May 24th, 2012
 House on the Shore, 1981 by Edward Grant, Oil on Canvass I am sure some of you, especially, my friends would like to ask me why am I writing a post on Dover when I should be concentrating at the Delaware Beaches. After all, opening the 2012 Summer Season, should be the most important post; where to go, what to do, where to eat, etc. etc. I’ll get there, don’t worry. In the meantime, let me tell you about Dover. Yes, our state’s Capital.
I thought I have found the neatest museum. Come to think of it, the museum is 20 years old. It is called the Biggs Museum of American Art. In order to get there, you might want to know a few facts about Dover, Delaware.
I know, that DuPont Highway is not very pretty; one fast food place after another. It is incredible how many. Years ago a by-pass was built so in reality unless you have business to do in Dover, you probably will not even stop. Hopefully, this might entice you to give it a second look.
Dover was founded in 1683. If you go a few streets back you will find The Green, right in the Capital Complex & Historic District. It is a central square and was the location of many rallies, troop reviews and patriotic events. It is the heart of the Historic District and the location of the Delaware Supreme Court and the Kent County Courthouse.
 The Green 
Dover is the home of the Dover Air Force Base. It is also the U.S. military’s only mortuary in the continental U.S., which accepts and processes the remains of soldiers killed in battle.
A company named ILC Dover, just a few miles south, in the area known as Frederica, has been the producer of fabrics for military and aerospace uses.
NASCAR Races are held at Dover International Speedway, home of the Monster Mile.
At Dover Downs Hotel & Casino, you will find gambling and harness racing, both simulcast and live.
Dover is the only State Capital in the United States with a volunteer Fire Department.
The list goes on an on with various museums, universities, parks, and rivers in the area.
I had to get something notarized and it had to be in Dover. Long story; boring. As I was coming out of the building I look and saw the museum. It is called the Biggs Museum of American Art. It is located at 406 Federal Street, Dover, DE 19901. Tel. 302-674-2111. Website? www.biggsmuseum.org. You can find it on Facebook, as well.
The Biggs Museum of American Art opened in 1993. It was founded to display the art collection of its founder, Sewell C. Biggs. It is one of many sites within the First State Heritage Park, which is in downtown Dover, in the historic district. The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. There is a Welcome Center at 121 Duke of York Street, where you can get more information.
From the Delaware Beach Resorts all you have to do is take Route 1 North towards Dover. Make a slight left at Clapman Rd. Continue on to South State St. into Dover. Make a right at North Street. Museum is located on the right at the first stop sign. It will probably take you about 45 minutes.
Admission to the museum is free for all ages. There might be fees for special events, programs and workshops, though.
It is an easy museum to navigate. Relaxing too. You can explore the permanent collections. American paintings collections, art forms as sculptures and images by Brandywine School illustrator, Frank E. Schoonover. The furniture by early American cabinetmakers is gorgeous. The Museum’s Delaware Silver Study Center holds one of the finest collections of regional silver in the country.
 
Until June 24th a very important exhibit is presently at the Museum. It is called Jewels of the Generations. It is the Legacy of the Loockerman and Bradford Family of Dover. Vincent Loockerman died in 1785. From what I read, it is said that he was probably Dover’s single largest land owner and collector of Delaware and Philadelphia made furniture of the 18th century. His family has added over the years to that collection. The Museum’s founder, Sewell C. Biggs, was a collector and admirer of the objects accumulated by Vincent Loockerman. The exhibit, on loan, also has early American clothing, Victorian jewelry, American and European silver, American portraits, and Delaware and Philadelphia furniture.
This is a very active Museum. The Children’s Sewell’s Studio is a public interactive art studio. It is used for lectures, workshops, birthday parties and meetings.
The 2 rifles caught my attention. They were Kentucky rifles; examples of where we get the term “lock, stock and barrel”. All the pieces were made separately before being assembled into a rifle. They were made in Berks County, PA. ca 1830 and 1800.
These caught my attention, as well. The miniature Chest of Drawers, probably made in Delaware, painted wood. Late 19th or early 20th century. The Blanket Chest also from Delaware is painted yellow pine. Ca 1790-1810. And, the botton is also a Blanket Chest, CA 1800-1825, painted poplar and made in Sussex County.
