December 27th, 2011
New Year’s Eve in Lewes, Delaware, is something not to be missed. Weather permitting a full lighted anchor will be dropped from the mast of Lightship Overfalls, to its deck, with a countdown into the New Year. This is an annual tradition. It is the only National Historic Landmark that does a “ball drop”.
Lightship Overfalls was part of manned lightships or “floating lighthouses” that were started by the U.S. government in 1820. It is one of the 17 remaining and one of only 7 of such vessels in the country that is still open to the public. For more info., please visit http://www.overfalls.org.
These floating lighthouses could be placed in deep waters where it was practically impossible to put fixed structures; they could also be moved easily.
In the mid 20th century new automated lights and radio signals made these vessels a thing of the past.
Lighthship Overfalls was built in 1938 and was one of the last to be built. In 1973 it was given to the Lewes Historical Society.
Then, on 12/7/01 ownership was transferred to the Overfalls Maritime Museum Foundation. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
So, if you are in Lewes, for this last day of 2011, then put on your party hat and get down to the canal, right at Front and Shipcarpenter Streets. Help everyone welcome 2012, toot the horn and drop that anchor.
Have a good time!!!
December 16th, 2011
It is hard to get together with friends during the holidays. Trying to catch up with Shelley, I took Susan to Ocean City, Maryland. We thought we would have something to eat. Our choice? Liquid Assets located at 94th St. and Coastal Highway. Tel. 410-524-7037. Website? http://www.ocliquidassets.com.
It was a simple dinner before the Christmas; both of my friends were Jewish. Susan had never been to Liquid Assets. I always say that it is the perfect Bodega to have lunch or dinner. Their food is so consistent and very good; the restaurant is very unique.
The mussels are a must; that broth was so good. They were pan roasted with chorizo, shallots, garlic and grilled bread. I kept using the shells as a spoon to scoop it up. Finally, our server asked me if I needed a spoon. Too late; I was then finished.
Susan and Shelley had the Caesar Salad; hearts of romaine, crisp croutons and grana padano with grilled chicken.
I had such a good entree. It was Pan Roasted Duck Breast on top of brussel sprouts, butternut squash, boucheron cheese, truffle oil, herbs, and fluer de sel. I did not want it to end. Cooked at a temperature of medium rare; it was perfect.
Deciding that it was time to go home but not before we made a stop to see the Winterfest of Lights which is taking place until January 1st at Northside Park, 125 St. & The Bay.
It was already late so no ride through the animated wonderland on the Winterfest Express. The Winterfest of Lights is an annual event for the whole family. It started around the end of November. It brings so many people; be prepared to wait during the week-ends.
Over a million lights and hundreds of displays, which are updated every year with more added to the existing displays. There is a Winterfest Village inside a festive and heated pavilion.
It was so quiet during our stop and the 60 ft. Christmas Tree was beautiful.
$5.00 for 12 and older and free for 11 and under. You can even purchase tickets in advance at the Ocean City Community Center at 200 125th St. Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the main entrance.
Winterfest of Lights opens Sundays through Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m.
If you want to continue driving all the way into downtown O.C. then take a drive along Avenue of Trees on Baltimore Ave. from 15th St. to 32nd St. Lots of lights and sparkle showing a beautiful downtown.
Note: Santa will be available for photos at Winterfest of Lights until December 23rd.
Friends….what would you do without them….love to be with them…priceless!!
December 14th, 2011
“Eating stale cookies and drinking warm milk by the fireplace at 2 a.m. while you learn Chinese from a 46-page set of assembly instructions.” Got to laugh because I always paid extra for those assemblies. No way I was dealing with that.
Holiday dread or excitement? All that baking, shopping, entertaining, and wrapping….Guess what? I have not done any of it..haha Well, maybe a little. I encountered a long line at the Post Office in Rehoboth Beach; 5 people were in front of me. Imagine that. No patience, because here, at the Delaware Beaches, we usually do not have to make those long lines anywhere. Hmm…at the height of the summer season, yes, restaurants are crowded, and finding parking is a pain.
