February 2nd, 2012
I don’t get to stay at the hotels in Rehoboth Beach, or in any of the other hotels at the Delaware Beaches. Why should I? I live in Rehoboth Beach.
But, I was just thinking that there are more than a few events in Rehoboth Beach during the month of February. For example, this week-end is the Polar Bear Plunge. If you decide to become a brave soul then, maybe, you need to pamper yourself a bit and stay at The Bellmoor.
The Bellmoor is located at 6 Christian St. Tel. 302-227-5800. Website? www.thebellmoor.com. It is casual, yet elegant and sophisticated. It is within walking distance of everything Rehoboth Beach has to offer; the Boardwalk and beach, shops, restaurants, bake shops and coffee shops.
Don’t let the words luxurious and elegant intimidate you. It has a casual atmosphere, as well. The Bellmoor offers concierge services, pools, and gardens.
At this time of the year it is the perfect place to stay. Competitive prices and great special packages make staying at the Bellmoor very affordable. Please check the website.
The Day Spa is wonderful, small and intimate. And, if you are a Polar Bear this week-end then, you know who to call. You will need it after the plunge. Tina, can set the appointment with Erin. She is great.
That’s all I have to say; straight to the point.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
January 31st, 2012
No reason to stay indoors this winter. You can kick back and relax or do a little bit of this or a little bit of that. The beaches don’t seem to want to take a rest so if you are coming to the Delaware Beaches this week, this is what’s in store for you.
Lewes
Wednesday, 2/1 – 2/28 – Exhibit – Art Treasures from the Delaware Historical Society. The Lewes Historical Society and Peninsula Gallery, at 520 E. Savannah Rd. will be hosting this exhibit. Saturday, 2/4 – Preview Party from 5 – 8 p.m. For more info., please visit www.historiclewes.org.
Saturday, 2/4 – Fundraising Event to Benefit Mike Jennings at Lazy Susan’s “Hot Fat Crabs”, right on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1). On January 9th, Mike Jennings was hit head on by an oncoming truck leaving him with serious medical injuries. The proceeds from this event will go directly to Mike to help cover major medical costs and future rehab needs. So, please join everyone for “Cheers to Jennings” at 5 p.m. for an all you can eat shrimp and beer event. $25 a ticket at the door. There will be a live auction, as well.
Saturday, 2/4 – Dr. Nancy Targett, Dean, College of Earth, Ocean & Environment will be presenting “UD’s Wind Turbine and Other Environmental Innovations” at the Zwaanendael Museum on Savannah Rd. & Third St. at 7 p.m.
Sunday, 2/5 – Fenwick Island Lighthouse will be presented by Jan Thompson. This is part of the Lighthouse Lecture Series at the Zwaanendael Museum, at 2 p.m. More info? Please visit www.history.delaware.gov.
Rehoboth Beach
Wednesday, 2/1 – The Wednesday Business Mixer Returns to the Frogg Pond from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. They say that for the Business Mixer to be successful, they are seeking the participation of local businesses and entrepeneurs.
The Wednesday Business Mixer will give you the opportunity to meet with other local business people and develop your business network, enjoy a free buffet of light hors d’oeuvres, business-sponsored door prizes, entertainment by Viki Dee and enter to win an I-Pad.
On February 1st the business sponsor will be Seacoast Salon, February 8th, Clear Space Productions will be the sponsor, on the 29th of February, Amerispec Inspections will the one, February 15th and February 22nd are still open as of this writing. March 7th will be Geri DiBiase Photography and the 14th of March the SPCA will be the sponsor. March 21st and 28th are still open.
If you are interested in sponsoring a Business Mixer, please contact Pete Borsai at 302-227-2364, or e-mail him at pete@thefroggpond.com.
The Frogg Pond is located at 3 South First St. in downtown Rehoboth Beach. The website? www.thefroggpond.com.
Wednesday, 2/1 – Around the World Series features critically acclaimed, award-winning international independent films. The Rehoboth Beach Film Society, the Lewes Public Library and Movies at Midway are the proud sponsors. On Wednesday at Movies at Midway at 7 p.m. The Queen of Hearts will be the featured film. Location? Upstairs Screening Room at Movies at Midway. No charge.
