I wonder what kind of responses you'd get if you asked a non-Delawarean what kind of scenery pops into mind when they think of Delaware. Corn fields? Chemical companies? Chicken houses? Beaches?

Regardless of what other people might think - those who don't know and love Delaware - when I dream of Delaware, these are the mind-blowing sceneries that I picture. Here are 10 stunning photographs that put those thoughts into a visual for me.

1. Our Atlantic coastline

For locals and visitors, Delaware's beaches are iconic for our tiny state. While the ocean coast is less than 30 miles long, those 30 miles are some of the most scenic in the state, from the quiet stretch of sand that is Delaware Seashore State Park to the bright lights of the boardwalks in many resort towns.

2. The Chesapeake & Delaware Canal

The C&D Canal slices through New Castle County, splitting the state in two geographically and sometimes culturally. The protected lands on the northern and southern banks, the docks that run alongside, and the ships that traverse the canal all give life to the waterway.

3. Cypress swamps and Trap Pond

Trap Pond State Park is the best place to go for scenic views of some of the most amazing forested wetlands in the state. There's something about the cypress trees that sprout out of the water in this tranquil spot.

4. Fields of green and grain

There is no denying the agricultural heritage and continued importance in the state, and it is evident in the fields that are spread throughout the state. Even as development spreads into some of the fields that were once farmed, over half a million acres of land is still devoted to agriculture.

5. The WWII towers along the coast

These iconic structures stand guard over many of Delaware's beaches, still after their use as WWII observation and artillery towers have faded. Eleven towers still stand proud along the coast like this one near Rehoboth Beach.

6. Delaware's bay shores

From New Castle to Lewes, the state's shoreline along the Delaware Bay teems with life and some of the most majestic scenery. What I find the most mind-blowing are the bay beaches at night in the late spring when they welcome spawning horseshoe crabs at tremendous densities. Be sure to visit at night on a full moon for a sensational sight.

7. The Brandywine

Brandywine Creek is a tributary of the Christina River with headwaters in southeastern Pennsylvania. It meanders down into Delaware through the Brandywine Valley before joining the river south of Wilmington. Some of the most beautiful vistas along the creek are near Hagley Museum where the blend of historic structures and natural areas make for a photographic paradise.

8. Bombay Hook and Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuges

Some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the state is packed in to our two National Wildlife Refuges. With a combined acreage of over 25,000, the bulk of both comprise a variety of wetland systems chock full of waterfowl and wildlife.

9. Delaware Memorial Bridge over the Delaware River

These iconic twin spans connect Delaware to New Jersey and are traveled by thousands every day. Ships traveling to and from the Ports of Wilmington and Philadelphia pass under shipping goods to and from the first state.

10. Gardens and grounds of Delaware's DuPont estates

Thanks to the history and wealth that came to Delaware via the DuPont family, there are so many estates that define the northern most portion of the state. From Nemours Mansion and Gardens to Winterthur Museum, Library and Gardens, there are acres and acres of manicured, lush landscapes and rolling meadows and hills to explore.

What do you imagine when you close your eyes and picture Delaware?