October 24th, 2012
I have known Genevieve Wilson for a very long time. When I saw her the other day, we started talking about traveling in general. How people have just decided that life it too short; they are taking off to see the world, no matter what., that’s what they are doing.
I then decided to stop by Ocean Travel, which is owned by Genevieve. It is located at the Camelot Shopping Center, 19470 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1), Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Tel. 302-227-1607. Website? http://www.oceantravelinc.com.
Ocean Travel has been in Rehoboth Beach since 1985. To tell you the truth, I was wondering if people were still using travel agents. It has been said that you should choose a Travel Agent like you would a doctor or lawyer. Ask friends and family for travel agencies they have used in the past. Then, consult with them. You want to choose one that listens and answers your questions.
Travel agents can find the best value, they are convenient, and if you find the right one, they will go the extra mile.
One of the specialties of Ocean Travel is cruises. Cruises afford great value, unpack only once, visit many destinations, family friendly, plenty of onboard activities, can be romantic, and also social.
Ocean Travel is comfortable and friendly. Besides Genevieve, you might have the opportunity to work with Gigi McMahon and Ulrich Schmiedhold.
Ulrich specializes in independent travel planning, worldwide. This includes hotels, private transfer and tours.
Ocean Travels are experts in Alaska trip planning, European River Cruises, Disney, worldwide cruises and tours.
For families than want to go on vacation together and for reunions, they can put the perfect package; activities, sightseeing, etc., where all members can be happy. One such company is Tauck Bridges which has programs for generational travel. This company can help families experience extraordinary opportunities; snorkeling with penguins in the Galapagos, weaving bracelets with Peruvian schoolchildren in the Sacred Valley, walking a hawk at an Irish castle, a scavenger hunt in the Louvre, perhaps? Kayaking on the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. or jet boating in Alaska. Putting a trip together for large groups takes patience and knowledge; Ocean Travel has been in the business long enough to offer its customers a stress free vacation.
As I was leaving the office my a brochure caught my eye. It was called Culinary Collection. Cruises taking pride it their food and wine courses. Epicurean delights; demonstrations from world-renowned chefs, cooking classes on-board and on shore, focusing on regional cuisines…If you want to know more, please call Ocean Travel at 302-227-1607.
Have a Good One!!
October 9th, 2012
Once in a while I start piling up some of the services that I have used. Word of mouth is such an important marketing tool. I want to pass them on to you. You might need them.
AboutMyBeaches has a Services category on the left hand side of the website. In the past few years I have put them there for your use; from design services to collision services.
One day my garage door was stuck. It ended being something very simple but Precision Door Service, which I had used in the past, was at my house in no time. Telephones: In Delaware, please call 302-429-1992. In Maryland, please call 410-372-4852. Toll free? 800-New-Door. Website? http://www.mynewdoor.com.
The owners of KitchenTune-up are Ron Reichert and Bob DiToto. They have been in the kitchen cabinet business for many years. They specialize in custom refacing, custom cabinets, wood reconditioning and when they say they are going to be there; they are on time. They guarantee their estimates and their work. They are located at 37169 Rehoboth Ave., Henlopen Sq. in Rehoboth Beach. Tel. 302-227-5544. Website? http://www.kitchentuneup.com.
Again, I had some minor repairs on my kitchen cabinets and drawers and they were able to fix them at a very reasonable cost.
Computers!! Tim Bixby has been in the computer business for quite some time. His new computer services company is called Shore Bytes. It is located at 26412 Broadkill Rd., Milton, DE 19968-2955. Tel. 302-448-4302. Website? http://www.shorebytes.com. You can also find him on Facebook. Email him to info@shorebytes.com.
For years I have used Tim for computer services. He specializes in tune-ups, installation, virus removal, or, you can do like I did and buy a computer through him. Tim looked at my needs and gave me several options. Installation was part of the cost of my new computer. Please note that Shore Bytes services from Ocean City, Maryland to Dover, Delaware.
Most of the time I use BWI airport in Baltimore, Maryland. But, when I use the Philadelphia Airport, then, an airport valet service makes it so much easier. Pacifico Valet takes you in your car and drops you off at the airport. Upon arrival all you have to do is call them and they will pick you up in your car.
