May 24th, 2011
Downtown Rehoboth Beach is a fun place to shop. Many of the stores and restaurants are easily found on the “Avenue” but some of the most interesting ones are found on the side streets that weave around this coastal town. From the beach you can stroll through the town; it is that relaxed. It is also that casualness, fun and eclectic lifestyle that brings visitors every year to get away from it all. We, the residents, love it and know how special it is to live here.
I was walking on trendy Baltimore Avenue when a shop caught my eye. It seemed I had seen it somewhere else. It was in the Shops of the Rehoboth Mews. This is a “street mall”. Just one alley from Rehoboth Ave. to Baltimore Ave. with shops and coffee shops on either side.
The store is brand new in the Rehoboth Shopping Circuit. For the past 15 months they had been in Lewes, just up the road. Here, in town, they were getting great foot traffic.
Just like anywhere else, once a new store or restaurant opens people just show up. As I stepped into the store I noticed that there was abundant color throughout the store. Summertime brings that. You are at the beach so go for it.
This shop is fun, and very eclectic with affordable prices. A gift for a friend; an unexpected hostess gift, or your own personal indulgence.
Josephine’s Daughter is at 129 Rehoboth Ave., Suite D, 40 Rehoboth Mews. The tel. is 302-260-9577 and the website is http://www.josephinesdaughter.com. I think it is easier to find parking on Baltimore Ave. and access the store from that street. Please note that you can find Josephines Daughter on Facebook.
Come with me. Let’s go shopping. The pictures will show you a sample of what’s in store for you. Scarves and accessories.
Cute summer handbags.
There is a signature line of ankle high art-print boots.
These sandals were so cute. The pair comes with one set of decorative clip-ons; you can buy extra ones. The sandals were stylish, well made and comfortable.
There was another line of shoes and sandals, just as colorful as the rest and there were plenty of women trying them on and saying how good they felt on their feet.
I did not see too many things for men; therefore, I would say this store is predominantly for us, women. But wait, the game fish bottle openers will be for the guys.
The jewelry? One of a kind pieces made for Josephine’s Daughter.
  
I did not try the Saress on. This is called the ultimate beach dress; wear it from the beach to a happy hour; to dinner. It is supposed to be comfortable, stylish and always appropriate on or off the beach.
Then I saw the Wallaroo hats. I know this company. They are from Boulder, Colorado. The hats are available in a variety of styles for men, women and children.
The majority of the fabrics block 97.5% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Look for the label which determines which hats are UPF-50. If you want to learn more about this company, please visit www.wallaroohats.com. Josephine’s daughter had a nice selection.
Josephine’s daughter has home accents, as well. A vase here, a mirror there. Serving pieces and wine stoppers.
The store has a second floor with some furniture and art, as well. That room was being put together. But, this is what I found.
Customers, smiles, laughter, strolling with a friend, summertime, the beach….it is great.
Have a good one……talk to you later…
May 3rd, 2011
Once again I found myself walking with Jody in this Historic Town. Lewes, is truly a gem. Loved by its residents, fiercely protected. And, enjoyed by its visitors.
The town looked good. Everything spruced up; ready for the upcoming season. This town speaks for itself. Once you visit, you will definitely want to come again. It was so clean and manicured. Who does this work? And, when? They should be praised.
Our destination was going to be a shop whose proprietors have been friends for a very long time. Mary Lou Jackson and Carol DiSabatino. They have to be. They have been in business since 1994. The name of the shop is Two Friends, Ltd. It is located at 205 Second Street, Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-644-0477. Website? http://www.twofriendslewes.com. On Facebook? You bet, just like everyone else.
It has been quite some time since I had visited Two Friends; off Second St. and next to Half Full and Kings Ice Cream. Now you realize where it is.
There is nothing better than to see a smile on someone’s face. Mary Lou greeted us with that friendly disposition and a smile on her face. After chatting up a bit Jody and I started to take the store in. So many cute things for the home, gifts for every occasion; a wedding, a hostess gift, Mother’s Day or just your own little indulgence.