This charming romantic comedy paints a light-hearted portrait of a young woman experiencing the ups and down of love in contemporary Paris. Thirty-something Adele is devastated after a painful breakup. With no close friends or family, her distant cousin, Rachel, takes her in. Rachel decides that Adele’s life needs a make-over. She gets her a new job and suggests that she begin dating as many different men as possible to get over her heartbreak…..French with English subtitles. To see the trailer go to http://www.rehobothfilm.com/film_events_around_the_world.html.
Friday 2/3 – 2/19 – Blithe Spirit at Clear Space Theatre Company – Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. A special matinee on Thursday, February 9th at 11 a.m. Tickest are priced $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for students/children, are available at www.clearspacetheatre.org, by phone at 302-227-2270 or in person at the box office, located at 20 Baltimore Avenue.
It is the first production that required the construction of a completely functional interior, or unit, set. Blithe Spirit will usher in a good bit of theatrical spectacle along with other technical elements.
 
Saturday, 2/4 and Sunday, 2/5 is The 2012 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge in Rehoboth Beach – Week-End Festivities
On Saturday, 2/4 – There will be a 5K Run to the Plunge, Polar Bear Cake-Off, Ice Sculpting Demonstration, Restaurant Chili Contest, activities for children.
On Sunday, 2/5 – Brrrr….The Plunge at 1 p.m. on Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk. Please visit www.plungede.org because there are entry deadlines that need to be met.
South of Dewey Beach/North of Bethany Beach
Wednesday, 2/1 – The Indian River Life-Saving Station, located at the Delaware Seashore State Park will be hosting Little Keepers: Heroes of the Beach at 10 a.m. Learn about the surfmen of the United States Life-Saving Service, who lived and worked in the Indian River Life-Saving Station. The location is south of Dewey Beach and north of Bethany Beach. This program is targetted for 3 to 5 years of age. $3 per child. For info. you can call 302-227-6991. I wrote a post on The Indian River Life-Saving Station on 8/29/10. If you would like to see it just click on the month of August, 2010 and scroll to the 29th.
 
Friday, 2/3 – The Venue? Mangoes located at Garfield parkway and The Boardwalk in Bethany Beach. 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Hosted by Alpha Alpha Sorority. It is their annual Fundraiser Dance, featuring live music by The Funsters. Light refreshments and dessert, Chinese auction and 50/50 cash drawing. Tickets? $20 per person. No tickets will be sold at the door. You can purchase your tickets at Miller’s Creek on Rt. 26 in Millville, about 3 miles west of Bethany Beach or at Seaquels located at 4 Town Rd. in Ocean View, just a couple of miles west of Bethany Beach.
All proceeds from this event will benefit the local community. In the past Alpha Alpha Sorority has donated to needy families, Families in Crisis, Justin’s Beach House, Indian River School District, among others. Should be a fun event so be ready to party; it is a lively band.
As you can see the Beaches are busy….this is just a sample of the many things to do. As usual, favorite restaurants are open; some of them offering live entertainment….Enjoy your time at the beach, plenty of shopping; lots and lots of sales….
 Monday's Sunset
January 27th, 2012
I think I would like to have some Vietnamese soup, he said. He, meaning my husband. I gave him that look like he had horns coming out of his head. Really? Is that so? It’s not like we live in New York where out the door and you can get anything you want.
He continued….”we” can make it. Another no no. “We” means, “you can maket it”. So, we went to Lily Thai instead, located at 10 North 1st St. in downtown beautiful and warm Rehoboth Beach. Yes, it was at that time of the evening and 54 degrees. Tel. 302-227-3348.
 Rehoboth Avenue and 1st Street I have gone plenty of times to Lily Thai. And, have written about it, as well. I was late in discovering this small restaurant that has been around for a few years now. Originally, it was BYOB. Then, an application process cut that out until last year they finally got their liquor license. It has made such a difference; people do like to have a drink with dinner.
Lily Thai opens 6 days a week for lunch and dinner, closed on Mondays, at this time of the year. They have great specials, and it is very affordable.
