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Archive for May, 2015

May 31st, 2015

Tomato Sunshine, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Market, Garden Center, Celebrate the Outdoors!, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

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I am celebrating everything outdoors.  Gorgeous weather in Delmarva.  To tell you the thruth, I do not mind picking weeds.  I, actually, find it therapeutic!!  Well, what can I say.  For many, gardening is a hobby.  It is peaceful and rewarding.  You do not have to wait long to see the garden flourish.

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We all need help from garden centers.  Tomato Sunshine is located at 18791 Coastal Highway (Rt. 1) in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  Tel. 302-226-9533.  Website?  http://www.tomatosunshine.com.  They are a one stop does it all type of gardening center.  Everything needed to make your garden prosper, as well.  Ask questions, they are always happy to help.

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Every year I say I am simplifying my garden.   I don’t want to spend hours watering.  A few trips to Tomato Sunshine and I am almost finished.  This year I have bought ferns, hibiscus, soil, herbs.  I will still be watering.

Tomato Sunshine is a happy place.  And, next time you stop, just listen….their music is getting pretty good, too!  You might event dance a few steps while picking out local produce.  At the present time the tomatoes are coming from Florida.  It won’t be long when everything is local!!  Local means good, fresh, and delish!!

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Fig trees have been hit hard in the past 2 years.  They have plenty of fig trees in case you are trying to replace the ones that did not make it.

Vibrant pottery and yard ornamentals.

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Tomato Sunshine is open 7 days a week.  Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Stop by energize and uplift yourselves with the power of flowers.  Cozy corners show some of the patio furniture.

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Have a great day!

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May 28th, 2015

Day Tripping, Robert Morris Inn, Oxford, Maryland, Talbot County, Casual Outdoor Dining, Fine Dining, Breakfast, Lunch, Afternoon Teas, Dinner, Open Year Round

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Oxford is one of Maryland’s oldest towns.  It was the first and only port-of-entry on the Eastern Shore mandated by the Maryland legislation back in 1694.

Oxford is such a charming town.  Sailors, cyclists, kayakers enjoy the scenery and the peace emanating from this quaint town.  It is picture perfect and streets are lined with beautifully manicured, elegant and historic homes, framing the banks of the Tred Avon River.

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On the road for the day with my friends, the two Debbies, it only took us about an hour and a half from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  Our destination was the historic Robert Morris Inn.  It is 300 years old!!  Located at 314 North Morris Street (Main St.).  Tel. 410-226-5111.  Websiste? http://www.robertmorrisinn.com.  The Inn serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon teas (by reservation) and dinner.  It is open year-round.

There are 14 historic bedrooms located on the second and third floors.  Adjacent to the Inn they have the Bottle Cottage…..two modern, waterfront rooms.

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On this day the temperatures were a little warm but the cool breezes kept us very comfortable.  Oxford is very walkable.  Park your car, cycles and just walk and enjoy the beautiful town.

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Robert Morris was known as the “Financier of The Revolution”.  He arrived in Oxford in 1738.  President George Washington was a friend.  A part of Robert Morris’ residence is incorporated in the Robert Morris Inn.

A little trivia?  James Michener outlined his famous novel, Chesapeake, at the Inn.

The Robert Morris Inn has been enlarged several times since its time as a private home.  The murals in the dining room were made from wallpaper samples used by manufacturers salesmen, 140 years ago.

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The Tavern has a slate floor that came from Vermont.  Timber beams, panelled walls and open fires.

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This fireplace is from the 1800s and the spot for many to have their photos taken.

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It was great to see my friend, Susan Campbell.  She joined our small group for an outdoor lunch.  Her family owns Campbell Boatyards with 3 locations in Oxford.  They are a full service, high quality marine and boat building facility.  Please visit http://www.campbellsboatyards.com.

We were looking forward to the offerings of Celebrity Chef, Mark Salter, of Scottish descent.

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Spring Pea & Mint Soup with Crispy Shallots was served warm.  It had the perfect consistency. The peas paired with mint…a pretty good combination of flavors.  I think this soup could also be served chilled in the heat of summer.

