June 30th, 2013
Okay, I agree…no fun if you are at the beach and it is raining cats and dogs….the kids are driving you insane….and why did we choose this week? It happens at times, so you will have to make the best of it. And, please, do not go back to your rental agent and start complaining…..it’s raining, and it is only the weather’s fault.
With that in mind what could you do besides, shopping and eating? Read on.
REHOBOTH BEACH
CREATABLE CRAFTS – Located at 146 Rehoboth Avenue. Fun for the whole family. Really? Paint your own pottery. Tel. 302-227-1020. Website? http://www.creatablecrafts.com
THE BEACH ARCADE – Next to Dolles at 5 North Boardwalk. Tel. 302-227-1040
PLAYLAND ARCADE – Located on the South side of the Boardwalk.
SURFSIDE ARCADE – Located on the South side of the Boardwalk.
FUNLAND’S ARCADE – On the South side of the Boardwalk. Website? http://www.funlandrehoboth.com
JOLLY TROLLEY – Hop on the Trolley and ride around between Rehoboth Beach and Dewey. Please visit http://www.jollytrolley.com for their services.
CAKE BREAK – Located at 7 South First St. Decorate a cake and eat it too!! Tel. 302-260-9265. Website? http://www.cakebreakrehoboth.com. Please note that Cake Break is a peanut free facility so if you have someone in your group with a peanut allergy, they will be just fine. They also offer gluten free and vegan cupcakes.
BROWSEABOUT BOOKS – Located at 133 Rehoboth Avenue. Tel. 302-226-2665 Website? http://www.browseaboutbooks.com. You can check the books and even sit on one of their comfortable sofas to relax and read awhile.
REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE – Exhibits. Located at 12 Dodds Lane in Henlopen Acres. Website? http://www.rehobothartleague.org
ANNA HAZZARD MUSEUM – Located at 17 Christian St.
REHOBOTH BEACH MUSEUM – Located 511 Rehoboth Avenue, by the roundabout and next to the Visitor’s Center. Website? http://www.rehobhtbeachmuseum.org. Their newest exhibit, Beach Eats!! is great. Free admission.
ATLANTIC THEATERS – Located on Coastal Highway at the Midway Shopping Center, between Rehoboth Beach and Lewes. Check the schedule by visiting http://www.moviefone.com/theater/movies-at-midway-rehoboth-beach/3587/s.
DEWEY BEACH
BOOKS AND COFFEE – Located on 113 Dickinson St. Tel. 302-226-9959
INDIAN RIVER LIFE SAVING STATION MUSEUM – Located between Dewey Beach and the Indian River Bridge. Tour the Museum and the Shop. Tel. 302-227-6991
FENWICK ISLAND
DISCOVER SHIPWRECK MUSEUM – Located at 708 Ocean Highway, Fenwick Island. Tel. 302-539-9366
MILLVILLE
DICKENS PARLOUR THEATRE – Located at 35715 Atlantic Avenue – A few miles west of Bethany Beach. Rainy day matinee at 2 p.m. Otherwise, nightly show at 7 p.m. Check http://www.dptmagic.com
LEWES
ZWAANENDAEL MUSEUM – Located on Savannah Rd. and Kings Highway.
SEASIDE NATURE CENTER – Located at the Cape Henlopen State Park on 15099 Cape Henlopen Drive. Exhibits, displays, including their 1,000 galon tank with local fish, and a touch tank also. Tel. 304-645-6852. Admission to the park is in effect.
LIGHTSHIP OVERFALLS – Located on Pilottown Rd. Website? http://www.overfalls.org
CANNONBALL HOUSE MARINE MUSEUM – Located on Front Street in Lewes.
BACK BAY ART GLASS – Located at 110 New Rd. Tel. 302-645-1825 Website? http://www.backbayartglass.com
MILTON
DOGFISH HEAD BREWERY TOURS – The brewery is located in the town of Milton. It is a great tour for adults. Tel. 302-684-1000. Website? http://www.dogfish.com. Cheers!!
Roll with the punches…have a good one!
April 23rd, 2010
 Avery's Rest - Archaeological Site
“No research is the end; it is the beginning. New and different questions come up. New areas to explore present themselves.”
With this in mind I went to preview the new exhibit in the Rehoboth Museum called Captain John and Sarah Avery or Avery’s Rest.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Website is rbhistoricalsociety@verizon.net and the telephone is 302-227-7310. Nancy Alexander is the Director.
 Inside the Rehoboth Museum Until I was invited to this event, I really did not have any idea that there was an archaeological dig in our area. And, that it has been operating for a few years. It does not surprise me. Afterall, in 1682 there were only 59 landowners in this area. What is good about this area is that since it has been mainly farm land, it has only been touched a bit. Once you are below the plowed zone you can start finding artifcacts untouched for 300 years, as is the case with Avery’s Rest.