Some of the more recognizable brands were Mariposa, Caspari, The Thymes, Ltd., Taylor and Company Driftwood Designs, which had custom signs and hand painted decor. Among others, there were Blanko Glass which is made in the U.S.!!, Key West Aloe, Lifeguard Press, Lewes Cats Meow which are wooden keepsakes, and Lily Designs with an exclusive Lewes Necklace and one of a kind bracelets.
If you are a fan of Vera Bradley you will find the newest designs, summer flip flops and coordinating beach towels.
Some stores you have to experience for youself and Two Friends is a must if you are visiting Lewes.
Enjoy the pictures. Better yet, visit this “Best Little Shop at the Beach for You, Your Home and Your Friends”.
Have a good one!!….Talk to you later….
April 9th, 2011
It was a road trip that Debbie and I took with anticipation to Berlin, Maryland. For many years both of us traveled this route every day, pretty much. Our children went to school in this historic town.
Berlin is in Worcester County; 7 miles west of Ocean City. The town dates back to the 1790’s.
This historic town is a darling with Hollywood. Two major movies were filmed on location; Runaway Bride in 1998 and Tuck Everlasting in 2001.
We were going to Ta Da at 18 N Main St., Berlin, MD 2811. Tel. 410-641-4430. Websites? http://www.blairelizabeth.com and www.shoptada.com.
The store is owned by Patty Falck and her daughter, Blair Elizabeth Parsons. It is a partnership that is worth seeing. Both complement each other so well. I love seeing them exchanging ideas with their customers. They have a good “eye” and Ta Da is very well appointed; the colors and the merchandise.
It is the type of store where you can find gifts for the home, weddings, birthdays and for your own indulgence. A little retail therapy, perhaps?
Blair Elizabeth started designing her own jewelry some years ago and I must admit she is getting better and better. The combination of stones and shells are breathtaking. I took pictures of some of her necklaces so that you could get an idea of her style.
After all these jewelry pictures all you need is the jewelry bag for traveling. Locally handmade, they can hold a lot.
There is a whole room just for gifts for babies and toddlers.
An assortment of totes in so many colors and designs. You can never have too many of those.
I noticed they had a table with jelly watches in all the summery colors to match any outfit.
Ta Da has nuts and sauces; platters and bowls.
A line of personalized gifts was also something I had not seeing at the store before.
Patty has been a teacher and a shopkeeper for so many years; well known for her artistic talent. She has a line of handpainted glass that is really beautiful. One such piece is the Wedding Vase. It is her signature piece and traditionally, she paints white lilies with the wedding date and the couple’s names. A message from the person giving the gift is placed at the bottom of the vase. It is elegant and definitely a keepsake. There are other styles available, which she would be more than happy to talk to you about.
Another line Ta Da has been carrying is Lindsay Phillips. The shoes are flats and flip flops with snap ons that you can mix and match in different colors and designs. People that have bought them say they are very comfortable.
Ta Da has very good news. They are opening next week Ta Da Home right across the street. This store is going to be something worth stopping by. Patty has been working hard and she is the type of person that once she opens that store everything is going to look just right.
Have a good one…..talk to you later….
March 14th, 2011
One of the best thing about being in a small coastal town or a small town for that matter, is that as you walk and enter different shops you become familiar with the friendly shopkeeppers. A winning smile and a friendly disposition is all it takes.
I was walking on Atlantic Ave. the other day and right across from the Veterans Park by the Intracoastal and next to the Old School Bakery, a lady was coming out of the store. I stopped and asked her if she owned the shop and she said yes. I praised the beautiful colors and asked if I could come in.
Varietai is located at 812 E. Atlantic Ave. in Delray Beach. Tel. 561-455-2767. E-mail address is varietai.delray@gmail.com. The shopkeepper? Michele Ramirez. If you have been in Delray for some time, you might remember a store called Durango’s Attic. Well, she was the owner of that store. About 3 months ago she opened Varietai. I had seen it and thought it looked great from the outside. Therefore, it was time to check it out.
