Kickback, Relax, Beach, Repeat
Like many locals, I often zip into town and go directly to the restaurant of my choice. I do not pass go. I do not collect $200. I often do not stop and smell the roses, or the ocean for that matter. On a recent visit, I decided to think of Rehoboth as my host, and rather than eat and run, I chose to linger awhile, stroll the streets, and see what I’ve been missing.
First stop was the lunch spot of my choice, Kay’s Kitchen, one of summer’s late arrivals. Their slogan is “Homemade Food at Fast Food Prices” and everything is very fresh and quite tasty. Kay’s offers excellent potato salad, great homemade cookies, crispy waffle fries, a perfect grilled cheese, and lunch sandwiches made from scratch. They are nestled between the original Nicola and the new Crepes by the Sea on First Street.
From Kay’s, I wandered over to The Shops at Rehoboth Mews which have played musical chairs since my last perusal. Several stores are now in different spaces leaving room for Poor Little Rich Girl which offers modern and vintage clothing and accessories. Scentchips sells fragrant, handmade, wax chips shaped like leaves and flowers that can be used like potpourri. Little Egg Harbor Soap features all-natural, handmade soap and skincare products. Josephine’s Daughter is the place for unusual gifts, baubles, and décor, and like many of the downtown stores, is having a big end of summer sale.
I’m sure unsuspecting shoppers cruise right by Browseabout Books if they’re not in need of new reading material, but this store offers so much more! Hundreds of items including our own version of Monopoly called Rehoboth’opoly. Actual Rehoboth Beach hotels, restaurants, and shops are on the game board, and the box says, “Strategize to monopolize! Rehoboth can be yours!”
From there I headed back towards Baltimore Avenue via Village by the Sea shops and couldn’t resist poking my head in Anything Goes to check out the most unusual jewelry you can possibly imagine (every piece is a work of art). Passing a(MUSE) restaurant on Baltimore, I learned that they’ve added an afternoon and late night happy hour, and they are now offering large portion dishes in addition to the signature small plates.
Live here year round? Aren’t we the luckiest people on the planet? I invite you to sing, write and dance your way into fall, so keep reading!
SING! The CAMP Rehoboth Chorus launches its fourth successful season with new Music Director, Doug Yetter, and a theme of Broadway Our Way. Currently 50 singers strong, the Chorus welcomes new singers, gay or straight, young or old. Rehearsals officially begin September 17.
WRITE! The Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild offers marvelous classes (I’m speaking from experience here!) including two offerings taught by our very own Fay Jacobs. I have to say that Fay is absolutely everything you’d want a teacher to be—she’s encouraging, gives practical advice, and has a wisdom and gentleness that inspires even the most reluctant writer to bring something to the table. Highly recommended!
DANCE! Dance Moves and Manners offers all sorts of group and private classes throughout the area including Latin, Salsa, Tango Ballroom and Merengue; or try Zumba, a Latin dance inspired fitness class, offered at several area health clubs.
LEARN! The fall course catalog has been released for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Delaware and includes an amazing variety of classes ranging from Art to History to Spanish and more. For one ridiculously low fee you can sign up for as many classes as you like!
Enjoy all that the beach has to offer and don’t forget to relax, breathe, and smell the ocean.
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