May 24th, 2014
Prior to the early 50’s, it took some time to get to Bethany Beach. There was no railroad connection. Until 1920, visitors to this coastal town would have to take a steamer…the Atlantic, across Rehoboth Bay to Ocean View and then travel by horsedrawn carriage to Bethany.
On Friday, I could not find parking in Bethany. That’s the norm during the summer months. All the construction work on the streets was finished…amazing job.
Bethany is considered to be a quiet resort, and during the winter months, it actually is…but Summer 2014 is here….some came in bikes too!!
One the Bethany Beach’s trolleys was waiting. At only $.25 per ride, it is the best deal in town. For the schedule and more info., please visit http://www.townofbethanybeach.com.
All is in place for a great season ahead:
The beach looked so inviting…..I heard this little boy said: “I am so ready, I am going in the ocean.” Maybe the water is not warm enough yet…soon, though.
Already visitors were occupying the Boardwalk’s benches….great place to people watch.
The center of Downtown Bethany Beach is the Bandstand. Entertainment schedule can be found on the above mentioned website.
Then, I stopped for a moment…..it was the smells, French fries, and salt air. Love living at the beach!
July 22nd, 2012
This is so interesting…Did you know that prior to the 1950s, no railroad came to Bethany Beach? You would have to travel by train to Baltimore, Maryland, spend the night there, then, travel by boat across the Chesapeake Bay to the Delmarva Peninsula and by train across the peninsula to Rehoboth Beach. Still, you had to board a steamer, prior to 1910, called Atlantic, across Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay to Ocean View, then, on horse drawn carriage to Bethany Beach.
On July 1910, the Loop Canal was completed in Bethany Beach, therefore, you could take the motorboat Allie May. In 1912 the Helen Marie II replaced Allie May, to dock at the town itself. Exhausting to say the least!!
Bethany Beach is still considered a Quiet Resort. The town gets so packed in the summer and then, a well deserved rest through the winter. The Second Season brings a lot of visitors; it is one of the best times of the year.
The best way to travel through Bethany Beach is by taking the Trolley. It is the best deal in town. Can you believe that it is still $.25 each way? The driver does not make change so make sure you have quarters. It is in service through mid September from 9:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Last pick up at Atlantic & Garfield is at 9:45 p.m.
You can flag down the Trolley along the routes for pick up and discharge except on Rt. 26 & Rt. 1. For more info., please visit http://www.townofbethanybeach.com, then click on Services and scroll down to Trolley.
Life in our small coastal towns revolves, in the summer, around the Boardwalk and the Bandstand. The Bethany Beach Boardwalk, along with the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk were named in the top Boardwalks of the United States.
Performances at The Bandstand: Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. unless noted. Hot line is 302-539-5484
Sunday, 7/22 – Dialtones – Rock n’ Roll from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Check http://www.thefabulousdialtones.com
Monday, 7/23 – Movie at 8:30 p.m., Zookeeper. It is rated PG.
Friday, 7/27 – U.S. Navy Cruisers – This is the premier U.S. Navy’s contemporary entertainment ensemble. The name comes from the Navy’s versatile, flexible, multi-missioned ship, The Cruiser. Genres of music range from jazz and standards, rhythm and blues, classic rock, adult contemporary, and original material.
Saturday, 7/28 – City of Fairfax Band – This band is from Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area. The musicians come from varying musical backgrounds. Performers are from all walks of life; they share the love of music.
Sunday, 7/29 – Sir Rod – Rod Stewart Tribute. Tommy Edward as Sir Rod Stewart. Check http://www.tommyedward.com.
All that Boardwalk Grub, which is what we all love during the summer months, can cause havoc on your exercise routines. Don’t worry because Bethany Beach has summer exercise classes right on the beach and the Bandstand.
Bethany Beach Yoga at Sunrise from 6 to 7 a.m. until September 16th. No class on Thursdays. Instructors: Georgette Rhoads and Pat Wood. There is a drop in fee. Tel. 302-448-0563. More info? http://www.bethanybeachyoga.org.
Tai Chi on The Bandstand from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. until Labor Day. Classes on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Instructor: Jim Mace. There is a drop in fee. Tel. 302-363-4509. E-mail mace12@juno.com.
