If you'd like to re-enact history, the best way to make your first journey to the USA is to stay at Lewes (the first town) in Delaware (the first state to sign the Declaration of Independence). This state is one of the most anglicised, having counties such as Newcastle, Kent and Sussex and towns such as Old Newcastle, Dover and of course Lewes. Located on the eastern seaboard of the United States, Delaware is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay and inland by the states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. It is the second smallest state, after Rhode Island, being just 96 miles long and only 9 miles at its narrowest point.

Most visitors are drawn to Delaware for its history and wherever you travel in this state there are remnants of the past. The coastline was recognised as a key strategic point on the eastern seaboard during the 17th Century for the landing of settlers from Sweden, Holland and, of course, England. Soon the Union Jack flag fluttered over forts and battlefields form Wilmington to New Castle and British leaders, including the peace-loving Quaker William Penn, remained in virtually uninterrupted control of Delaware for the next Century.

Originally, Delaware was a territory inhabited by the Lenni Lenape Indians but was claimed for the Dutch by Henry Hudson. The first Dutch settlers stepped ashore at Lewes in 1631 but that colony was wiped out by an Indian massacre and the Dutch did not return to the town until nearly thirty years later. Swedes soon established the first permanent settlement, only to fall to the British rule a few decades later. Then, on December the 7th 1787, inside the Golden Fleece tavern in Dover, Delaware officially became the first state to ratify the U.S Constitution and one block away from where the tavern stood, is now a 12ft high bronze quill symbolising that the pen can be mightier than the sword.

The Lewes historical society has now collected a superb series of buildings from the various settlement periods, including the first one-room log cabin, reminiscent of the early Swedish buildings. Also in Lewes is the Cannonball House with an British cannon ball embedded into its front wall, shot there from one of the British ships that did battle in the Delaware Bay in 1813.

Later historical places of interest are the Hagley Museum and Library near Wilmington that was, in 1800, the home of the du Pont family. They originated in France, arrived in Delaware to set up a gunpowder factory which has been transformed over the years into the major international science company that now operates throughout 70 countries of the world.

Another aspect of Historical Delaware is the Amish community that lives just outside Dover. Here, and in the rest of western Kent county, automobiles share the back roads with their horse-drawn buggies. They are an orthodox Anabaptist sect that separated from the Mennonites in the late 17th Century and continue to live the "simple life" shunning modern-day conveniences, trailing plow horses through their fields instead of tractors and operating small country stores or stands in markets, where they sell their produce.

However, Delaware is not only a hive of historical delights, it also has a wide selection of outdoor activities too. Having a coastal edge to the state means that water sports are very popular in Delaware. Many of the small coastal towns have nearby beach areas for sea fishing which is a popular activity. The more adventurous can take a short boat ride out into the bay and go deep-sea fishing both by day and by night. The same boats also offer journeys to see the dolphins that frequent the bay.

Sailing and wind-surfing are also favourite coastal pastimes, but probably the most exciting ways to explore the waters of Delaware is by kayak or canoe. Naturalist-led canoe outings are regularly offered through several of the state parks. Alternatively, the kayaks and canoes can be hired from independent canoe operators on many of the rivers, for either guided or self-guided trips.

Delaware has fourteen State Parks so not only is camping a very popular activity but there are also hundreds of miles of paths that can be walked or cycled or ridden on horse-back. For cyclists, the state publishes maps that not only rank the roadways according to suitability for biking but also have routes, such as the Southern Delaware Heritage Trail, that combine the open air with cultural visits to interesting sites along the way. Another option is the Biking Inn to Inn programme that offers self-guided or custom biking tours where a gourmet meals awaits at the end of each day and your luggage is transferred between each establishment whilst you are biking.

Walkers are encouraged in all of the state parks and there is even a Delaware State challenge with a Golden Boot Award for those who complete the 40 miles over 15 state park trails within a 12 month period. For the more adventurous walker, Cape Henlopen on the Delaware coast is the start of the 6,300 mile American Discovery Trail which ends at point Reyes national Seashore Park near San Francisco.

With so many designated park areas, the state is also a haven for nature lovers. Dolphin spotting has already been mentioned, but with its tranquil ponds, protected wildlife areas and more than 90 miles of coastline, Delaware is a popular stop-off on a major migration highway, making this an exceptional bird-watching area. But, as well as birds, there is a wide range of sea-life, especially the large hermit crabs on Cape Henlopen beach and also the water snakes that can be seen when canoeing.

All in all, Delaware is an ideal state for adventure and cultural experiences. Although the climate is moderate all year round, the best time to visit is between May and October when most of the museums and centres are open but many of the wildlife parks are open all year. Delaware does not have its own International airport but most destinations within the state can be reached from Philadelphia, Baltimore or Washington DC.

For further information, contact the
Delaware State Tourism Office
99 Kings Highway,
Dover, DE 19901-7305.
Tel: 001-302-739-4271.
www.visitdelaware.com