This picture shows a staircase, ca 1850 made in cast iron, probably in Philadelphia. It is original to the Museum. This part of the Museum was used as a Delaware State Office building in the 19th century.
In this particular Gallery every painting was made by Frank E. Schoonover, many of them as illustrations for books like Robin Hood and King Arthur and His Knights. It is painted in red because that’s the color that he included in all of his paintings.
Delaware by Hand (DBH) is the brand of the artist and artisan members of the Biggs Museum of American Art. This coming Saturday, 5/26 at the Zwaanendael Park in Lewes, Delaware, it is the Member’s Day Show featuring unique and original artworks for sale, from 50 vendors. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free admission.
Their website is www.delawarebyhand.org.
There is also a Retail Gallery at the Biggs Museum which opens Tuesdays through Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Saturdays from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. It features a rotating selection of arts and fine crafts by DBH artist member of the Biggs.
Please check the website, www.biggsmuseum.org, for events, tickets, and information, like First Friday, which will be on June 1st where there will be a Delaware by Hand Trunk Show from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Biggs.
On Saturday, 6/9 Winescapes: Unplugged and Uncorked with Paul Cullen from 5 to 7 p.m. An evening of contemporary jazz. $35.
This is one of those jewels that are found just in your backyard….too crowded at the beach? Then head north. Just 45 minutes away.
They have a beautiful collection of Tall Clocks, as well.
Note: Information for this post was taken from Wikipedia, and Biggs Museum of American Art.
Have a good one!!
February 25th, 2012
Two schools in Delaware together are having their Fundraising Events to benefit their Basketball Teams. Wesley College and St. Thomas More Preparatory School. The Wolverine, and The Raven. Both of these schools are located in Dover, Delaware.
Wesley College is located at 120 North State St. It is Delaware’s oldest private college, founded in 1873. The women’s basketball team is The Wolverines. School website? http://www.wesley.edu.
St. Thomas More Preparatory School is located at 139 Thomas Drive, Magnolia, Delaware. It is an independent Catholic High School. School website? http://www.saintmore.org.
Join players, families and friends for the Basketball Raffle/Drawing Party Sunday, that’s tomorrow, February 26th, from Noon until 4:00 p.m. Venue? Abbott’s Grill located at 249 NE Front St., Milford, DE 19963. Tel. 302-491-6736. Website? www.abbottsgrillde.com.
$20 per person, includes buffet, Casapulla Subs and 2 drink tickets. There will be raffle, prizes and a silent auction.
The drawing for the 60″ Sharp HD/3-D TV will be at 4:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please call 302-736-2555.
Have a great time!!
May 13th, 2011
I’ll be honest with you. I don’t know how to change a tire or my own oil. So, what was I doing at Dover Downs? There was a reason to my madness. I happened to be in Dover yesterday, and what opportunity to check out this city who is practically a parking lot on this race week-end. Race car fans arrived by the tents, RVs, trailers, you name it. Hotels are full.
Dover Downs Hotel & Casino is adjacent to the Speedway. More info? Visit www.doverdowns.com/hotel.
For more info. on what’s going on this week-end and future races, please visit www.doverspeedway.com.
In case you don’t know, Dover is the capital of our small State of Delaware. Also, the home of one of the most important United States Air Force bases. Only about 45 minutes north of the Delaware Beaches.
The reason to my madness is that this is the 5th year in which Dover International Speedway and Fedex have joined forces with Autism Speaks to create awareness for this special cause through the Monster Mile’s Spring NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, titled “Fedex 400 Benefitting Autism Speaks”.
Through this week-end’s race, 29 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars, 16 NASCAR Nationwide Series cars, and 20 NASCAR Camping World Truck series trucks will sport the Blue Autism Speaks blue puzzle piece logo as a sign of support for the Nation’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. If you visit http://www.nascar.com/kyn/ you will find a list of all of those participating.
Autism Speaks is North America’s largest autism science and advocacy organization; dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure. For more information, please visit www.autismspeaks.org.
Dover Downs trademark is “The Monster Mile”. It is known to be tough on drivers and their equipment. It is the first concrete paved super speedway making the races cleaner, faster, and more competitive.