Power Yoga on the Beach from 7 to 8 a.m. on Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday. Location? Garfield Beach (by the Bandstand) Drop in fee. Instructor: Natalie Griffin. Tel. 860-617-1933.
Wednesday, 7/25 and Thursday, 7/26, is the 21st Annual Beach and Bay Cottage Tour. Tickets are $30 and are available online, at the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce in Fenwick, at the South Coastal Library in Bethany Beach. Tel 302-537-5828. The Cottage tour benefits The Friends of the South Coastal Library, which was founded in 1988 to provide support for the services and resources of the Library. Please check the website for more info. and to see the Cottages that will be on the tour. http://www.beachandbaycottagetour.com
Note: Every Sunday, from 8 a.m. until Noon the Bethany Beach Farmers’ Market can be found at the PNC Parking lot, right in town. Only on Sundays and until Sept. 5th.
Have fun in Bethany!! Talk to you later….
April 26th, 2011
I wonder what those founding members of Bethany would think of the town now? I think they would be so proud. The town was founded by members of the Christian Church from Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.
Bethany has stayed true to what these settlers had in mind so long ago. A town that still reflects their character; they were looking for “a haven of rest for quiet people”.
It is still that way. A quiet, family town by the beach. Still some of the old beach houses remain in town. Small streets, quaint shops.
I lived in Bethany for years. My children grew up there. The town and the beach were their playground. It was great.
Over the years, major groceries stores have come to town, more traffic and more development. The town is not a “dry” town anymore.
On Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. I arrived in Bethany. I wanted to see how the town looked after a hectic and busy week. Usually, at this time of the year, the beach towns settle after a holiday week-end.
So was the case on Monday. I was coming from Rehoboth Beach and turned left into Garfield Parkway, which is the Main Street in “downtown Bethany Beach”. The Totem Pole is always guarding that entrance. You cannot miss it; imposing is the word.
For the past years the beautification of Bethany has been praised. The people working on this effort should be commended. The town looks good; pretty. More so as the sun was setting.
The last street before you hit the Boardwalk, Bandstand and the beach is called Atlantic. I looked North and there was not a soul; the same when I looked to the South. Everyone did go home!!
On the Boardwalk and Bandstand there were a few people; leftovers from the week-end. From Memorial Week-End to Labor Day you will find live entertainment at the Bandstand. It is usually, Fridays through Sundays. Performances start at 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise stated. For this info. you can call 302-539-5484.
On May 7th, rain or shine the event called Bethany Beach Breast Cancer Fun Run/Walk will take place. Check in is at 8:00 a.m., by the Boardwalk. The 5K Fun Run will start at 9:00 a.m. and the 3K Walk, at 9:10. For more information, please visit http://www.bethanybeachbreastcancer.com.
To kick off the Memorial Week-end, the entertainment for Saturday will be USNA Electric Brigade, which is the Navy’s Premier Pop Music Ensemble. On Sunday, US Army Volunteers, will be performing. They are the United States Army’s premier touring show band.
I continued on my sunset strolling tour through the empty streets. I finally got to the Addy Sea Bed & Breakfast. This is an elegant Victorian beach front B & B. “The 4th of 5 houses built by John Addy from Pennsylvania. Considered his masterpiece, it was one of the first homes to have indoor plumbing. In 1935 it was converted into a guest house and now it operates as a very popular B & B. Weddings, parties, etc. are scheduled way in advance. For more info. please visit www.addysea.com.
Then I got to 5th street, which is on the north part of town. That was the beach that I took my kids to. It was at the end of town and in many ways very private. The path towards the beach looked the same. Throughout Bethany, access to the beach looks like this from the side streets.
Right in town there is a recreation park; basketball courts and a tot lot.
Then I came to find a beach bunny as I was going to the beach. He just stood there. Not afraid, either. So cute.
The beach looked pretty; the dunes protecting the town.
It was a peaceful walk; pretty soon the gates will open and the visitors will start arriving. It is so good to see them come; but I do enjoy the solitude of the second season.
Talk to you later…have a good one.
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