June 29th, 2015
You have finally arrived in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. A destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It is a great place to relieve the soul-crushing stress you built up in the traffic trying to get here. If you have come to the Delaware Beaches before, you know exactly what I mean. This week will be a test for all of you with lots of patience.
There are several beaches in Rehoboth Beach. The state of Delaware has about 30 miles of beach. You just have to find your own niche.
Rehoboth Avenue is Main Street. At the end of this street, going east, is the Atlantic Ocean and an award winning Boardwalk, where summer memories are made every year. Early in the a.m. you see the colorful umbrellas up and down the beach. Just get there early to find a good spot. You will have an advantage here because if you get hungry, just walk up and down and grab some Boardwalk grub, or, hit one of the many restaurant along the Avenue.
South of the Boardwalk, and near Queen St., is a gay beach, called Poodle Beach, frequented more by men.
And, past North Shores, at the Cape Henlopen State Park, there is Whiskey Beach, where on one side of this beach, there are a lot of families and on the other side is another gay beach, frequented more by women and fishermen.
There is an entry fee for parking at the State Park. This beach has beautiful scenery with the WWII Towers right by your side.
I was so lucky yesterday, when my friend called me to see if I wanted to sit on the beach. It turned out to be such a beautiful day after the rain. She belongs to a club located in North Shores. The club is called The Henlopen Acres Beach Club. It is a private club exclusively for the residents and property owners of Henlopen Acres. It has 535 feet of ocean frontage. It was incorporated in 1958. The club is a true beach club, unpretentious to say the least.
North Shores is a neighbordhood of Rehoboth Beach. Beautiful homes with gorgeous views at the water’s edge.
An inherent stress, the unfolding of a beach chair….how about getting that beach umbrella just right? Chairs and umbrellas, all set out for you. No need to carry anything, which is right up my alley.
Looking up and down the beach….even though it was Sunday afternoon there were plenty of sun worshippers out there.
We decided on a particular spot, and what can I say but that life’s a beach and we are so lucky to be able to play in the sand. Never take it for granted.
The Delaware Beach experience is a must. Each beach has its own personality. Just like I mentioned before, you have to find the one that best suits you and your family. The serenade of steady waves, the company of a good friend, the interesting conversation, certainly beats staying home doing….
Leaving the beach at around 6 p.m., already you can see that some had already gone home. It is a quiet time during those hours and the perfect time to chill out and relax.
June 27th, 2015
I am looking outside my windows and all I see are gray skies and a light drizzle….I hear your pain if you are visiting us this week-end at the Delaware Beaches. But look at the brighter side. Change of scenery. You left the city. You can still walk, shop tax free and of course, there is always plenty to eat.
Weather like this brought back to my attention the most delicious baked chicken, so far, around here. Let me tell you a bit about where you can go and try it. I am not kidding you; it is the best.
Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar is located at 111 Neils Alley, Lewes, DE 19958. Tel. 302-645-5842. Website? http://www.cafenectar.com You can also find it on Facebook.
 
Nectar is open every day for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They also have an amazing juice bar, where you can even customize your juices.
This is the second year for Nectar and a few months ago, they started serving dinner. Everything is made in-house.
The restaurant is comfortable. You may take a seat on the sofa and have a drink . It is the cutest place.
Let me get back to this awesome chicken: The Dogfish 60 Minute Baked Chicken
You will get half a chicken, which has been marinated and baked in iconic Dogfish 60min IPA and served with beer honey-mustard glaze. Comes with mac and cheese and coleslaw. It is best eaten, of course, with a cold bottle of 60 Minute IPA…just add $3 extra. It is so good and a very generous portion. Just try it for yourself and let me know.
Another dish that I am also very hooked on is their Cauliflower Steak, served over rice pilaf with Romesco sauce and topped with olives, capers and roasted tomato. This is a vegan dish. The cauliflower steak is first roasted and then finished in the frying pan. Romesco Sauce is a nut and red pepper base sauce that originated in the area of Terragona in Northern Spain. It is so good and a very generous portion, as well.
You might think that the Chocolate Avocado Torte sounds different. Hey, that’s why I ordered it. If you love chocolate, you will love it too. The avocado is a healthy fat so don’t be afraid to try it, because it is delish.
There is a cheese that is one of my favorites. It is called Midnight Moon. Nectar carries it. I always think that it would be perfect to have it with a nice glass of wine, enjoying one of our full moons at the beach.
 
