Here Come the Brides
Now that Delaware state law recognizes marriage between us fab folk, my email and mailbox have seen more wedding invitations than when I was in my 20s! I recently polled readers to see where they’d get married here at the beach, and offered a Rehoboth Main Street gift card for the most creative location
Mari, our winner, sent me the brilliant idea to wed on the sailing yacht, Kindred Spirit. This is a large boat docked at the Indian River Marina, where guests can nosh at the dockside restaurant, and stay at the picturesque cottages that are part of the Delaware Seashore State Park.
Another popular place is Nassau Vineyards in Lewes. My friends Matt and Fred were married there in a very touching ceremony that started in the woods. After that, we moved into a large tent for hors d’oeuvres, then into the main pavilion for dinner and dancing. Some restaurants such as Eden, are large enough to accommodate the whole kit and caboodle. Sally and Maria had a lovely service there followed by a terrific dinner afterwards. Other places mentioned were CAMP Rehoboth, the Indian River Life Saving Station, Saketumi (upstairs space is fabulous), the Atlantic Sands Hotel, the Inn at Canal Square, the Cordrey Center, Baywood Greens, and Lavender Fields Farm.
Dawn married Carol at Salero, a venue with ocean views in the Henlopen Hotel, right on the Boardwalk. She said the staff could not have been more helpful, the DJ was incredible, the food outstandingly delicious, and everything was just perfect. Debbie and Joanne got married in the Sussex County Marriage Bureau in Georgetown (they actually have a small room set up for weddings), then headed over to the historic Brick Hotel and restaurant for the reception.
One of the top picks was Ivy, our Dewey version of a South Beach night club. I have to admit, I’ve thought about tying the knot there myself. There’s a lovely beach right on the Rehoboth Bay, and if it rains, an awesome space to retreat to. The food is amazing and the staff could not be nicer. If you party into the wee hours (past the Dewey noise restrictions), they offer wireless headphones giving you what’s known as the silent disco, where you can dance in the sand and hear the DJ while residents cannot. Love that!
In other news, the owners of Fins and Claws are going to take over the former Bonwich Café (across from Safeway), calling it, Fins Seafood & Oyster House, according to the Rehoboth Foodie. If you haven’t been to the recently renovated Avenue Inn, I suggest you head over to that beautiful bar and try one of their spectacular flatbreads (I like the Fontina cheese with Arugula myself!). LaLa Land is reportedly going to be a retail clothing store; still waiting to see what happens with Cloud 9. Charcoal Grill recently closed and the sign on the door says another restaurant is coming soon. If you haven’t ventured north to Milton to the Vintage Café, make the trip! Open for breakfast and lunch, this is one of my favorite go-to spots for mouthwatering wraps and paninis. I can’t wait for owner, Ami Rae, to open her new full service restaurant, the Backyard Eatery, this fall.
They’re still prepping the site for the new 90+ room Hudson Hotel, across from Atlantic Liquors. And the Midway Par 3 site has been purchased by Ocean Atlantic who will build a 144 unit rental complex on that space.
Next time you’re at Surf Bagel, walk around the building to the north and check out the cool new Vintage Chic Furnishings and Décor store offering fun and interesting vintage furniture and accessories. See you out and about!
Deb Griffin lives at the beach with her honey, Greer, and two Jack Russell terrors. Email Deb Griffin