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The Grilled Asparagus Salad with Panko Crusted Goat Cheese, organic greens, toasted walnuts, dried fig chutney and a blackberry balsamic vinaigrette was a signature salad dish.   Perfect for summer and for those trying hard to keep their girlie figures.

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Chef Salter is Scottish…so, Fish n’ Chips is another signature dish offered at this time of the year.  Battered Cod, buttered peas, remoulade and shoestring fries.  It was awesome!!  Not in the least greasy!!  Light and perfectly seasoned.

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An order of the Chicken Salad Sandwich….except no bread, so it became a Chicken Salad entree with lettuce, tomato, celery, red onion, dried cranberries, and toasted almonds. Homemade chips!!

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Thanks for such great service and suggestions!!

Friends are the best, and sharing a meal with them is always priceless!!  No dessert…..heading towards the Scottish Highland Creamery on Tilghman St.

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Note:  Some info. was taken from the Robert Morris Inn’s brochure.

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May 25th, 2015

Happy Memorial Day, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, Prayers, Hymns, Patriotic Music, All Saints’s Church, Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Beaches

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Happy Memoria Day!!  Rehoboth Beach Honors and Remembers our Veterans.  The Rehoboth Beach Veterans Memorial is located on Rehoboth Avenue right by the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand.  Take a break, stop by  and pay your respects to those that have fought for our freedom.

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Today, Monday, May 25th at 9:00 a.m., at Old Saints Church, located at 18 Olive Avenue there will be Prayers, Hymns & Patriotic Music.  It will be your chance to mention, outloud, the names of those you would like to remember.

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And a Soldier’s Reflection by Colonel Henry W. (Buzz) Buse, III, (Ret.) U.S. Marine Corps.

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11:00 a.m. at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand, a celebration honoring those veterans that have served during war and peace.

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May 23rd, 2015

Delaware Boardwalks, Ocean City Boardwalk, Summer 2015 is Open for Business

Rehoboth Beach

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Gates have opened and visitors have been arriving since Thursday evening.  A beautiful day in Delmarva with blue skies, slightly cool temperatures, and no humidity….So perfect and hard to believe that there is no rain in the forecast for Memorial Day!!

Boardwalks are the center of the coastal towns of Rehoboth Beach, Bethany Beach and Ocean City, Maryland.  Early in the a.m. joggers, bikers, walkers….pooches too, are seen enjoying glorious days at the beach.

Hard to believe that the 3 mile long Ocean City Boardwalk, was once rolled up and stored under porches during high tide.  Please visit http://www.ococean.com.

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Stop by Dolles for some amazing Sea Salt fudge…love it…among other sweet sensations.  Every morsel is made in-house.

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Summer in Bethany Beach, Delaware, revolves around the Boardwalk.  This boardwalk is not as long as the other two, but offers so much to its visitors….entertainment or just the fact that you can take a seat on those iconic benches and look out to the Atlantic Ocean.  Please visit http://www.townofbethanybeach.com.

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Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, is also known as The Nation’s Summer Capital.  The award-winning Boardwalk is a mile long.  Just make sure that when you get to the end on both sides of the boardwalk you touch the railing….it’s a local’s thing.  The entertainment begins on the Boardwalk every week.  Check http://www.rehobothbandstand.com

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Lucky for the coastal towns that do have boardwalks.  They are successful commercial districts and tourist attractions for the whole family.

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May 22nd, 2015

Lewes Eats!! Striper Bites, “Please your Palate…Raise your Spirits”, Restaurant, Bar, Lunch, Dinner, Outdoor Dining, Lewes, Delaware, Summer 2015 Begins!!

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“Ask not what you can do for your country.  Ask what’s for lunch.”  orson wells

Arriving at the beach with much anticipation.  So many places to dine.  Casual atmosphere at the Delaware Beaches so don’t despair you will find just the perfect place.  Whether you want lunch or dinner the restaurants are all ready to serve you….Summer 2015 is officially starting this Memorial Week-End and the gates have opened and if you have already been out and about, you know exactly what I mean.

