Shopping: From Tax-Free Outlets to Antique Hunting

Whether it’s a cool, tax-free shopping spree or a hot deal that’s too good to pass up, Delaware has it all:

Rehoboth Outlets: Choose from more than 140 stores in this value-packed complex along DE Route 1.

Southern Delaware Antique Hunting: You'll find more than 500 antiques dealers in more than 80 multi-dealer cooperatives, antiques shops, flea markets, country auctions and auction houses in Delaware's Sussex County, all within a half-hour drive of each other. Try Laurel, Milton, Dagsboro, Georgetown, Bethany and Lewes for everything from Fiestaware to Bavarian china.

Centreville and Greenville: Hobnob with the bluebloods of the Brandywine Valley while browsing through some of the most unique, high-end shops this side of the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Pick up an antique fishing reel for the sportsman who has everything, purchase designer seconds, carry out a gourmet Scandinavian feast, or locate that hard-to-find bottle of vintage port.

Outdoor Adventures

Oceans, scenic rivers, miles of nature trails, bicycling routes and bird-watching hot spots provide loads of unforgettable opportunities to "get away from it all" in nature:

Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes: This beautiful nature sanctuary, where the ocean meets the bay, is perfect for swimming, sea shell searching or hiking. Visitors can use "white bikes," free with park admission, to explore paved bike trails. A World War II observation tower provides a bird's-eye view of the coast, and families love the Seaside Nature Center's please-touch tanks and wide variety of educational programs.

Kayaking the Delaware shore area: One of the best ways to experience the abundant wildlife that resides at the Delaware shore area is via kayak. You can rent your own or sign up with one of the area's local outfitters for a guided tour. Touring the Rehoboth Bay is a great way to see a variety of herons, ducks and shorebirds. Kayakers in the Delaware Bay get a spectacular view of the Breakwater and Harbor of Refuge lighthouses as well as a close-up look at rare birds including nesting osprey, oystercatchers and terns.

Owl Prowl/Birds and Breakfast at Brandywine Creek State Park, near Wilmington: During the Owl Prowl, guests get an up-close view at owls that are under the care of the park's rescue program. Birds and Breakfast features a light hike through the wildlife-rich woods of the park, followed by a tasty pancake breakfast where birders can compare notes on what they spotted.