Nectar is very aware of food allergies. Please ask if you have any questions because they have gluten free, vegan and they are happy to accommodate their customers. They want you back!!
Have a good one!!
June 26th, 2015
Delaware Arts Alliance (DAA) is the unifying voice for the arts and arts education throughout the state, advocating for the central role of the arts in advancing dynamic communities and creative citizenry. DAA is proud to count the Delaware Division of the Arts and Amtrak among its supporters. For more information, please visit http://www.delawareartsalliance.org.
DAA will hold an arts advocacy networking event, Wine, Cheese, & the Arts, tomorrow, Saturday, June 27th from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m. as part of the Second Street Players’ Movies at Riverfront Theater series. Following Wine, Cheese, & the Arts, there will be the Second Street Players’ screening of the summer cinematic classic, Jaws. The program is open to the public and all are invited to attend.
Wine, Cheese, & the Arts is part of a series of DAA learning and networking events for Kent, New Castle, and Sussex Counties, Arts Rendezvous, to engage the arts community while creating a strong base of advocates through DAA’s Free Individual Membership Campaign. Wine, Cheese, & the Arts provide an informal way to the arts community to mingle and connect.
The program will start with conversation and wine and cheese at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., DAA Executive Director, Guillermina Gonzalez, will make brief remarks on arts advocacy and the benefits of being a member of DAA. At 7:05 p.m. the seating of Jaws will begin.
 
Admission is $5 per person to the Second Street Players at the Riverfront Theater to offset program costs. A selection of cheeses will be served and wine is BYOB. Register at http://www.delawareartsalliance.org/events. You may also email nmercado@delawareartsalliance.org.
The Riverfront Theater is located at 2 South Walnut Street in Milford, Delaware.
Have a good one!!
June 24th, 2015
Eating Gluten Free at the Delaware Beaches has been getting easier and easier as the years go by. Restaurants have decided that offering gluten free dishes is in their best interest. So many people are being diagnosed with celiac disease and the only treatment at the moment is to follow a gluten free lifestyle.
Having followed a gluten free regimen in my household for many years, I know how wonderful it is to find restaurants where you can completely feel at ease when ordering a meal. Not to be afraid of contamination. Hey, it does happen.
Don’t get me wrong, I think the restaurants at the Delaware Beaches are doing an amazing job in creating dishes for those that have to eat gluten free.
Last night, friends got together to try The Cafe on 26, located at 84 Atlantic Avenue (Rt. 26) in Ocean View, Delaware. Tel. 302-539-2233. Website? http://www.thecafeon26.com. Find it on Facebook and Twitter. This restaurant is 99% gluten free. Please mention that you have the allergy and they will tell you what Not to order. Probably just a couple of things, really.
Ocean View is located a couple of miles west of Bethany Beach.
We decided to try it yesterday. I was also giving Allyson some info. regarding my experiences eating gluten free. What to do? Hidden glutens, etc. etc.
What a pleasant surprise! First, Christie, our Server was so good. And funny too. We arrived super early. Yes, it was going to be an early dinner for all.
The Cafe on 26 has a full bar. They open for lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday: Lunch from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. On Sunday they are only open for dinner from 3 p.m. until 9 p.m.
After a few drinks we ordered salads: Everything that we ordered was Gluten Free!! Note: Menu changes daily.
On the left, a Classic Caesar Salad with Romaine lettuce, parmesan cheese, garlic crouton and a Caesar Dressing. On the right, a Summer Salad with spring greens, mandarin oranges, dried bing cherries, seasonal local berries, red onion, cucumber, apples and candied walnuts with a citrus basil vinaigrette.
 
