The Annual Sea Witch Festival®, one of Rehoboth’s favorite holiday traditions, is coming back October 29-31, 2021. Packed with an endless variety of Halloween-themed games and scheduled activities, this family friendly event is certainly one to look forward to. It is so spook-tacular in fact, that HGTV.com included it in their picks of “21 Great Fall Festivals.”
The Sea Witch® Program this year is full of schedules and information pertaining to 30+ activities taking place during the festival. While there are many things to look forward to in this year’s event, we have selected a list of just a few of the incredible things you can expect while attending The Sea Witch Festival®.
Costume Parades (Dogs Welcome!)
Two parades will take place. One is for people and the other is specifically made to show off your pup’s Halloween regalia.
Indoor & Outdoor Vendors
Shopping galore! Take a walk around and experience artisans and vendors selling and educating the public about their handcrafted products.
Sea Witch Hunt
This free hunt for witches provides participants with the opportunity to win awesome prizes. People travel from site to site, collecting clues to make their best guess in the end.
Live Bandstand Entertainment
Live music will take place at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. Some artists include Junior Wilson and Chatty, Blue Cat Blues Band and The Jimmies, 80’s Flashback Back.
Trick or Treating
Collect as much candy as you can carry with your kiddos in Dewey Beach or Downtown Rehoboth. Participating businesses will have signs in their windows.
Kid’s Beach Games
Games include Hula Twist Off, Slippery Swords, Monster Stomp and much more. They are free to participate in and everyone gets a ribbon.
4th Street Fall Fest
A variety of activities will be happening at The Cultured Pearl Restaurant, The Shops at the Pearl Mall and Coho’s Market and Grill.
Fall Classic Racing Festival
Tie up those laces and get to steppin’! There will be a 5k and a half-marathon.
Scarecrow Trail & Show
Vote on your favorite scarecrow creation that you’ll see over span of the festival.
Hayrides
A fall classic, hayrides are such an awesome experience for any age. Climb aboard, and celebrate the season.
50/50 Raffle
Enter for your chance to win big prizes!
… & Much More!
There is so much to look forward to with this festival in Rehoboth. Get ready to have a ghoully good time.
See our full calendar of events for more things to do in the Delaware Beaches.
Image by the Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival
Mark Your Calendar for these Early Fall Events in the Delaware Beaches
By Kelsey Thomas
The end of summer sparks a series of fun and exciting events that will take place throughout Delaware Beaches, from Lewes, Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach to Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. Whether you’re searching for family-friendly events, food and drink events, live music or free festivals, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. Here are our top five events happening in the Delaware Beaches at the start of fall.
Top 5 Early Fall Events in the Delaware Beaches
Aug. 28, 2021: 5th Annual Paddlefest
Spend a day on the water at Delaware Seashore State Park’s 5th Annual Paddlefest. Paddlefest is a four-mile course through the salt marsh creeks of the state park. Along the route, knowledgeable staff members will be stationed to talk about the local wildlife and history, as well as hand out snacks. There will even be a digital course map available for any smart phone. The Paddlefest After-Party will conclude the event, featuring a few food trucks and exhibitors.
Looking to find antique gems, vintage-ware items, and one-of-a-kind art forms? Head on out to the Lewes Historical Society Campus at 110 Shipcarpenter Street to experience the Annual Outdoor Antiques, Vintage & Artisans Fair. This event, put on by the Lewes Historical Society, will feature artisan and vintage dealers, as well as food vendors and music.
Sept. 11, 2021: 43rd Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival
Savor the end of summer in downtown Bethany Beach. The 43rd Annual Bethany Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival, hosted by the Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce, will feature a variety of fine artists showcasing their work, which will include paintings, clay, baskets, porcelain, jewelry and much more. There will also be live music and a silent auction sponsored by Jayne’s Reliable that will take place on the Bethany Beach Bandstand from 10 am – 2 pm.
