Howdy Ags!

This network has helped me out so many times before, just thought I'd give this a try!

Got a great job that will more than likely send me to Annapolis, MD, which I'm excited about, as long as we can survive living a year in Newark, DE.

Heard and researched it as pretty much the only college town in the whole state and wondered if any of you know ANYONE who may live in the vicinity and has advice for a 30 something family man who's going to desperately miss fall Saturdays with my Aggie Family in Argyle, TX and DFW.

thanks in advance Ags, Gig'Em!

Guarantee that it is nicer the Newark, NJ. Looks like a short drive to Atlantic City as well.

Been to Newark DE many times for work. Let just say that you should hope that year goes by as quick as possible.

You know the way to grandma's house!
R.I.P. Buddy D

Yeah, it's pretty sad when a city's only redeeming qualities are that Baltimore, Philly, Chesepeake Bay and the Delaware Beaches (which I've actually heard are suprisingly nice) are all less than an hour away!

If the job wasn't a career-type, kick-ass opportunity, I would never move away from the Great State of Texas.

Here's hoping for Annapolis in a year, or a move back to Texas! Squeeze for me Ags!

Gig'em

Baltimore sucks also - philly is much better to visit. And I recommend leaving your home state for a period of time.

You know the way to grandma's house!
R.I.P. Buddy D

Look at the upside: You can post on the "Worst State in the Nation" thread.

Also, I think Delaware doesn't have a sales tax, FWIW.

Wow, more doom and gloom. Your are correct HH, they do not have a sales tax but they do have income tax; so they get you in the end!

I am trying to have a positive outlook on the situation. Not necessarily my choice, but the job and the opportunity to possibly move to Annapolis in a year keeps me sane!

Keep 'em coming Ags!

As someone who lived in the Mid-Atlantic for about 12 years, I think Delaware is probably the best area for families in that region. It is very affordable relative to the rest of the Northeast, no state sales tax, very rural in a good way, and you are a short drive from DC, Baltimore, Philly, NYC, and the beautiful beaches of Maryland, DE, and New Jersey. (I am serious, the close proximity to these beaches is wonderful). I lived in Dover, DE for a couple of years in the mid 90's and was amazed at the Texas influence there. Most Air Force personnel there had spent considerable time in San Antonio, and I ran into old Corps buddies all the time. We moved back to DFW two years ago, and I must say, that I glad to be back in Texas, I do miss the advantages of living in that area. Any questions, fire away. lol

Falls, thanks for the words of encouragement! I have been down to the Rehoboth/Lewes Beaches in Delaware and I agree it's like a well kept secret.

Luckily, my wife is adventurous and my kids are so young I doubt they'll even remember ever living there if things go as planned!

As far as questions go...we were planning trips to each of the cities mentioned and thought Baltimore would be our first; any suggestions? We don't want to just blindly drive into a big city and get nothing accomplished. Looking for activities for a family of four with the two little ones both still in strollers. We thought Camden Yard may be a nice way to spend a weekend afternoon. The only other question would be where to go on the Chesapeake? We like canoeing, kayaking, fishing...are there nice state parks to camp in and do said activities?

Thanks again falls. Gig'em!

Hey no problem. I am glad to share. As far as Baltimore is concerned, the Inner Harbor is perfect for walking with strollers and is very family friendly. Try to make time for the national aquarium while you are there, but there are plenty of free sights to see as well. The beauty of that part of Baltimore is that you can access Little Italy, Canton, the inner Harbor, Federal Hill, and Camden Yards and only park once. All the areas are safe for the most part, just always be aware of what is going around you and who is around you in Baltimore, but the crowds are typically large and there is always a strong police presence in those tourist areas. Fells Point is another interesting place to visit, but not near as family friendly (bars mainly), but it is accessible by water taxi from the inner harbor and a cool place to see. It is where a large portion of the tv series Homicide was filmed in the '90's. Baltimore has a nice zoo, but it is in a very rough neighborhood. If you decide to go there make sure you know how to get in and get out without getting lost. As far as camping goes, I am pretty sure there is a state or national seashore park between Dewey Beach and Ocean City, MD, and I know there are campsites around Ocean City. As far as the Chesapeake goes, there are great places on Route 50 between mainland MD and the eastern shore. I lived in the Atlantic City, NJ area for about 6 years and went to a state park outside Hammonton, NJ on a management retreat that had rustic cabins for rent as well as canoeing. It was really relaxing and reminded me alot of East Texas. As far kayaking, all the beach/bay areas have rentals, and fishing is big in that region, but for where you are, slower, lower Delaware is probably the best bet. Sorry for the long ramble. Hope it helped.

Great info Falls, thanks again! I've looked into tickets for the Rangers when they visit Camden Yards. I noticed they're also playing in Washington this year for interleague. Looks like I'll have the opportunity to see the Rangers in Maryland as much as I saw them in Texas!

Looking forward to checking out the Inner Harbor, sounds like a great day if the weather's nice.

If you think of any others I'm all ears!

Gig'em

Still-
Just wondering, what kind of job did you get that would take you from Texas to there?

05, spinal surgical device consulting with a big player in the industry, Synthes.

Based on the limited opportunity to get in with this particular company, I was willing to go wherever they wanted me!