December 27th, 2012
The coastal towns at the Delaware Beaches are the perfect ones for jogging, hiking, biking, and strolling. These towns are flat and at sea level. So, on Christmas Day my sister in law, Susie, and I decided that it was time to walk off some of the Christmas cookies, the rib roast, all the trimmings and the buckwheat cakes….we were not the only ones doing this. Exercising was in everyone’s mind and they were not waiting for the New Year’s resolutions. We were all getting a head start.
If you are visiting Rehoboth Beach and Lewes, a distraction from the beach, shopping and dining would be to discover this beautiful trail. You do not even feel you are at the beach.
The Junction and Breakwater Trail is on the path of an early railroad. The Junction and Breakwater Railroad Company began in 1857 and it joined Northern and Southern Delaware. The junction in Harrington, Delaware, then connected to the rail line from Wilmington and the breakwater on the bay in Lewes in 1870. But it only reached Rehoboth Beach in 1878.
 
This railroad first carried passengers and freight. Later, in the 20th century, people started traveling by car and the rail line only carried freight. It shut down when trucks took over the job of transporting freight.
In 2003, the Division of Parks & Recreation used the old railbed to create the hiking and biking trail for the public. There were some complaints, but I think everyone is happy that this 6 mile trail is used and enjoyed by many.
There are different ways on accessing the trail. Parking for the trail is located at Wolfe Neck Area off Cape Henlopen State Park. Riders from Rehoboth Beach can head out of town over the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal draw bridge and take a right on Church St. Turn left past the church and follow the road that passes the entrance to Canal Cokran. Or, you can do, like Susie and I did and park behind the Rehoboth Beach Oulets (Seaside), north of Holland Glad Rd. To me, that is the easiest from Rehoboth Beach, if you are walking.
 
Please note that pets need to be on a maximum 6 foot leash at all times. And, no horseback riding is permitted on the trail.
The trail is 10 feet wide. It has a crushed stone surface, therefore, it is wheelchair accessible.
If you remember, Christmas Day was about 50+ degrees and it really was nice to walk the trail. The first think I spotted was the Rehoboth Dairy Farm which you could see at a distance.
It has the best milk, butter, eggs, scrapple and meats. It opens Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Woods, salt marshes, mud flats and peat are in abundance. The salt marshes are valuable to humans, animals, and the environment.
The marsh grasses absorb the storms’ impact.
Peat, which is a mixture of dead grass and rut, acts like a sponge, storing flood waters and absorbing the energy of the waves.
Mud flats give birds a place to rest and eat. These cardinals were gorgeous.
The maritime forest is the most stable environment along the coast. Plants adapt to the environment and provide food and shelter for wildlife.
While walking, you will find that there are benches in case you need to rest.
The 80 foot railroad bridge was originally built in 1913. It crosses Holland Glade and provides views of the WWII towers, which protected the Delaware coast during those times.
We walked 3 miles up and 3 miles back.
A good way to spend Christmas Day!! You could barely see the moon. Almost a Full Moon!
Note: Information for this post was taken from the Delaware State Park & Recreation.
December 23rd, 2012
Holidays at the Delaware Beaches are not hectic by any means. If you are spending time here you know what I mean. It is a laissez faire attitude. We love it and that’s why visitors love it, as well. No big malls, just the outlets; plenty of independent boutiques, which make it so easy to shop. It does help that we have tax free shopping.
So….what’s going on this week?
Wednesday, 12/26 – LEWES – At the Lewes Public Library located on 111 Adams Ave. – Free Write, a writing workshop sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach Writers Guild. It is free. More info? Please call 302-645-2733.