Striper Bites is located at 107 Savannah Rd. in Downtown Historic Lewes, Delaware.  Tel. 302-645-4657.  Website?  http://www.striperbites.com.

Happy Hour at the Bar is a must at Striper Bites.  Mingle with the locals or make a friend or two in Lewes.  The service is great and the prices are affordable.

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Plenty of seating choices.  Near the bar, or, if you want to have more of a private setting there are booths and cozy benches and tables.

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The dining room is quiet and perfect for catching up with friends.

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It is so funny because now that summer is here, we are all trying to eat as healthy as possible…..we do want to sit at the beach, if you get my drift.

The Striper Bite House Salad is one of my favorites.  Make it a meal by adding chicken, tuna, rockfish, scallops, shrimp, salmon, lobster salad, or a crab cake.  It is a mix of greens with artichoke hearts, roma tomatoes, olives, cukes, and red onions tossed in a delish vinaigrette and topped with toasted pine nuts and crumbled blue cheese.

Love it with Grilled Salmon…

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Or if you love lobster…then, please order it!!

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Striper Bites offers a traditional Lobster Roll…plenty of lobster tossed in light Dijon mayo and stuffed in a lobster roll.

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The Striper Bite Club is their Signature Sandwich.  Blackened Mahi Mahi served on a ciabatta roll with lettuce, tomato, and smoked applewood bacon with a Caesar Dressing.  On the side?  Depending what the side of the day….I had cole slaw which was very good, as well.

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Have a great week-end!!  Sunny weather, blue skies, low humidity…..perfect.

May 20th, 2015

Destination? Lewes, Delaware, Activities, Events, Summer 2015, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

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Officially opening Summer 2015 – Memorial Week-End….no staycation for many, getting out of town and heading out to the Delaware Beaches.  These coastal towns are pretty much year-round resorts.  Every season brings surprises to the DE Beaches.  The best part is that Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, and Fenwick Island….they are all unique.  Even though they are all by the water’s edge, their make up is different.

What’s Going On?

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Wednesday, 5/20 – ZUMBA in The Park at Canalfront Park.  6 to 7 p.m.  Zumba will take place until August 26th.  Free Zumba session by Kelly.  Tel. 302-645-2795.  Check http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org

Friday, 5/22 – LAFF YOGA at the Lewes Library every Friday morning from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.  It is held year-round.  It is a free event.  More info?  http://www.laffyoga.com.  Please call 302-645-0576.  Remember….Laughter is The Best Medicine!!

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Friday, 5/22 – OVERFALLS FOUNDATION “FLOAT YOUR BIG RED BOAT” – This is the annual Opening Party & Auction, 6 – 9 p.m….a fund raising event to help support the Overfalls Foundation and its programs.  Lightship Overfalls is one of only 17 remaining lightships out of a total of 179 built from 1820 to 1952.  It is a National Historic Landmark and one of 7 of its kind in this country still open to the public.  Tickets are available in advance at $45, or at the door for $50.  Please visit http://www.overfalls.org/ships_store_opening_party_tickets.html.

Saturday, 5/23 – Every Saturday from 8 a.m. until Noon, HISTORIC LEWES FARMERS MARKET, takes place at the Lewes Historical Society Complex in Downtown Historic Lewes.  Meet the farmers…up close and personal!!  More info?  Please visit http://www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.

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Saturday, 5/23 – KALMAR NYCKEL ARRIVES!!  It arrives just in time for the first long week-end of Summer 2015!!  Location?  Cape May-Lewes Ferry Public Pier.  This ship is a faithful recreation of the original ship that brought the earliest settlers from Sweden to Delaware.