The last time I was there I had a dish that even though I took a picture, then I could not remember what it was. It was one of the specials of the evening. Last night I found out that what I had eaten was Chili Crusted Eggplant. Lightly fried Thai eggplants flavored with sweet and spicy roasted chili sauce, chicken, shrimp, tomatoes, onions and topped with fresh cilantro.
Ingredients for Thai food are mixed together in such a way to create different appetizing flavors. Thai food plays with your taste buds; it’s like they are having a great party.
Last night my husband then decided to have their Pad Thai with tofu and extra peanuts. Completely forgot about the Vietamese soup. It was a large portion, almost enough for 2 people. Rice noodles with tamarind pulp, bean sprouts, red tofu, egg and crushed nuts.
I decided on the Duck Grob Roasted Chili. It was one of their specials. Roasted Chili, sweet crispy honey duck, crusted eggplants, tomatoes, onions, sweet and spicy roasted chili sauce. I love the Thai eggplants and this dish was really good with just enough kick.
Biologists consider eggplant to be a fruit and not a vegetable. An eggplant can absorb almost any flavor from any of the ingredients in a dish as well.
For dessert we had the imported mango, sweet sticky rice, topped with coconut cream. The last time I had it it was so good. This time, well not that great. The mango was a little hard and not good at all. This is not the mango season in many parts of the world so maybe that was the reason.
All in all, our meal was very good. Lily Thai is like a neighborhood restaurant; don’t feel like cooking and want flavorful and colorful food?….then you know where to find it now.
Talk to you later….
January 26th, 2012
 These pooches are at Seaquels in Ocean View, Delaware
When I, actually thought that the Beaches were slowing down, taking that well deserved rest, then, all these events start popping up. You really can do as little or as much at this time of the year.
There are a few events that will take place at venues which are a few miles inland, but believe, it is not far at all.
So, if you a local, a native, resident, or visitor this is what is going on….
From the Rehoboth Beach Film Society
Monthly Screenings feature films and discussions about the various cultures in the world, including diversity in our country.
The First Grader is an uplifting biographical drama that takes place in a small, remote primary school in the Kenyan bush, where hundreds of children are jostling for a chance for the free education newly promised by the Kenyan government. Maruge an old Mau Mau veteran in his eighties struggles to gain admission so that he can learn to read at this late stage in his life.
Visit http://www.rehobothfilm.com. Click under Film Events and you can check the Trailer.
Thursday, 1/26 at 7 p.m. at DiFebo’s at Bear Trap Dunes Clubhouse. Doors open at 5 p.m. $4 for members, $6 for non-members. Bear Trap Dunes is located at 7 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean View, Delaware. Tel. 302-537-5600. Website? www.beartrapdunes.com.
Or, you can go on Friday, 1/27 at 7 p.m. at the Movies at Midway-Upstairs Screening Room and see it in Rehoboth Beach. The doors will open at 6 :30 p.m. $4 for member; $6 for non-members.
Friday, 1/27 and Saturday, 1/28 – THR’s Treasure Hunter’s Roadshow at Americinn, 36012 Airport Rd. Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Saturday from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The focus of this event will be on gold and silver coins made before 1970, military items, toys and trains, musical instruments, pocket and wrist watches. For more info., please call 217-787-7767.
Friday, 1/27 – MIXX Restaurant, 26 Baltimore Ave. in Rehoboth Beach is donating 20% of the total sales for the evening to benefit Safe Haven Sanctuary. This is a no-kill sanctuary on Shingle Point Rd. between Georgetown and Milton. 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. Reservations at 302-226-8700. You can check MIXX at www.mixxrehoboth.com.
Friday, 1/27 – Opening Reception at Rehoboth Art League, located at 12 Dodds Lane. Tel. 302-227-8408. Website? http://www.rehobothartleague.org.
Exhibit – The Other Side of Howard Schroeder – Rarely seen works from the Schroeder Family Collection. January 27th until March 4th.
The public is invited to attend the Opening Reception on Friday, 1/27 from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. This is an exhibit of work not readily associated with this iconic artist of the Henlopen school of Delaware artists. Please visit http://www.rehobothartleague.org/exhibitions_2012_jan_schroeder.html for more info. on Howard Schroeder.