Dover Motor Sports, Inc. owns and operates Dover International Speedway and Nashville Superspeedway near Nashville, Tenn. These 2 facilities are known for its concrete surfaces, severely banked corners and signature trophies. They are also favorites amongst fans and drivers. To know more, please visit www.dovermotorsports.com.
The history of NASCAR is very interesting and this is the first time I have read about it. It is the sport with the most fans. From its inception, there were many skeptics. To learn NASCAR 101, please visit www.nascar.com/news/features/history.
As I was checking the area I came upon this camper. They were soooo ready. Look at the picture. Chairs lined up, checkered tablecloth, rug, and don’t miss the decorations.
Then I came upon a car. It is a show car; not racing but with real racing tires and body. He asked me if I wanted my picture taken. He said I could sit on the tire. I don’t think so; I’ll stand. I figured, why not because my friends would not believe I was checking out NASCAR.
From there I really came upon the real race car. It is raced by Elliott Sadler. He races No. 2 One Main Financial Chevrolet Impala. He is one of only 22 drivers to have won in each of NASCAR’s top 3 series. He is definitely racing this week-end.
I could not believe the inside. It looked like you needed to be very thin to get into that car.
The motor sits low in the front in case of a crash.
And, another picture? Why not?
On such a week-end safety is of utmost importance. Dover is ready.
Have a great week-end and I hope the weather holds….talk to you later…
February 22nd, 2011
I think this event should be put on the “to do” list for this coming Sunday. I am giving you the information now so that you can make plans.
This fundraising event will be helping two schools very close to the Delaware Beaches. The event will be at Abbott’s Grill, at 249 NE Front St., Milford, DE 19963. The website for the restaurant is http://www.abbottsgrillde.com. This restaurant is a very popular one near the beaches, also owned by another very popular restaurant in Rehoboth Beach called Nage.
The schools:
St. Thomas More Preparatory School is located at 139 Thomas Drive, Magnolia, Delaware. The school is a private independent Catholic High School. The website is http://www.saintmore.org. The funds raised on Sunday will help the school’s women’s basketball team, The Ravens.
Wesley College is located at 120 North State St., Dover, Delaware. It is Delaware’s oldest private college founded in 1873. The website is http://www.wesley.edu. The funds raised on Sunday will also be helping the Wesley’s women’s basketball team, The Wolverines.
So, mark your calendar. The event will start Sunday at 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. $20 will include buffet and two drink tickets. Subs and snacks will also be available.
But that is not all; the Raffle Drawing is a 58″ Samsung 1080 3D T.V.
There will be games, prizes, and a silent auction.
Silent Auction Items are:
Phillies Baseball Tickets, Orioles Baseball Tickets, University of Delaware Football Tickets, University of Delaware Women’s Basketball Tickets, Flyers Hockey Tickets, Washington Wizard’s Skybox Tickets, 4 some packages for Kings Creek Golf, Wild Quail Golf, Peninsula Golf, Rookery Golf, and Jonathan’s Landing Golf, multiple restaurant gift certificates, Midway Movie Theater passes, Two night stay at Hampton Inn in Rehoboth Beach, 60 minute massage, Lady Ravens Player Artwork and Bad Hair Day haircuts.
There will be fun games so be prepared to have a good time. The idea is to raise funds for these two teams and I hope you will be part of this good cause. Thanks!!
Have a good one!!…talk to you later….
January 31st, 2011
If you are on Facebook, you know that there is a “wall” where you state your status. Well, I can tell you loud and clear that my status is “I love Scrapple”. No, they did not have it in Puerto Rico when I was growing up. They still don’t have it but that would be the perfect place to introduce it. It might go well with their “morcillas” which are blood sausages.
I ate scrapple for the first time here, in the States, and fell in love with it immediately. Today someone told me that she needed to acquire a taste; not me. Another one, Colleen, told me that she did not like to eat something with that much fat. Well, it has less fat than bacon.
I like it in different ways. One being as a side dish; crispy and thin. The other one is a scrapple sandwich. I like thin, white bread and I again, will have the scrapple very thin, crispy and a dollop of ketchup. Hey, that’s my taste.
