Posts Tagged ‘Traveling to Rehoboth Beach’

May 26th, 2012

Vacationing in Rehoboth Beach, The Nation’s Summer Capital, Delaware, The Rehoboth Beach Visitors’ Center, The Rehoboth Railroad Station, Gateway to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware Beaches

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“The Nation’s Summer Capital” – In 1925 a paved highway was finished between Georgetown and Rehoboth Beach. This helped link Rehoboth to the paved roads towards Washington, D.C. Soon, after that, it was so much easier to get to and from the resort. Diplomats, legislators and government employees made Rehoboth Beach their summer destination. At present, Rehoboth Beach and the surrounding Delaware Beaches are a year-round destination. A way to get out of town, so to speak.

Front

This Visitors’ Center in Rehoboth Beach is the easiest to spot. I decided to visit on Thursday because this is no ordinary Visitors’ Center. This charming building was a full fledge train station. It was built in 1879 just after train service was extended to Rehoboth Beach. Travel to the beach was found to be easier, faster, and more comfortable.

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This is not its original location. It was closer to the ocean on Rehoboth Avenue.

In the 1920s, train travel to and from Rehoboth Beach came to a stop. It had always been seasonal, suspended during the winter.

In 1927 Rehoboth Avenue was being paved. The Station was stripped of its shed roofs and was moved to a side of Rehoboth Ave. adjoining other buildings. On that spot it continued to function as an express freight and a Western Union Office. Sold in 1950 after all service was ended.

Back with plenty of parking

The Station was always remembered as The Railroad Station regardless of which businesses occupied it. In 1987 the Station was moved to this present site at 501 Rehoboth Ave., at Lighthouse Island Park.

In 1985 the Rehoboth Railroad Station Preservation Society was formed. Members of the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association and the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerced got to work promptly to restore an important piece of this community’s past.

Inside the Visitors’ Center you will find plenty of information to keep you busy during your stay in our coastal village. Discounts; remember your Sand Dollar Savings card is available, free of charge.

It looks like the inside of a train station; which is really what it was. Old photos of what Rehoboth Beach used to look like will amaze you at how far this town has come; still keeping its integrity.

So, make this your first stop as you embark on the enjoyment of everything Rehoboth Beach!!

Have a great Day!! Talk to you later.

Note: Information for this post was taken from information provided on the brochure of Rails along The Chesapeake, A History of Railroading on the Delmarva Peninsula 1827-1978, John C. Hayman; Marvadel Publishers. The History of the Rehoboth Railroad Station.

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May 24th, 2012

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Ready for the Summer of 2012!! Delaware Beaches, Let Summer Begin!!

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Rehoboth Beach is more than ready for the opening of the 2012 Summer Season. Memorial Week-End starts it all. Downtown Rehoboth Beach looked so pretty today. Last day for all of us that have enjoyed the winter and spring without the worries of parking meters. But, all good things must come to an end. Meters will start tomorrow at 10 a.m. until midnight.

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Rehoboth Beach is trying to make it easier for its visitors. Many ways in which to pay for parking. The new thing is the Park Mobile. It is supposed to relieve parking stress. I am not sure about that, because first you have to find a space. At the height of the summer season, it is not only stressful, but maddening. Don’t you think?

To pay for parking you can use a mobile app, QR Code or call 1-877-727-5758. Once you have found a parking space, launch the free mobile app or call the number above mentioned. Enter the parking zone number located on the meter. It is that easy!! Please visit www.parkmobile.com. On Facebook you can find it as ParkmobileUSA and on Twitter they are found as Parkmobile. It applies to all street meters.

You can also still use the good old quarters and there are plenty of change stations along Rehoboth Ave. And, there are parking passes for the day, extended stay and seasonal, as well. Please visit http://www.cityofrehobothbeach.com. Click on Parking Information.

Beach wheels are available for visitors with disabilities from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. You can located those at Maryland Ave. and the Boardwalk, and at Laurel St. and the Boardwalk. Beach access ramps are located on those streets, as well. Remember that they are on a first come first serve basis.

QR Code on the back for scanning with your smart phone.

Sand Dollar Savings. To obtain 10% off any regular price items you need to get your Sand Dollar Card. You need to present the card at time of purchase and it can be used all season. It is free too. There is a list of participating retailers in Downtown Rehoboth Beach, Route One, Dewey Beach and Lewes. Just stop by at the Visitors’ Center located at 501 Rehoboth Ave., by the roundabout and pick up the card.

To find retailers, look for the Sand Dollar Decal on the store front doors/windows. You can also scan the QR code with your smart phone for the list of participating retailers.

There is an expectation in the air that this summer season will be a spectacular one; even a better one if the weather cooperates, just like it has been all winter and spring.

By the Bandstand and Boardwalk I found NBC Channel 10, Philadelphia. I guess they were doing a live broadcast.

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