The Rehoboth Art League is offering plenty of classes at this time of the year. Maybe something you might have wanted to learn….pottery?, glass bead making? Visit the website for the schedule and class price, but these are a few of the classes that are about to start.
Glass Bead Making will be on Wednesday starting 2/8 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
On Tuesdays, starting 2/28 through 4/3 from 6:15 to 8:45 p.m. Pottery Basics. Hand building and wheel work.
On Wednesday, starting 2/29 until 2/4 from 9:30 a.m. until 12 p.m. another chance to learn Pottery Basics. You can also attend the evening session from 6:00 until 8:30 p.m.
Friday, 1/27 – Fundraising Event at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center located on Rehoboth Avenue. This event will benefit the Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation (CHEF). It is a Winter Jam with 2 party bands, The Funsters and The Bullbuckers; both Delaware bands.
Tickets in advance can be purchased at the Cape schools for $15; at the door? $20. You can also get the tickets at Federal Street Gallery in Milton, and at Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Avenue. For more info. contact Chris King at christinedking@comcast.net .
The Rehoboth Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue near the Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center and Grove Park. I like to mention this museum because if you love Rehoboth Beach, it can show what it was then and what has become; a year-round destination.
The Exhibit Skimming the Surface; Surf, Skimming, and Floating off the Delaware Coast is one that should be seen for all those aficionados of water sports. It will be there until the first week in March. The Museum is open on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 10 to p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 to 3 p.m. For more info, please call 302-227-7310 or visit www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
Saturday, 1/28 – 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. Lewes – Cape Henlopen’s Battle of the Bands at the Cape Henlopen High School Theatre. $10 (come and go). Proceeds will benefit the theatre group’s spring production of Cats and for guest speakers. Cape Henlopen Highway is located on Kings Highway, Lewes, Delaware.
Saturday 1/28 at 2 p.m. – Lewes - Coastal Concerts presents Clancy Newman, Cello and Noreen Cassidy-Polera, Piano Bethel United Methodis Church Hall on 4th & Market Streets in Lewes, Delaware.
Coastal Concerts promotes classical music appreciation in Southern Delaware and surrounding areas.
Clancy Newman has ferocious technical ability, impeccable tonal mastery, and passionate commitment. Noreen Cassidy-Polera is a highly regarded Julliard-trained pianist who has colaborated with Yo-Yo Ma among others.
For more info. please visit www.coastalconcerts.org.
Saturday, 1/28 – From 6 p.m. until midnight is SPCA Poker, Black Jack Night at Poker at the Beach located at Beach Plaza, Rt. 1, Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-3760.
Sunday, 1/29 – First Annual Winter Wine Festival – Nage Rehoboth presents an evening of wine, beer, music and food!! 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. The Festival will include wine tastings, beer tastings, specialty cocktails, open bar, live local music and food by Nage Chef Hari Cameron. Tickets are $49 and you must be 21 to attend. You can purchase tickets online by visiting http://www.nagerestaurant.com. Nage is located at 19730 Coastal Highway in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-226-2037.
Have a great week-end!!
 Lewes
January 23rd, 2012
For years it has been “pedal to the metal” as you crossed over the Indian River Inlet Bridge. It was looking old and a bit decrepit.
It took long enough but after a few years of building, it finally has opened.
If you are traveling right by the coast, south or north bound on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) you will find this route to be so scenic and gorgeous; the Bay on one side, the Atlantic Ocean on the other. The locals that drive this route back and forth to the different towns for work every day are truly lucky.
The South Bound lane is the one that just opened and so I took a drive on a rainy, foggy and warm winter day. Can’t complaint because it has not been bad at all. Here are the pictures.
South Bound (New Bridge)
North Bound (Old Bridge and Pedal to the Metal)
My trip was not only to cross over the new bridge but to also visit Seaquels, the consignment shop near Bethany Beach. Just moved to a new building….post in the making, stay tuned….
Have a good one!!
