Shop. Beach. Eat. Repeat.
As I write this, the forecast is 70 degrees and sunny. It’s a Saturday so I know that lots of people will be shopping, walking on the Boardwalk, eating French fries and enjoying all the wonderful things that our beach towns have to offer. One of the most magical parts of living here is that the area feels so alive. There is always some place novel to discover and something new to do!
Let’s start with shopping. So far this year we’ve added the whimsical Miss Pixie’s by the Sea, offering everything vintage to antique to shabby chic—just the opposite of what’s available across the street at the r Squared Design, with its sleek, trendy, and hip décor. And the new Olive Orchard featuring olive oils, vinegars, specialty foods and gift baskets should open any day now.
Let’s talk beaches. There’s lots of places to put your umbrella that you probably haven’t tried, so don’t be afraid to venture out to a new location. Each beach has its own personality and honey, they don’t offer drag volleyball just anywhere! For Gordon’s Pond fans, I invite you to wander off the sand and check out the trail that will eventually link to Herring Point in Cape Henlopen State Park. It’s an absolutely gorgeous place to explore.
For those of you with an adventurous palate, the beach is a never ending parade of culinary delights! Not sure where to begin? Join the Eating Rehoboth walking food tours to sample the offerings of five different restaurants all in one afternoon! We have a number of eateries opening very soon: Shrimpy’s, a new breakfast, lunch and dinner spot replacing Bricker’s Fries, Papa Grande’s moving into the Cabo space, Flying A BBQ & Crabs next to Catchers, and Lula Brazil revamping the former Cloud 9 location. Already open are several newbies I bet you haven’t tried, including Otto’s Sandwich shop and Ambrosia (which replaced Tuscan Grill). If dessert is your thing I invite you to take a little drive north to the Kitchen at Paynter’s Mill and experience Chef Ray’s crème brulee. Amazing. Or toodle south to 14 Global in Bethany and pray that the blueberry cheesecake is on the menu because it is, truly, perfection on a plate.
Out on Route 1, Michy’s Relaxed Dining is just about to open in the former Charcoal Grill space; Park Avenue Cleaners, a tres chic twist on dry cleaning (a chandelier in the lobby no less) has opened in the Shoppes of Camelot; The Crab House (formerly Timothy’s) is freshly repainted and looks quite inviting; and Party Décor & More is set to debut (behind the Delaware Distilling Company).
Shortly after this issue hits the stands, the Rehoboth Beach Farmers’ Market (Tuesdays by the Visitor’s Center) and the Historic Lewes Farmer’s Market (Saturdays in downtown Lewes) will both be back in action. May 10 will bring us the first of the art festivals beginning with Dewey Beach Arts Fest on Dagsworthy Street. Starting May 14 you can sail on the Kalmar Nyckel, a stunning replica of the colonial ship that came to the Americas in the early 1600s. She docks twice a year in Lewes (at the Ferry terminal) for tours and sailing. And I saved some of the best news for last: Dive, Rehoboth’s newest bar and dance club will open its doors on May 2! New owners have revamped the Double L and can’t wait to get the party started.
So this year I invite you to let your adventurous side come out and play; just really explore and enjoy the beaches like never before. You’ll be amazed at what’s out there!
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