June 22nd, 2014
In the 1930’s the ritual of anglers dangling their reels over rivers, waiting for a bite, gave birth to fish camps along the Southern U.S. Fish camps have become local favorites and hidden jewels, found, at times off the beaten path; no frills establishments serving fresh catch.
With that in mind, I am sure, Matt’s Fish Camp opened its doors in 2011 in North Bethany Beach, on Coastal Highway. If you are driving south from Dewey Beach, Matt’s Fish Camp is the only eatery right on the highway, oceanside, until you arrive closer to Bethany Beach. From Rehoboth to Bethany….12 miles more or less. Tel. 302-539-2267 Website? http://www.mattsfishcamp.com.
Not really off the beaten path like the first fish camps, Matt’s Fish Camp can easily be spotten from Coastal Highway or Rt. 1. This restaurant is part of Matt Haley Companies…with several sister restaurants at the Delaware Beaches. No reservations, the restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. every day. Wine and beer are served at Matt’s Fish Camp.
The community where Matt’s Fish Camp is located is called Tower Shores. It is one of the original communities right on the beach, adjacent to the State Park beaches, the Indian River Marina, and the Indian River Inlet.
The restaurant is casual, come as you are or get dressed up….really that’s how comfortable it is. You can sit at the bar by the open kitchen, or by the window. Booths are available and a large center table for large parties. Maybe even call the restaurant for carry out, because all you have to do is drive up, park and pick it up on the side. Perfect if you are spending a day at the beach.
I stopped late in the day, driving from Bethany to Rehoboth, when I got a little hungry. Something light is what I wanted.
What I did was to order a tea, a garden salad, with a side order of Lobster Salad, and….since my eyes were bigger than my hunger….I also added Lobster Deviled Eggs.
I had my own salad bar going on….a clean plate was ordered and this is what it looked like. To tell you the truth I don’t eat too many eggs. But, deviled eggs, I do like. These were traditionally made. At first I was going to order the Lobster Roll without the roll when Reed, my server, pointed out that I could have an add on, which was just a Lobster Salad. The garden salad was also traditionally made, and very fresh.
Just a perfect lunch at the beach!!
Matt’s Fish Camp is a supporter of Operation Seas The Day. This is an annual warrior family beach week event held in Bethany Beach the week of September 2nd to the 7th for our Veterans who are recovering from injuries sustained while serving our country, and their immediate families. A week of rest and relaxation.
The families will be staying in homes donated by local homeowners. Plans underway for organized events, including a kickoff welcome reception, a beach bonfire/cookout, a concert at Freeman State, and a farewell brunch.
Additionally, Bethany Beach businesses and area residents have offered a “menu” of options and activities available, free of charge, throughout this week.
If you would like to learn more, please visit http://www.operationseastheday.org
February 19th, 2014
The Cottages are open year-round….stay in a warm and cozy waterfront cottage right on the Indian River Inlet in the Delaware Seashore State Park.
New vacation packages have been added: The relaxing Spa Getaway, which is perfect for couples or a girls’ week-end at the beach. Or, the Golf Retreat Package, which is perfect for the group that will enjoy championship golf and other amenities. Great for couples or for a “guys only” trip.
You will be at 39415 Inlet Rd. This is on the North Shore of the Indian River Inlet inside the Park.
This could be a relaxing vacation where you will take in the gorgeous views, read a book, or cook outdoors. It can be a last minute gift for someone or for an indulgence for yourself and friends. After the winter we have been having, getting away might be the thing to do.
If you want to know more about these packages, what they include, and how to make the reservations, please visit http://www.destaetparks.com/spa, or http://www.destateparks.com/golf.
The Spa Getaway Package ends April 17th. The Golf Retreat Package ends March 31st.
Are you ready to Visit Southern Delaware?
August 16th, 2013
At the Delaware Beaches? What are your plans? Check What’s Happening at the Indian River Life Saving Station, on Saturday, August 17th, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m.
There are many beautiful places to visit in Southern Delaware and this one is one of my favorites. A historic life saving station.
