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Delaware is the second smallest state in the United States, at just 96 miles long and 39 miles wide. Because of its small size, many have overlooked the First State, thinking that it is boring. Nothing could be further from the truth, however. Although the state itself is quite small, Delaware has many little, off-the-beaten-path towns, each of which holds its own charm. Whether it is Lewes, the oldest town in the state, or Milford, the birthplace of seven of the state's governors, visiting Delaware's smaller communities can provide a captivating, intriguing look into a slower pace of life. Keep reading to discover eight of the most out-of-the-way places in Delaware, each home to less than 20,000 residents.

Lewes

Home to the northernmost beach in the state, Lewes, in Sussex County, has just over 3,000 residents. Founded by the Dutch in 1631 as Zwaanendael (and renamed by William Penn in 1685), its quiet natural beauty attracts many who are looking to experience beach life but eschew the hustle and bustle of more crowded beaches. Lewes offers recreational, educational, cultural, and historical activities to visitors and townsfolk.

Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes consists of 5,000 acres and six coastline miles of history and pristine charm. Visitors can experience Fort Miles, a walkable artillery park located within Cape Henlopen that tells the story of 海角社区 War II coastal defense. Beach Plum Nature Preserve, also in the park, is the only publicly-owned wild beach in the state that includes both dune and marsh habitats and is home to horseshoe crabs and shorebirds.

The Zwaanendael Museum offers more of the Dutch history of the establishment of Lewes. It exhibits collections featuring the military, maritime, and social history of the area. Many visitors visit the museum just to see the unique exhibit of the Fiji merman.

Milton

Just seven miles from Delaware Bay, the town of Milton, with a population of just over 3,000, began in the 18th century as a lumber, shipbuilding, and holly center on the East Coast. Today, visitors to this small town in Sussex County enjoy its historical district and quiet allure.

The Milton Historical District, a National Historic District, features almost 200 buildings in the downtown area. The Milton Historical Society Museum, housed in a former Methodist church from 1857, is a great place to start your exploration of the history of the village. Milton was called "The Land of Holly" in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and its Holly Festival still takes place each December, honoring this part of the town's unique history.

Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in Milton protects over 10,000 acres, including fresh and saltwater wetlands. Enjoy its 7.5 miles of hiking trails or spend the day watching the over 240 species of birds living there. Just south of Milton is the Redden State Forest, Delaware's largest state forest, with more than 44 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and bird watching.

Odessa

The tiny town of Odessa, along the Appoquinimink River in New Castle County, has just under 400 residents. In the 1800s, it was a busy English port known as Cantwell's Bridge. When the railroad arrived in Middletown, a larger city neighboring Odessa, Odessa lost some of its bustle. However, the town still has merit for visitors who want to experience a true colonial town.

Odessa is home to two places that were part of the Underground Railroad in the 1800s, designated National Parks Service Network to Freedom Sites. The entire town's historic district is part of the National Register of Historic Places and includes the 1700 Collins-Sharp House, the oldest structure in Odessa, and Cantwell's Tavern, circa 1822, which is still a functioning tavern today.

Each December, the Historic Odessa Foundation opens the Historic Houses of Odessa to the public for tours. These popular tours feature five historic houses and 20 acres of surrounding outbuildings and gardens.

Bridgeville

One of the oldest surviving towns in western Sussex County, Bridgeville began in 1730 as an English settlement called "Bridge Branch." It was renamed Bridgeville in the 1800s and is today known for its quiet, tree-lined streets, historic sites, and unique festival.

With a population of just over 2,500, Bridgeville prides itself on its mixture of historic and contemporary attractions. Its motto is, "If you lived here, you'd be home now." The Bridgeville Historical Society Museum is a great place to start a tour of Bridgeville's historic district, part of the National Register of Historic Places. Of particular interest are the Sudler House from the 1730s and the old library building from 1866.

The Apple Scrapple Festival is held each October in Bridgeville. It highlights the area's apple orchards and scrapple production. Food, crafts, music, and other entertainment are featured at the festival, which has drawn crowds of up to 35,000 in past years.

