The name says it all: come to Delaware’s Quiet Resorts area for a relaxing coastal beach experience.
Editorial courtesy of the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce
The name says it all: come to Delaware’s Quiet Resorts area for a relaxing coastal beach experience. The Quiet Resorts area is comprised of 10 towns: Bethany Beach, Clarksville, Dagsboro, Fenwick Island, Frankford, Millville, Ocean View, Roxana, Selbyville and South Bethany.
If you want to breathe in the ocean air and feel the ocean breezes, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island are calling. These two towns are popular vacation destinations in the Quiet Resorts because of their public beach access. Located along Delaware’s southern coast, Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island are sandwiched between bustling Ocean City to the south and the serene Delaware Seashore State Park to the north, offering a perfect combination of the two: the excitement and the amenities of the boardwalk with the beauty and tranquility of nature. The area is an ideal retreat for families and the perfect environment for a laid-back beach getaway.
Fenwick Island lies right on the Delaware-Maryland state line, just north of Ocean City, Maryland. Quiet and uncrowded, Fenwick offers some of the cleanest beaches in the region. If you need a break from sun and sand, check out one of the most popular attractions in Fenwick Island: the Fenwick Island Lighthouse, an 87-foot-tall structure built in 1859. The towering white beacon is open for tours throughout the summer, except when it’s raining.
Family-friendly entertainment is abundant in Fenwick! Choose a mini-golf destination to work on your putting game or take to the racetrack to try your hand at go-kart driving. Visit Thunder Lagoon Water Park for a day of fun for all ages, where you can cool off on one of six water slides or meander down a lazy river. If you still haven’t gotten your fill of water activities, consider renting a kayak and paddle around the beautiful Assawoman Bay. If you’re looking for live entertainment, head inland to the Freeman Stage and spend an evening enjoying a performance from Grammy-nominated artists.
Take a step back into the past at the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum in Fenwick Island, just above Sea Shell City, and learn about the perilous maritime history of shipwrecks both locally and from around the world. Many unique treasures and souvenirs can be found in Fenwick Island’s boutique stores. From clothing to candy or knickknacks and beach accessories, you are sure to find a special item that will serve as a reminder of your vacation for years to come. Don’t forget, all Delaware shopping is tax-free, making your vacation money go further!
Bethany Beach also offers a quiet destination for a relaxing, family-friendly vacation with plenty to do just a short drive away. It’s an ideal location for those in search of a laid-back beach getaway with the convenience of nearby attractions. With accommodations for groups of all sizes, vacationers can choose from waterfront rentals, charming bed & breakfasts or homes just a short bike ride to the beach.
While the town’s atmosphere is decidedly laid-back with small-town charm, Bethany Beach offers all the modern amenities and services you would expect, including unique shops and diverse restaurant choices. A typical day for Bethany Beach vacationers often consists of spending time on the beach, leisurely perusing area specialty shops, visiting with friends and dining in one of the area’s many restaurants.
From mouth-watering smoked barbecue to a fresh local catch, in an upscale or casual setting, dining choices are plentiful in Bethany Beach. Don’t forget about the most important meal of the day, dessert! Ice cream is one of the most popular treats for Bethany Beach visitors, and you will not be disappointed with your options.
What’s a beach vacation without a walk on the boardwalk? Bethany Beach’s half-mile boardwalk is a great place to stroll and enjoy the ocean views, shop or catch a live show. Regular concerts at the Bethany Beach Bandstand during the summer months offer a variety of musical entertainment, from tribute bands to Army bands. Other exciting events in town include movies on the beach, talent shows, beach bonfires and morning beach yoga. The town goes all out on July 4, with an Independence Day parade, and a grand finale of fireworks and patriotic evening entertainment.
You won’t want to leave town until you stop by the Bethany Beach Farmers Market on Sunday morning. The market is open every Sunday, beginning in mid-June through Labor Day. Load up on freshly picked local fruits and vegetables, from juicy blueberries and peaches to Sussex County sweet corn, a “take-home” memory of your Bethany Beach vacation.
Whether your idea of paradise involves a beach towel and a boogie board or a good meal and a day of shopping, the Quiet Resorts of Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island are sure to please.
For more information about Bethany Beach, Fenwick Island and surrounding areas, contact the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce at 1-800-962-SURF or visit TheQuietResorts.com. During your vacation, don’t forget to relax and to shop, dine and stay local!