Pacifico Valet is located at 6715 Essington Avenue at the Philadelphia Airport Auto Mall. Tel. 215-492-0990. Website? http://www.pacificovalet.com.
If you are driving north on I-95 you will get off on Exit 10….check the website above mentioned because directions are there. Very easy to get to. No reservations are necessary.
Please note that during the holidays you should give yourself some extra time.
Those are my tips for today…talk to you later.
September 20th, 2012
Rehoboth Beach is a year-round destination. It is known for its beaches, restaurants and that casual atmosphere we all seek when we hit the beach. It is a very walkable town. At this time of the year, it is even better. Just park and take off walking…no meters; Hurray!!
So many stores. You can find gifts for any occasion. Some of the shops are located in quaint vintage houses that were, at some point, homes to some of the residents in Rehoboth Beach.
I decided to stop at J. Conn Scott. This Show House is located at 27 Baltimore Avenue. It is in one of those vintage houses, and on the ocean block; the corner of First Street & Baltimore. Tel. 302-227-3780. Website? http://www.jconnscott.com. J. Conn Scott has its Main Showroom at 6 East Coast Church St., Selbyville, DE 19975. Tel. 302-436-8205.
What’s neat about the Show House in Downtown Rehoboth Beach is that it changes, practically, every week. It is a source of inspiration for some…for others is a great place to shop. I think the Show House offers a more casual look. We are at the beach, afterall. The Main Showroom in Selbyville offers furniture, accessories, and art, from traditional to coastal.
J. Conn Scott has designers that are always available to help you. The help of a designer can help reduce cost, time and energy.
I was looking for a wedding present. I knew what I wanted. So, when I stopped by, it was not with the idea of writing a post for my blog. But, then, I could not help it. The store looked great. I took one picture, then another….then I could not stop. This is how the Show House looks this week.
The Show House flows like a house. An entry, followed by rooms all decorated and accessorized.
Pinks, Blues, Greens and the Neutrals!
       
Have a good time!! Talk to you later.
June 5th, 2012
So you are wondering where am I going with this post. Or, questioning me; aren’t you supposed to be eating somewhere and giving us your personal opinion, or, going out and about the Delaware Beaches, shopping, perhaps?
My answer is that as a long time resident of the Delaware Beaches, learning about the programs and services in the area…well, I should have done that a long time ago. Maybe I am more matured now and don’t have to think just about myself; others are important too, especially the ones with special needs.
I started to ask a few this question: What comes to your mind when I mention Easter Seals? Almost everyone answered: the red seal? A few, just like myself, answered something like, children services.
So many people are choosing Southern Delaware as a place to retire; others like our communities, living at the beach, most will say low property taxes and tax free shopping.
Easter Seals will serve 24,000 and deliver one million hours of direct services. It is growing, innovating, and leading at the Delaware Beaches.
I was very pleased when a friend, Jamie, called me to invite me to see this amazing facility, which is the home of the Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore; the Tunnell Center. She sits on its Advisory Board. It is located at 22317 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE 19947. Tel. 302-253-1121, Fax 302-856-7296. Website? www.de.easterseals.com.
Delaware locations: Dover, Newark, New Castle, and Georgetown.
Maryland locations: Salisbury, and Chestertown
I am mainly concentrating on the one I visited in Georgetown, which is about half hour from Rehoboth Beach.
This state of the art building is 28,000 square feet. It is only about 6 years old. Beautifully landscaped. It offers a wide range of programs and services; from Children’s Therapy Services to Personal Attendant Services. All those services and everything you need to know about Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore can be found at www.de.easterseals.com.
I had no pre-conceived ideas, so I could not wait to see it. Jamie met me at the door and then introduced me to Leslie Gale. She is the Community Relations Coordinator. Just in case you need to contact her, you can call 302-253-1121, or e-mail her at lgale@esdel.org.
The first you will notice is how quiet it is when you step into the building. It is located right on Rt. 113, which is a major highway; you don’t hear any sounds. The colors are soothing, chosen exactly for that purpose. A reception room with elevators and stairs.
The first thing Leslie showed me was a glass case containing different products that can be tested, before purchasing them, to see if the person that needs it likes them or can work with them. People with disabilities are able to remain in the work force despite a disabling condition. Maybe an alternate keyboard or mouse is all someone needs to help them be more productive at work.
