You see it out there? I love this photo showing the point at Cape Henlopen. Our destination on July 20th was the historic Harbor of Refuge. This is one of the two lighthouses located on the Delaware Bay between Lewes, and Cape May, New Jersey.
Cape May-Lewes Ferry
“The earliest lighthouses were simple bonfires built on hillsides to guide ships. The first American lighthouse came to life in 1716 at Boston Harbor.”
The Delaware Breakwater, the East End Lighthouse, and the Harbor of Refuge Light Station entered in 1976 on the National Register of Historic Places as the nation’s first offshore Historic District.
I have been touring these lighthouses for the past 6 years. When I have a guest that might be interested in something like this I go for it. This lighthouses and the breakwater are iconic. They were the first structures of their kind to be built in the Western Hemisphere.
For the purpose of this post I am writing about the Harbor of Refuge. The tour was given by The Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation. They are the caretaker of this lighthouse. Please visit the website http://delawarebaylights.org.
In the website you can check the tours. They usually give the tours until mid September. The telephone is 302-644-7046. You can also check them on Facebook. Usually they say you have to send forms in but I think if you are here at the beach, you might be able to go anyway. Just give them a call or email them.
On July 20th I invited friends from Ocean City, Maryland to this tour. I don’t know if you remember but it was so hot. We arrived at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal in Lewes. My friends had not experienced this.
On the Rocks is the outdoor restaurant and bar and Dogfish Head has its own little space there, as well.
The organizers of the tour were getting ready. We on the other hand were hiding from the heat.
It was time to go. You do have to wear life vests and make sure you wear closed toe shoes too. The tour departs from the finger pier.
Before arriving to the Harbor of Refuge we got close to the East End Lighthouse for a few photo opportunities.
Along the way you may spot dolphins and all kinds of fish. In the tour you will usually have Red and Garrett and several docents.
The Delaware Breakwater along with the lighthouses are marvels of the 19th century. They were the first structures of their kind to be built in the Western Hemisphere. The breakwater wall started construction in 1828.
On this particular day spear fishing was going on.
The Harbor of Refuge was built in 1926 to replace a previous lighthouse. The Harbor of Refuge is one of the most exposed lighthouses on the Atlantic seaboard. Just this past week, on the Cape Gazette there was an article mentioning how in need of repair is this lighthouse. I think because its precarious location, it is in need of repair at all times. The rocks on one side are coming down because of the erosion. In 2013 I took the first 2 photos and just this year I took this other photo. You can see what they are talking about.
Now you will see the difference in this one.
During this particular tour Bill Harris was with us. He was the last keeper of the lighthouse in 1973.
Each level of the lighthouse had its purpose. Kitchen, sleeping quarters, etc. etc. And throughout the tour the docents are able to answer all your questions.
I recommend this tour. The scenery and the history are just so impressive.
It did not matter if it was that hot. We made it.
On the above photo we were getting ready to go back. You can see Red giving the last instructions, Bill Harris and I think that is Garrett on the far left. And Cindi and I sitting below thinking that just about this time a beer would be wonderful.
I have plenty of post on these lighthouses on this website. Please check them out to see if this is something you might like to do. By visiting and donating to the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation we can keep them going.
I do have a Facebook Page for AboutMyBeaches. You can leave me comments there.
Hope your Summer 2019 has been awesome.
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At times when you do not plan anything and just go with the flow or wing it, you have the most fun. Long summer days, not rushing, is part of living here at the Delaware Beaches. Believe me, I know I am lucky to live here and never take it for granted.
Debbie and I took off towards the Big Chill Beach Club. This is located south of Dewey Beach, Delaware, and probably closer to Bethany Beach. The actual address is 27099 Coastal Hwy., Bethany Beach, DE 19930. It opens at 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. every day. Website? http://www.bigchillbeachclub.com
You can have the server sit you at a table or you can take a seatt at the bar looking out, which is what Debbie and I did. That was our view, sipping a little wine. We checked the menu and it actually looked good. Have not tasted the food so let me know if you do.