Thursday, 12/27 – Saturday, 12/29 – LEWES – Holiday Family Program each day at 2 p.m. at the Seaside Nature Center located at Cape Henlopen State Park, 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive in Lewes, DE 19958. A naturalist will be presenting fish facts while feeding the fish in the fish tanks. More info? 302-645-6852
Friday, 12/28 – This month Rehoboth Beach Film Society will be presenting the award-winning documentary “Bill Cunningham New York”, at 7 p.m. in the upstairs screening room at the Movies at Midway, located on Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), in Rehoboth Beach. To see the trailer, please visit http://www.rehobothfilm.com/film_events_monthly_screenings.html
This engaging documentary traces the singular life and career of the legendary New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham, whose iconic photos have spotlighted everything from hip-hop to haute couture. He is now in his 80s and continues to bike around New York shooting the New York Times “On the Street” photo section. This multiple award-winning film (including Independent Spirit Award for Best Documentary) contrasts the busy life of the energetic and engaging Cunningham with the changin face of his Manhattan, including the possibility of Cunningham’s eviction from the venerable Carnegie Hall studios, where he has lived and worked since 1940. The San Francisco Chronicle calls the film “deeply moving” and “visually stunning”. Runtime: 84 minutes. Not rated. Admission is $4 for Rehoboth Beach Film Society Members (current card must be presented), and $6 for future members. Tickets sold at the door.
Saturday, 12/29 – The Rehoboth Beach Film Society and CAMP Rehoboth co-present a quarterly, gay and lesbian themed film series called Another Take. The films are shown in the Upstairs Screening Room at the Midway Theaters located on Coastal Highway. Tickets are $7 and non-refundable. They can be purchased on line or by telephone, 302-645-9095, ext. 1. Website? http://www.rehobothfilm.com/film_events_another_take.html. You can see the trailer on the website.
Please note that the 2 p.m. screening of Cloudburst was sold out but a second screening has been added at 4:30 p.m.
This multi-award-winning feature film was a sellout at the recent 2012 Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival and features virtuoso performances from Dukakis (best known for her roles in Moonstruck, Steel Magnolias and the miniseries Tales of the City) and Fricker (Oscar winner for My Left Foot).
This uproarious comedy-drama centers on the 2 women, a committed couple for 31 years. Stella (Dukakis), has a foul mouth and a taste for confrontation. Dot (Fricker) is losing both her sight and her grip on reality. When Dot’s neurotic granddaughter shows up, announcing that she intends to break the couple up by putting Dot in a nursing home, Stella sees a way out: they must head to Canada and get married. What follows is an alternately poignant and riotous comedy that has much to say about the true nature of love and commitment. 93 minutes, not rated.
Cloudburst has won the Grand Jury Prize at the Atlanta Film Festival and the Audience Award at both the Philadelphia and Atlanta International Film Festivals.
Merry Christmas!!
December 22nd, 2012
Last minute wishes can be handed to Santa. Take advantage of his lasts visits at the Delaware Beaches. Remember your cameras!!
In Historic Lewes, Delaware, Santa will be there today, Saturday, 12/22 from 1 until 4 p.m. Santa’s House is located in front of Citizens Bank on the corner of Second & Bank Streets.
In Rehoboth Beach, Santa’s House is located at the end of Rehoboth Avenue and the Boardwalk. The schedule is as follows:
Saturday, 12/22 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m.
Sunday, 12/23 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
On Sunday, 12/23 from 3 p.m. until 5 p.m. Pets Visit with Santa.
Merry Christmas!!
December 4th, 2012
As we sat in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, eating oysters and steamed clams….it was early in the evening. I figured tonight would be a good night to visit Agave. I cannot imagine they would have a line. Everyone would be at the Rehoboth Beach Christmas Parade. So, we took off for Lewes. And, I was right.
Lewes, Delaware was quiet; a few cars parked on Second Street. Agave is located at 1376 2nd St. in Downtown Historic Lewes. They do not take reservations, but you can put your name down and they will call you if the line is long, which usually is. Their tel. is 302-645-1232. They open for lunch and dinner. At this time of the year, they close on Monday.
 
Agave is a success in Lewes. The food is always good, ample portions, and great prices. Great drinks, as well!!