But, it is December and we are all trying to mail our precious gifts. So, there I was. My Mother asked me last year to send her fruitcakes. I am surprising her this year by sending them again. I hope that’s what she wants. By the time these are mailed to Puerto Rico, they will be worth their weight in gold. And, they were, definitely heavy. Fruitcakes are not my favorite, though. Don’t they have fruitcakes in Puerto Rico, anyway?
During the holidays is best to avoid stress by doing something fun. I found an activity and an event. They are on the same day and at the same venue.
Thursday, 12/15 – How to Make and Decorate a Natural Wreath, at 10:00 a.m. This is a hands-on class making your own wreath and decorating from nature’s products. It will be held at East Coast Garden Center, 30366 Cordrey Rd., Millsboro, DE 19966.
Please register by calling 302-945-3489. You can also visit www.eastcoastgardencenter.com.
The cost is $25, which will include one 18″ wreath, three leaves of your choice, three pine cones, three acorns, three clusters of dried foliage/flowers and a 1 1/2″ sprig of bittersweet.
Thursday, 12/5 – Holiday Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre at East Coast Garden Center in Millsboro. 5:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Cocktails will begin at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. The Murder Mystery will start at 7:00 p.m.
$40/person or $70/couple. Please pre-register by calling 302-945-3489 or visit www.eastcoastgardencenter.com.
Note: Directions to East Coast Perennial are all in their website.
Have a great time!! Talk to you later….
December 9th, 2011
Purpose: “To advance the public interest in the visual arts and to promote the development of excellence in visual arts in the South Palm Beach area.” delray art league
There is definitely a schedule, but when I see the banner I know that the Artists are in the Park. And, this is one of those week-ends. Right on Veterans Park, by the Intracoastal you will see the white tents.
It is going to be a crowded Saturday in Delray so get there early and stay awhile.
Artists in the Park have been in the community for over 46 years. Susan sent me an e-mail and told me that their Larry Marini Art Education Fund has donated back to the community so that students may have the opportunity to experience the arts through scholarships and supplies. Artists in the Park have donated to Old School Square, Milagro Center, Atlantic High School, Sister Cities, FAU, Delray Beach Library, Plumosa School of the Arts and so many others.
It is South Florida’s longest running outdoor fine art show and sale. You will find a variety of mediums; watercolors, oils, acrylics, photography, and sculpture.
It is free and it starts at 10:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
If you want to learn more about the Delray Art League, please visit www.delrayartleague.com.
Have a great week-end. Talk to you later….
December 8th, 2011
“One good thing about Christmas shopping; it toughens you for the January sales.” grace kriley
Fridays, 12/9 and 12/16 – Be a Deer, Shop Downtown Rehoboth Beach. The downtown merchants will be keeping their shops open for extended hours. They will also be serving some nibbles, as well. At 6 p.m. on both nights, please stop by and pick up a gift bag at Grotto Gelato; shopping, dining coupons and specials will be found inside. Also, enter to win more than $500 in prizes. Free gift wrapping will be available too.
Friday, 12/9 – It will be Fawn Frenzy. A Ladies Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Enter a chance to win gifts worth more than $500 with a Favorite Things Wish Card. Ladies will be served beverages by “handsome bucks”. No kidding, that’s what I heard. The Ladies will also receive a gift bag filled with shopping and dining coupons and specials. Strolling carolers with the Cape Henlopen High School Choir; please join in. The ladies’ gifts will be wrapped for free. If you are participating, I can’t imagine why you would not, please pick up the gift bags at Grotto Gelato at 6 p.m. More info? www.downtownrehoboth.com
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 12/9-12/11 – Festival of Trees event at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Sponsored by Delaware Hospice. Vendors will have specialty items. Holiday decor for sale. On Saturday, 12/10 pictures with Santa, fun and pizza from 10 until 2 p.m. Also on Saturday a Wine, Cheese & Dessert Tasting from 5 – 9 p.m. Tickets available at the door. Sunday, 12/11 there will be a Sunday Brunch from 9:30 until 1:30 p.m.; tickets sold in advance. More info. and schedule of events can be found at www.delawarehospice.org.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 12/9/, 12/10 and 12/11 – Scrooge!! Last Week-End to catch the Holiday Spirit. Friday’s and Saturday’s performance will be at 7 p.m. and Sunday’s performance will be at 3 p.m. Location? Clear Space Theatre Company located at 20 Baltimore Ave., in Rehoboth Beach. More info? Please visit www.clearspacetheatre.org. Please note that this production changes every year. The 15 ft x 30 ft backdrop was painted by our own Rehoboth artist, Anita Peghini-Raber. This poster depicts a detail of the whole painting. More on Anita? Please visit http://www.rehobothart.com.
