It’s Finally Beach and Boardwalk Season
Do you know Poodle Beach? North Shores at Gordon’s Pond? Where you can get candy, custard, and boogey boards?
It’s that time. Poodle Beach is at the South end of the Rehoboth Boardwalk and it’s there you can find hundreds of men—and a fair number of women—lounging on the sand. Up at Cape Henlopen State Park at Gordon’s Pond Beach you’ll find lots of women on a stretch of sand adjacent to the second parking area and a very mixed crowd, many with dogs in tow, at the third parking area.
While Poodle has long been known as the men’s beach, with Gordon’s Pond a hit with the women, it’s all pretty mixxy-mixxy these days. And a heck of a lot of fun!
Of course, it’s also time to repeat some of the rules to keep us all safe and out of trouble. Please remember: no liquor on the beach or other public areas, no dogs on the beach or boardwalk (except at Cape Henlopen State Park, Gordon’s Pond area), no topless sun bathing gals, no nudity anywhere (it’s okay for the dogs at Gordon’s Pond), the beach is off-limits 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. You’re allowed umbrellas with a circular shade no greater than 8’ and a central pole no higher than 7’6”. No tents other than small infant/kids types. And there is no smoking on the beach or boardwalk.
But swimming, floating, picnicking, making sandcastles, reading Letters and other beach reads, are encouraged. Likewise, sunbathing (with sunscreen, please!), gossiping, laughing, smiling, camaraderie, and making memories. Follow the rules, spread out on the sand, and have a blast.
Why do you love summertime at the beach?
Food, friends, and fishing! Summer is when I sit and relax on a boat, a fishing reel in one hand, and a cold drink in the other.—Donna Dolce
I love getting up early to get to the grocery and get off Route 1 before 7 a.m.! Gives me a part of the day I hardly ever see.—Helene Guilfoy
Bosomy hydrangeas, the smell of French fries, and men in seersucker shorts!—Rich Barnett
Where else but on the boardwalk can you see Pennsylvania Dutch families enjoying ice cream cones and French fries alongside pierced, tattooed 20-somethings; oh-so-gay couples (of ALL ages); and vacationing retirees whose pale legs haven't seen sun for months. And we all get along!—David Hagelin
Memorial Day weekend means dear friends, hugs, laughter, and stories.—Karen Lukeman
Thrasher’s Fries are a must, but be prepared to protect them (and yourself) from those hungry seagulls!—Sally Gilles
I like walking into the Purple Parrot and seeing people of all different identities having fun together.—Mark Purpura
I enjoy the “newness” of every summer, wearing shorts and t-shirts, rolling out of bed early to start my day.—Lori Klein
This is a party city and we all love to party!—Dick Hospital
It’s not REALLY summer until you’re standing on the deck at Aqua, fruity cocktail in hand, surrounded by friends, deciding where to eat dinner, and lamenting the fact that nobody thought to make a reservation.—Eric Peterson
I am very proud of all city staff who work tirelessly to prepare our streets, beach, and boardwalk, while spending countless hours getting everything in tip-top shape for residents and tourists alike.—Sharon Lynn, City manager
Tell Letters why you love the beach.