The exhibit is only about 1% of what the archaeologists have found. They have chosen the ones that will be of most interest, showcasing life in the 17th century.
Through the recovery, survey, excavation and then analysis of materials left behind, we can study the past when there are no written records for historians to study.
It seems that the Avery’s were first in Massachusetts, then Maryland and then Delaware. During his lifetime his activities and appointments would be many. He was considered a wealthy man, being that he was a plantation owner; 800 acres. His wife, Sarah was the first recorded school teacher in the Colony of Maryland.
The artifacts found represent daily life. Others, reveal site specific activities.
Among the findings that caught my attention was a Piece of 8 which was the Spanish dollar. It is a silver coin that was minted in the Spanish Empire after a Spanish currency reform in 1497. Only 2 other coins were found in the dig. The Piece of 8 is of particular interest since it has to have come from John Avery himself. There were no coins, really. Tobacco was the means of exchange. But, John Avery was a master of the Sloop “Prosperous”, which was a Somerset County ship sailing from Maryland to the island of Barbados.
 Piece of Eight - The Silver Coin behind the key A key was found in the basement, down the steps. Probably there must have been a door.
John Avery had 2 slaves, but he employed Indians to work for him. There are arrowheads found in the dig; one was made out of glass. Definitely the glass did not come from the Indians.
The well shaft casing was so well constructed. Only a man of means could have ordered that.
 The Well They do not think that the main house is where the dig is at the moment due to the fact that they could not find a source of heat. Definitely needed in those times.
I was asking what was the excitement on the field when someone would discover an artifact. Apparently, it is big. But a lot of work has to be done before it comes out of the dirt. Once that happens, it is totally disturbed. The critical pieces would be artifacts made out of iron. They need to be preserved, so the elements do not destroy them.
 Pig Jaw Being Excavated The site has not been made public in order to be kept undisturbed.
 On the left, basement where key was found, Right shows below the plowed line So many hours. All volunteers.
The two people I spoke to were John Bansch, President of the Sussex County Chapter of the Archaeological Society of Delaware. Website is www.delawarearchaeology.org. Tel. 302-841-9915. E-mail is beach-home@verizon.net.
Even though the work is done by volunteers, donations are needed in order for the conservancy to survive. John will be more than happy to talk to corporate or individuals if you are interested in contributions.
The other person was Daniel R. Griffith of Griffith Archaeology Consulting (Archaeological Survey & Research). Tel. 302-335-4286, cell 302-242-3918 and e-mail addres is danielgriffith@comcast.net.
Mr. Griffith is the principal Archaeologist on the dig and is passionate about his work.
I just cannot imagine living the 17th century. This was a frontier culture. Diverse societies were in transition. It would have been such a harsh life.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum should be so proud to be able to make this exhibit available. And, us, what can I say, we are so lucky to have it.
Word of mouth is a powerful advertising tool, so pass this info. around. Rehoboth Beach is a community with a rich history; it would be such a shame if you would leave our beaches without knowing a little bit of it.
Talk to you later……….
Note: Information for this post was taken from the Rehoboth Museum Press Release, and from http://community-2.webtv.net/coranglais53/averyofdelaware/
February 19th, 2010
I have been meaning to apply for membership to the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce (RBDBCC) for some time. Thursday would be the day. And, I decided to go in person. I think its better when introducing yourself, a person sees you face to face.
A Chamber of Commerce is also referred to as a Board of Trade. It is a form of business network. Business owners in towns and cities form these local societies to advocate on behalf of the business community.
The first chambers were founded in 1599 in France and Belgium. But, the world’s oldest English speaking Chamber of Commerce is in N.Y. and was established in 1768.
The RBDBCC and the Visitor Center are right at the entrance of Rehoboth Avenue, just before the roundabout (lighthouse circle), depending which way you are coming or going. In the complex you will find the Visitor Center and on the corner of the property there is a separate building that houses the actual administrative offices. Also in this complex you will find the Rehoboth Beach Museum.
I met with Carol Everhart and she is the President/CEO of the RBDBCC. The Chamber’s address is P.O. Box 216, 501 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971. Email address is carol@beach-fun.com, and the website is www.beach-fun-com. Tels. are 302-227-2233, Ext. 13 or 800-441-1329, Ext. 13. Fax # 302-227-8351.
Carol was very nice in explaing everything the Chamber has to offer. I was at the right place at the right time because they were running a special; it was even a better deal as they are getting ready to finish all their directories for the upcoming season, as well. So, take notice, because it could be a good opportunity to join now and get your business on the books.
I did not know in what category my blog would fall into, but I found out that, pending my approval, I will be under services and computers. The majority of the members are in this category also.
