May 17th, 2014

Out & About, Historic Lewes, Delaware, First Town in The First State, Summer of 2014, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware

Lewes began as a colony in the spring of 1631.  It is the First Town in the First State.  This historic town gets better as it gets older….don’t we all wish that?  With a little help of its residents, Lewes is just gorgeous year-round.

I don’t have to have a purpose to visit Lewes, it is just a few miles north of Rehoboth Beach, where I live.  It has been so nice to see that after the unusually cold winter we have had, Lewes is still in bloom today.

Lewes is a very walkable town.  You really cannot get lost.  Anyway, if you do, just ask anyone.  The residents are proud and love to show off Historic Lewes.

The Zwaanendael Museum should be a must on your strolling Lewes.  It is located at 102 Kings Highway.  It was built in 1931 to commemorate the 300th anniversay of the first European settlement in Delaware.  Throughout the year this museum is open to the public and holds events that are of interest to the community.  For more info., please call 302-645-1148.  It is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

The Chamber of Commerce is located on 120 Kings Highway…and it is another must stop on your strolling Lewes to get the most up to date info. on what’s going on.  You may call 302-645-8073 or visit http://www.leweschamber.com

Right next to Chamber is the new Zwaanendael Park Garden and Colonial Herbary.  The day I was walking, one of the Lewes in Bloom volunteers was tending the garden.  She was so excited…the catnip was coming up, after the tough winter.

To find out more about Lewes in Bloom, please visit http://www.lewesinbloom.org.

Strolling Lewes will let you admire and enjoy the beautiful architecture of this historic town.  For example, right on 217 Second Street you will find the home of John Penrose Virden.  He was a Delaware River Pilot who built the home in 1888.  It is a Bed & Breakfast.  For more information, please visit http://www.virdenhouse.com.

So, What’s Going On?

Saturday, May 17th – POOCHES IN THE PARK – 1 P.M. UNTIL 3 P.M. – Location?  Canalfront Park on Front Street in Historic Lewes.  It is a great day for dogs and their owners.  There will be agility and obedience demons, photo ops, doggie massage and acupuncture.  A light lunch will be available.  Event is limited to the first 350 dogs.  All dogs must be on a 4-6 ft. non-retractable leash.  One dog per handler.  More info?  Please visit http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org/events_pooches.html.

Saturday, May 17 – MARITIME DAY – Lewes Ferry Terminal from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. – Join in a celebration of America’s Proud Maritime History.  It is a free event for scout troops, school groups, veterans and maritime enthusiasts of all ages.  Water Cannon Demos, Engine Room & Bridge Tours, Maritime Displays.  Location? 43 Cape Henlopen Drive.

Lewes enjoys a heritage that is rich in both its maritime history and its current maritime interests.

Sunday, June 1 – PICNIC IN THE PARK – Canalfront Park on Second Street – Join friends, neighbors, and fantastic local restaurants for the Park’s popular and most delicious event.  Adult entrance is $10.  Tickets for 12 and under are $5.  Food and drink tickets are sold separately at the event and are $2 each depending on the food/drink option.  You can buy the tickets by visiting http://www.lewescanalfrontpark.org/events_picnic.html.

A dozen downtown-area Lewes restaurants are participating and making their specialties.  Limited space, only 1,000 tickets available.  It was sold out last year.

Have a great day!!

May 22nd, 2013

Lewes, Delaware, National Maritime Day, First Town in The First State, Event, River Pilots, Delaware Beaches, Southern Delaware, Happy National Maritime Day!!

Happy National Maritime Day!!  May 22nd recognizes the maritime industry.  This holiday was created by the U.S. Congress on May 20, 1933.  Lewes, Delaware, is rich in its maritime history and their celebration took place on Saturday, May 18th.

The festivities took place at the Lewes Ferry Terminal, located on 43 Cape Henlopen Drive in Lewes, Delaware.

Attractions and exhibits were located inside the terminal, upstairs in their glass walkway, and on the patio on the finger pier.  There were also vessel tours, a Lewes Fire Boat Cannon Display and a Remembrance Ceremony; wreath laying at Unknown Sailor’s Cemetery.

On the finger pier DELRIVER was receiving guests.  This is a converted offshore supply vessel.  It is berthed in Lewes with a 4 man crew on duty 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with additional crew on standby.  It is 166 feet long and weighs 425 tons.  It is part of the Delaware Bay & River Cooperative (DBRC), which is a non-profit organization to respond to and offer protection from oil spills in the Delaware Bay and River area.  More info?  Please visit http://www.dbrcinc.org.

The pilots caught my attention…..Delaware River pilots are responsible for guiding ships from the mouth of the Delaware Bay to the ports along the river in Delaware, N.J. and Pennsylvania.  From the bay to the northernmost port is about 130 miles.

When ships arrive from the ocean, the pilots are taken out to meet them on a boat similar to a speedboat.  The small boat pulls alongside the ship, the pilot climbs a dangling rope ladder to board the moving vessel.  Once on the lower deck, the pilot is escorted directly to the bridge and takes control.  Did I get it right, Randy?

The operation never stops.  For the Delaware River Pilots no holidays exist.  Maybe they might have a little stall during severe weather conditions, but pretty much these pilots guide incoming and outgoing ships 365 days a year, 24/7!!  Did I get it right, Missy?

These river pilots were talking to the visitors attending the festivities…I was going on the Tour of the Lighthouses, a post in the making.  So, I asked them “Do you know Randy?”  Yes!!  They miss him and are looking forward to seeing him in a few weeks.  Randy, a friend and longtime river pilot is enjoying retirement in Florida!!

The location of the Lewes terminal is so gorgeous…the scenery is just amazing!

And, if you want to have the best burger in town….On The Rocks Grill has the most delicious, juicy burger you are going to find…among other great tastings.  Really, I am serious.  As I was passing it the temptation was too much.  But, I did not have one.  Instead, I went home and had my rice cakes and hummus!  The grill is located on the boardwalk behind the terminal.  Check http://www.ontherocksde.com.  A locals’ hangout!

Traveling on the Cape May Lewes Ferry is easy.  Please check http://www.capemaylewesferry.com for more information and schedules.

And, just so you know…the Ferry offers plenty of programs, activities, and tours….check http://www.capemaylewesferry.com/programs.

Have a great day!!

Note:  Some info. for this post was taken from the UD Messenger.