Saturday, 12/10 – 3rd Annual Cookie Walk at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach. 9:00 a.m. until “All Gone”. There will be tables and more tables of home-made cookies by the Epworth congregation bakers. $7/pound. Pre-packaged cookie assortments and gift boxes of Fair Trade coffee and chocolate; priced individually. The Heavenly Creations Cookie Cookbook is a collection of over 120 recipes from the Epworth family kitchens…It is new and out for $15.00.
Santa’s House is located at the end of Rehoboth Avenue, right on the famous Rehoboth Boardwalk. The backdrop is the Atlantic Ocean. Please bring the kids for photos at no charge; donations are appreciated, though. On Saturday, 12/18 you can bring your pet too, from 3 to 5 p.m. For a full schedule, please visit www.beach-fun.com/holiday-fun.
Wondering what to give a friend that loves shopping or dining in Rehoboth Beach? How about some gift certificates? These certificates are only for downtown Rehoboth Beach. Please call 302-227-2772 or visit http://www.downtownrehoboth.com/spending_your_downtown_gift_certificates.htm.
December 1st, 2011
It is that time of the year, and now that it is December 1st I can get into the holiday spirit. I, actually, did just that on Tuesday. Remember how nasty and rainy it was? Well, around 4 p.m. I took off for downtown Rehoboth for some holiday spirit lifting at Christmas Spirit. The store in Rehoboth Beach is an institution, having been at the Beach for 33 years. The one is Ocean City? Not that far behind with 22 years.
In Ocean City, Maryland you will find Christmas Spirit at 3400 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842. Tel. 410-289-6101. The one in Rehoboth Beach is at 161 Rehoboth Ave., Tel. 302-227-6872.
I thought as I came in that the store looked great. Jill Hudson, the Manager, told me they had a great week-end. So many people in town were here for the Thanksgiving Holiday, shopping, and enjoying such a gorgeous time in November.
The shop has many themes, ornaments, decorations, garlands, tree skirts, and lights. There are those ornaments that are keepsakes; then, the ones that are so much fun to give to friends or to attach to a present.
     
Jill thought that the store, on that day, was picked over. I did not find it so. It was full to capacity, I thought.
I always gravitate to the coastal ornaments. I find them so pretty. Jill told me that even though she has lived here all her life, these were also her favorites.
Strolling through the store; some caught my eye more than others.
For example, there were handpainted Christmas balls by Ruth Culver from Berlin, Maryland. 25% of the proceeds will be donated for Breast Cancer Awareness.
Ne’ Qwa Art? I had never seen these ornaments. They come in a very impressive box with a certificated of authenticity, as well.
This art originated in China and it is the reverse handpaiting on the inside of mouth blown glass. It is only practiced by a few. If you would like to know more, the website is www.neqwa.com.
Many towns and cities hold their Annual Christmas Parades in the first week of December. So, here we are, and our coastal towns are ready!!
Thursday, 12/1 – Berlin, Maryland will hold its parade at 7:00 p.m. – Christmas floats, marching bands, fire trucks, Santa Claus and more.
Thursday, 12/1 – Christmas Balloon Parade in Georgetown, Delaware at 7 p.m. A Vintage Christmas Parade with Santa and Mrs. Claus, marching bands, floats, and fire trucks. More info? visit www.georgetowncoc.com. Please note that on Monday, 12/5 there will be Caroling in the Circle at 7 p.m.
