Let’s give Delaware a break. Delaware gets a bad rap sometimes. The newest blight comes in the form of a Top 10 list that I’ve seen circulating Facebook.  Unfortunately, Delaware was listed as the number 4 most miserable state to live in by the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. The index considers things like emotional well-being, education, physical health, and work environment. (But come on, New Jersey was listed as one of the best places to raise a child by the same people, so how seriously should we take this survey?) Sure, Delaware has pollution (I was reminded of this when my friend Natalie and I admired the sunset while driving to dinner the other day, “It’s because of pollution, you know, that’s why the sunsets are so pretty,” she said.) and there’s lots of cubicle jobs here (which may count for the work environment thing) but I’m sad for our little state, because I look at things a little differently.

For instance, since researching how to eat locally in Delaware, I’ve made some wonderful connections with the people that live here. I’ve met John, from my favorite produce stand, I’ve made a new BFF (that’s for you, Greg), I’ve discovered an unbelievably good restaurant (LBR 614), and I’m learning how to garden with the help of my new friend Valerie (thanks, Val!). I’ve also received tips and links from blog readers, blog writers, and Facebook friends. So that’s why I’m accumulating a local list of places and resources that I’ve found or used. I will be visiting many of these places and writing about my experience, but for now, I wanted to make a list available so you could do your own research and make your own visits.

The majority of the places on the list are in Delaware, which might surprise the compilers of the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index. The people I know in Delaware aren’t miserable. No state is perfect anyway (except for maybe Vermont in the summer. Oh, and Colorado.). I hope this list helps you discover more great things about Delaware! If you have a favorite place that offers local food, leave me a comment. I’d love to hear from more of my fellow, not miserable Delawareans!

See the list on my Shop Local page.