My cousin is visiting for a few days. He needed to try the Avocado Cilantro Tequilatini. Fresh avocados; it takes a while to make. It is soooo smooth. He kept saying “que rico”.
Kira was our server and she suggested a trio of the guacamole sampler. One with shrimp, one with pine nuts and goat cheese and the other with pumpkin seeds. A generous portion of the tree of them. Very good.
I decided on their traditional chicken tamale. I have had it before and if you like tamales, then, I think this one will be a winner for you. Served with rice, black beans and corn bread.
My cousin ordered the Steak Chili which is always so consistently delicious. He was too fast…no picture this time.
Doggie bags were ordered….I think it was time to go. This post was short and to the point.
A look at Santa’s House in Lewes…what a quaint, beautiful town!! See you!
November 27th, 2012
Kicking off the 2012 Christmas Season in a big way is Historic Lewes, Delaware. This charming and quaint town is more than ready for this Holiday Season; the town, the merchants, and the residents….always welcome the visitors with open arms. This season, they are going all out.
If you are visiting, check what’s going on!
Tuesday, 11/27 – Nouveau Beaujolais Wine Tasting & Holiday Shopping Extravaganza at Irish Eyes, located at 213 Anglers Rd., from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets? $25 There will be great food, the 2012 Featured Wine and fabulous entertainment. You can do a little shopping; plenty of silent auction items available, including the auction of decorated holiday wreaths. A live auction, as well; a fundraising event for the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula. For tickets and information, please call 302-226-3333. Website? http://www.irisheyespub.com
Thursday, 11/29 – Beebe Auxiliary’s Gift Shop Open House & Hospitality Night from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. First Floor at Beebe Medical Center located on Savannah Rd.
Thursday, 11/29 – 17th Annual Beebe Holiday of Lights from 5:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. Once again, the front lawn of Beebe Medical Center, located on Savannah Rd. will fill with the voices of children singing carols as the Christmas tree is lit with colorful lights representing friends and loved ones who are being honored and remembered. Following the tree lighting, refreshments will be served. Santa Claus will make a special appearance.
Thursday, 11/29 – Shop, Shop ’til you drop. Hospitality Night in Historic Lewes. Meet old friends, dance to the music, and enjoy complimentary light refreshments provided by the local businesses. The location? The Historic Lewes Commercial Area in downtown Lewes.
Friday, 11/30 – Children’s Beach House Benefit Art Exhibit and Sale Preview Party, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Part of the Lewes Christmas tradition, this event features the works of almost 100 local and regional artists. Funds raised at the event help support the Children’s Beach House general operating budget. It is an opening reception. Meet the artists and be the first to view the works of some amazing talent. Ticket ($65 general admission), includes food, cocktails, valet parking, and holiday entertainment. The Children’s Beach House is located at 1800 Bay Avenue (enter from Cedar Avenue). Note: The show continues on Saturday, 12/1 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Website? http://www.cbhinc.org
Saturday, 12/1 – Lewes Historical Society’s House Tour – This is one of the most beloved holiday traditions in Lewes. The Christmas Tour of Lewes benefiting The Lewes Historical Society. 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Also, part of the Christmas week-end in Lewes. Tickets are on sale by visiting http://www.historiclewes.org, or by calling 302-645-7670, ext. 12. Tickets can also be purchased at the Society’s Museum Shop, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, the Zwaanendael Museum, Community Bank Delaware, Habersham Peddlers and The Inn at Canal Square. In Rehoboth Beach, tickets can be purchased at the Rehoboth Beach Museum, and Browseabout Books on Rehoboth Ave. Advance tickets are $20 each. Tickets purchased the day of the tour are $25 each.
Showcasing a wonderful selection of homes; from colonial delights and 19th century beauties to 20th and 21 century masterpieces. In addition to the 8 private homes on tour this year, The Society’s museums will be open and decorated for the season.