So, with my membership application in place and my check made for the year, I felt good. Afterall, we are all trying to connect in some way and I feel that AboutMyBeaches is doing its job by informing visitors and residents alike about our beaches’ events, activities, restaurants, what to cook for dinner, where to find that good summer corn or the best crabs. Really, how lucky are we to experience “Life Along the Coast”.
I said my farewell and off I went next door to the Rehoboth Beach Museum. I am just telling you a bit about it because I really would like to go back and spend more time.
The Rehoboth Beach Museum is really worth it. You will be able to go back in time and if you are a long time visitor or resident you will really relish the memories of times gone by. It is also the home of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society.
The Museum is in the Old Ice House. In the late 19th century businesses and residents began to use ice to preserve the foods and to cool drinks. The ice was cut from Silver Lake. I wrote a post on Silver Lake on January 30th and if you would like to see it just go on the Archives on the left hand side of this blog and click on the month of January and scroll to the date. When the ice was cut from Silver Lake during winter then it was stored in small, wooden buildings that were heavily insulated with sawdust. The ice would be available from May through October. Later on it was shipped by railroad.
The Museum is just over a year old. Today, the Museum Docent was Pattie Gause and she was geat. She explained everything with detail. Pattie took me to see enlarged photographs of old Rehoboth Beach. They are available for purchase. Some showed the train coming through the middle of the Avenue. The Boardwalk looked so high.
The Rehoboth Museum is filled with memorabilia from residents and visitors. One section has old postcards and you can read what people are saying about Rehoboth Beach.
There is the Cape Henlopen Lighthouse Replica which was originally built for the Wyeth family who had a house in Rehoboth. N.C. Wyeth, famous illustrator and Andrew Wyeth, famous painter.
You will also find Commemorative Plates, milk bottles from the Rehoboth Dairy, and all kinds of information about Rehoboth Beach.
At present there is a Beach Pail Exhibit. There are so many, in all sizes, all catalogued and not one is made out of plastic. This is not a permanent exhibit, so if you are interested, take the opportunity and visit the museum soon.
The corner with the Bathing Suit Exhibit will make you realize that even in those times they were still looking for the right bathing suit. When it was all said and done the bathing suit was of about 10 yards of fabric; pantaloons, blouse, skirt made out of wool, black stockings, canvass slippers and the total weight was 30 lbs. No wonder they needed ropes to hang on to. Swimming was only permitted from 11 until 2 p.m.
The Museum is small but very well represented. Souvenirs are available for purchase.
For more information, please stop by and pay them a visit.
Nancy Alexander is the Director of the Museum.
In the Fall and Winter they are closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The address is: 511 Rehoboth Ave., tel. is 302-227-7310 and the email is rbhistoricalsociety@verizon.net.
Note: Information on Chambers of Commerce was taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamber_of_Commerce. Information on the History of the Old Ice House was taken from a brochure at the Museum.
So, I guess I will talk to you later…..
August 14th, 2009
 I have been living in the area of Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach for many years and it is amazing to me, now, to realize how many areas of my beaches I have taken for granted.
Take the Indian River Life-Saving Station. It has been there since 1876 and through the years I passed by it all the time. Looked at it and kept on going. Never had the curiosity to stop and see what it was all about until now. It is the only station in Delaware that is still standing in its original location.
The United States Life-Saving Service placed stations throughout the coastline to help rescue sailors and cargo from shipwrecks. The government appointed a keeper, who lived with a crew of men in the stations and these “surfmen” were familiar with the local waters. They worked during the stormy season of September through April.
The service operated until 1915, when the U.S. Life-Saving Service and the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service merged to form the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Indian River Life-Saving Station was restored to its 1905 appereance. It opened its doors to the public in 1998.
There are many different tours throughout the year besides the tours of the station. They offer lantern tours along the water’s edge, historical demonstrations, and nature programs. The Station has a gift shop and is also able to handle weddings and special events.
They have State Park guided kayak trips, as well as different classes. For example, learn to make your own rope bracelet known as “sailor bracelets” or “surfers bracelets”. Please call and find out what programs they still have available now that the summer is coming to an end.
I spoke to Jim Hall who is the Nature Center Manager and he is in charge of all the programs. If you need more information call telephone 302-227-6991 or go to the website www.destateparks.com
If you vacation in all of my beaches, please go visit this museum, who also serves as the Park Office for the Delaware Seashore State Park. Don’t wait as long as I have. I cannot wait to go back and try one of the kayak trips.
It is very easy to get to the Station since it is located on Rt. 1, 3 miles south of Dewey Beach or one mile north of the Indian River Inlet Bridge.
Note: Information on the Station for my post was taken from the Journey Along the Sands by Robert Trapani, Jr. and from the Delaware Seashore State Park.
|
Comments Off on Rainy Day at the Delaware Beaches! Fun Day? Activities, Entertainment, Southern Delaware