January 20th, 2012
Not so quick to think we are hibernating at the Delaware Beaches. Usually the week following a holiday week-end is quiet at the Delaware Beaches; more so this time of the year. If you are visiting Lewes, Rehoboth, Milton, Clarksville (west of Bethany Beach), then check what’s going on…
Friday, 1/20 – Lewes - Star Gazing Starry Night at the Cape Henlopen State Park. Learn how to find the familiar star patterns known as constellations and learn the stories they tell as we go outside and explore the night skies. Ages 10 and older with an adult. $2/person. At 6:30 p.m. This program is led by a naturalist and will meet at the Seaside Nature Center inside the Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. Follow the signs. Call to pre-register 302-645-6852 and remember to dress for the weather.
Friday, 1/20 – Milton, DE – Documentary – An Evolving Legacy: Delaware’s Coastal Act. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Venue? The Milton Fire Hall located at 116 Front St., Milton, Delaware. Admission $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 11 and under. You can purchase tickets online, today, until Noon, by visiting http://www.rehobothfilm.com/film_events_delmarva_roots.html. Or, you can just purchase them at the door.
Delmarva Roots is a series of films about the rich history of the Delmarva region. If you missed it at the Film Festival then here is another chance.
Forty years ago, Governor Russell W. Peterson championed Delaware’s landmark Coastal Zone Act to preserve the Delaware shoreline. Before Peterson’s death last February at the age of 94, he was interviewed. He recounted the dramatic struggle to craft and pass this visionary legislation. In addition to reporting his story, the film explores the 40 year history of the Coastal Zone Act, and presents the ongoing challenges all Delawareans face in the struggle to balance the desire for industrial development with a love for unspoiled natural habitats. After the screening, Director Michael Oates will lead a question and answer session about the production of the film.
Friday, 1/20 – Lewes – The Lewes Historical Society Presents Jim Horn “Remembering Rehoboth Beach’s Glory Days” – at the Lewes Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, Kings Highway in Lewes. 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.
Rehoboth native, Jim Horn, will be the featured speaker on the history of Rehoboth Beach. He will share his family’s collection of photos taken over time, recording much of the history of Rehoboth’s development and growth. His family’s enterprises in the early 1900’s included the Rehoboth dance pavilion, roller rink, stores, the Auditorium Theater in Lewes, the Del-Reho Casino and the Blue Hen Theater. His last presentation was over 8 years ago. He is currently a Delaware Magistrate and serves as a judge in the state’s judicial system. For more info., please call Michael DiPaolo at 302-645-7670.
Friday, 1/20 – Rehoboth – Jakes Seafood has Danny Shivers, Vocalist/Electrical and Acoustic Guitarist entertaining diners on Friday evening. On Saturday, 1/22 – Decades Dance Party starting at 9 p.m. Dance the night away to the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s. No cover. More info? Just call them up at 302-644-7711 or visit their website, www.jakesseafoodhouse.com.
Friday, 1/20 – Lewes – Music & Entertainment at Bethany Blues, Lewes – Big Hat, No Cattle; a little rock, a little “Billy”. Always great entertainment as Sydney’s Music Revival at Bethany Blu7es continues every Friday. Big Hat provides foot stomping joyful country gospel and soulful music. Bethany Blues is located right on Rt. 1 at 18385 Coastal Highway. Tel. 302-644-2500. www.bethanyblues.com. Entertainment begins at 8 p.m.
Friday, 1/20 – Rehoboth Beach - Nage Bistro in Rehoboth Beach – Live Entertainment starting at 7 p.m. at the Wine Bar. Local musicians. Nage is located at 19730 Coastal Highway.
If you love to cook and want to learn more please visit www.nagerestaurant.com and click on their Healthy and Flavorful Cooking Class which will be Saturday, 1/21. The chefs at Nage are going to give your diet a post-holiday tune up. The class will be immediately followed by a special lunch with the instructor. The lunch is included in the price of the class. It will start at 10 a.m. until Noon. For more info., please call 302-226-2037.
Another interesting event offered by Nage Bistro is their Meatless Mondays at Nage, serving extraordinary vegetarian dishes in order to promote good health and also help the environment. Meatless Mondays is a national campaign to promote healthier eating and a healthier planet. The menus will be featuring meat free cuisine designed to prove that vegetarian cuisine does not have to be boring. Call for reservations at 302-226-2037.