 Scrapple just starting to cook
 Scrapple, thin and crispy I few of my good friends get together from time to time for breakfast at Crystal in Rehoboth Beach. They don’t mind me mentioning their names, Roberta, Debbie, Missy and at times Alice will join the group. I always say I am not having scrapple. I need to be on a diet; but the moment Missy asks for a side order of scrapple I can’t help it. I immediately order it myself, as well. No willpower, really.
When I heard that Dirty Jobs was doing the show on scrapple I could not believe that my favorite Rapa Scrapple was not the one. Then I read than the nephew submitted Hughes Delaware Maid Scrapple, located in Felton. That is where the show will take place tomorrow on the Discovery Channel at 9 p.m.
A good friend, Tyler, sent me the promo link http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20110128/entertainment/101280304.
Giant is the market where I buy pretty much my groceries and they sell Rapa Scrapple, Milton, and Kirby & Holloway.
Rapa is my favorite but that is my personal opinion. Rapa Scrapple has been in business since 1926; Ralph & Paul were the two brothers that started this pork product. The location is Bridgeville, Delaware and it is the largest producer of scrapple in the world. Please visit www.rapascrapple.com. The website is full of information including a recipe for Scrapple Breakfast Burrito.
Every year the town of Bridgeville hosts the Apple Scrapple Festival. Every year I say I am going but never go. It celebrates the town’s heritage of apple orchards and scrapple manufacturing. It is usually held in October. Maybe this year Missy and I will make it.
The Delaware News Journal mentioned some of the restaurants in Delaware that take scrapple seriously. But, one of those mentioned, Helen’s Famous Sausage House in Smyrna, takes it to a different level; a Scrapple Sub for $7.20 that has 4 slabs of scrapple, accompanied with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, hot peppers, sweet pepper, mayo or oil.
I am writing Rapa Scrapple. Because of one ingredient, wheat flour; anyone with a gluten allergy cannot eat this delicacy. I hope they can make one substituting the wheat flour for rice flour or any flour that is gluten free for that matter.
Cannot wait for the show tomorrow. Should be interesting.
Talk to you later….you know I will…..
January 30th, 2011
I did not know what heading to give this post but I think the one I finally gave it was perfect.
I was driving north on Rt. 1 today and the combination of a cold winter’s day, the snow geese and all the vast farmland reminded me how lucky I am that I can call Delaware home.
I grew up in the island of Puerto Rico but I have now lived in Delaware longer than I lived in the “Isla del Encanto”.
Delaware is a Small Wonder. It is also one of those states that have everything. It is small, that, it is, but I like it that way. Delaware has so much to offer, the arts, museums, hotels, Dover Downs (NASCAR), entertainment, medical facilities, air force, beaches, bays, the Lewes Ferry, historic towns, fishing, surfing, crabbing, quaint coastal towns, farmland, poultry, low property taxes, no sales tax and even gambling.
I love the idea that I have so much space. Delaware is pretty much flat; more so where I live, in Sussex County. You can see for miles. Todays was such a day. While I was driving I came upon a gigantic flock of snow geese. For a moment you would have thought it was snow.
The snow geese breed in Greenland, Canada, Alaska and the northeastern tip of Siberia; winter in warm parts of North America.
They mate for life, feed in flocks, nest in colonies, migrate in large flocks, and females will return to the place they hatched to breed. The young feed themselves but will stay with their family until they are 2 to 3 years old.
I pulled to the side of the road and got out and then they were all over. Here are the pictures of these geese.
A few hours later, at dusk, I saw one of the big airplanes of Dover Air Force base coming back to the base. The scenery at that time of the evening was just so pretty; a day’s end.
Peaceful…have a good one…talk to you later….
January 14th, 2011
Back in September I was in Baltimore, Maryland. Baltimore is known for its many ethnic restaurants and on that evening I went with friends to an Indian restaurant. Once I write a post on my website I send the information to my Facebook pages; the personal and the one for AboutMyBeaches. The post regarding my visit to the Indian restaurant in Baltimore got the conversation going on Facebook. And, Ed suggested that there was an Indian restaurant in Dover, Delaware, that I should try because he thought it was very good. Last night I tried it and I do want to thank Ed because it was everything he said it was and more.
For the readers that do not know where Dover is I want you to know that Dover is the Capital of the State of Delaware and about half hour from Rehoboth Beach. It is 90 miles south of Philadelphia and 90 miles east from Washington, D.C.