My Spinach Salad was delicious. I had them take out the Queso Fresco….not eating cheese at the moment. Baby spinach, bacon, mandarin oranges, red onion, almonds slivers and a bacon vinaigrette dressing.
Our entrees:
Stuffed Flounder…Fresh flaky flounder filet stuffed with all lump crab imperial and topped with their imperial sauce. Side dishes of mashed sweet potatoes and broccolini.
Their signature dish was the Potato-Romano Encrusted Salmon. Scottish Faroe Island Farm Raised Salmon, encrusted with potato, Romano and Parmesan Cheese, then topped with Lump Crab, and a dill and cream reduction. Side dishes of sauteed zucchini and squash and a Tabouli salad.
My Duck Breast was awesome. Tender and juicy. Pan seared then finished in the oven and complimented with a dried cherry port reduction. Side dishes of mashed sweet potatoes and grilled asparagus.
Another order of the Potato-Romano Encrusted Salmon, but with side dishes of sauteed green beans with carrots and toasted almonds and a Quinoa Salad.
For dessert an order of their Chocolate Cheesecake. Love chocolate? This is the one and Gluten Free!! Dense and rich just like a cheesecake should be.
Relax and enjoy. TTYL
June 21st, 2015
Sundays are days of worship, but on this Sunday as the tragedy in Charleston, South Carolina, is still fresh in our minds and hearts, it is also a day for reflection.
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church is the First Church in the First Town in the First State. It is located at 2nd & Market Streets in Lewes, DE 19958 Tel. 302-645-8479 Website? http://www.stpeterslewes.org
You can imagine how surprised my friend, Cindi, was when I asked her if she wanted to walk around The Churchyard at Saint Peter’s. After all, I had invited her to Lewes to spend the day celebrating her birthday. Graveyard? Birthday? That was not on the agenda, so she thought.
This is a historic Church. It is beautiful in its simplicity. It is an Episcopal Church. The doors of the Church are open 24 hours a day, providing a sanctuary in Lewes for spiritual reflection, meditation, and prayer. I love a totally quiet church. I enjoy visiting them to catch a quiet moment away from all the news and the hectic world we live in. I am in awe of their beauty and strength.
Saint Peter’s Parish was founded in 1681. The original church building was finished in 1724, sat in front of the current structure. A second church, consecrated in September 1808, had a small bell tower. The bell rings every Sunday announcing their services from that tower.
The building in which services are held today was constructed from 1854 to 1858. A steeple was added in 1870 and the Sacristy was added in 1903-4.
Among Saint Peter’s historical possessions are the communion table used in the original church of 1724, a prayer book showing the changes made after the War of Independence, and a silver communion service given by John Penn, grandson of William Penn, on June 10, 1773.
As Cindi and I started to walk the Churchyard her attitude changed completely…from total perplexity to inquisitiveness. She saw other visitors walking around, reading the tombstones.
In addition to the Churchyard, Saint Peter’s owns the oldest cemetery in the state of Delaware. The Pilottown Cemetery was the site of the first western settlement in what is now Delaware. Some of the early colonists are interred there on Pilottown Rd.
The most noteworthy graves are marked and there is information for you to follow them.
The oldest tombstone is the one from Margaret Huling. #17 This is what the inscription says: Here lyeth ye body of Margaret ye widow of James Huling who desert Febry ye 16th in ye 76th yeare of her Age 1707 Born 1631.
The second oldest is #18. It also belongs to the Huling family. It says: Huling mARTHA HIS WIFE deCEST FEBRY YE 1708 IN YE 8TH YEAR of HER AGE. There is a portion of the stone broken so the whole inscription cannot be read.
The Labyrinth – It is an ancient symbol found in many traditions around the world. It is not a maze. It only has one path with no tricks or dead ends. You are not to solve a puzzle, which creates anxiety. The Labyrinth shoud lead us to the Source of our solutions, creating peace. And God knows, we need peace.
Walking a labyrinth becomes a metaphor for spiritual journey. It is used as a form of walking meditation or contemplative prayer. The Labyrinth helps us find inner peace. It welcomes those of all faith traditions and those with no traditions at all.
There is no right or wrong way to walk the Labyrinth. With only one path in….follow it and you will arrive at the center. Each walk is unique. You may want to take a moment to breath deeply and focus on an intention for your walk.
The center is a place of meditation and prayer. As you can see visitors leave some offerings.
Stop by and discover. Have a good one!!
June 20th, 2015
It has been a week since our 16 Miles or BUST team participated in a 16 Mile Walk to raise money for the Cancer Support Community Delaware. We are all still talking about it because it was so much fun. Everyone survived the heat….I think there were more like 17 1/2 miles, going through the Circle in Georgetown.
Our team was comprised of 10 amazing women…and one guy, who is pretty awesome himself. These women and Jamin (our guy) have a thirst for life. They have had their ups and downs like everyone else. They have faced those curve balls that life throws to you when you least expect it, and they have handled them with courage. 3 of them were breast cancer survivors. They are fit, they laugh, and they can also let their hair down. They are professionals, mothers, grandmothers, well traveled and well read, as well. The following photo makes me laugh…with Jamin. He wore the pink hat that said “Women Who Behave Rarely Make History”!!
Before starting our walk, Jamin brought us all together in an uplifting prayer giving thanks, and praying for peace, hope and health for those afflicted with cancer.
Police escort…our route was a little dangerous, more so, at this time of the year. Every mile we had water, and every 2 miles we had fruit and granola bars.
We walked in groups of two or three, and then, we would change and formed other groups, which made it easier.
Everyone has been touched by cancer in one way or another and being that June is Cancer Survivors Month, cars passing by kept honking their horns all through our journey. All services provided by Cancer Support Community Delaware are free of charge. For more information, please call them at 302-645-9150. Or, visit their website…http://www.cancersupportdelaware.org.
It was so darn hot…but at least there was a breeze, and the Sussex County Corvette Club was transporting anyone that had had enough.
At the Lewes-Rehoboth Moose Lodge, the Sussex Tech Band received us. I believe that was mile 7.
Dreaming about a cold beer….16 Mile Brewery’s was hosting the Cancer Survivors Rock After Party.
Music and Bethany Blues Lewes….Food Truck!! Games, massages for the walkers, as well.
16 Mile Brewery….air condition, please. And, a cold Beer. It is located at 413 S Bedford St., Georgetown, DE 19947. Website? http://www.16milebrewery.com. Tel. 302-253-8816
 