Saturday, 1/21 – Clarksville, 4 miles west of Bethany Beach – Good Earth Market & Organic Farm is located on Rt. 26 at 31806 Good Earth Lane, Clarksville, DE. Tel. 302-537-7100. Website? http://www.goodearthmarket.com. At Noon. Get Ready for Your Super Bowl Feast!! Join Cape Seasonings from Lewes, Delaware as they show you how to prepare 5 Simple Super Bowl Party Snacks. Try their Soul Blend Seasons, Gourmet Pretzels & Chips and Kaldi Organic EVOO.
Good Earth Market makes sandwiches and salads to order daily from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Just give them a call with your order and they will have it ready for pick up. 302-537-7100.
Saturday, 1/21 – Lewes – Battery 519 Museum Tour at 2 p.m. at Fort Miles inside the Cape Henlopen State Park. Join a historical interpreter for a guided tour of a WWII coastal defense gun battery. See the updates and renovations. Ft. Miles was a key part of the nation’s coastal defense during and after WWII. In April of 2005 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Meet at the Orientation Building in the Fort Miles Historic area. Follow “Fort Miles” signs to the parking lot. Walk the paved road through the Cantonment area to the orientation building; it will be the largest one on your right. Please call 302-645-6852 to pre-register. $5/person. This program is for ages 7 and older with an adult.
Sunday, 1/22 – Rehoboth Beach – 9th Annual Championship Sunday at 2 p.m. Venue? Rehoboth Beach Convention Center right on Rehoboth Avenue. Bring family and friends and watch and cheer the NFC and AFC Championship Games. Silent auction, kids room and more. $20/adult and $5 for children under 12. For tickets call 302-226-8750, 302-645-9344 or 302-226-2230. You can purchase tickets in advance at MX Physical Therapy at Safeway Plaza, Trader’s Jewelry & Gifts at 116 Second St., Lewes, or at the door. Non-perishable food items will be accepted in support of Casa San Francisco’s Food Pantry.
I guess….not so quiet, afterall….Have a good week-end. Chilly but it does feel soooo nice.
January 18th, 2012
New Year & New Expectations; that’s what this post should be called. The Delaware Beaches are becoming more popular every year. The attraction of low property taxes, along with the amenities make the beaches a year-round playground. Tax free shopping, mild winters, beautiful scenery…the towns have been crowded during the week-ends. This is our Second Season and a few quieter months is the perfect time, for us that live here year-round, to truly embrace the beaches.
With that in mind, I want to mention some of my Delaware advertisers, who have been in the area for so many years. I can recommend them all fully because I use them.
Tidewater Realty is located at 32892 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) at the Starboard Center in Bethany Beach. Tel. 302-539-7500 or toll free 800-888-7501. This is a boutique size real estate company catering to North Bethany and Bethany Beach customers. Website? http://www.tidewaterrealty.com. Tidewater has been a sales leader in the community for 30 years. Personal attention, a friendly staff, rentals and sales. A tip for you is to visit the website and wether your interest is sales or rentals, the website will give you an idea of who they are and what is available. Make your summer rentals choices early; you know how it is….if we have a forecast for a hot summer the prime weeks will go quickly.
Coastal Chem-Dry, is at the forefront of the carpet and upholstery cleaning industry. A green certified company using innovative equipment and powerful cleaning solutions. You can call for a free estimate at 302-645-2800 in Sussex County or 302-234-0200 in New Castle County. Website? www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de. Take advantage of the specials that are now on-going. Visit their website www.chem-dry.net/coastal.de/specials to find out what they are offering.
Please note that once your carpet or upholstery is cleaned by Coastal Chem-Dry, it only takes a couple of hours to dry; not days. And, if you have pets, this is the company to use.
VacationRentals.com is a national rental company. Part of the family of Home Away. I was surprised when last year they contacted me. The properties that are being advertised on my website are in Rehoboth Beach. Check http://www.vacationrentals.com/vacation-rentals/rehoboth-beach-delaware.html. You can also click directly on their website, on the link available on the bottom left hand side of this blog. Events and activities are always happening in Rehoboth. The company has townhouses, single family, and condos all great for taking time off at the beach with a group of friends.