As we arrived it seemed there was a yoga class. This yoga studio in Rehoboth Beach, SoulFire, was celebrating with a class their 1st year anniversary. Very popular as you can see. SoulFire Collective Yoga is located at 176 Rehoboth Ave., #2a, in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Website? http://www.soulfirecollective.com
The sun was setting and being high up you could capture how pretty it was.
Summer 2019 is expected to be a very busy one. The Delaware Beaches are year round resorts. People want to get out of the city. They want to experience that total physical and mental inertia. Refresh, really. Rehoboth Beach has a sign as you enter the city that says “Relax, You Are at The Beach”.
Finding parking might take all that physical and mental inertia by the wayside so Debbie and I continued to Misaki Sushi in South Bethany. Parking, good food, great service and very affordable.
Misaki has been around for many years. The location is at 34444 Coastal Highway, York Beach Mall, Bethany Beach, DE 19930. It opens at 5 p.m. Tel. 302-539-0500. You can find them on Facebook as Misaki Sushi Bethany Beach. You can also find them on Instagram.
A shout to our server who was attentive but not intrusive.
Debbie and I started with two salads. The Seaweed Salad for Debbie, which was marinated seaweed and sesame seeds. And mine was the Lighthouse Salad which I found delicious. Seared tuna, avocado and sweet miso.
I love scallop sashimi so when on the menu, I do order it. My roll was the special of the evening.
For Debbie the Bam Bam, salmon, scallop and avocado.
We chatted, caught up with each other, and laughed…..what are friends for, right?
The Art of Sipping & Dining, a way to relax, enjoy and reconnect. Talk to you later.
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This past Friday was a beautiful night in Bethany Beach, Delaware. For those off you that have never visited this coastal town, this is a very popular family resort in Southern Delaware. I know it well because I lived here for many years. It has come a long way since back in the mid 70s when we first moved here.
The town has kept its charm. A Main Street, Garfield Parkway, leads to the ocean and then the side streets have beach homes that all are very walkable to the beach. It is a year round resort just like all the other beaches in Southern Delaware. My friend, Cathy, and I chose 14 Global, which is located at 14 N Pennsylvania Ave. Right next to the Post Office. Their tel. is 302-616-1035. Their website is: http://www.14global.com
One thing to have in mind as you visit the Delaware resorts is that in the summer you pretty much need to make a reservation. If restaurants do not offer them, and a lot do not, then please plan ahead. Show up, put your name down, have a drink. You are on vacation so in reality you have to go with the flow.
I love the idea that 14 Global has kept a small, intimate setting. Good atmosphere too. And this restaurant offers many choices for those with food allergies.
We decided to share our dining experience. We first tried the Grilled Caesar Salad. The first time I tried one of these I fell in love how a grilled romaine tasted. This one had a homemade dressing, romain hearts, romano, bacon and cheddar corn pone croutons. The croutons had the perfect texture.
From 14 Global’s Small Shares we ordered the Ahi Tuna Tartare. A beautiful presentation, surprising us with Habanero Sesame Oil, sea beans, watermelon radish, red onion, jalapeno, mint, avocado mousse, pistachio dust, pea shoots, red alaea salt, and crispy wonton chips.
Picking something out from their Medium Shares we decided on the Vegetable Plate. At 14 Global you will find Small Shares and Medium Shares. Depending on how hungry you are, the Medium Shares are a larger portion. The Roasted Vegetable Plate came full of color and delicious veggies…carrots, wild mushrooms, beets, cauliflower, asparagus, shallots, truffle and herb goat cheese. It tasted as good as it looks on this photo.
Moving on to our last dish we decided on the Surf & Turf Tacos, which were under their Medium shares. They are called 14 Global Mini Beach Tacos. The Surf & Turf ones were 4 tacos, the others were 3 tacos. They were delicious with charred corn and cilantro relish, pickled purple cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado mousse, cotija cheese, and citrus aioli.
We accompanied our dinner with the house Chardonnay, Butter, from Napa, California. A Chang Tai cocktail was also served. Sorry, I forgot to take those photos. lol
The desserts sounded sooooo good, but we were satisfied. No desserts for us on Friday.
There is an art when you sit down at a table to enjoy a meal with a friend, a significant other or even by yourself. You don’t have to be a foodie, but I think you should taste and enjoy the different flavors and spices. You will get a completely new experience when you take your time.
