Dover
Around Dover
Photo: w_lemay · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Metro area · Delaware · 192k people
Dover
“The Capital City”, “Monster Mile”
Where the First State’s heart beats steady.
DSU RedDSU Blue
Welcome to Dover, the capital of the First State. Whether you're here for the races, the fair, or just to soak up some small-town charm, you'll find a friendly community ready to share its best tips. Jump in and say hi!
Clubs for Dover
No clubs for Dover yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Dover. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Dover. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Dover Motor Speedway NASCAR track known as the 'Monster Mile' for its high-banked concrete.
- Air Mobility Command Museum Aviation museum at Dover AFB showcasing transport and refueling aircraft.
- Delaware State Capitol Legislative Hall, the seat of Delaware's government, in the heart of Dover.
- Silver Lake Park A 100-acre city park with a lake, trails, and picnic spots.
- Johnson Victrola Museum Honors the inventor of the Victrola and the history of recorded sound.
- Biggs Museum of American Art Features American fine and decorative arts in a Federal-style building.
- Outdoors Walk or bike the St. Jones River Trail
- Outdoors Visit Silver Lake Park
- With kids Air Mobility Command Museum
- With kids Delaware State Fair
- Evenings Dover Downs Casino
- Evenings Schwartz Center for the Arts
- Locals love Race tracks
- Locals love State parks
Through the year
- Dover Days Festival May A spring celebration of Delaware's history with parades, crafts, and reenactments.
- Delaware State Fair July The state's biggest fair, with rides, livestock, concerts, and food.
- NASCAR Race Weekends Spring and Fall Twice-yearly Cup Series races at Dover Motor Speedway draw huge crowds.
- Monster Jam Winter Monster truck shows and competitions at Dover Motor Speedway.
Dover has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters. The best time to be out is in spring and fall when temperatures are moderate. Best: Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities.
Talk like a local
- “The Track”
- Dover Motor Speedway, the 'Monster Mile'.
- “The Fair”
- The Delaware State Fair, held each July.
- “The Capital”
- Dover, as the state capital.
- “Slower Lower”
- Refers to lower Delaware, used affectionately.
Getaways
- Seaford Small-town charm on the Nanticoke River, with kayaking and local seafood.
- Vineland Known for its produce and wineries, a short drive across the Delaware Bay.
- Easton Historic Eastern Shore town with arts scene and waterfront dining.
- Cambridge Chesapeake Bay town with maritime history and seafood shacks.
Local flavour
Teams
- Delaware State Hornets NCAA Division I (MEAC)
Also rooting for Philadelphia Eagles (NFL), Philadelphia Phillies (MLB), Philadelphia Flyers (NHL), Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
Eat and drink
- Scrapple A pork breakfast loaf popular across Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic.
- Chicken and dumplings Delaware is a top poultry producer, and this comfort dish is a regional staple.
- Saltwater taffy Though more associated with Delaware beaches, it's a nostalgic treat for locals.
Where people go
- Dover Motor Speedway The famous NASCAR track known as the 'Monster Mile'.
- Dover Air Force Base A major military installation and community anchor.
- Delaware State Capitol Legislative Hall, the seat of state government.
Heritage and traditions
Dover prides itself on being Delaware's capital and the heart of the First State, with a deep colonial history and a close-knit, agricultural community.
This time of year in Dover
- NASCAR race weekends Fall Motorsports at Dover International Speedway.
Say it like a local: “Delmarva” — The peninsula shared by Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.
Festivals
- Independence Day Celebration July Fireworks and festivities at Silver Lake Park.
Landmarks with a story
- John Dickinson Plantation Home of the 'Penman of the Revolution' and a National Historic Landmark.
- Barratt's Chapel Known as the 'Cradle of Methodism' in America, founded in 1780.
- The Green The original town center of Dover, surrounded by historic buildings.
- Woodburn The official residence of the Governor of Delaware, dating to 1798.
- Caesar Rodney Statue A statue commemorating Rodney's famous ride to Philadelphia.
Food traditions
- Blue crab feasts Summer tradition of steaming crabs and picking them at backyard gatherings.
- Peach pie Delaware was once known as the Peach State, and peach desserts are a local favorite.
- Pork and sauerkraut Eaten on New Year's Day for good luck, a tradition brought by German settlers.
Music and arts
- Delaware State University Marching Band Known as the 'Approaching Storm', a source of pride at football games and parades.
- Schwartz Center for the Arts A historic theater hosting performances, concerts, and films.
A little history
- Dover was founded as the county seat of Kent County. 1683
- Caesar Rodney rode from Dover to Philadelphia to cast Delaware's vote for independence. 1776
- Delaware became the first state to ratify the U.S. Constitution, earning the nickname 'First State'. 1787
- Delaware remained a border state during the Civil War, with divided loyalties. 1861-1865
- Dover Air Force Base was established, becoming a major military installation. 1941
Rivalries
- Delaware State Hornets vs. University of Delaware Blue Hens In-state college football matchup that splits fans.
- Dover High vs. Smyrna High football Local high school rivalry with big community turnout.
- Game day NASCAR tailgating
- Game day Delaware State Hornets football
- Outdoors Visit the John Dickinson Plantation
- Outdoors Walk the historic Green in Dover
- With kids Attend the Dover Days parade
- With kids Visit the Delaware Agricultural Museum
People in Dover speak with a Mid-Atlantic accent, but there's a touch of Southern drawl. They often say 'y'all' and use 'soda' for soft drinks. Place names like 'Smyrna' are pronounced 'Smer-nuh'.
Only here
- The Monster Mile - the nickname for Dover International Speedway's concrete racing surface.
- Delaware's status as the First State to ratify the Constitution.
- Tax-free shopping, which draws visitors from neighboring states.
- The annual reenactment of Caesar Rodney's ride during Dover Days.
New here? A few tips
- Summers are hot and humid; winters are mild but can have occasional snow.
- Take advantage of tax-free shopping at local stores.
- Expect heavy traffic during NASCAR weekends; plan accordingly.
- Learn to pronounce 'Smyrna' as 'Smer-nuh' to sound like a local.
- Don't miss the Delaware State Fair in July – it's a big community event.
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Part of Greater Philadelphia
Nearby
Every areaSeafordDelawareWhere the bay meets the farmDentonMarylandWhere the Choptank runs slow and the harvest runs deep.ChestertownMarylandWhere the bay meets small-town rhythmVinelandNew JerseyWhere the fields meet the bay, and the tomatoes taste like sunshine.EastonMarylandChesapeake calm, Eastern Shore soul.CambridgeMarylandSmall town, big waterSalisburyMarylandSalt air, crab pots, and slow sunsets.Ocean PinesMarylandSun, sand, and the smell of Old Bay.
Dover, DE. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.