Dover was founded in 1683 by William Penn. It is also a military town and the home of the Dover Air Force Base, which is one of the largest military freight terminals in the world.
There are really no Indian restaurants around the Delaware Beaches. So, when I get the opportunity to have Indian food I go for it.
Flavor of India is located at 348 North DuPont Hwy., Dover, DE 19901. Tel. is 302-677-0121. Website is www.flavorofindiade.com.
Flavor of India specializes in the cuisine of North India. This region has extreme climates and an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables. Because of its geographical position, it has strong Central Asian influences in culture and food.
Their curries are thick, moderately spicy; the gravies are creamy. Because of all the fruits and vegetables, they do have many vegetarian dishes.
North Indians prefer breads over rice. The region is the home of the tandoori roti and naans, which are breads made in a clay tandoor oven. The stuffed parathas are flaky breads with different kinds of vegetarian and non vegetarian fillings. And, the kulchas are breads made from fermented dough.
When preparing rice, it is made into elaborate biryanis and pulaos, which are pilafs.
The aroma of Indian food is amazing. Spices like coriander, cumin, dry red chillies, turmeric, chilli powder, cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, garam masala, aniseed/fennel are favorites among many others.
Tony was our host. He was so friendly. I introduced myself and told him I would be taking some pictures of my food. He laughed. Tony also told me that Flavor of India has a lot of customers from Rehoboth Beach and from Salisbury, Maryland.
The restaurant in decorated in a traditional decor. Tablecloths on the table and linen napkins, as well. The lighting was perfect; not too bright or not too dim.
Immediately Tony brought us some pappadom. This is a wafer thin bread that is usually flavored with spices like cumin and pepper. You can dip it in a sauce, like chutney, or eat it plain like I did.
My husband could not eat the pappadom. Tony and the chef were very aware of the gluten allergy.
I was not sure what to get for an appetizer so Tony suggested we order the Chef’s Assorted Platter, which had a selection of cubes of chicken tikka, tandoori shrimp and seekh kaab. We told him we like “spicy” and the dish came steaming hot from the oven.
The appetizer was large enough for sharing and the combinations of the meats, onions and tomato sauce got our appetite going.
An Indian Sula Shiraz was ordered. Sula Vineyards are northeast of Mumbai. Want to know more why an enterprising, Stanford-trained engineer named Rajeev Samant quit his high-tech Silicon Valley job in 1993 to do some investigating?…then you should visit www.sulawines.com.
The Shiraz got very good reviews from my husband.
Every dish at Flavor of India is made to order, but it did not take long.
After talking to Tony about what to have as our entree the following was decided.
My husband decided on the Goat Masala. It had fresh goat meat that had been marinated with spices and then cooked in a rich tomato, onion and cream sauce. Tony had told us that the goat pieces had bone but the meat was so tender that it just fell off the bone. We both loved it. Perfectly seasoned and different from my entree.
Then for my entree I chose the Lamb Zafrani. The lamb was simmered in a rich saffron flavored creamy sauce. I really thought it was great; very well spiced with the perfect heat; and I don’t mean temperature.
The dishes came with a Basmati rice. It was so fragrant. I know that there are so many types of rice but I never get Basmati this good at the grocery store.
I assembled the rice in the middle of the plate and a bit of the 2 entrees on either side so that I could taste the distinct flavor of the 2 dishes.
There was no way I was having dessert but Tony twisted our arms and brought us rice pudding, which was served cold and not overly sweet. Perfect after having spicy dishes.
He also brought us a carrot pudding. I had never had this before. It had grated carrots, cheese and sugar. It was warm, delicious and granular. The color was very appealing.
I think that by now you know that I enjoyed immensely my dinner last night. I really did. I cannot wait to go back.
Flavor of India is open 7 days a week, 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. They do have a lunch buffet Monday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Also, on Tuesdays and Sundays from 5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. they do offer a dinner buffet. Last night, it was just dinner.
They offer banquet facilities, outdoor catering, party menus, vegetarian party menus and party trays.
You should note that Delaware Today has awarded them 4 years in a row Best Indian Restaurant in Delaware.
Have a great day….and again, thanks Ed…..
Note: Some info. for this post was taken from www.cityofdover.com and from www.indianfood.about.com.
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