The tasting room is open Monday through Thursday from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Friday from Noon until 10 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday from Noon until 5 p.m.
Crisp and clean…Blues’ Golden was just delicious. For the event a little twist to this favorite beer, adding ginger, coconut and mango. Very good!!
 
The Tours are Friday and Saturday from Noon until 3p.m. on the hour. Please call ahead for private tours and tastings. Tel. 302-253-8816.
Events: Wednesday…Farmers’ Market. Friday…Live Music (you may bring food into the Brewery). Every week-end…Food Trucks.
If you are planning on having a party, please call them at the above mentioned telephone.
Visiting the Delaware Beaches…don’t want to drive? Let the Jolly Trolley do all the driving from Dewey to the Brewery. Round trip is $40 per person on Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Pick up and drop off is at Gary’s Dewey Beach Grill. You will get a private tour and tasting. Also, specials at Gary’s before and after. To make a reservation, please visit http://www.jollytrolley.com. Or, email reservations@jollytrolley.com. Tel. 302-227-1197
Meet some of our 16 Miles or BUST walkers as they arrived at 16 Mile Brewery:
 
Note: Thanks to Ann Raskauskas of Bethany Area Realty in Bethany Beach for the T-Shirts she offered us from her annual event, Bethany Beach Breast Cancer Fun/Walk. It happens on the Saturday of Mother’s Day Week-End. For more information, please visit http://www.bethanybeachbreastcancer.com
 
Have a good one!!
June 18th, 2015
 
Social relates to or involves activities in which people spend time talking to each other. The Beach, for many, is their happy place. Here, in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, we have a little bit of eveything for everyone. Downtown Rehoboth Beach is only one square mile. Pristine beaches, an award-winning boardwalk, boardwalk grub, entertainment, tax free shopping….and then there are the restaurants. Summer 2015 brings new restaurants to Rehoboth.
208 Social is located at 208 2nd St. in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware 19971 Tel. 302-227-6700 Website? http://www.208social.com Find it on Facebook, as well. Nate and Lisa are the owners. They are creating some very unique appetizers, entrees, and desserts, giving foodies some “food for thought”. To know more about Nate and Lisa, please visit http://www.208social.com/about.
 
