What Would Nancy Drew Do?
So you come to Rehoboth and what do you do? You enjoy the beach, you walk on the Boardwalk, eat Thrasher’s fries, and dine at your favorite restaurants. And that’s all well and good, but what would Nancy Drew do? She’d be in a constant search for new adventures, of course! With that in mind, let’s explore even more that the beach has to offer.
Love the water? In Lewes at Fisherman’s Wharf, you can charter a boat to go fishing or dolphin-watching. Another lovely option is to take the Cape Water Taxi through the canal where you’ll see lots of wildlife and view million dollar homes in Rehoboth before you head into the bay waters in Dewey. Once you dock, you can hop off and have lunch at Que Pasa with your toes in the sand, margarita in hand. From Bethany Beach, you can go crabbing on a boat that leaves from the South Shore Marina, or you can sail Rehoboth Bay and beyond aboard the Kindred Spirit, a sailboat that sets off from the Indian River Inlet. On the Cape May-Lewes Ferry (did you know you can take your bike for free?), there’s something fun every day including Lewes Historical Society docents on board to share stories about pilots, pirates, and maritime history (thru Aug 18). On Monday evenings, there’s free live music at On the Rocks, the waterfront grill at the terminal. Beginning Aug. 5, the Kalmar Nyckel, a gorgeous replica of a tall ship from the 1600s, docks at the ferry terminal for tours, and sailing as well.
For a more intimate water experience, rent a kayak from Quest Kayak or take one of their guided tours. I can totally see Nancy doing SUP aka Stand Up Paddleboarding with DelMarVa Board Sport Adventures, especially their new NightSUP which is a night excursion on lit boards. DelMarVa Board Sports offers windsurfing lessons as well.
There are several place to learn to surf, but if you’re ready to try skimboarding, then Alley Oop in Dewey Beach is the place to go. A skimboard is like a small surfboard without fins and is used to glide across the water’s surface to meet a breaking wave and ride it back to shore. Dewey’s also a great place to rent a pontoon boat or jet skis.
If land cruisin’ is more your style check out the go-karts at Midway Speedway Park or the bumper cars at Funland. Speaking of Funland, when’s the last time you played Skeeball, Whac-A-Mole, or miniature golf? Trust me, you’re never too old to have fun.
There’s also a bazillion places to rent a bike, buggy, or scooter here at the beach. I have no problem picturing Nancy Drew on a Vespa heading off to solve a mystery!
If history is your thing, take a walking tour with folks from the Rehoboth Beach Museum, or take a drive and visit the Nanticoke Indian Museum in Millsboro, or the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum in Fenwick Island. Rent a metal detector and search for British halfpennies on Coin Beach or check out one of nine history tours offered by the Lewes Historical Society. My guess is that Ms. Drew could not resist the Haunted Lewes Tour since it includes two of the most haunted places in Delaware!
If you’re lucky enough to be here all the time, then make this your year to take a pottery class from the Rehoboth Art League, or start your memoir in a class at the Rehoboth Beach Writers’ Guild. Put yourself on stage with an acting class from Clear Space Theatre Company or learn Conversational French from the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
C’mon darlings—have fun, try something new, and let Nancy Drew inspire you!
Deb Griffin is a real estate agent living full time at the beach with her honey bunny, Greer, and two Jack Russell terrors. Email Deb Griffin