Until next time, I hope you enjoy our Delaware Beaches and everything they have to offer.
Relax, you are at the Beach.
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Mid October was our trip to the all inclusive RIU, adults only resort located in Paradise Island in the Bahamas. It was going to be a big birthday for one of our friends and being that we are always in the mood for something exciting, we took off for a few days of fun and relaxation. It is getting cold here at the Delaware Beaches and my thoughts go back to those few days where the appreciation of the bluest waters of the Bahamas come to mind.
It took some time to make a decision where to go. We wanted something easy to get to from Salisbury, Maryland. Hard to get everyone on board but thanks to Cindy McCabe of Bethany Travel located in Millsboro, Delaware, we were able to make up our minds. Sun, blue waters, good food, drinks were in the requests. Their tel. in case you find yourself in this predicament is 302-933-0955.
The following photo is the group, leaving at the crack of dawn from Salisbury, Maryland, to Charlotte, NC, and then to Nassau. We were sitting on the beach by 2 p.m.
Guess what? American Airlines sang Happy Birthday to our friend and so did every restaurant and place we visited. I think that traveling with a bunch of women is a lot of fun. But, there are a few things we should have in mind. You have to be open minded, be yourself, enjoy the time you have with friends. We all have different personalities and when you travel you have to go with the flow. At times you have to compromise too.
We did take a lot of photos. The next one is us after we arrived at RIU, checking in and greeted with champagne.
Being that it was an all inclusive resort, you had food and drinks 24/7. So on this trip diet, counting calories, were simply not allowed. A few glitches with the rooms but finally we got all settled in.
This was my room and my view. No complaints there.
RIU’s entertainment was not good. They do have a great setting so that should be something to improve, because people do want good singers and programs.
One restaurant that caught us by surprised was Chutney. Truth be told, we really did not know how the food at Riu and its restaurants was going to be. But, it was delicious. Chutney is a tasting Indian Restaurant.
Traditional cold and hot appetizers, main courses and desserts. Every dish was introduced and we all shared the bounty. Good selection of wines, as well. No rush, just a really nice evening.
Starting with a cold tomato soup….yes, it is that little glass on the photo.
A mix green salad, eggplant with yogurt and dill. Hot appetizers like vegetarian Samosas, lamb Samosas, fish and Paneer Tikka.
We loved our table and our service. Culinary Cudos to Chutney!!
For our Main Courses we had lamb curry, Tikka tandoori chicken, fish in coconut curry, Dal makhani and Basmati rice.
There was music, bangings and singing….. yes, for the birthday girl. Dessert of Coco laddoo, Burfi which was squares with pistacchio, Genoise with coconut and sweet potato pudding.
And a special treat for our friend. To tell you the truth with all the commotion I did not get the details. LOL
So that was our beginning. Until the next post, I remain. Remember YOLO “you only live once”.
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In June of 2013 I got curious about the 2 lighthouses located between Lewes, Delaware and Cape May, New Jersey. Writing a blog about the Delaware Beaches and beyond gives me so much information. Information that I can pass on to you. The Delaware Beaches are year round resorts and there is plenty to do if you choose to do so, or nothing at all if you just want to relax. I went on a tour this summer with the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation. This organization is dedicated to the preservation of the Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse. When I first visited you could not step out off the boat and go inside the lighthouse. We actually then went inside the East End Lightouse. More about that one in another post. Since then there has been a lot of restoration to the Harbor of Refuge, and this summer they opened it for tours.
The Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation can be contacted by calling 302-644-7046. The website is http://www.delawarebaylights.org/
My friend, Sharon, who is a true local, and very proud of it, had never visited the lighthouses but always wanted to. We arrived at the Cape-May Lewes Ferry Terminal in Lewes. That’s is where we would be picked up. Arriving a little early we decided to have something to eat at the outdoor bar/restaurant called On the Rocks. Best view and great burgers, as well.
Finally, the boat arrived and Sharon and I were ready.
The Cape-May Lewes Ferry was just coming in but our main goal was to get to the historic and iconic Harbor of Refuge.
It was one of those beautiful days in Delmarva and Cape Henlopen looked awesome.
