April 26th, 2011
Bethany Beach, Delaware, The Quiet Resort, Delaware Beaches
I wonder what those founding members of Bethany would think of the town now? I think they would be so proud. The town was founded by members of the Christian Church from Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.
Bethany has stayed true to what these settlers had in mind so long ago. A town that still reflects their character; they were looking for “a haven of rest for quiet people”.
It is still that way. A quiet, family town by the beach. Still some of the old beach houses remain in town. Small streets, quaint shops.
I lived in Bethany for years. My children grew up there. The town and the beach were their playground. It was great.
Over the years, major groceries stores have come to town, more traffic and more development. The town is not a “dry” town anymore.
On Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. I arrived in Bethany. I wanted to see how the town looked after a hectic and busy week. Usually, at this time of the year, the beach towns settle after a holiday week-end.
So was the case on Monday. I was coming from Rehoboth Beach and turned left into Garfield Parkway, which is the Main Street in “downtown Bethany Beach”. The Totem Pole is always guarding that entrance. You cannot miss it; imposing is the word.
For the past years the beautification of Bethany has been praised. The people working on this effort should be commended. The town looks good; pretty. More so as the sun was setting.
The last street before you hit the Boardwalk, Bandstand and the beach is called Atlantic. I looked North and there was not a soul; the same when I looked to the South. Everyone did go home!!
On the Boardwalk and Bandstand there were a few people; leftovers from the week-end. From Memorial Week-End to Labor Day you will find live entertainment at the Bandstand. It is usually, Fridays through Sundays. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated. For this info. you can call 302-539-5484.
On May 7th, rain or shine the event called Bethany Beach Breast Cancer Fun Run/Walk will take place. Check in is at 8:00 a.m., by the Boardwalk. The 5K Fun Run will start at 9:00 a.m. and the 3K Walk, at 9:10. For more information, please visit http://www.bethanybeachbreastcancer.com.
To kick off the Memorial Week-end, the entertainment for Saturday will be USNA Electric Brigade, which is the Navy’s Premier Pop Music Ensemble. On Sunday, US Army Volunteers, will be performing. They are the United States Army’s premier touring show band.
I continued on my sunset strolling tour through the empty streets. I finally got to the Addy Sea Bed & Breakfast. This is an elegant Victorian beach front B & B. “The 4th of 5 houses built by John Addy from Pennsylvania. Considered his masterpiece, it was one of the first homes to have indoor plumbing. In 1935 it was converted into a guest house and now it operates as a very popular B & B. Weddings, parties, etc. are scheduled way in advance. For more info. please visit www.addysea.com.
Then I got to 5th street, which is on the north part of town. That was the beach that I took my kids to. It was at the end of town and in many ways very private. The path towards the beach looked the same. Throughout Bethany, access to the beach looks like this from the side streets.
Right in town there is a recreation park; basketball courts and a tot lot.
Then I came to find a beach bunny as I was going to the beach. He just stood there. Not afraid, either. So cute.
The beach looked pretty; the dunes protecting the town.
It was a peaceful walk; pretty soon the gates will open and the visitors will start arriving. It is so good to see them come; but I do enjoy the solitude of the second season.
Talk to you later…have a good one.
Tags: Activities, Addy Sea, Bethany Beach, Bethany Beach Boardwalk, Bethany Beach Breast Cancer Fun Run/Walk, Breast Cancer Fun/Walk, Delaware, Delaware Beaches, entertainment, Events, Sussex County, The Bethany Beach Bandstand, Things to do at the beach, What to do at the beaches