As you come into the store there is a lot to absorb. Just like the name of Varietai, there is plenty of variety. If would be hard not to be able to find something for your home, for a girlfriend, teacher, you name it; she has something for everyone. She has new items but there are also plenty of items on consignment, as well.
As I browsed a unique collection of furniture, art, lamps and jewelry, my eyes were gravitating to the floor. The painted floor was done by Michele. The floor was cement and it was covered from corner to corner with art; the koi taking center stage.
Michele also paints on glass and it is for sale, as well.
There is a collection of very attractive jewelry from Australia; the colors and stones unique.
Michele store is warm; not fussy. Again, I have to mention the colors because they are bright and a definition of what South Florida is all about.
Varietai offers a great collection of pillows. Michele said the pillows are becoming very popular and they are very well priced.
And here are the rest of the pictures so that you can she what can be found in this very well stocked shop.
If you have any questions, please call Michele at the above mentioned telephone number or you can also e-mail at varietai.delray@gmail.com.
Talk to you later……
September 8th, 2010
When our visitors come to the Delaware beaches, of course, the ocean and those laid back days are what all of them look forward to experience. I think the women can sit on the beach up to a certain point. Shopping could be not too far from their minds.
Not counting the outlets, our beach towns have so many little boutiques. And, yes, some are better than others. Knowing the shopkeepers on a personal level is one of the many treats of living in a small town.
The historic town of Lewes is one example. Second Street is the Main Street, with streets and alleys to the side full of little shops and restaurants.
Lewes looks great; I have mentioned it before. Its residents make sure the town is pristine.
So, I stopped to see Maryanne. She is the owner of the Beach Jetty on Second Street, tel. 302-645-4606. This year she opened Beach Jetty on Market Street, behind King’s Ice Cream. Tel. 302-644-4608. These 2 stores are just 2 blocks from each other.
There is a slight difference in the merchandise on the new store on Market Street but not a lot and I think Maryanne is still working on how the 2 stores are going to differentiate from each other.
Our coastal living is very casual and that is represented in the clothing lines she carries. At this time of the year the merchandise is still summer with just a hint of the fall weather that will soon be arriving.
Maryanne also carries a line of note cards in the Market Street store. These are photographs and she will soon be carrying the prints.
Sales are on-going at this time of the year, not only at the 2 Beach Jettys, but everywhere. Great time to go shopping!!
Talk to you later…..
June 17th, 2010
It’s interesting how when the town of Berlin, Maryland is described, it is mentioned that is like traveling back into the past. It’s not just back into the town’s own past history but also my own.
I have mentioned that this is where my children spent their primary school years so believe me when I tell you that Berlin became my home, as well. And, every time I visit, I cannot help to reminisce.
Berlin is in Worcester County. The town is west of Ocean City, Maryland and dates back to the 1790s.
This is another of those towns where the citizens have worked hard to preserve its history and charm. The renovations of the town and its historic preservation are, definitely, a cooperative effort.
Restaurants and shops line Main Street in Berlin. This town is well known. The movie industry loves it. Two major motion pictures have been filmed here. In 1998 Runaway Bride with Richard Gere and Julia Roberts and in 2001 Tuck Everlasting with Sissy Spacek, Ben Kingsley and William Hurt.
I decided to visit Tada on Wednesday because it is the perfect place for what I was looking for. A wedding gift. I figure that Patty and Blair would be able to help me since they knew the bride.
TaDa is located at 18 N. Main St., Berlin, MD 21811. Tel. 410-641-4430. Website is www.blairelizabeth.com.
The mother and daughter team that owns this beautiful store? Patty Falck and Blair Elizabeth (Blair Falck Parsons). Yes, she got married.
Coming into TaDa at this time of the year gave me the same impression as when I visited in the Fall. The beautiful colors, now even brighter as the summer season is upon us. The displays are perfectly located. Only someone with an artistic eye could put them together in such a way.
Patty is an artist. She paints for her store but accepts custom orders. Her painted glassware has a following.