A great selection of gifts will be on hand at the Society’s Museum Gift Shop the day of the tour. It is located in the Ryves Holt House on the corner of Second and Mulberry Streets.
A visit to the Christmas Antiques Bazaar and Bake Sale, which will be held at the Rabbit’s Ferry House at Third and Shipcarpenter Streets on the Lewes Historic Complex. Shop for the Holidays; enjoy hot coffee, chili and baked goods. Outside of the house, a Holiday Greens Sale featuring fresh magnolia, pine and holly, while supplies last.
Note: Bethel UMC, located at 129 West Fourth Street will host a Cookie Walk. Cookies are placed on a long table. You are given an empty cookie box and a disposable glove. Walk around the table, choosing the cookies you want. Select as many or as few of each kind you like. When finished, your box will be weighed and the cost calculated. $6 per pound!! They will offer candy and dog treats too.
Saturday, 12/1 – The 81st Annual Lewes Christmas Parade at 5:00 p.m. Parade Theme? Let it Snow!! Tom King, Chairman of The Lewes Christmas Parade, which is jointly sponsored by the City of Lewes and the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, has announced the selection of the Lewes Historical Society as the Honorary Grand Marshals for the Christmas Parade in honor of their 50th Anniversary. The Society was officially founded on January 19, 1962. It has been responsible for preserving some of Lewes’ most recognizable, historic buildings, as well as offering a rich array of activities for both Lewes residents and visitors.
The parade takes place on December 1st…rain/snow date: Sunday, December 2nd at the same time. Prizes will be awarded in many categories. The parade begins on Savannah Road at Sussex Drive and will end in front of King’s Ice Cream Shop on Second Street. The Chamber’s board of directors will be leading the parade, carrying a huge Frosty the Snowman helium balloon. After the parade, the Christmas tree in Zwaanendael Park will be illuminated, followed by candlelight caroling in the park led by Christy Taylor with sound by Bill Larsen.
The Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitor’s Center is located in the Fisher-Martin House on Kings Highway behind the Zwaanendael Museum. It is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. On Saturday, December 1st, it will open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Website? http://www.leweschamber.com
Have a great time!!
November 23rd, 2012
So far so good…the weather has been amazing. Lewes, Delaware looked beautiful on Thanksgiving Day as I drove around this quaint town. It was quiet; the end of the day. A drive through Pilottown Rd. took me towards the Lewes Boat Ramp.
Then, back to town, the views were, really, so gorgeous. Crisp colors; the marshes giving this part of town a serenity, which was perfect on Thanksgiving Day.
 2-megawatt wind turbine 
Black Friday….some of us say, we have not seen this many people at the Delaware Beaches in years. Don’t know if it was the forecast or, people just wanting to get out of town.
I love Agave. Located at 137 2nd St. in Downtown Lewes, it is a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar. Tel. 302-645-1232. That it is popular, is an understatement. No reservations; I am always complaining. The wait too long. Well, guess what? Today, I was doing what everyone else in Lewes had found out. Agave certificates were going to be sold today. Bring your “dinero” and double the dollar amount. So, I brought $200 and I got $400 worth. Yes!! That was my Black Friday deal. If I had known earlier, I would have told you. I only found out today, but I believe this is not the first year. Stay tuned for next year.
The certificates could be bought in increments of $10. I got mine all in 10’s. They cannot carry a balance. Dine in only. Not for carryout. Can use as many as necessary in one visit. Cannot be used for merchandise, or for happy hour specials. Could not be used on Black Friday. And, last, but not least, cannot be used for gratuity.
I waited for about 1 1/2 hours….worth the wait. Now I will have to see when will I be able to get into Agave. Don’t worry, a post will, definitely, follow.
My sister in law was patiently waiting for me, shopping around Lewes. We decided to have lunch at Cafe Azafran. My Agave certificates were safely in my bag. Cafe Azafran has been in Lewes for many years. It is a Mediterranean Cafe located at 109 Market St. Tel. 302-644-4446. Another location has been in Downtown Rehoboth Beach for a few years. Website? http://www.cafeazafran.com.
