Shake it Off
Letters from CAMP Rehoboth is back—yay! I’ve missed chatting with you. As I write this, our forecast is 60 and sunny here at the beach—not bad for early February. I know there’s icky weather still to come, but for now I’m going to shake it off and think about all the fun things to look forward to in the next few weeks.
This issue arrives in time for Valentine’s Day weekend, so here’s some events you might want to check out:
•February 13: Lewes Barkfest Yappy Hour at Irish Eyes (dogs welcome);
•February 13: Southern Delaware Therapeutic Riding (SDTR) 18th Annual Beach Ride and Walk—bring your horse for a ride on the beach—or join the walk through Cape Henlopen State Park;
•February 14 is Merchants’ Attic weekend (like an indoor yard sale at the Convention Center);
•February 15 is the Rehoboth Beach Mardi Gras Gumbo Crawl.
The Yappy Hour reminded me that a lease has been signed for the Lewes Dog Park and fundraising efforts are in full swing. Check out lewesunleashed.org for more details. Also, SDTR is actively seeking volunteers for their equine-assisted therapy for children; no experience with horses is necessary.
March 7: The Chocolate Festival returns—this year only professional chefs are providing the goodies and VIP tickets are available for early tastings.
Tickets for CAMP Rehoboth’s Women’s FEST will be on sale starting February 20. It’s four fabulous days of music, comedy, classes and parties! The event kicks off Thursday, April 9 with a dance party at the Atlantic Sands and ends Sunday with the Broadwalk on the Boardwalk, a Jazz Brunch, and a dance party at the Rehoboth Ale House with DJ Nan. In between there’s the Ladies 2000 dance, great workshops, sporting events, and much more. I’ll tell you lots more in upcoming issues, but get your passes soon.
We have lots of new eateries on their way, let’s start with Bethany and work our way north. The Cottage Café owners will open the Boathouse (right across the street) tempting you with an array of seafood platters and burgers, as well as happy hour entertainment. There will be an outdoor sand playground for kids, a large deck, and a gazebo bar. The restaurant’s design used the Indian River Life-Saving station as a model with a lookout tower on the roof.
In Dewey, partners Pam Minhas and Wendy Minard opened BAKED Coffee Bar featuring house-made chocolates, baked goods, soup and sandwiches. Under construction but coming soon, the Dewey Beer Company will feature craft beer and locally sourced food.
The Rehoboth Foodie reports that the former Captain’s Table & Taproom restaurant will become The Forgotten Mile Ale House. Other news from our illustrious Foodie: Falafel Hut will replace Crepes by the Sea; Stoney Lonen is changing hands; and Hari Cameron of a(MUSE.) will open Grandpa (MAC.) in the former Touch of Italy space on Baltimore Avenue, featuring pasta dishes made from scratch. Ocean City’s Dough Rollers will open another location on Rehoboth Avenue, and Bethany Beach’s DiFebo’s will open a new restaurant in the former Adriatico space.
Heading out to Route 1, Jimmy’s Grille (of Bridgeville fame) will open next to Outlet Liquors and Palate will open in the former Capriotti’s space in the Safeway shopping center. Palate’s website says they will focus on serving the adventurous food culture that is searching for healthy, delicious, and reasonably priced menu options. Color me intrigued!
Bangkok Thai is now open in Lewes as is Gallery Espresso. The latter is in a huge, industrial chic space on Route 9 and they are open until 1 a.m. (Try the crepes!). The Lewes Diner will open on Savannah Road in the former Annabella’s space.
The owners of Nage are opening a new brew pub call the Crooked Hammock, just off King’s Highway. It will have a casual, back yard feel and offer fresh fish, meats on a stick and an assortment of salads. Beach Bum Distilling will open on New Road right next to Old World Breads. They plan to offer tastings, tours, and retail sales, and will feature rum inspired by the area’s maritime history and beaches.
Deb Griffin is a real estate agent living full time at the beach with her honey bunny, Greer, and three rescued doggies.