s Amateur on what is now known as the “Old Course,” Wilmington has hosted five other USGA events, including the 1965 and 1978 U.S. Junior Amateur, the 1971 U.S. Amateur, the 1978 U.S. Girls’ Junior and the 2003 U.S. Mid-Amateur. The club also hosted the 2013 Palmer Cup competition between Europe and a United States team that featured 2019 BMW Championship winner Justin Thomas, Daniel Berger and Patrick Rodgers.

The club and its membership have a deep commitment to the state of Delaware.

“Delaware is excited to host the 2022 BMW Championship,” said Governor John Carney. “The First State has a long and proud golf history and is ideally positioned to support one of golf’s great championships. Not only will the BMW Championship enhance the local economy, it will showcase a wonderful course and dynamic community to a global audience.”

“We are thrilled the Wilmington Country Club in New Castle County has been selected as the site for the 2022 BMW Championship,” said New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer. “New Castle County has a historic relationship with professional golf, including being the home to the LPGA Tour’s McDonald’s Championship for nearly a decade. We’re excited to welcome back professional golf to one of the premier golf locations on the East Coast.”

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki added: “I join with all members of our community to welcome the BMW Championship to Wilmington Country Club. This event will attract many to our city who will be able to enjoy our terrific restaurants and fine hotels in addition to watching the greatest golfers in the world compete for one of the PGA TOUR’s most coveted titles.”

In addition to having an estimated $30 million economic impact on the Wilmington area, the 2022 BMW Championship is expected to play a vital philanthropic role by introducing more golfers and fans on the East Coast to the Evans Scholars Foundation and its mission of awarding full tuition and housing college scholarships to deserving youth caddies.

“We are proud of our collaboration with the Western Golf Association and of the support that we’ve been able to provide to the Evans Scholars Foundation,” said Bernhard Kuhnt, President and CEO, BMW of North America. “As the title sponsor of this tournament for the past 14 years, together we have helped to send over 3,000 young students to college to pursue their dreams.”

All proceeds from the BMW Championship benefit the Evans Scholars Foundation. Since 2007, the event has raised more than $35 million for Evans Scholarships. Two caddies have earned Evans Scholarships from Wilmington Country Club – Owen Griffin graduated from the University of Illinois in 1983, and Dan Walsh currently is a junior at Penn State University.

WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski noted that “the BMW Championship at Wilmington Country Club will give us an opportunity to show a new market the power of the Evans Scholars Program. This is a critical step in our efforts to expand from coast to coast and reach more deserving young caddies.”

The BMW Championship features the top 70 PGA TOUR players vying to earn one of 30 spots in the season-ending TOUR Championship and the chance to be crowned FedExCup champion. Past BMW Championship winners include Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, Keegan Bradley, Dustin Johnson, Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Zach Johnson, Justin Rose and Tiger Woods.

This article was sourced through the BMW Championship website at: https://bmwchampionship.com/news/wilmington-country-club-to-host-2022-bmw-championship

Delaware State Parks wins 2021 Gold Medal for Excellence

Delaware State Parks Wins Gold Medal for Excellence

Written by Live Love Delaware on November 20, 2021. Posted in Working in Delaware.

A World War II Army base, a pristine beach with a lighthouse view, a hip restaurant and a daredevil zipline course — what do they have in common? They’re all features within the Delaware State Parks systems, which recently won the prestigious 2021 National Gold Medal Award for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management.

Delaware and Florida are the only repeat recipients of the award given by the American Academy for Park and Recreation Administration with the National and Recreation and Park Association. Delaware, which is 20 times smaller than any other finalists, last received the honor in 2015.

The award is timely. This year is the 70th anniversary of Delaware State Parks, part of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC). While the division does not know the factors that set Delaware apart for the award, many of the 6 million annual guests can attest to the parks’ appeal.

The History

On the genteel side, Bellevue State Park was once the property of the du Pont family, and the elegant mansion still graces the grounds. Nearby, the stables remain occupied by horses that trot around the indoor training facility.

At Auburn Valley State Park, the Marshall family’s Queen Anne-style Auburn Heights Mansion looks down on an old paper mill site. The former owner collected Stanley Steamers cars, and his impressive collection is in a museum next to the mansion. Rides are often available.

In Delaware City, Fort Delaware, located on Pea Patch Island, dominates the Fort Delaware State Park. The stone-and-brick fortress is formidable, but the wildlife and bird refuges are just as awe-inspiring — albeit in a different way.

Dover’s First State Heritage Park is a happy amalgam of historic sites, including the Biggs Museum of American Art, the Delaware Public Archives, the Johnson Victrola Museum and Legislative Hall.

To the south, Cape Henlopen State Park is on the former Fort Miles Army base. Remnants are readily visible, from the concrete fire control towers to the bunkers under the dunes to the Fort Miles Museum, which has hunted down and displayed many types of the big guns once on the grounds.

