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!!

June 2nd, 2012

What’s Going On?, Lewes, Delaware, Activities, Events, Entertainment, Delaware Beaches

Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal

All I can say is that after last night’s rain, I am sure the farmers will be happy today.  We needed that rain so that our local corn gets knee high by July.

If you are visiting Lewes, it is always a pleasure to walk around this historic town.  Check what’s going on.

Saturday, 6/2 – Rain or Shine is the Historic Lewes Farmers Market from 8 a.m. until Noon.  Location?  Lewes Historical Society Campus at 100 Shipcarpenter St.  Please note that no pets are allowed.  Website?  www.historiclewesfarmersmarket.org.  Also, you can find them on Facebook, like everything else.

Saturday, 6/2 – Summer Lighthouse Tours Begin.  From 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. $35 per person, 13 and older, $15 per child, 6 to 12. 

The tours depart from the pier located behind the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal in Lewes.  Free parking at the Foot Passenger lot.  Reservations are required, so please call or visit.  Arrive 15 minutes prior to departure time.  Life jackets are provided and must be worn.  No sandals or open-toe shoes.  More info? Please visit http://www.delawarebaylights.org.

To find out how to make reservations for these tours, please visit http://www.delawarebaylights.org/tours.html.

As I mentioned, today, Saturday, 6/2, is the first tour, the next one will be June 16th, and then June 30th.  By checking the above website, you will find the rest of the schedule for July, August and September.

Note:  Tours can be cancelled due to inclement weather and they will try to re-schedule.

You will tour the Delaware Breakwater East End Lighthouse which was in use and a home to resident lightkeepers from 1885 through 1950 when it was automated.  It is less than a mile off the beach.

The Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse is presently closed for repairs, but a close sail-by for pictures will be available.  This was one of the most exposed lighthouses on the Atlantic Seaboard.  The United States donated Harbor of Refuge Lighthouse to Delaware River and Bay Lighthouse Foundation for public use in 2004.

Sunday, 6/3 – Yoga with Dimitra at Canalfront Park, located at 211 Front St. in Lewes.  Bring a mat or towel.  From 8 a.m. until 9 a.m.  More info? Call 302-645-2795.  You can find Yoga with Dimitra on Facebook.

Sunday, 6/3 – Picnic in The Park, at Canalfront Park, located at 211 Front St. in Lewes.  To purchase tickets please call 302-645-7233.  No tickets will be sold at the event if they cap sales at 500. 

Adults $10 in advance, $15 at the door.  Food tickets: $2 each, needed to sample food.

R & L is serving the wine; Dogfish Head serving the beer.  Live entertainment, fun children’s activities.  Plenty of the much loved restaurants in Lewes are participating.

Tuesday, 6/5 – Outdoor Summer Concert Series begins in Lewes, at Stango Park.  The Park is located along Kings Highway, at the corner of Adams St.  Spreading trees forming an arbor on the carpets of grass, makes Stango Park the perfect venue for outdoor music concerts.

So, bring your chair, family and friends.  The series begins with Joe Baione Quartet.  This musician has a passion for all things jazz. 

Note:  If you don’t want to do anything at all but want to enjoy a most beautiful view, then just sit out back on the deck of the Cape May-Lewes Terminal.  An incredible view and On The Rocks Bar & Grill offering one of the best hamburgers in town, plus drinks and lots of other things.

Have a good one!!  Talk to you later.