Blair is also an artist; designing and making her own jewelry. Mother and daughter are definitely a team.
TaDa has something for everyone. Wether you are looking for home accents, a gift for someone close, art, tableware, they have it.
It was a Wednesday and all of a sudden the store was packed. Patty and Blair were so at ease talking to everyone. The customers really engaged them in conversation. And, that’s what I love about shopping in the local stores in all of our towns; you get to know their owners.
This store is always on my “must stop shop”, and it still takes my breath away.
Have a great day….it’s beautiful out…
May 9th, 2010
The Pottery Place has been around for many years. I remember the first time I met her owner, Sandy Flynn. She was the first person I met that rescued greyhounds. Wow, she would be so impressed if she came to Dewey Beach in the Fall and see what a turn-out the “Greyhounds at the Beach” get.
The Pottery Place was in Fenwick, and it still is. But, they have opened one in Rehoboth Beach. Sandy’s daughter, Kim, is the owner of Pottery Place. She runs both stores. I went to visit the store in Rehoboth Beach last Friday. It is in the “Forgotten Mile”, which is that stretch of highway as you leave Dewey Beach, going North. It really is not that forgotten; there are plenty of businesses along the highway. But, you might want to forget this stretch if you get caught in one of the many traffic jams on the week-end, at the height of the summer season.
Pottery Place is located on 20717 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-1660. The website is www.potteryplaceperks.com.
You cannot miss this store. The colors scream summertime and outdoor living!!
Pottery Place is funky, fun and fabulous. An eclectic mix of unique accessories. It has great items available for your home decor, but also gifty things and ideas. Tropical novelties and planters abound.
The Pottery Place was established in 1972. It is definitely a family business. They import merchandise from Indonesia, Africa, Thailand and China. They offer the largest selection of pottery on the beach, and they buy directly from potters from all over the world.
I hope you enjoy the pictures I have taken. They give you a glimpse into this very unique store.
Enjoy the weather!! It is so nice in the Delmarva Peninsula. Talk to you soon…
Note: Information for this post was taken from www.potteryplaceperks.com.
Pottery Place in Fenwick Island is located at the Sunshine Plaza, Rt. 1. Tel. 302-539-3603.
May 1st, 2010
The Wooden Indian is an iconic store in Rehoboth Beach. This store has been opened for 33 years and has seen many changes. It was always the place to go to get that special gift.
I have seen a lot of those changes since I have been a customer for many years. This past winter I decided to stop by and I saw a sign welcoming everyone to the reopening of The Wooden Indian. I never knew it had closed.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the store had new proprietors; Paul J. Roscosky and Joseph S. Yasik. The Wooden Indian is located at 25 Baltimore Avenue in Rehoboth. Tels. are 302-227-8331, 800-225-8331. The website is www.woodenindianltd.com. At the time of my writing this post the website was being updated.
One of the most important persons in this store is Frances Cowgill. She is the General Manager. She has been with The Wooden Indian for 32 of the 33 years. She is one of those people that have such a friendly personality, key to making customers feel at ease.
I met the new proprietors and they wanted to find out how I liked the store. I think they wanted feedback from the customers. I told them that I thought the store looks like what it should look like; an elegant shop with fine accessories like Lynn Chase, Waterford, Herend and Godiva, but also carrying items affordable to all.
The interior of the store looks amazing, you can move through it with ease and at the same time enjoy all the wonderful items available for purchase.
Some palettes have vivid oranges, while others have blues and browns.
Edibles like Godiva Chocolates and all the wonderful conserves, make this store a must stop shop. Paul, Joseph and Frances really have done everything to make The Wooden Indian look larger and fabulous.
The photos say a thousand words, so I hope you enjoy a tour of this magnificent store at the Delaware Beaches.
Once again, I have to mention that one of the best things about living in a small coastal town is the interaction with all the merchants in town. It really is priceless…I guess I will be talking to you soon….
Note: The Wooden Indian, Ltd. has the availability to giftwrap and ship.
 
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