The Swimming and Fishing

The Delaware State Seashore Park and Fenwick Island State Park share the Atlantic coastline with Cape Henlopen State Park, which consistently receive praise for their pristine views and amenities, including the opportunity to surf fish with a license.

Parks like Holts Landing are known for crabbing, fishing, and clamming.

The Boating

Most of the parks near the sea and back bays have boating ramps. But so does Fort Delaware State Park, which rests against the Delaware River and the Chesapeake & Delaware Canal.

The park system has two marinas: Indian River Marina and Summit North Marina

The Food

No kidding. The Big Chill Surf Club sits atop the concession stand at Delaware Seashore State Park. Dine alfresco with breathtaking ocean views on one side and the Indian River Inlet Bridge on the other.

Just over the inlet is Hammerhead Dockside, which is next to the Indian River Marina.

The Camping

There is no shortage of campgrounds in the First State’s parks, and bookings jumped nearly 60% from 2012 to 2020, contributing to $319 million in spending.

For back-to-nature “primitive” camping, head to Brandywine Creek State Park, where 19th-century blue gneiss stone walls crisscross the landscape.

Full hook-up sites are available at Lums Pond State Park, which offers cabins, cottages and yurts.

For a complete list of options, visit Delaware State Parks RV and Tent Camping.

The Trails

Delaware’s parks are laced with so many trails that a website is dedicated to them: https://destateparks.com/Trails. Select the type (hiking, biking, equestrian, water or accessible) and the park.

Tip: the Gordons Pond and Junction and Breakwater trails have won local and national awards for the scenery — don’t forget your camera.

The Adventure

Climb Delaware’s only natural rock wall at Alapocas Run State Park or roll across the mountain-biking trails in Brandywine Creek State Park or White Clay Creek State Park.

Lums Pond boasts the Go Ape zipline course, which includes rope ladders, treetop crossings, a Tarzan swing and, of course, ziplines.

In Kent County, Killens Pond State Park has bragging rights to a waterpark with four-speed slides, a tot lot, and a leisure pool. In Laurel, Delaware, board a pontoon boat for a tour around Trap Pond.

The Attractions

The division thinks outside the box, and historic buildings, ponds, coastlines and trails aren’t the only draws. Delaware State Park amenities include the Brandywine Zoo in downtown Wilmington, Deerfield Golf & Tennis and Garrisons Lake Golf Course.

To learn more about the awards, visit aapra.org. To see the list of Delaware state parks and amenities, visit destateparks.com.

Tyler Kurtz

Written by Live Love Delaware on October 30, 2021. Posted in Delaware Ambassadors, Living In Delaware.

Outdoor Adventurer

Tyler Kurtz loves Delaware

Relishing the outdoors – and more – in Delaware

For as long as Tyler Kurtz can remember, he’s had a deep love for water. He always knew he wanted to live by it, but it was a camping trip in middle school that ignited his love for Delaware’s coastal environment.

“In middle school, I began attending an annual school-sponsored camping trip to Cape Henlopen State Park, and I have some incredible memories from those trips,” says the 28-year-old resident of Rehoboth Beach.

The coastal environment was “what really brought me to Delaware,” Kurtz says. He often traveled to Delaware from Lancaster County, but the decision to move to take a job as an account manager in the Rehoboth Beach office of the Lyons Companies commercial-insurance brokerage took a few years and “a lot of miles on my car,” he says, but it was “worth every trip down.”

In Kurtz’s eyes, there’s nothing better to do in Delaware than enjoying the outdoors.

“My favorite things to do in Delaware pretty much all involve getting outside and enjoying the view, whether that’s cruising Rehoboth Bay by boat, sitting on the beach or taking in one of our nature trails,” he says. “Throughout Delaware, there are so many options.”

Kurtz likes to run the 3.2-mile Gordons Pond Trail at Cape Henlopen State Park, and Dewey Beach is his favorite destination. But his adventures outdoors aren’t the only things he appreciates about Delaware.

“I personally love that Delaware is so centrally located, making it (easily accessible) to the big cities in the neighboring states while still being right on the coast,”

“I think we’re surrounded by so much in Delaware, but while you’re here you really feel as if you’re a part of a small community.”

He also believes Delaware’s small-community feel has other benefits.

“Everyone is connected, and through those connections you can find a lot of opportunity, both personally and professionally,” he says.

Kurtz says it’s “amazing” that “everyone seems to know each other and how connected everyone seems to be” in Delaware. It’s rare, he says, that he doesn’t go somewhere with someone and be introduced to someone new. And if there’s someone you’d like to meet?

“Chances are,” he says, “you know somebody who can introduce you.”

Country Star Jimmie Allen Says His Success Is Delaware Made

Written by Live Love Delaware on September 27, 2021. Posted in Delaware Ambassadors, Working in Delaware.

Country Music Star Jimmie Allen Says His Success Is Delaware Made

September 27, 2021 –

While many small businesses closed their doors in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, country music star and Delaware native Jimmie Allen was opening doors and contributing to the First State’s economy.