The Rehoboth Beach Bears, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to promoting camaraderie and inclusion, is hosting their biggest flagship event and fundraiser at the Atlantic Sands Hotel & Convention Center. The 6th Annual Rehoboth Beach Bears Weekend will begin with a welcoming dinner Wednesday evening, followed by a series of activities and events throughout the weekend, including an Early Halloween Freak Show and Costume Contest on Friday and performances by LGBT comedian Eric Hahn on Saturday. Reservations must be made through the hotel using group code #10173. There are only 300 spots available so reserve yours today.
Sept. 24, 2021: Craft Beer and Brewery Retreat
Quench your thirst at Canalside Inn’s Craft Beer and Brewery Retreat in Rehoboth Beach. This 3 day, 2 night excursion will allow you to experience popular Southern Delaware breweries, including Dogfish Head, Big Oyster, Dewey Beer Co., Iron Hill Brewery and others. Not only will you be able to go beer tasting and brewery touring, but you’ll also gain VIP access to Canalside Inn’s Oktoberfest Event held on Sept. 21, 2021.
Lefty’s Alley and Eats has brought the first ever axe throwing activity to Lewes!
Lefty’s located in Lewes Delaware, converted an old storage area into what is now the axe throwing arena. The private axe throwing room has two lanes with tons of seating for up to 12.
Lefty’s had been thinking about ways to expand the business and that the axe throwing idea has been a dream for 2 years now. Due to COVID-19, Lefty’s took advantage of the shut down, and moved full steam ahead renovating for the project.
“It’s like darts on steroids. But honestly the way the game works is a lot like golf in my opinion. It’s about technique and finesse, not all about brute force,” said D.J. Hill with Lefty’s.
Both throwing lanes have two large wooden boards at one end. What we were told is the closer you can throw your axe at the bullseye, the more points ya make… kinda like throwing darts?? Axe throwing is not as easy as it sounds though. Austin Robert is the onsite expert! Austin works with each group, laying down the ground rules. He makes sure everyone stays safe and passes along a few teaching skills to help everyone hit a bullseye.
Governor Carney announced new restrictions on private and public gatherings. But Hill says this will not take away from any of the fun, it will just keep things safer.
“It’s 2020 right? So the best we can do is rent this space by the hour for one specific group. It’s a private rental space. A minimum of 8 and max of 12, preferably from the same household,” said Hill.
The private area is perfect for birthday parties, team-building events, bachelor/bachelorette parties, reunions, or just a fun night out with friends. To find out more about making a reservation or general details, visits Lefty’s website: https://iloveleftys.com/axe-throwing
The Delaware Beaches are a great place to visit year-round if you’re looking for some fun outside. While you may not always be able to enjoy the beach, there are plenty of other outdoor attractions to explore. Travel from Lewes to Rehoboth Beach along the Junction and Breakwater Trail.
Situated between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach, on the edge of Cape Henlopen State Park, is the Junction and Breakwater Trail. The trail is one of the longest trails in Delaware, extending about five total miles.
The Junction and Breakwater Trail is part of a 16-mile loop that connects Lewes and Rehoboth. The trail heads are located on Wolfe Neck Road in Lewes and in the Holland Glade parking lot behind Rehoboth’s Tanger Outlets.
This trail’s crushed stone surface makes it easily accessible for hiking, biking and walking with strollers. Those who traverse the Junction and Breakwater Trail will pass through hardwood and conifer forests, as well as open fields, coastal marshes and plenty of plant and animal wildlife. There are even interpretive signs that will inform you on the wildlife around you.
The trail is also right along the former Penn Central Rail Line that used to transport travelers to the Methodist resort camps in the region. There’s also an 80-foot-long railroad bridge, built in 1913, that crosses near the trail. The bridge offers views of the coastal wetlands and the nearby World War II observation towers.