The laissez-faire attitude of the DE Beaches is what keeps visitors coming back year after year, making fantastic unforgettable memories. Summer 2015 promises to be a fabulous one!!
I love spending time and sharing a meal with good friends. It is a most simple thing, and it gives me the most pleasure. When Cindi and Madelon decided to come to Rehoboth Beach from Ocean City, Maryland, we waited for Restaurant Week. 208 Social was our destination. And so we arrived early, so that I could take photos.
I love what they have done to the restaurant. It opens at 4 p.m. Come as you are and enjoy a drink at the bar, which as the night progressed, it got crowded.
208 Social has a choice of dining rooms.
It is so nice because the atmosphere in those rooms is quieter, conducive to friendly conversation. We chose the porch.
 
Appetizers:
Their Simple Salad…..greens, and a Sherry truffle vinaigrette. The photo does not do justice…you had to close your eyes, taste, and enjoy one delicious dressing.
Pulled Chicken Fresh Spring Rolls….mango, watercress, peppers, cilantro, and a peanut dipping sauce. Very interesting and healthy!!
Two orders of Crispy Soft Shells…a light tempura style breading, which my friends said was very good. You could taste the delicate flavor of the soft shell. Served on a sunchoke puree with baby spinach and toasted garlic.
When there are soft shell crabs on the menu I will, definitely, order them. But Madelon and Cindi got them…..I needed something different, something savory, sweet, saucy or even tangy.
208 Sticky Ribs….These were from their Tavern Menu. OMG, these crispy pork ribs with a Chile agrodolce (tangy), and toasted sesame were awesome.
Ice Cream for dessert. This ice cream was from Pennsylvania, but pretty soon, they will be making their own, just like they make everything else. This particular one was chocolate, and salted caramel.
Many thanks are given here to 208 Social for bringing us one of their strawberry pies, made to order. Warm!!
So what else is left to say? Can’t wait to go back!!
June 17th, 2015
A few weeks ago two of my usual suspects and I took a day trip to Oxford, St. Michaels, and Easton….Maryland’s Eastern Shore!! Today’s weather reminded me of that trip. At times it is better not to plan. Our trip was unexpected and we had the most fun. These women are interesting, exciting, and always ready for a road trip.
We had lunch at the Robert Morris Inn, ice cream at the Highland Creamery and then stopped at a very cute shop called The Treasure Chest, located at 214 N. Morris St. Tel. 410-924-8817 They are on Facebook.
The shop opens Wednesday through Monday from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Skipper Bags, Stained Glass, Pottery, Tervis, Joan’s Gems, Port of Oxford merchandise and much more is what Joan Nubie-Miscall offers to her customers, along with plenty of friendly conversation.
The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry is America’s oldest privately owned ferry. It was established in 1683. The 2 Debbies and I were taking it, crossing the Tred Avon River. The ferry runs 7 days a week. Please note that in November, it only runs Saturday and Sunday. There are continuous crossings every 15-20 minutes. It closes at sunset. Tel. 410-745-9023. Website? http://www.oxfordbellevueferry.com. On Facebook find it as Oxford Bellevue Ferry. Fares are subject to change. You can take your bikes, motorcycle, car or just be a walk-on passenger.
It takes no time to cross the Tred Avon River. The ferry is very small….on that day only my car and two other passengers with their bikes were on board.
The mail to St. Michaels was coming with us, as well. Oxford is a small town.
Meet my two friends. Debbie and Debbie.
Arriving at Bellevue Landing….The scenic route between Oxford and St. Michaels is one of the top 25 bicycle routes in the U.S.A.
We went directly to The Inn at Perry Cabin. This Manor Home Resort & Spa is owned by the Belmond Group. It is located at 308 Watkins Lane in St. Michaels, MD 21663. Tel. 410-745-2200. Website? http://www.belmond.com/innatperrycabin It is pet friendly.
Manicured gardens and cozy corners to take a seat and relax.
The Inn at Perry Cabin is a destination for weddings, sailing, spa relaxing treatments, and other celebrations. We decided to make ourselves at home. So much so, that we did not even take a walk in downtown St. Michaels.
Sipping Cucumber Water, we sat for the longest time enjoying one beautiful scenery and the best company.
Our day was not over….our next destination? Easton, Maryland…Stay tuned.
“Travel becomes a strategy for accumulating photographs.” susan sontag……Guilty!!
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