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It will head out daily….twice on Memorial Day, under full sail for a 2 1/2 hour tours of The Harbor of Refuge, off the coast of Lewes and at the mouth of the Delaware Bay estuary where it meets the Atlantic Ocean.  The ship is available for charter cruises, pirate sails, corporate events, and private parties.  For public sail tickets and further info., please visit http://www.kalmarnyckel.org.  Note:  From 5 – 7 p.m. take a Deck Tour of Kalmar Nyckel.  The stern carvings are all newly painted!!

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Sunday, 5/24 – YOGA IN THE PARK – 8 a.m. until 9 a.m. A Sunday morning routine at the Lewes Canalfront Park and until September 6th.  Free yoga session by Dimitra Yoga.  More info?  Please visit http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org.

Check What’s Coming Up!!

Saturday, 5/30 – POOCHES IN THE PARK – A day for dogs and the people who love them!! 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.  At Canalfront Park located at 211 Front St. in Lewes.  Please visit http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org.

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Sunday, 6/7 – PICNIC IN THE PARK – Great Day in Lewes!!  Lewes restaurants, beer, wine, games for the kids, and music for all at Canalfront Park on 211 Front St.  $10 for adults, $15 at the door.  Check http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org.

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Saturday, 6/20 – 25th ANNUAL LEWES GARDEN TOUR – Celebrating its Silver Anniversary!!  The Lewes Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau sponsors its 25th Annual Lewes Garden Tour from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  An extra ticketed event has been added on Friday, 6/19…A “Garden Party” from 5 to 7 p.m. will take place at Shipcarpenter Square.  It is open to the public with tickets priced at $50 each that will include a ticket to the Garden Tour on Saturday.  On Saturday’s Garden Tour there will be 10 private gardens showcased.  Tickets will go on sale on Memorial Week-End at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in the Fissher-Martin House located in Zwaanendael Park next to the Zwaanendael Museum.  More info?  Please call 302-645-8073.  Please visit http://www.leweschamber.com.

Have a Good One!!

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May 15th, 2015

Recipes Begged, Borrowed, or, Stolen, Roasted Butternut Squash with Corn, Red Onions & Cranberries, Rehoboth Beach Eats, Meatless Any Day! Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

The gates are beginning to open…..Summer 2015 officially opens next week.  Yikes….a new way of trying to figure out when to go here or there.  Welcome to the Delaware Beaches!!

“The only real stumbling block is fear of failure.  In cooking, you’ve got to have a what-the-hell-attitude.”   julia child

Even though my recipes can, at any time, be begged, borrowed, or stolen….this recipe was given to me as a gift by my friend, Jody.  It is totally delish and you can serve it by itself for any meatless day; with a salad for a complete veggie meal.  Or, just let it sit by the side of beef, chicken or fish.

The main ingredient is a butternut squash.  This fruit/vegetable is full of Vitamin C, A, & E.  It is also a good source of manganese, magnesium and potassium.

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Butternut squash can be roasted, toasted, pureed for soups, or mashed and used in casseroles, breads and muffins.

2 new sauces for this recipe, and they are easily found at Peppers on 176 Coastal Hwy. #1 in Lewes, Delaware.  The Garlic Pepper Sauce made out of aged red peppers and garlic and the Peri Peri Pepper Sauce which is a blend of Moroccan flavors.

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ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH WITH CORN, RED ONIONS & CRANBERRIES

1 2 lb. butternut squash, peeled with a veggie peeler

1 large red onion, chopped into bite size pieces, not diced

4 Tbsps. Olive Oil

2 Tsps. Garlic Pepper Sauce (Mountain Man)  Taste it and add more….I did.

2 Tsps. Peri Peri Pepper Sauce (Warrior’s Potion)  Taste it and add more…I did.

1 Tsp. Sea or Pink Himalayan Salt

1.5 Cups Frozen Corn or steamer bag of “honey roasted corn”

1/8 Tsp. Cayenne Pepper

1/2 cup dried cranberries

3/4 cup chopped cilantro

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees.

Chop the peeled butternut squash into circular disc pieces then cut in cubes from the discs.  Lightly toss the pieces in olive oil or in coconut oil and a bit of salt.  The smaller the pieces are, the faster they will roast in the oven.