Other products could help in the most simple ways; the cup with the two handles, for example.
Throughout the building there were rooms for different purposes.
A Conference Room completely set up for meetings, accommodating large groups.
A Game Room, which is still been furnished. Pool tables, television, and trains. There is a train club at Easter Seals.
Therapy Rooms. All rooms had windows and were light and airy; nothing crowded; all were so nicely kept.
Children receiving therapy services can be seen by parents through a one way window.
Kitchen.
This is a very active Easter Seals, with many activities scheduled, including trips and entertainment. There is a process, just like everything else, in order to receive services at this facility. First of all, evaluations. If you need the services please do not hesitate to call them.
One of their newest services is the Adult Day Care Services. I came into this room and some were already gone for a day trip. Others, were just around, playing cards, talking or doing other things. Nurses always around. One, in particular, tug at my heart. I don’t know his name. He was about 85 years old and in good shape. His wife had suddenly died after a fall, then he told me he had to put his dog to sleep. He was living with his daughter, and during the day he spent it at the Tunnell Center. But, what he was most upset about was that the Delaware State Police took his driver’s license. Between you and I, that was a good thing. What he really wanted to do was go fishing!!!
I thought about it for a moment. First, he was in a safe place and thank God for his daughter to help him out. Then, I was talking to the head nurse, which I know had a different title but was also a nurse. I told her I did not know if I could work there. And, this is what she told me: “I am a nurse, I have empathy, but you have to get beyond that; our mission here is to help them get better and be productive, so that they can have equal opportunities to live, work and play in their communities.” As simple as that, nothing else she needed to say; I understood.
The back of the door opened to beautiful gardens and a deck to sit out and enjoy the quietness and serenity of this environment.
Follow me through the walkway. Look how pretty it was.
From the back you can see another view of the building.
Another new service offered by Easter Seals is called In-Home Services. It offers stay at home support, companionship and peace of mind. This service is only offered in New Castle and Kent counties, at the moment. You can get started with a free evaluation. And please note, that if this is something you might be considering, the caregivers helping are employees of Easter Seals; not contractors. Each person is carefully screened with thorough background checks and are bonded and insured.
Summer is pretty much here and Easter Seals offers summer camp services. The camp is called Camp Fairlee Manor, located in Chestertown, Maryland. There are special camp sessions for kids and teens with Autism. Please visit www.de.easterseals.com.
Easter Seal Camp Fairlee Manor is the only camp in our region that provides a typical residential camp experience for children and adults with disabilities on a year-round basis.
My visit had come to an end. It was quite an experience. I even got to speak Spanish to a gentleman in the Adut Day Care.
I hope my friends read this post. So many are already involved in helping in the community. It is really something else to see us all “grow up”.
You want to help? Give them a Call. You want to give in other ways? Check the website.
I was at peace, definitely!! Thanks Leslie and Jamie for my candy!!
Information for this post was taken from the Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
And, we did go out for lunch, afterall one needs to eat. Jamie, Leslie and I took off for the Brick Hotel; a post in the making.
Talk to you later…have a good one!!
May 26th, 2012
“The Nation’s Summer Capital” – In 1925 a paved highway was finished between Georgetown and Rehoboth Beach. This helped link Rehoboth to the paved roads towards Washington, D.C. Soon, after that, it was so much easier to get to and from the resort. Diplomats, legislators and government employees made Rehoboth Beach their summer destination. At present, Rehoboth Beach and the surrounding Delaware Beaches are a year-round destination. A way to get out of town, so to speak.
 Front This Visitors’ Center in Rehoboth Beach is the easiest to spot. I decided to visit on Thursday because this is no ordinary Visitors’ Center. This charming building was a full fledge train station. It was built in 1879 just after train service was extended to Rehoboth Beach. Travel to the beach was found to be easier, faster, and more comfortable.
This is not its original location. It was closer to the ocean on Rehoboth Avenue.
In the 1920s, train travel to and from Rehoboth Beach came to a stop. It had always been seasonal, suspended during the winter.
In 1927 Rehoboth Avenue was being paved. The Station was stripped of its shed roofs and was moved to a side of Rehoboth Ave. adjoining other buildings. On that spot it continued to function as an express freight and a Western Union Office. Sold in 1950 after all service was ended.