During his keynote speech at the 2021 Millennial Summit, Allen explained how he employed more than 50 people by delving into the transportation business.

“I know nothing about dump trucks,” Allen admitted. “But we got six dump trucks and hired people that drive them.”

Allen’s companies Sussex Septic, Role On Transportation, and Del Made gave people jobs when there were few to be found. The multi-platinum performer said these new investments are part of his plan to build an “empire.”

“The empire I’m trying to create isn’t just for me,” Allen said. “It’s to create jobs for family, for friends, and for other people.”

Allen, who grew up in Milton, Del., broke into the country music scene in 2018. That year, his singles “Best Shot” and “Make Me Want To” both hit #1 on the Billboard Country Music Airplay chart and went platinum. Since then, his duet “This Is Us” with Noah Cyrus has gone gold and he’s released “Freedom Was a Highway” with Brad Paisley – the video for which shows Allen wearing Del Made logos.

In 2021, he won New Male Artist of the Year at the American Country Music Awards – the first Black solo performer to win this award. He also created and headlined the Bettie James Fest concert event in Milton, published a children’s book called “My Voice is a Trumpet” and joined Season 30 of ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

“For me, it’s about expanding,” Allen said. “The reason why you expand is because, if your foundation is narrow, once you get to a certain height, it tips over.”

He explained that the wider the foundation, the higher up he can go.

“If you expand your foundation, you have no choice but to go up,” he said.

Allen went to Delaware State University and later the University of Delaware to get a “degree in people.”

“I knew I wanted to be an entertainer, so I needed to understand how different types of people move,” he said.

Once he got that “degree,” he told his family he was moving to Nashville.

“They said, ‘When?’ I said, ‘Tomorrow,’” Allen recalled. “So, I packed up my little Chevy Malibu and went to Walmart and bought an air mattress. I had $21 in my bank account.”

That’s when his journey began.

After stopping at random locations along the way where he could use computers to search for living quarters, he found a trailer on 18 acres he could rent, but the electricity wasn’t turned on.

“I had no money to turn it on,” he said. But he quickly realized that he didn’t need electricity because he would only be there to sleep.

After living there for a while, the owner decided to sell the trailer for $300. Unfortunately, Allen couldn’t afford to purchase it, so he moved into his car.

“The car situation really wasn’t that bad,” Allen said. “That’s just ‘right now.’ I never really worried about ‘right now.’ To me it’s all about where you want to go and the sacrifice you gotta make to get there.”

Allen was working at a gym where he could wash his clothes, exercise, and meet people.

“I worked in a snack bar, so I borrowed food to eat,” he laughed. “I started networking. I met Christian artists, country artists, and started spending time talking to them at the gym.”

He began learning the difference between business and networking, talent and drive.

“Talent is 10 percent of what you want to get out of life,” he said. “The other 90 percent is being able to withstand the word ‘no.’”

Through this experience, he developed the philosophy of never staying at a job longer than six months.

“What happens is, if you’re at a job for six months and you’re financially comfortable, and you can take care of yourself and your family, you feel like that’s it, that you’ve made it,” Allen said. “To me, making it is the internal success, and internal success comes from what makes you completely happy. If you’re making $100 a month or $1 million a month, it doesn’t matter, as long as you’re happy.”

He never wanted to settle for being comfortable while chasing his dream. He wanted to reach his goals on his own terms.

“One consistent thing over my journey – and if you talk to anyone who is successful – it’s following your own path,” he said. “Do what makes you happy no matter what the circumstances.”

He focused on his goal and never gave up.

“Life has obstacles all the time,” Allen said. “But it’s not about the obstacles, it’s how you’re going to get through it, around it or over it.”

Allen auditioned for “America’s Got Talent” and appeared briefly on Season 10 of “American Idol,” but didn’t get his big breakthrough on either show. Finally, in 2016 – nearly 10 years after he arrived in Nashville – he was invited to a Writer’s Round. Allen explained there were three songwriters on the stage, and each one performed songs they had written either for themselves or someone else. Participating was an easy decision to make after hearing the perks.

“I found out they were going to pay me $200,” he said, “and I got a free meal.”

When the session concluded, Ash Bowers — co-founder of Wide Open Music — approached Allen.

“He said, ‘Who are you signed to?’” Allen recalled. “I said, ‘Nobody.’”

Bowers explained he was the owner of a small publishing company, but offered to introduce Allen to anyone in town he wanted to meet.

“I said, ‘Tell me more about you,’” Allen said. “What I liked about Ash is, he had a small company, but he believed in me, and that’s the biggest thing.”

After hearing about Ash’s publishing company, Allen signed with Bowers. And the rest is history.

“It took me 10 years to get a record deal, but I compare that to trying to be a doctor or nurse,” he said. “That takes forever, too.”

With all his success, Allen hasn’t forgotten where he came from.

“Delaware made me,” Allen said. “If I hadn’t grown up here how I grew up, I don’t think I’d be where I am.”

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