July 26th, 2013

Nanticoke Indian Museum, Delaware’s Nanticoke Indian Tribe, National Historic Landmark, Annual Powwow, September 7-8, 2013, Discover Southern Delaware

In memory of NAU-GWA-OK-WA (Lydia E. Clark), who died in 1859.  She was the last of the Nanticoke Indians in Delaware and Eastern Maryland to speak the Nanticoke language.  The memorial was erected by The National Society of Colonial Dames in Delaware in 1927.  It was tucked away on a corner road in Oak Orchard; just by itself and it did attract my attention.

A visit to the Nanticoke Indian Museum a few days later was another “serendipity”…not looking for it but finding fortunate discoveries by accident.

The Nanticoke Indian Museum is located within the Nanticoke Indian community.  It is not far, at all, from the beaches.  It is on Rt. 24 on 27073 John J. Williams Highway, near Oak Orchard and Millsboro.   Tel. 302-945-3400.  Website?  http://www.nanticokeindians.org.

For years I have driven past this museum.  I looked at it and continued on.  This time, I stopped.

Mr. Sterling Street was in the Museum on that day.  I introduced myself and asked if I could take pictures.  He gave me permission, but not before he mentioned that I could take all the photos I wanted, but not from the eagles.  I was curious and asked him to pardon my ignorance.  He said that the Eagle is sacred to the Nanticoke Indian….it flyes the highest and therefore closest to God.

Many years ago I knew Butch Coursey who was a Nanticoke.  I have not seen him in many years, but Mr. Street told me that he is still around and that Butch had attended school in the building which is now the Nanticoke Indian Museum.  He even brought photos out.  There are 2 rooms full of artifacts and information.  The library houses a large collection of Native American books, photos, and video presentations.  The public is welcome to use the library.

The Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  Sunday, from Noon until 4 p.m.  It takes no time to get there.  And, it is only $3 for adults and $1 for children.

The Nanticoke Indian Museum is the only Native American Museum in Delaware.  It is also a National Historic Landmark.  Every artifact, carving, pottery, basketry, traditional clothing, and tool has been found in the community and offer glimpses of the complex traditional ways of the Nanticoke Tribe.

The portrait of Chief Little Owl caught my attention.  If you have visited Bethany Beach, then you must have noticed the Totem Pole that welcomes all visitors to Bethany.  That carving is paying hommage to the Nanticoke Indians and, specifically, to Chief Little Owl.

The 2013 Annual Powwow is taking place from September 7th through September 8th.  A powwow is a gathering of Native people.  And, for the Nanticoke Indians is a time to teach us more about Delaware’s first inhabitants.

So, if the weather is too cool to sit on the beach, and if it is rainy and the shoppers are making you crazy…think about the museums that are scattered throughout Southern Delaware.  They are very doable…and let me tell you….kids would love the Nanticoke Indian Museum.

Have a great week-end.

July 24th, 2013

Serendipity, Restaurant, Oak Orchard, Delaware, Dining on the River, Waterfront, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,All You Can Eat Italian Feast on Fridays and Saturdays, Southern Delaware…Cleanest Restaurant Ever!!

Serendipity is the faculty of making fortunate discoveries by accident; it is the phenomenon of finding valuable or agreeable things not sought for…that’s what the definitions are.

On the 27th of July, it is going to be 4 years since I have been writing on this blog.  I remember when I started it my thoughts were, and still are, to promote the Delaware Beaches and other places that have become dear to my heart.  I wanted to be the “word of mouth” and tell you…hey…the best corn is here, the best crabcake is there.  Of course, is my opinion, so you might differ.   With that said, my friend, Jody, and I went to Oak Orchard to check out Serendipity, which has been in the area for some time.

And, do you know where Oak Orchard is?  Oak Orchard is part of Millsboro, Delaware; not far at all from the beaches.  This area has been home to the Nanticoke Indian Tribe for over 2,000 years.  It is on the river.

Serendipity is located on 32580 River Rd.  To get there from Rt. 1 or Coastal Highway take Rt. 24 West (by McDonalds) and continue to Oak Orchard Rd. where you will make a left.  Go all the way to the end of the road, turn right and the restaurant is on the left.  Some parking in front, otherwise, plenty of parking across the street.

Serendipity is probably the most colorful building in Oak Orchard.  The restaurant is in a house on the waterfront.

I am almost tempted to say “you have to see it to believe it”.  The entrance was so whimsical.

A full bar with booths is located at the front of the restaurant.

Then, an open dining room, with views to the river.

You can dine outdoors on their open air side dining room.

Serendipity is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.  You can also arrive by boat.

The menu is huge and everything is cooked to order.  There is a little bit for everyone.  Pizza dough is made fresh every day.   The desserts are all family recipes.  You can check the menu by visiting their website http://www.serendipityde.com.  Tel. 302-945-3600.

On Fridays and Saturdays, their Italian Feast, all you can eat, starts at 5 p.m.

They have galumpki, which is stuffed cabbage…Polish food!!

And, please note that you should leave your “diet” at home.  Jody and I decided that all we wanted was a house salad.  It was one of those scorcher days.

I chose to have a crabcake on mine, which by the way was all meat; no filler.

And, Jody, decided on the shrimp which she equally liked, as well.

We played tourists and had our picture taken outside.

The staff was so friendly and taking so much pride on their restaurant….Serendipity was the cleanest restaurant we had ever been!!

Discovering Southern Delaware with a friend…priceless!