The keeper of this lonely offshore lighthouse. It was hard work. Storms were relentless and waves would reach all the way up the lighthouse. We first passed the East End Lighthouse. But, we had to continue to our destination.
The Delaware Breakwater along with the lighthouses are engineer marvels of the 19th century. They were the first strucures of the kind built in the Western Hemisphere. In 1976, the Delaware Breakwater, the East End Lighthouse and the Harbor of Refuge Light Station were inducted into the National Register of Historic Places as the Nation’s first offshore Historic District.
The imposing Harbor of Refuge was in front of us. We got off the boat and climbed the stairs to the different levels where the Keeper lived. Docents are able to give you all the information you need. The most important thing is the feeling you get of what would be like to “walk in the steps of the Lightkeeper”.
The Harbor of Refuge’s dock has been restored. So much work in raising funds to maintain this historic lighthouse. The dock has been dedicated to Red Moulinier, President of the Delaware River & Bay Lighthouse Foundation for his time and efforts. The lighthouse still has more renovations on the way along with maintenance. It has been painted and it looks beautiful.
From the top of the lighthouse the views are unbelievable as you can imagine. At times, dolphins and mantas pass by.
By visiting the website above mentioned you will be able to see what tours they will have next year. Also check the sunset tours. You will not go inside the lighthouses but will circle around them for those Kodak moments. Tours book quickly and, of course, it also depends on the weather. This weekend they have tours on Saturday, but they are already sold out. For more info. you may call Red at 302-226-3866. There is also a button on the website for donations. Every little bit helps.
If you would like to see my other posts on these lighthouses, with photos, please visit my website at http://www.aboutmybeaches.com.
Have a great time this weekend. The beginning of Fall!!
By the way, lots of locals on this tour. We had fun!!
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The Rehoboth Beach Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Right by the roundabout and the Chamber of Commerce. It is a small museum full of the history of Rehoboth Beach. I always tell my guests that it is worth going because it tells you how this much loved town was and where it is going. Throughout the year there are events and exhibits.
Step Back in Time when the members and friends of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society are invited to revisit Rehoboth Beach in the 1950s and 1960s by attending a Sock Hop on Saturday, September 29th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Rehoboth Beach Museum.
If you are too young to know what this is, local teens once delighted in the summertime Wednesday night “boardwalk dances” held at the foot of Rehoboth Ave., and the colder -weather “sock hops” held in the high school cafeteria. Year round, Snyder’s soda fountain shop on the Avenue was the place to be. As a local hang out for several generations, cherry and vanilla cokes and the house specialty “Bon Bons” are unforgettable sweet treats synonymous with Snyder’s.
Participants are encouraged to wear their dancing shoes (or go boardwalk barefoot style) and dance to oldie selections spun by a local DJ. Requests will be taken. Acceptance is limited. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted and appreciated. Please call the Museum at 302-227-7310 to reserve your spot.
Have a great time….This is the Second Season in Rehoboth Beach and not to be missed!!
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I showed a friend of mine a photo of this house and he said “that’s a beach house”. A house with casual imperfections. You can relax and sit without having to worry that your sunscreen will stain expensive slipcovers. Better yet, the old hardwood floors which have been tested through the years, still can handle some sand. Sweeping might be a thing of the past but not on this “old beach cottage” we call the Royal Cabana.
Some of the old fashioned beach houses are disappearing in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, just like they are disappearing in many beach communities throughout the United States. We came to these houses for their simplicity, for the beach, to run around, have fun and relax. Rehoboth Beach still has a few and if you want to experience old time charm, the Royal Cabana will be a good choice. It has history, as well. This house is well over 100 years old. It was, actually, moved from Baltimore Avenue to Lake Avenue in the 1990s. Yes, here in Delaware we move houses. If only its walls could talk. I am sure they would be filled with stories from the families that called this beach house home. I call it a well lived home.
Located by the award winning Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, it is a quiet street at night. During the day you can enjoy the beach, the kids can walk the boardwalk and go to Funland. On weekends, music by the Bandstand is always fun. You can walk everywhere from this house. Hit the 3 main streets in Rehoboth Beach; Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Ave., and Wilmington Ave. for shopping, dining and listening to music on any given night. Or, you might want to enjoy the Porch and stay put.
