Let’s face it, Delaware is kind of terrible in the winter. You may think about moving someplace exotic like Florida or California, but then you remember those places have alligators, earthquakes and sales tax. Suddenly, Delaware seems kind of okay again.
First State Brew Tour - This is a nice activity for a winter Saturday afternoon. Finish the last of your honey-do-list on Friday evening and take Saturday off for some day drinking at several stellar craft breweries and distilleries. You don’t have to worry about the driving, and I guarantee you’ll meet some interesting people on the tour.
Indoor rock climbing at the Delaware Rock Gym. It’s conveniently just off Rt 40 in Bear and has Beginner classes on the weekend. You’ll get an amazing work out and may even discover something new about yourself as you scale the upper reaches of the walls.
Throw some axes and discover your inner Viking at Battle Axe. Who doesn’t like tossing these around on a dark winter evening?!
Do some selfless volunteering! The Food Bank of Delaware just moved into an amazing new facility around the corner from Autumn Arch, and they’re always looking for a hand. Alternatively, pick another organization that suits your fancy. Eg. Habitat for Humanity and Delaware Humane Association are great places to spend some time this winter, plus, both have the added benefit of improving your community! #peaceofmind
Take a long weekend at the beach. Not only do you take advantage of off-season lodging rates, but you’ll also be able to enjoy a beer at the myriad of breweries without a bunch of sand in your shorts (unless you partake in activity 6).
Speaking of sand in your shorts, while you’re at the beach, be bold and take part in the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Rehoboth Beach on February 2. I can attest to the fearsome chilliness of the water. But take heart, there is plenty of beer and pizza afterwards!
UD Basketball - Sometimes sports other than football get overlooked at UD, but you should not make this mistake. Check out a mens or womens basketball game at the Bob Carpenter Center. Both tickets and food are super affordable, and the games don’t go too long (i.e. good for kids).
Take a winter hike to visit the Delaware Arc Obelisk - There is a neat monument at the start of the Delaware arc state boundary, which can be accessed via White Clay Creek State park (free parking until March). I find winter to be a great time to hike because there are no bugs and no leaf foliage to block the views!
Sour Beer Release at Autumn Arch - Obligatory event for wild ale connoisseurs. We have four barrel-aged wild ales releasing only at this event (plus hors d'oeuvres by Chef Brian at Wood Fired Pizza Shop). January 29, 6pm. Check out the details here.
Take a break from Delaware. True….this is not an activity IN Delaware, but occasionally visiting other places provides inspiration and clarity, which we all need to get through a dark winter. Maybe someplace warm? Maybe someplace cold? But definitely some place different. Personally, I’m thinking about doing this.
And that concludes the “Top Ten” series. If you missed the previous ones, spring, summer, and fall are in the blog as well. If you think something was unfairly omitted, I welcome your candid feedback (over a beer of course). Have fun out there!