Friday, 12/2 – It is the 51st Annual Selbyville Christmas Parade at 7 p.m. Food, fun, floats, marching bands, beauty queens, classic cars and fire trucks, of course!!
Saturday, 12/3 – The Christmas Parade in Historic Lewes, Delaware – 5 p.m. Then, tree lighting ceremony and caroling in Zwaanendael Park. Refreshments will be served in the Fisher-Martin House. More info? Please call 302-645-8073 or visit www.leweschamber.com.
Saturday, 12/3 – Christmas Parade in downtown Millsboro – 10 a.m. Santa’s Pak Shopping Spree – shopping, gifts, craft vendors, at the Millsboro Civic Center on Wilson Highway and Mitchell St. 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Mrs. Claus will be there and lunch will be available. More info? 302-934-6777.
Saturday, 12/3 – Ocean City, Maryland will be holding its Christmas Parade begining 11 a.m. at 100th St. North to 115 St. to the Gold Coast Mall. Check inside the Mall because they will be having lots of fun stuff. More info? Call Elaine Jarvis at 410-524-9000.
Monday, 12/5 – Christmas Parade in downtown Rehoboth Beach at 6:30 p.m. More info? www.downtownrehoboth.com.
Wednesday, 12/7 – It is the Christmas Parade in the town of Milton, Delaware at 7 p.m.. More info? Call 302-684-8500 or visit www.historicmilton.com.
Holiday House Tours:
Lewes, Delaware, 12/3 – It is the Christmas Tour of Lewes from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 the day of the tour. More info? Call 302-645-7670 or visit www.historiclewes.org.
Milton, Delaware, 12/10 – Holiday House Tour and Holly Festival – 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets to the house tour, are $12 in advance and $15 the day of. They can be purchased at Antiques in Milton on 109 Union St. and at the Holly Festival in the Milton Fire House from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. More info? Call 302-684-5544.
Fala la la and more la…..have a good one!!
November 26th, 2011
 Rehoboth Beach
“A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who work with his hand and his mind is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.” st. thomas aquina
The Delmarva Peninsula surprised us with a gorgeous Black Friday. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. I love to spend it in Delaware, my home. Black Friday brought lots of shoppers to the tax free shopping we offer in the State.
Rehoboth was very crowded. The weather? 68 degrees!! No parking to be found. My car was heading south on Rt. 1 to the town of Bethany Beach and then heading west for a few miles to start my own little tour of the 17th Annual Southeastern Artists Studio Tour.
Following are the 3 artists that I visited on Friday; all very different and all pursuing their passion.
Keith Toms is a Builder Blacksmith, originally from England, he makes Sussex County his home. He is located at 35160 Roxana Rd., Frankford, DE. Tel. 302-519-3731 E-mail? keithtoms@verizon.net.
Even though the address says Frankford, I really call that area Roxana. To get to it from Rt. 26 in Millville, take Rt. 17 to Roxana, go through the traffic light which is the junction of Rt. 17 and Rt. 20 and you will find his studio about 100 yards on the right. It is a garage next to a white house.
“The ability to directly shape metal has held my fascination since 1993, using the energy and rhythm of hammer and anvil, hot metal is transformed into subtle forms and curves that are inspired by both nature and industry. The techniques I use are much the same as they were hundreds of years ago, with a few modern twists that allow more contemporary design.”
 
Sunflowers are a specialty of his. You can see it in a lot of his work. He really can build anything. You can go through his portfolio and see some of his work.
 
I was looking at a piece to hang pots. It was huge. You would need a large kitchen. Keith told me that some of the bigger pieces do not take as long as the smaller ones. The smaller ones can take up to 50 hours for just one piece.
 
Keith is at his studio practically every afternoon. You can call him or e-mail him at keithtoms@verizon.net.
To be able to transform metal into such art was beautiful to see.
The next artist on my list was Tom Frey. He is a woodturner located at 30424 Marina Rd., Dagsboro, DE 19939. Tel. 302-732-6172. E-mail? tefpwf62@gmail.com. His studio hours are by appointment.