Miken Builders is located at 32782 Cedar Drive, Millville, DE 19967. Tels. Office 302-537-4444, cell 302-381-0773. Website? www.mikenbuilders.com. Mike Cummings is the company’s Founder and CEO. This is a commercial and residential construction company well respected in the community. I have known Mike for many years and no job is too small or too big for him. Find out for yourself and give his company a call. His staff is amazing.
BetterLiving Patio & Sunrooms of Delmarva is under the umbrella of Miken Builders, but a complete different company even though they share the same address. Tel. 302-251-0000. Website? www.betterlivingdelmarva.com. The company is the exclusive provider of BetterLiving 3-season year-round sunrooms and awnings.
Doggies at the Beach – I have said it so many times and here it goes again. You can leave your dog at this cage free, temperature controlled facility, 24 hour supervision with total confidence. Jim and his staff are wonderful and animal lovers. Doggies at the Beach is located on Rt. 24 at 18806 John J. Williams Highway. Tel. 302-644-8200. Website? www.doggiesatthebeach.com. They offer grooming for dogs and cats, training for different levels of your dog’s life, web cams so that you can check you pooch while away and in case you would like a drawing of your pet; DJ who is in charge of the pooches at night can draw your pet. For more info. call the office and talk to Jim. Here are a few of his drawings.
  
Note: The above mentioned companies can be accessed directly from my website. Just click on their site and you will be directed immediately to all the information they have available.
And…..if you decided you would like to advertise on AboutMyBeaches, then $500/year will get you a banner on my website with personal attention, of course.
Have a good one!!
January 17th, 2012
Back in 2009 when I started this blog, the concept was “word of mouth”. Finding those unique places that make our beaches such a wonderful place to live. I wanted to pass the word around. Believe me, I know I am lucky to live in the coastal area of the Delaware Beaches, and I do not take it for granted.
The other day my husband mentioned that he had read about a dairy farm in Rehoboth. They also had produce and on and on he went. It was on the way to the Glades, he said. Okay, I had not been on that road for years. It is the type of road that is mostly traveled by the people that live in that vicinity.
I found the farm, and the storefront. It look like someone was there. Then, I met Nelson. I introduced myself; the store was opening at 11 a.m. In our brief conversation he said that these are hard times for dairy farmers. That the Euro having problems have made companies in Europe trying to market powder milk to be reconsituted, here in the U.S. What? That’s crazy, I thought. His mother would be there at 11 a.m., Nelson said. He, on the other hand, would probably be out back playing with the cows. Could not wait to get back at 11 a.m.
Rehoboth Dairy, LLC is located at Rustic Acres Farm, at 37217 Rustic Acres Ln. in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-226-2571. Earl’s 302-245-8308 and Nelson’s 302-245-8310. If you are going north after just leaving Rehoboth Beach, on Rt. 1 (Coastal Highway), turn right on Hollands Glade Rd., right after Tomato Sunshine. If you are coming south on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) then, make a U turn at the intersection of Shuttle Rd. and Rt. 1 in order to get to Hollands Glade Rd. On Hollands Glade Rd., continue driving inland and you will see the farm on the left and the store just by the road.
There were people already there when I arrived. Immediately, I met Earl and Mary Ann, who along with their sons work the farm.
A few customers were checking out already with a box full of lettuce, eggs, milk, and butter. Cash and check are accepted. No credit cards.
Earl and I started talking; I think he could outtalk me by a lot, if there is such a thing. His good friends were Amish from Dover, Delaware. They built the store. Comfortable in its simplicity. During the summer months you are going to find all kinds of local produce.
This is a dairy farm. The milk? Well, it is as fresh as you are ever going to get any milk. The cows are in the back. They get milked in the updated building that dates prior to the Civil War. The milk is brought to the back of the shop where it is pasteurized. Rehoboth Dairy follows all State regulations. It takes them 8 hours to produce 100 gallons of milk.
 
They have available, whole milk, 2%, 1 1/2 %, and cream. The milk is in glass bottles; 1/2 gallons and quarts. A deposit is required for the glass bottles. Bring the bottles back for your deposit to be refunded. You’ll be back for sure.
