Ahh, our favorite pastimes of the first state. Why does it seem like the greatest parts of Delaware are the ones that are no longer here and just a memory? Well maybe not all of these things on the list will be missed…
Blue Diamond Park Ferris Wheel in New Castle
In New Castle there was an old Blue Diamond Amusement Park where Delawareans could ride a roller coaster and a Ferris wheel.
The Old Original Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
Believe it or not, the bandstand in Rehoboth that stands today is not the original. The original was torn down and fully reconstructed to what it is today.
Delmarva Chicken Festival
The Delmarva Chicken Festival was a family favorite for people of Lower Slower Delaware. The festival ended in 2014.
Naamans Road Drive In Movies
Drive in movies aren’t much of a thing anymore across the nation, but Naamans Road in Wilmington was once the place to be.
Merry Go Round Trucks in Your Neighborhood
As a young writer of this article, I actually never knew these existed. Mobile amusement rides that would just happen to pass through a neighborhood similar to the ice cream truck.
Ogletown Putt Putt and Car Wash Visits
This one will only resonate for certain readers. Going to play mini golf and then going through the car wash afterwards because it was just that much fun to watch the windows.
Galaxy Arcade at Christiana Mall
The Christiana Mall used to be home for the Galaxy Arcade that hosted Spy Hunter and various pin ball machines. Unfortunately it’s no longer there.
Delaware Toy Museum
This strange and small museum in Wilmington ended up closing in 2007.
Kahunaville
Kahunaville was a favorite for everyone who stepped through the volcanic doors. With talking tiki trees, people dressed up, summer concert series, and drinks, it’s no wonder it became the nightlife scene of Wilmington.
Delaware Archaeology Museum
The Delaware Archaeology Museum was located in Dover and closed due to finances falling through.
First USA Riverfront Arts Center
Before there was a Chase Center on the Riverfront, there was First USA Riverfront Arts Center that hosted many performing arts shows for Delawareans to attend.
Scrimmages Sports Bar
Scrimmages held on for a long 15 years, thanks to its many loyal customers. It closed in 2013 and now is home to a new bar.
Funscape
If you remember seeing the raceway when you went to the Regal Cinema Brandywine location, that was Funscape. An arcade, racecars, laser tag, they had it all. It was the largest entertainment and cinema complex under one roof.
The Stone Balloon Concerts
If these were ranked in order of most dearly missed, this could be at the top of the list. Stone Balloon was famous for live music every single night, and even hosted huge musical acts such as Metallica in their early career.
Bert's Record Shops
Bert’s was a small local chain of record shops across Delaware, and quite possibly the only one worth visiting when it was around.
Champions in the Mall
The Concord Mall was home to many retailers and everyone remembered going for new shoes at Champions.
The Newark Mini Mall and Arcade
Newark’s Mini Mall wasn’t anything big or intimidating, but it’s home to many memories for teenagers who grew up with it.
The State Theater
This is a more historic location. The State Theater was located on Main Street in Newark and was actually demolished in the 80s. The location is now apartments and restaurants.
Between Books
The store offered workshops for aspiring writers, and a safe haven for book readers who wanted to break away from the reality of everyday life and fall into some fictional stories.
Eating at Kirby and Holloway
Unfortunately Kirby and Holloway ended in a fire, but it was once your typical 1950s diner, that was authentic too. It actually opened in 1948.
Driving South Without Bumper to Bumper Traffic During Summer
Nowadays, driving to the beach during the summer is just somewhat impossible to do without traffic.
Ice Skating on Brandywine River
Along the Brandywine River, you can actually find an archived vintage picture of Delawareans ice skating on the Brandywine River.
The Wagon Wheel Restaurant that Apparently Served Muskrat
Apparently they served Muskrat. It was a big thing. We even covered the subject in a number of articles. Who knows how real it was?
Bowl at Blue Hen Lanes
Blue Hen Lanes closed in 2014. One of the most popular features of Blue Hen Lanes….disco bowling night.
Visit Blue Hen Mall in Dover
Dover’s “new” mall doesn’t have a fountain that everyone remembers. It was the one fountain that you could make your wishes and throw a coin in. Where did our wishes go?
Attended a Punkin Chunkin
The festival was quickly halted and put to an end after people got injured and dangers continued to arise. But smashing pumpkins is always fun, and you know you’re jealous if you never attended it when it went on.
Punk Shows at The Grange on Limestone Road
The Grange basically defined you as punk when it hosted shows. Rumor has it that Green Day and Paramore actually played at The Grange very early on in their careers.
Running Into Joe Biden at Charcoal Pit
Joe Biden is famous for being the President of the United States. You probably already knew that. He also rode the train from Claymont into the city. You may already know that too.
Senior Week at Dewey Beach for Graduating High Schoolers
As senior weekers became too rowdy in Dewey, it’s no longer a thing. Underage drinking became a problem as well.
Happy Harry's Locations
What is now known as Walgreens, used to be called Happy Harry’s. There was a giant man’s face in glasses (Harry) on every building.