A bird’s eye view from the second floor shows why this beach house has the perfect location.
A screened in porch in the back.
One of the joys of coming out of the ocean is taking a shower outdoors.
The Royal Cabana is pefect for multi-generational reunions, large groups, families, and friends get togethers. I remember last year there was a bachelorette party that stayed at the beach house too.
It can sleep 18 people and everyone in their own bed.
When arriving at the Royal Cabana…..wine and flowers on the table, old fashioned candy, and chips are welcoming after a long trip.
For more information, please email royalcabanallc@gmail.com. This house is also listed on AirBnB. Look for Rehoboth Beach House with an Ocean View. It is hosted by Cabana Boy and he answers quickly.
As you enter Rehoboth Beach there is a sign that says it all.
Have a great time now and in the upcoming Second Season.
Many years ago when I first came to the Delaware Beaches, Bethany Beach became my home for a long time. My first friendships were made there. Over the years life happens. Happyness, marriages, children, grandchildren, divorces, and yes, even death have impacted our lives. New friends have been made but you always remember those first ones. We were so young then.
Deveraux is one of those friends that then moved out of town. We still text or call during our birthdays in March, but we have not been together much. This week-end she came to Rehoboth Beach. Oh yes, this rainy weekend, so no beach time for us but plenty of activity, eating and catching up did happen.
Friday was going to be the best day so she arrived by lunch time. Arriving in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, we were hungry. Something light is what we wanted. We decided on The Back Porch. This restaurant is one of the oldest restaurants in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. Liked by many and in competition with plenty of other restaurants in town. I had not been there in quite a few years.
Deveraux had the Seared Day Scallops, Thai Red Curry, and Sesame Noodles. She loved this dish.
I had the Burrata Salad, which was light and very good. Would have loved to have had it topped with scallops or something else but there were no changes to be made at The Back Porch. I can see if the restaurant was crowded but with only a couple of people having lunch at 2 p.m. what would have been the big deal? Go figure.
Happy Hour at my house with Annie visiting from Bethany Beach. Deveraux had made marinated Chicken Wings…Gluten Free. Easy fixing. First cook the wings in oil in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes. Then make a marinade of Whiskey, brown sugar and mustard. You can mix different kinds of mustards. Then marinade for at least 24 hours. Put them in the oven at 400 degrees for about half hour or so. Check them and if you like them well done then you know what you need to do.
Friday really was a perfect day. Our next stop was going to be a(Muse), located on Baltimore Ave. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach. This restaurant is great for foodies. If you are one of those people that want quantity vs. quality, then this might not be an eatery for you. All we wanted was to graze. A little bit of this or a little bit of that.
Two different types of Rose for us. One dryer than the other. Perfect.
People stuff squash blossoms. This is what they would look like.
We share the Smoked Salmon Squash Blossoms. Dill, croutons, and heirloom tomatoes. Love, Love!
We also ordered a salad of Baby Kale, boquerones, pine nuts, golden raisins, lemon vinaigrette dressing and parmesan cheese. Boquerones are originally from Spain. I think they are delicious. They are fresh anchovies, marinated in vinegar.
Our next shareable was the Middleneck Clams…they had country ham, tomatillo, and green tomato. I had a problem with this dish. It look so beautiful and appetizing. But, it really was too spicy and you could not taste the steamed clams. And yes, we did tell our server. Usually you would have liked to dip bread in this sauce, but not this time. Honestly said, hopefully they took the hint.
The pasta with Maryland Crab, heirloom tomato, celery and fennel was a dish we really ennjoyed and wished we would have ordered the whole portion instead of the half. You could have this with a salad and be pretty content.
Our sweet ending of 3 scoops of our choice of ice cream was truly excellent. Made in house. They were delicious. One was a Brie Ice Cream, a Vanilla, and I cannot remember the other.
We took off for the Bandstand to listen to the last of the music.
And last but not least…..Funland to play Whack a Mole. This is a tradition and a must. Sorry Deveraux, but I had to put you on the blog.
And so our weekend did continue. Sometimes there is no friend like an old friend. These types of friendships are the comfort food of our relationships.
Talk to you later.
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