Back on August 29, 2010 I wrote a post with pictures on the station. In it I mentioned that I used to drive by it all the time and never stopped. Since that time I have stopped plenty of times and every time I like it even more. To see my post, please click on the month of August of 2010 and scroll down to the 29th, right here on AboutMyBeaches.
The Indian River Life Saving Station at the Delaware State Park is one of only 3 sites in the country which re-creates this famous rescue demonstration to the public.
The station is located on Rt 1 (Coastal Highway), 3.5 miles south of Dewey Beach, and 1.5 miles north of the Indian River Inlet.
The ship rescue will be coming to life with interpreters dressed in period uniform. They will reenact one of the most exciting and significant practices used to save the lives of the shipwrecked marines of our beach community’s past.
The United States Life Saving Service was a forerunner of the U.A. Coast Guard. It was established in 1870. It was used to launch rescue missions and assist victims of shipwrecks along America’s coastlines.
Admission for this event will be $6.50 for adults including museum tour, $4 for ages 6 to 12, $5 for seniors, 62 and older, and free for 5 years of age and under. More info? Please call 302-227-6991.
Have a good one!!
June 21st, 2012
It was the way the sun was setting about 10 days ago. I still remember because I was in Downtown Rehoboth Beach when I took off for Gordons Pond in a north section of town also known as North Shores and Whiskey Beach. It is part of Delaware State Park. The beach on that side of town is quiet and even though it does have a colorful past; it is, definitely, a family beach.
No guard was at the gate so I just went through. I was not even dressed for my hike on the beach. I don’t know what got into me; I wanted to see the WWII Towers. It’s so funny because these towers don’t change. They have been standing there as ghosts; guarding as they have been doing for so many years.
I started walking; pocketbook on hand through the path cars take when parking on the beach. Don’t ask me why. I could have gone by the water’s edge. But, I wanted a different view.
The sand was a little deep and I was wondering how much farther I would have to walk.
Finally, there they were. They looked so gorgeous, imposing, and majestic.
Eight of the 11 towers built along the Delaware and New Jersey coastlines during WWII are, here, on our Delaware Beaches; 3 in New Jersey. Tower 1 is in South Bethany. Tower 2 is south of the Indian River Bridge, Tower 3 and 4 are in Dewey Beach, and 5 and 6 are on Whiskey Beach. The 7th tower is in Lewes and the 8th in Broadkill Beach.
The towers were used as artillery spotting locations. Our military would coordinate artillery fire on enemy ships off our coast from the towers.
Some of the towers have different heights and some of them have only 2 viewing slits, while others have 3 or 4. You could also see about 14 1/2 miles into the Atlantic.
It was believed that after Pearl Harbor, the Delaware Beaches were in danger. In 1941 the German U-boats were sinking an average of a ship per week.
Note: There is a book written by William C. Grayson called Delaware’s Ghost Towers, The Coast Artillery’s Forgotten Last Stand During the Darkest Days of WWII. You can get it on Amazon.
Also, more info. on the WWII Towers can be obtained by visiting www.bethany-beach.net/world_war_ii_towers.htm.
A couple of people were still at the beach. It was not the perfect beach day. A little too windy and choppy.
I walked down Whiskey Beach and thought if there was any truth to its name. They say it is called Whiskey Beach because in the 1920s, during Prohibition, this beach was a rendevous for rumrunners. Others say it had been a place for soldiers to party while stationed at Fort Miles up the road with nobody to bother them.
State Law prohibits pets swimming or sunbathing on the beach but past the northern jetty, they are allowed.
It is, definitely, colorful and a conversation piece.
Gordons Pond is on this part of the Delaware State Park, as well. It was getting too late, so I only walked for a short time. Gordons Pond is one of 4 migration “super highways” in North America. A popular resting spot for a wide variety of waterfowls. Other wildlife is pretty abundant by the edges of the pond.
So, when you are visiting Rehoboth Beach and the downtown beaches are a little too crowded, head towards the Park on the north side of Downtown Rehoboth Beach. More info? Please visit www.destateparks.com.
Have a Good One!! Talk to you later.
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