It is a little tricky to get there but just follow these directions and you will find it. Go west on Rt. 26. This becomes Rt. 26/20 in Dagsboro. Turn right at the stoplight to go into Dagsboro. Go through the stoplight in the center of the town (now Rt. 20) and turn right onto Piney Neck Rd. Go approx. 3 miles, take a right on Marina Rd. and his house is 3rd on the right. Got it?
“Tom has pursued a specialty of thin-walled, natural edge turnings using mostly local woods that are stressed by nature. A soft matte finish has become a second hallmark of Tom’s work. In 2009, Tom achieved Master designation in the Delaware By Hand organization.”
We were received with big smiles from Tom and Pat, his wife. She had hot cider, cheese balls, made by her and crackers. Delicious. I was hoping my kids would not eat the whole thing.
I am in awe of his work. It is so delicate using the most unique pieces of wood. He told me he has plenty of wood to work with. He does get mesquite from a friend and supplier in Texas. Mesquite is now being used for hardwood flooring.
His minis were so cute and he told me they were so easy to make. So, here he is at work.
His works of art are, definitely, conversation pieces. They are perfect for the person that has it all. Here are some more pictures.
     
Thanks Pat and Tom. You were so gracious receiving us all into your home.
The next artist is a self made painter; Damon Pla. If you were in Rehoboth Beach for the Independent Film Festival you probably saw his work. Every year artists submit their work, hoping to be chosen for what best describes the theme of the Festival. He won!!
I stopped by his Damon Pla Fine Arts Studio located at 119 South Newport Way, Dagsboro, DE 19939. From Rt. 1 go west on Rt. 26, turn right onto White’s Neck Rd. (Millville Pet Shop on corner). Travel 1.6 miles. Turn slight right into Bethany Forest. Take 1st left onto South Newport Way. House is at the end of the street facing you.
“Through ambience, composition, movement and light, creating art will always be an instrument for me to interpret my perception of our surroundings. To quietly converse with the viewer through my work, provoking thought and meditation, is my passion.”
His studio was comfortably crowded, people asking him questions. I met his Mom, who was visiting from Ft. Lauderdale. Damon is originally from Florida; home is here now. His wife was there to help out, as well.
His paintings were amazing capturing the essence of his subjects. You can contact Damon by calling him at 302-541-6057 (studio), 302-841-3790 (cell), or visit his website, www.DamonPla.com. Just like everyone else, he is on Facebook; facebook.com/damonpla.
He offers original paintings, limited editions, commissions, trompe l’oeil/murals.
It was great meeting you and your family, Damon.
Some were hungry, so, to finish a really nice day off to Nicola Pizza on Rehoboth Avenue we went. I told you at the beginning that Rehoboth Beach was so crowded; like any summer day. Finally, we found parking.
As usual, Nicola Pizza, hit the spot.
A walk through the Boardwalk and looking out to sea in such a clear and warm day, we were able to see Cape May, New Jersey.
Note: Some of the Artists will be open on Sunday November 27th from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m. Please check www.artstudiotour.com.
Have a great day!! Talk to you later…
November 16th, 2011
Looking for something to do? There are a variety of activities and events throughout the Delaware Beaches. This is what’s in store for you if you are visiting us.
Lewes
Friday, 11/18 – Friday Night Hikes at 6:00 p.m. What comes out every night at Cape Henlopen? Explore the night in the Park. Join a Naturalist to learn about animals and other sights and sounds, that can only be experienced as the sun sets. This event is for children 7 years old to …..Children need to be accompanied by a paying adult. Only $2 per person. Please remember that pre-registration is necessary and you can do so by calling 302-645-6852. Meet at the Seaside Nature Center on 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive. Note that Park entrance fees are in effect until November 30th. Cape Henlopen State Park is located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive in Lewes, Delaware.
Saturday, 11/19 – Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park will be holding their Annual Christmas Boutique and Book Fair at the Biden Center from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Crafts, sweatshirts, t-shirts, food, and homemade baked goods. The Biden Center is located inside the Cape Henlopen State Park, which is located at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive in Lewes. Park entrance fees are in effect until November 30th.