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Put on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.  Bake in batches for about 10 minutes.  You want them tender but not mushy.

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and saute onion.  Add corn, hot sauces, salt, and cayenne to the onions and stir for a minute or so.  Then add cranberries.

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Add the roasted squash cubes to the mixture and stir for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.  Then add the chopped cilantro.

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This recipe has a very good combination of flavors….a little heat, the sweetness of cranberries, and cilantro.  As usual, make it your own.

Enjoy.  Talk to you later.

May 13th, 2015

Destination? Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Events, Activities, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Sussex County

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Anyone complaining about the weather…oh, it might be a little hot, right?  Looking forward to the official opening of Summer 2015!!  So, What’s Going On?

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Wednesday, 5/13 – WEDNESDAY BUSINESS MIXER at The Pond Bar & Grill, located at 3 South First Street in Downtown Rehoboth Beach.  Tel. 302-227-2234.  Website?  http://www.thepondrehoboth.com.  It is an exciting Wednesday at The Pond when they welcome back Doggies At The Beach and Saved Souls Animal Rescue as their sponsor for today’s Business Mixer.  FREE Buffet, FUN Prizes, and ENTERTAINMENT.  Mixers are open to the public.

Doggies At The Beach is a premiere 3,500 square foot indoor cage free, doggie day care with the goal that all doggies in their care have a fun, clean, and safe environment.  Webcams are available so you can watch your adorable pooches via the internet.  Please visit http://www.doggiesatthebeach.com so that you can see all the services they offer.  It is my Addy’s only place to stay when I am away.

Saved Souls Animal Rescue is an amazing organization that transports, fosters, and adopts animals in need.  Their goal is to help animals find forever homes.  This is local!!  They foster animals at their homes until they can find their “furever” home.  More info?  Please visit http://www.savedsoulsanimalrescue.com.

Friday, 5/15 – SOUTHERN DELAWARE FOR NEPAL – 15 Restaurants on May 15th will donate a portion of their proceeds to the Nepal Disaster Relief.  http://www.savethechildren.org.  SODEL Concepts, started by the late Matt Haley is including all of their restaurants:  Bluecoast, Catch 54, Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria in Fenwick, Papa Grande’s Coastal Taqueria in Rehoboth Beach, Lupo in Rehoboth, Northeast Seafood Kitchen, Fish On!, Matt’s Fish Camp, Plate Catering, Big Thunder Roadside Kitchen.  Others like DiFebo’s Italian Grille in Bethany and the newly opened DiFebo’s Italian Grille in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Claws, Fins (both locations), and Nage.

RBHS Walking Tour Parasol

Saturday, 5/16 – REHOBOTH BEACH WALKING TOURS – The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society Kicks off its Walking Tours this Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand.  Look for the pink lace umbrella held by tour guide Jean Brolund.  The tour is a 45 minute gentle stroll around Downtown.  The cost of the tour is $10.  Reservations are required and may be obtained by calling the Rehoboth Beach Museum at 302-227-7310.  These tours provide general information about the history of Rehoboth Beach, while touching on several of the Storms that have shaped the coastline and the beachfront town.  There will be a total of 12 tours this year.  Please visit http://www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.

Williamsburg Sampler by DMA

Sunday, 5/17 – REHOBOTH BEACH MUSEUM HOSTS NEEDLEWORK SAMPLER TALK – Sunday, at 2 p.m. at the Museum located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue.  Refreshments will be served and reservations are required by calling 302-227-7310.  For centuries, samplers provided a major part of a young girl’s education.  Young ladies learned the alphabet, and how to cout to ten; all that was considered necessary for them to know at the time.  Today, girls are educated, and samplers are appreciated for their part in helping us to learn about this part of our past.

Nationally-known needlework expert, Dolores Andrew will present this lecture.  She is a National Academy of Needlearts certified judge and author of books and historic needlework.  She has completed graduate study in Italian Renaissance embroidery and research in lesser known media such as Casalguidi and white work.

Have a good one!!

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