August 23rd, 2010
Bethany Beach, Delaware, Loop Canal, Bethany’s Beautification, What’s Going On?, Delaware Beaches
It’s so funny, I just don’t think about it, but, when I want to go to Bethany Beach I just get in my car; I live in Rehoboth, and in no time I am in Bethany.
Many years ago it was such a trip. I thought about it on Saturday, as I was checking out Bethany. On Friday I had tried to find parking, to no avail. So, I went back on Saturday and as I was looking for that elusive parking space I noticed the Historical Marker placed on the corner of Pennsylvania and 1st Street.
There is a bench and a small deck for viewing the area called the Loop Canal.
The Loop Canal was completed on 7/8/1910. This was its centennial anniversary. It marked the end of a long journey for vacationers traveling to Bethany Beach in the early days. Arriving in Rehoboth by railroad, travelers would continue their voyage by boat, crossing Rehoboth and Indian River Bays to the Assawoman Canal.
The last part of the trip? A 2 horse drawn “bus” through the deep sand to Bethany. To make it better, a shallow waterway was dredged from the Assawoman to this location on Pennsylvania and 1st Street.
With the opening of the Canal, travelers could complete the final leg of their journey by boarding a single boat in Rehoboth. The shallow-draft motorboat was called the Allie May and could not back up, so a loop was formed at the 1st Street dock to allow the boat to turn around for its return trip.
I did find that parking spot, more than a few streets north of Garfield Parkway, which is the “Main Street” in Bethany. This town is looking so pretty. I tend to call it the beautification of Bethany Beach. There are flowers all over the place. And, not just stuck in the ground; the mulch, the combination of colors are beautiful. Who is this person that is doing such beautiful work? I called the town office because I want to thank her for a job well done. I found out that her name is Melinda. So, thanks, it really does look pretty.
I took a walk along the Bethany Beach Boardwalk where a lot of the entertainment takes place every week. It is a meeting place; enjoying the fries, ice cream or just a simple walk. It was so hot and the beach was crowded.
It brings back memories because this town was my children’s playground for so many years.
Garfield Parkway (Bethany Beach's Main Street)
If you are in Bethany Beach this week and have young children you will find that on Wednesday, 8/25 is Kids’ Night at the Firehouse from 6 until 8 p.m. The registration starts at 5:30 p.m.
Ages 5 and up (under 5 must have an adult attending), will learn about firesafety, 911 calling, a visit from Sparkey and meet the firefighters in a fun and educational way. $5 donation/child. For more information, please call 302-539-7707.
At the Freeman’s Stage at Bayside – West of Fenwick Island – On Thursday, 8/26 you will be able to enjoy a Doo-Wop Celebration with the Bronx Wanderers, from 7 until 9 p.m.
Freeman’s Stage at Bayside is 4 miles West of Fenwick at Rt. 54 and Rt. 20.
It is Free!! The Bronx Wanderers echo an era of the past while breathing a new life to future sounds. Ages 15 to 90. They favor the songs of yesterday from Doo-Wop to Dion and the Four Seasons.
More info. needed? Call 302-436-3015 or visit www.freemanstage.org.
If you are at our beaches, kick back and relax. That’s why you are here!!
Have a great day. Talk to you later….you know I will….
Tags: Activities, Bethany Beach, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, Doo-Wop Celebration, entertainment, Events, Fenwick Island, Kids' Night at the Bethany Beach Firehouse, Loop Canal, Music, The Freeman Stage, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
[…] Bethany Beach, Delaware, Loop Canal, Bethany’s Beautification, What’s Going On?, Delawar… […]