Selbyville

Originally called Sandy Branch, Selbyville was incorporated in 1902 and named after Sampson Selby, owner of a local country store. Located in Sussex County, Selbyville was a major supplier of strawberries to parts of the US until the 1930s. While it is no longer the strawberry center of the East Coast, Selbyville, home to just under 3,000 residents today, has many qualities that attract visitors to the tiny town.

Selbyville's Railroad Museum is one of the town's main historical highlights. The Breakwater & Frankford Railroad arrived in Selbyville in 1872. Today, the museum hosts artifacts relating to its inception and history. Magee Farms, a working farm in Selbyville, attracts visitors each year as it offers tours. A produce market, petting zoo, and children's events and activities also occur at the farm.

The Freeman Arts Pavilion is another Selbyville landmark that hosts arts and culture events. A program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, the pavilion is supported by the Delaware Division of the Arts. Artists who have performed there include Patti LaBelle, Grand Funk Railroad, and BAM Percussion.

Wyoming

Situated just five miles from Delaware's state capital of Dover, the town of Wyoming in Kent County houses under 2,000 people. Don't let its tiny size fool you, however. Wyoming is chock full of history, nature, and amenities that have earned it the subtitle of the "Best Little Town in Delaware."

Named for a shire of Wales and founded near the Pennsylvania railroad in 1856, Wyoming's first name was Camden Station. It was changed to Wyoming in 1865 to honor a celebrated reverend who had moved from Wyoming, Pennsylvania, to the tiny town. Wyoming's Historic District, also on the National Register of Historic Places, features over 300 residential and commercial buildings showcasing the town's history. Historical highlights include the Wyoming United Methodist Church.

Farms and farmers' markets abound in the Wyoming area. Begin by visiting Fifer's Farm Store, a family-owned store selling fruits and vegetables, with an optional you-pick experience. The Camden Wyoming Market, which has been in business for 40 years, sells local produce and meats to visitors. The Wyoming Station Farmers Market is held from spring through early fall on the second and fourth Saturdays on Railroad Avenue.

Hockessin

The town of Hockessin in New Castle County holds a special place in history, as it was another major stop on the Underground Railroad in the 1800s. Founded as a village in 1688, the name "Hockessin" may come from the Lenape tribe's word "hokes," meaning "good bark" or "good bark hill." The New Castle County town of just over 13,000 is full of historic architecture and natural beauty.

The Hockessin Historical Society offers tours by appointment only of Tweed's Tavern, built in 1790, and the Lamborn Library, circa 1893. Less than five minutes from downtown Hockessin, you can experience the Marshall Steam Museum at Auburn Heights. It features the largest collection of Stanley steam cars, as well as cars from the early 1900s and the Auburn Valley Railroad. The museum entertains vehicle enthusiasts and others who want to learn more about this time in history.

Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin includes 130 acres of meadows, woodlands, marsh, the Red Clay Creek, and four miles of nature trails. Home to the Delaware Nature Society, the center also provides educational programs and chances to see wildlife year-round. Hawks, hummingbirds, butterflies, and more can be experienced at the center.

Clayton

Clayton is a unique town in that it is contained within two counties, Kent and New Castle. This places its almost 4,000 residents between two of the state's larger cities, Wilmington and Dover, and the amenities found in each. Clayton is special, however, primarily for the abundance of outdoor appeal.

Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge spans eight miles along Delaware Bay and is home to migratory birds, horseshoe crabs, frogs, deer, and more. Walking its trails, gazing at the flora and fauna, and attending educational seminars is a great way for the entire family to spend a fun day.

The Blackbird State Forest and Blackiston Wildlife Area are both just to Clayton's north and offer more opportunities for outdoor sightseeing and recreation. Blackiston Wildlife Area is 2,200 acres in area and is full of trails, animals, and hunters in various seasons. Blackbird State Forest offers more hiking and biking opportunities, as well as horseback riding, jogging, and leisurely walks.

The next time you are looking for an alternative to visiting the larger Delaware cities of Wilmington or Dover, consider traveling to one of these off-the-beaten-path small towns instead. You will reap the benefits of visiting these smaller villages, which include welcoming groups of people, beautiful natural sights, and riveting local history. These towns will enthrall visitors of all ages and backgrounds, showcasing the true diversity of the First State beyond its big, bustling cities.