 Back with plenty of parking The Station was always remembered as The Railroad Station regardless of which businesses occupied it. In 1987 the Station was moved to this present site at 501 Rehoboth Ave., at Lighthouse Island Park.
In 1985 the Rehoboth Railroad Station Preservation Society was formed. Members of the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association and the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerced got to work promptly to restore an important piece of this community’s past.
Inside the Visitors’ Center you will find plenty of information to keep you busy during your stay in our coastal village. Discounts; remember your Sand Dollar Savings card is available, free of charge.
It looks like the inside of a train station; which is really what it was. Old photos of what Rehoboth Beach used to look like will amaze you at how far this town has come; still keeping its integrity.
So, make this your first stop as you embark on the enjoyment of everything Rehoboth Beach!!
Have a great Day!! Talk to you later.
Note: Information for this post was taken from information provided on the brochure of Rails along The Chesapeake, A History of Railroading on the Delmarva Peninsula 1827-1978, John C. Hayman; Marvadel Publishers. The History of the Rehoboth Railroad Station.
May 24th, 2012
Rehoboth Beach is more than ready for the opening of the 2012 Summer Season. Memorial Week-End starts it all. Downtown Rehoboth Beach looked so pretty today. Last day for all of us that have enjoyed the winter and spring without the worries of parking meters. But, all good things must come to an end. Meters will start tomorrow at 10 a.m. until midnight.
Rehoboth Beach is trying to make it easier for its visitors. Many ways in which to pay for parking. The new thing is the Park Mobile. It is supposed to relieve parking stress. I am not sure about that, because first you have to find a space. At the height of the summer season, it is not only stressful, but maddening. Don’t you think?
To pay for parking you can use a mobile app, QR Code or call 1-877-727-5758. Once you have found a parking space, launch the free mobile app or call the number above mentioned. Enter the parking zone number located on the meter. It is that easy!! Please visit www.parkmobile.com. On Facebook you can find it as ParkmobileUSA and on Twitter they are found as Parkmobile. It applies to all street meters.
You can also still use the good old quarters and there are plenty of change stations along Rehoboth Ave. And, there are parking passes for the day, extended stay and seasonal, as well. Please visit http://www.cityofrehobothbeach.com. Click on Parking Information.
Beach wheels are available for visitors with disabilities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. You can located those at Maryland Ave. and the Boardwalk, and at Laurel St. and the Boardwalk. Beach access ramps are located on those streets, as well. Remember that they are on a first come first serve basis.
 QR Code on the back for scanning with your smart phone. Sand Dollar Savings. To obtain 10% off any regular price items you need to get your Sand Dollar Card. You need to present the card at time of purchase and it can be used all season. It is free too. There is a list of participating retailers in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Route One, Dewey Beach and Lewes. Just stop by at the Visitors’ Center located at 501 Rehoboth Ave., by the roundabout and pick up the card.
To find retailers, look for the Sand Dollar Decal on the store front doors/windows. You can also scan the QR code with your smart phone for the list of participating retailers.
There is an expectation in the air that this summer season will be a spectacular one; even a better one if the weather cooperates, just like it has been all winter and spring.
By the Bandstand and Boardwalk I found NBC Channel 10, Philadelphia. I guess they were doing a live broadcast.
Looking south on Rehoboth Beach was looking good.
Looking north was just as pretty.
And, then, I looked at the Flags at half mast…..is more than the 2012 Opening of the Summer Season. What was I thinking? It is Memorial Week-End.
February 12th, 2012
If you are in South Florida and need a plumber or someone to work on your computer, you will find hundreds of ads. Who to call and trust? There is a difference when word of mouth comes into play. I just used those services in Delray Beach, Florida.
I am passing you the info. since both of these services were fast and so professional.
Bergeron Plumbing is located in Delray Beach. Complete plumbing and gas services. Tel. 561-445-2115. Website? www.bergeronplumbing.com.
Computer Medic on Call is located at 301 Yamato Rd., Ste. #1240, Boca Raton, FL 33431 (corner of Yamato & Dixie). In Palm Beach County call 561-450-8710. In Broward County call 954-946-7676. They are experts in computer repair, data recovery, virus removal, laptop repairs, hardware upgrades, wireless. Their website is www.computermediconcall.com.
I thank both of these services for their prompt assistance while in Delray.
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!!
 
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