September 24th, 2009
In the Delaware Beaches, in the town of Bethany Beach, Delaware….You will find Fish Tales….
Now when you read the title for this post, did you know what I was talking about? But, no, wait a minute, how could I ask such a thing, when for many years this store has been part of the Bethany Beach community?
I know Bethany Beach well. I lived there from 1981 until 2000. I have seen many changes in this beach town. I remember when you pretty much knew everyone; from the policemen to the guys picking up the trash. Going to the Post Office was a big event, especially, after the summer season. A get together.
And, yes, Bethany mourns, weeps and buries the passing of the summer in a traditional Louisiana, Jazz style funeral, started by the community of merchants so long ago.
Part of the charm of Bethany Beach is Garfield Parkway. Pretty much, it is the heart of the town. This street has shops on both sides of the street, restaurants, ice cream shops, popcorn, and French fries as well.
The merchants are known to come out to the front sidewalks and chat with one another. One of these merchants is Diane Ternahan. She and her husband, Bob, are the owners of Fish Tales, located on 107 Garfield Parkway. Tel. is 302-539-7676.
I stopped there the other day, late in the day, almost at closing and even though I had not seen Diane in a long time, it did not matter, we started catching up and it was very nice to see her.
The team that keeps Fish Tales going is Debbie and Renee and they were there as well. I was telling all of them about the blog and I decided then and there that I would talk about Fish Tales.
The store is one of my must stop shops in Bethany Beach. From the outside, it is deceiving because when you go inside, it is quite long.
They have a complete line of Fresh Produce apparel as well as the very popular Life is Good. There are plenty of giftware, for birthdays, anniversaries, and hostess gifts. Souvenirs with the name of Bethany Beach are in abundance. And, what is summer without flip flops? Do not despair, they have them in all sizes, colors and brands.
Fish Tales even has a Toy Dept. so, even your little ones would want to come in. And, not only do they have the Toy Dept. but you can get accessories for the home or cottage like table lamps, frames, etc. Something for everyone.
You can get pretty comfortable inside Fish Tales; comfortable enough that you will forget that they are locking the store for the night.
This is not the only store Diane owns and operates. She is a busy woman but lucky with enough employees and family to help her run 3 stores. Yes, besides Fish Tales she owns Arnie’s Playland (arcade) and Rhodes 5 & 10.
Rhodes 5 & 10 was owned by Diane’s father, Arnie Rhodes. It is the original 5 & 10 of the 1960’s. Too bad Mr. Rhodes had gone South, to Delray Beach, Florida. Otherwise, I would have loved to have seen him.
Hmm, I might have to visit Delray Beach soon……
Tags: Bethany Beach, Delaware Beaches, gifts for the home, Shopping, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
