The Tourist

Before moving to the beach full time in 2006, I lived in and around the DC Metro area for 30+ years. Last weekend the honey bunny and I slipped quietly back into our Nation’s Capital and stayed at the uber fab Hotel Helix near Logan Circle. We had a hell of a great time visiting many old haunts and several new ones too. As wonderful as that was, we were delighted to return to the beach which feels like the most magical place we’ve ever lived.

It’s fun being a tourist, exploring a new city or rediscovering an old one, so I’m making time now and then to pretend I’m a tourist here at the beach. I recently explored the graveyard at St. Peter’s in downtown Lewes and was delighted to see part of an anchor sticking out of the captain’s grave who insisted that he be buried with it! A little further down the street is the Ryves Holt House which is the oldest building standing in the state of Delaware. And discovery is not just about history! If you play “tourist,” you have to visit shops you’ve never been in and dine at restaurants you’ve yet to try. I dare you! Then email me to share your adventures so that other BuzzWorthy readers will be inspired, too!

That being said, I’m thrilled with our ever changing shop and restaurant scene, so let’s get to it! The Big Fish Restaurant Group has reopened Salt Air on Wilmington Avenue and early reports are very good! The Rehoboth Foodie recommends the crab deviled eggs, the gruyere popovers, and the jumbo shrimp over chorizo grits. Salt Air is right next to the Henlopen City Oyster House which was so named because before our fabulous seaside town was known as Rehoboth Beach, it was named Henlopen City! (See what comes from playing tourist?!)

On the corner of Wilmington and Second, the new Cabo Restaurant & Tequila Bar is coming along quite nicely and plans to open May 5. Cabo will offer ceviches, tacos, burritos, and fresh fish, along with vegetables and citrusy items that would typically be found in the restaurant’s namesake, Cabo San Lucas in Mexico.

Lingo’s Market Bakery & Seafood is a new addition to Village By the Sea mall (across from Arena’s in downtown Rehoboth). The other Lingo’s Market will still open on First Street and be called Dinah Lingo’s Market. The Cultured Pearl has been approved for renovations which will add a stage and dance floor and have the bar and the sushi bar switch places.The new bar and grill in the former Nourish market space on Rehoboth Avenue will be called Our Place (not Big Sissies as reported previously).

Continuing in the “Coming Soon” category, is Vineyard Vines which will open in Tanger Midway and offer preppy clothing and accessories for men and women. Next to Outlet Liquors will be another Touch of Italy similar to the Lewes location with an eat-in dining option. And right next door to that will be Root, brought to us by the folks at Nage. Root will offer soups, sandwiches, freshly baked breads and “gourmet to go.”

The former Tijuana Taxi will now be The Donut Connection and the Fabulous Face Spa will open in the space next to HomeGoods.

Delaware has hit the big leagues in the music event category! Jack White, the Killers, and The Black Keys will headline our first mega music event, The Firefly Music Festival, July 20-22 at the Woodlands at Dover Int’l Speedway.

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