It is casual. Seating available inside or at the side porch. Today it was the perfect day. The heaters were hardly needed.
An order of their vegetable soup, accompanied with bread. Great consistency, not salty; light.
An order of the Mediterranean Platter – Serrano ham, roasted peppers, romesco, olive tapenade, artichoke hearts, Manchego & goat cheese with warm baguette. Gorgeous colors were so welcomed. Delicious.
The Special Panini was ordered – Ham, asparagus, melted brie, onions, accompanied with pasta salad. The brie and ham, always a very nice combination.
That’s all for… Black Friday!! Have a good one!
November 8th, 2012
You get it all in one place; food, spirits, live entertainment, great atmosphere, kick a heel or two….Bethany Blues Lewes is located at 18385 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), Lewes, Delaware 19958. Tel. 302-644-2500. Website? http://www.bethanyblues.com. It is open year-round.
The other night we decided we were in the mood for ribs. Bethany Blues is known for their succulent ribs, perfectly smoked. The restaurant is, actually, a good size. But, I like to sit in the bar area. There are some booths and tall table available. It is pretty lively on this side of the restaurant. If you do prefer a quieter atmosphere, then ask to be seated on the other side.
Bethany Blues is one of the restaurants in our Delaware Beaches where people with food allergies can eat without worries. The restaurant takes guests’ food allergies very seriously and tries to accommodate dietary restrictions as best as they can.
If you have a food allergy, please mention it to your server. In our case, it is a gluten allergy. The manager will come to the table to explain the menu and tell you what you can and cannot eat. Believe me, they have plenty of entrees and sides, including barbecue sauces.
Our entrees and sides were all gluten free. This is what we had.
To start we had their Crispy Pork Belly. A few slices of in house, cured and smoked pork belly, served with their apple cider dipping sauce. I usually order this appetizer. I love the combination of flavors.
To tell you the truth, I had never had the St. Louis Ribs. Our server recommended them and I think they will be my new rib addiction. They had a house brown sugar rub, then smoked for hours. Fantastic flavor. My dish was called the Delmarva Duo because it had chicken, smoked and seasoned, then a bit of their house sauce was added. The chicken was crispy and very moist. My sides were the cucumber and onion salad and a very “hot” jalapeno slaw. Very hot indeed.
An entree of half rack of Baby Backs, with sides of garlic mashed potatoes and the cucumber and onion salad. Also, very good.
No dessert was necessary….we did ask for a doggy bag. Guess what? Bethany Blues Lewes is open for lunch.
Live Entertainment at Bethany Blues Lewes:
Year round, Sydney’s Music Revival presents local and nationally recognized musicians. Do you remember when she had Sydney’s in Downtown Rehoboth Beach? If you do, then, you have been coming to the Delaware Beaches for a long time. It was the place to go for live entertainment, and good food.
Entertainment at Bethany Blues at this time of the year starts at 8:30 p.m.
Friday, 11/9 – Top Notch Honky Tonk Comes to Bethany Blues – Something special has happened to Davina and The Vagabonds since their last appearance at Bethany Blues in Lewes. As a last minute substitute for John Mayer at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival last Spring, the band has been in huge demand both, nationally and internationally.
Two things distinguish this fine band; the first being leader, Davina Sower’s big nostalgic soul voice. Think of a meld of Bessie Smith, Etta James, Alberta Adams and Amy Winehouse, and you come close to understanding what Davina is all about. The other is the band’s crisp, clean sound…just piano, upright bass, trombone, trumpet, and drums.
Listening to Davina and The Vagabonds is like stepping into a wondrous musical time machine. They have the panache and superlative musicianship to recreate the retro sound and ageless appeal of golden age Americana in high-definition reality. Davina beckons an age when bad girls wore red lipstick and pin curls. More info? You can visit Bethany Blues’ website above mentioned or http://www.davinaandthevagabonds.com.
