July 21, 2022

Welcome to the new Heart of Delmarva blog!

 I'll be sharing some unique features and special places that make up Delmarva. Some you might know about, but you'll learn a little bit more, and some might be brand new to you! I've lived in Salisbury a long time and had heard about the beaches on the west side for many years, but I had no idea where they were, that they are official county parks, and that they are actually small beaches. So I went for a ride to check out almost all of the west side parks. 

When I want a beach day, I usually think of Assateague and Ocean City. But that typically means traffic and crowds, so if you are looking for a break, head about 20 miles down Nanticoke Road in Salisbury to discover Cove Road Beach in Bivalve and Roaring Point Beach in Nanticoke, both hidden treasures!

Cove Road Beach, or "the Cove," as the locals say, is the closer one, but they are only a couple of miles apart. It has a small, free parking lot, a few picnic tables, and a tiny deck that leads to the beach. The beach is narrow and it hugs the shoreline bordered by trees and grass. The water is shallow but then deep enough for swimming for all ages. Plenty of people were enjoying the water, including a lot of young children. Without ocean waves to contend with, the kids playing in the water acted more like they were in a pool. They were clearly having a good time! 

Just a couple of miles away is the next county beach, Roaring Point Park. This one has a much larger beach area, meaning that it's longer but still just as narrow as the Cove. The parking lot, also free, is a little bit bigger. Once you park, follow the short path through the woods that runs right into the sand. It felt like I was walking the wrong way, since I was in the woods, but that's a special feature of this park. This is also the beach with the unique tree on the sand, with branches - are they roots? - twisting at the base. Make sure to get a photo! A lot of people were using inflatable tubes at this beach, which also is easier than at the ocean. This park also has an adjoining campground, accessed through another entrance, and it seems that it is popular as well.

I had heard that both parks have limited parking and that is indeed the case. There are signs that say not to park on the entrance roads, so please be considerate. If one lot is full, try the other park! Or maybe check out one of the other west side parks that don't have swimming but still have a lot of amenities such as playgrounds, picnic spots, and gorgeous waterfront views. Both Cove Road and Roaring Point parks are also excellent fishing and crabbing spots. Check the tourism web site for information, including maps, to all the local parks.  https://www.wicomicorecandparks.org/parks-and-facilities/water-access-and-boat-launch-sites . 

 There is so much to discover on Delmarva!