Saturday, 11/19 – TS Smith & Sons, Sussex County’s (Delaware) only apple orchard is joining Windsor’s Plant Outlet in Holiday Celebration. Location? At the corner of Savannah and Wescoats Rds. in Lewes, Delaware.
From Noon until 4:00 p.m. there will be refreshments to enjoy and recipes to use for holiday meal planning. The bins will be stacked full of seasonal produce for visitors to take home for holiday baking and cooking. Charlie Smith, owner and grower of TS Smith & Sons will be on hand to answer all your questions. I have met Charlie and he is so nice and very proud of his farm and hertitage.
Tastings will be available, as well, such as Cape Seasonings Snacks and Backyard Jams, which are made from TS Smith produce.
Windsor’s will have fresh greens and other floral items available for holiday decorating.
Note: Everyone who brings a non-perishable donation to TS Smith’s canned food drive can enter to win 2 tickets, valued at $50, to an upcoming 2012 Coastal Concerts event. Need more info? Please call Greer at 302-236-3675, or you can visit www.tssmithandsons.com.
Mark your calendars!! Saturday, 12/3 from 10 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. TS Smith & sons will be holding their Holiday Open House right at the Farm in Bridgeville. Christmas Carols, Santas, Samples, Hay Rides and much more. Check www.tssmithandsons.com.
Saturday, 11/19 – MERR stands for Marine Education Research and Rehabilitation Institute. It is “a non-profit stranding response and rehabilitation organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles”. They will be having on Saturday their “Fin” Raiser starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Lewes Yatch Club in Lewes, Delaware. Silent auction, music, wine tasting and heavy hor d’oeuvres. $40/person. For tickets call 302-228-5029. Or, you may also visit their website www.merrinstitute.org.
Milford (near the Delaware Beaches)
Saturday, 11/19 – Gaynell Rose, One Woman, One Voice, One Life….An Evening of Music and Great Food. “With her jazz band you will glide on the swing of a world-class rhythm section equally at home in juke joints and high roller lounges.” Music from Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Etta James and Smokey Robinson. An unforgettable evening of live music and entertainment with a special performance of high powered jazz and soulful rythm and blues. Please visit Gaynelle’s website www.gaynell.com.
Location? Abbott’s Grill, 249 Front St., Milford, DE. Abbott’s Grill is sophisticated and casual and just about 19 minutes from the Delaware Beaches. Please call for a reservation. Dinner and Show? $55 including gratuity and non-alcoholic drinks. See you at 6:00 p.m. Tel. 302-491-6736.
Dewey Beach
Saturday, 11/19 – Autism Gala – Illuminate!! Location? The Baycenter in Dewey Beach in Ruddertown. Attire? Blue Jeans and Plenty of Bling!! 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
This is a fundraising event including silent and live auctions. The perfect time to get started on some Christmas shopping. Proceeds will help Delaware families affected by autism. Tickets are $150/person. You can get tickets by calling 302-224-6020 in Newark, 302-644-3410 in Milton, or just by visiting www.delautism.org. Dinner and open bar included as well as entertainment by Love Seed Mama Jump.
Fenwick Island
Thursday, 11/2 – 4th Annual Fenwick Island Turkey Trot at 8:00 a.m., sponsored by hipAHA, Fenwick Island Boot Camp. Location? Lewes Street in Fenwick. It is free but donations are being accepted for “new” Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse.
2.2 milesFun Run/Walk, starting at Lewes St. to the Ocean city state line and back. Leashed pets are also welcomed.
There will be a limited supply of t-shirts sold on the day of the event for $20.
Post race refresments will be courtesy of Pottery Place in the Sunshine Plaza shopping center. Please bring a “new” pet item for Safe Haven Animal Shelter. More info? www.hiAHA.com, or visit hipAHA facebook page. You may also contact Lori Martin at hipAHA@hotmail.com or call her at 302-539-1290.
Have a good one!! Talk to you later….
 
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