The cream goes to the top and just like in the old days, it separates. Shake it a bit and you will get one delicious tasting glass of milk. Milk in its purest form is as near to being a perfect food as one can find. It is a complex and complete supply of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antibodies, essential fatty acids and carbs.
Only a handful of dairy farms remain in the State of Delaware. The cost of carrying these farms is incredible. Earl had to sell everything some years ago when it got to be too much with 200 cows. He has now about 70 and is trying to keep it going. He is a farmer at heart and speaks of work with passion and delight. He also said that farmers buy retail and sale wholesale.
 
Pasteurization of raw milk is required by law. This process began as a result of bacteria that could contaminate the milk after the milk left the cow. The milk from Rehoboth Dairy is pasteurized with milk from their cows, in the family century farm. These cows are grass fed with no artificial hormones or antibiotics.
 
No homogenization here. Homogenization forces the milk, by extreme pressure, through tiny holes which break up the normally large fat molecules into tiny ones. This unnatural fat is easily absorbed into the blood stream. In milk that has not been homogenized, the large fat molecules, are normally passed through the digestive track, unabsorbed. A lot of health problems are attributed to homogenization.
Through small cooperatives, Earl and Mary Ann buy other staples for their store. Butter, is made by the Amish. Of course, I had to get it. It is so good. The eggs are free range and a variety of sizes, as well.
Honey from Lanes Pure Honey from Dover, Delaware. Comb and all.
A freezer was in the middle of the store filled with lima beans and meats and pork products. Filet, roasts, sausage, hamburger patties, scrapple, pork chops. Earl and Mary Ann can tell you the content of everything they sell. I told Earl he would get a scrapple review for sure.
The pork comes from pigs raised on another farm, but owned by Earl. And the beef is from their steers which are raised on their farm, again, grass fed beef with no antibiotics and no hormones. Haas Family Butcher Shop in Dover takes care of the preparation of their meat and pork products.
Besides milk, butter, eggs, and honey, I bought a pork loin roast, filet and scrapple.
You can find in the store Amish baked goods, as well.
I took off with Earl on his truck to check the cows out back. They were all eating; I think that’s what cows do all the time, anyway. The cows you will find at Rustic Acres Farm are Holsteins and Jerseys.
Holstein is the world’s highest production dairy animal, with distinctive markings. Some are mostly black to mostly white, half and half, or red and white.
Trivia: Pauline Wayne was a famous Holstein that was the Presidential Pet of the 27th President of the U.S., William Howard Taft. It lived and grazed on the White House and provided for their milk. It was the last Presidential Pet Cow.
Jerseys are a small breed of dairy cattle, originally bred in the Channel Island of Jersey. It has high butterfat content in its milk and a “genial” disposition; curious and gentle.
Trivia: Elsie the Cow was the famous mascot of Borden, Inc. in the U.S.
 
I asked Earl if they were dumb. He said that a cow remembers everything that has been done to it. As we walked he touched them here or there, behind their ears. It was like they recognized him. One just got close to me and tried to grab my pocket. I had a treat from my dog, Addy, there. Slobbered all over the bottom of my coat.
Earl said that cows are creatures of habit and they follow a strong pecking order. It is a whole process to get them used to one another.
The calfs had to be weaned. They were so cute, coming out of their huts, thinking you had a bottle for them.
From there they go with just one other cow to a different pen. Then to a bigger space with a few more and on and on it goes until they are ready to be all together.
They all have shelter in the winter; a roof over their heads.
As I was walking with Earl I asked him if he gave tours. He said he did not because he did not want germs and contamination in his farm. I felt lucky that he took me to see it. All I could think of was that you really had to love it; it is really so much work.
A resurgence of wanting better foods; away from over processed foods, I am hoping that give these farmers the opportunity to stay in business.
I read food labels all the time. Have to since there are food allergies and health issues in my household. It is just incredible to read some of the ingredients, dies and preservatives in the simplest of foods.
I really enjoyed talking to the Warrens. A plan for the not too distant future is homemade ice cream. I can’t wait!!!
Note: I had to get some info. from Wikipedia….
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