Saturday, 11/10 – Down2Rock will be performing live at Bethany Blues. Check their website at http://www.reverbnation.com/down2rock.
Note: Musicians interested in bookings should contact Sydney Arzt at artsinfo.sydney@gmail.com.
It looks like there is a beautiful week-end ahead at the Delaware Beaches…have a great time. Talk to you later.
October 13th, 2012
It is a special time of the year for us, the residents of the Delaware Beaches. It seems like on this Second Season we have the Beaches all to ourselves. I took a drive late in the afternoon to check out the Cape Henlopen State Park. Specifically, I wanted to find out what was going on in October. The Seaside Nature Center offers programs for the whole family, including birdwatching, lectures on nature, seaside seining, hiking and biking. The Park offers the ocean, the bay and plenty of water sports.
Until November 30th you will have to pay to get into the Park. It is $4 for in-state cars and $8 for out of state cars.
The Seaside Nature Center is located inside the Park at 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-6852. So….if you are visiting, this is what’s going on:
Note: All programs meet at the Seaside Nature Center unless otherwise stated. The Seaside Nature Center is open year round from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily.
On Tuesdays, until November 13th at 8 a.m. – Bird Walks at Cape Henlopen. Explore their birding hot spots with a staff naturalist. Bring your binoculars and field guides. Beginners are welcome, as well.
Saturday, October 13th – Animal Skullduggery at 11 a.m. Investigate what animals do in the Park by examining their skulls, footprints and adaptations. Ages 7 and up with an adult. No fee.
Saturday, October 13th – Lantern Tour of Fort Miles. Fort Miles was a key part of the nation’s coastal defense during and after WWII, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. At 6 p.m. Tour the Fort Miles Gun Battery by lantern light and experience how soldiers defended our coast during WWII. Ages 10 and up with an adult. Limit to 30. Pre-registration is required by calling 302-645-6852. $5 per person. The Fort Miles programs meet at the Orientation Building in the Fort Miles Historic Area.
Saturday, October 20th – Wine, Cheese & Beer Tasting at the Officer’s Club (Youth Camp 3) from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Enjoy fine beverages and cheese as proceeds support the Friends projects in the Park. Tickets are available at the Park Office, Biden Center, Lewes Chamber of Commerce, or call 302-858-6127. Note: Your ticket will be your entrance into the Park. $20/person in advance and $24/person at the door. If you would like more information on Friends events, volunteering or becoming a Friend of Cape Henlopen, please call 302-858-6127 or visit http://www.friendsofcapehenlopen.org.
Friday & Saturday, October 26th and 27th and Sunday, October 28th – Please Save this Date because it is the 24th Annual Children’s Fantasy Trail inside the Park. From 6 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Sunday, from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. The kids will see their favorite storybook characters, trick or treat for candy and toys, enjoy live entertainment, including juggling, magic, songs and more….Please wear your costumes!! $5 per person, adults and children. Volunteers are needed! If you are interested in being a character or carving the many pumpkins that line our trail, call the Volunteer Coordinator at 302-644-5005, or the Seaside Nature Center at 302-645-6852.
It was almost closing time at the Seaside Center, but I still had time to check some of the exhibits.
Lectures are given in this room. It had some reptiles and turtles.
The osprey cam has closed for the season since the ospreys are gone for the winter. Still, the Seaside Center has a very interesting exhibit where you can see the development of the ospreys as they come back to the Park year after year.
There was a new Seahorse Exhibit.
A Touch Tank offered kids a fun time…they were getting so wet.
 
1,000 gallon tanks with local fish.
I was watching the horseshoe crab. It was moving around here and there; not too fast.
All of a sudden, it turned on its side….
The Seaside Nature Center has a cute store too. I am sure kids go crazy; lots of neat things to buy.
It was closing time…time to go. The sun was setting…the deer were coming out.
Love it!! Talk to you later.
 
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