Cap Off Your Summer with these Bethany Beach Activities
Fall is just around the corner. Before the leaves begin to change and the temperatures drop, make the most of what’s left of summer in Bethany Beach and nearby Fenwick Island. Here are our top 10 things to do before summer ends.
A trip to Bethany Beach is best capped off by spending some time in the surf and sand. Visit “The Quiet Resorts area” for a day of fun on the water and in the sand. Even though school is back in session, a summer weekend is the perfect time to bring the whole family out for one last day at the beach.
Make a Splash at Thunder Lagoon Water Park
For a just-as-refreshing break from the ocean, visit Thunder Lagoon Water Park in Fenwick Island. Cruise along the 400-foot lazy river or enjoy the water rides, slides and more at Thunder Lagoon. Let the little ones splash in the 800-square-foot kiddie pool while the older kids and adults race down the Black Hole body slide. Thunder Lagoon’s summer season sends Friday, Sept. 4.
Stroll along the Boardwalk
While the Bethany Beach Boardwalk is accessible year-round, some of its nearby activities, attractions, restaurants and shops close after the summer. To match the quaint allure of the beach, the Bethany Beach Boardwalk is a shorter boardwalk with lots of charm. The .38-mile-long boardwalk maintains a bygone old-fashioned appeal. This may be your last chance to indulge in your favorite boardwalk bites and listen to live music at the Bethany Beach Bandstand.
The Delaware coastline is the perfect destination for thrilling watersports. Whether you choose surfing, jet skiing, paddling, parasailing or one of the other exciting watersports, you’re sure to enjoy your time on the water.
Island Watersports, located in Fenwick Island, is the largest water sports complex in the area. Rent a pontoon boat to relax or race across the waves on a jet ski. Whatever you choose, Island Watersports is sure to have a rental for you.
Catch a Show at The Freeman Stage
Located in nearby Selbyville, The Freeman State is a seasonal, open-air performance venue. During the summer season, The Freeman Stage hosts an array of performances including dance, music, theater and children’s shows. The final event at The Freeman Stage will be the Arts & Jazz Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14.
Have a Meal Outside
The warm weather in Bethany Beach beckons you outside for a number of activities. Why not also enjoy a meal outside? Restaurants in Bethany Beach emphasize the area’s laidback atmosphere while serving up delicious meals. Before the summer season ends, enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner on an outdoor patio. You’ll not only have a great meal but also a fantastic view of beach.
It’s not just eating you can do under the summer sunshine. Bethany Beach and nearby Fenwick Island also have several bars with large outdoor patios where you can enjoy locally brewed craft beer, glass of wine or frozen cocktail. Along with fantastic drinks, many of these bars also boast fun lawn games, fantastic views and live music. These drinking venues can be perfect for the whole family, including your pets.
Summon your inner Jack Nicklaus and tee off at one of the many first-rate courses near Bethany Beach. There are several public courses in the area, each with a distinctive layout and atmosphere. The natural beauty of this area shines through at all area courses, providing a serene environment for total relaxation.
Bear Trap Dunes in nearby Ocean View boasts 27 holes, situated on beautiful terrain, that are perfect for both amateurs and masters alike. Farther south in Selbyville, Bayside Resort Golf Club offers three distinct golfing experiences that you won’t want to miss.
Explore a different side to the Bethany-Fenwick area by visiting Fenwick Island State Park. Discover all this 344-acre state park, situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Little Assawoman Bay, has to offer. Ride horseback, hike, fish, kayak, surf and swim in this natural setting.
While you’re at Fenwick Island State Park, rent a kayak or stand-up paddleboard from Coastal Kayak. You’ll love relaxing on the water or spotting wildlife during one of their eco-tours.
Have some free fun before summer is over when you visit Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. There are a number of exciting things to do that won’t break the bank. Catch a concert at the bandstand or explore the exhibits and artifacts at the DiscoverSea Shipwreck Museum. Save even more money by browsing our coupons.
Cap Off Your Summer with these Rehoboth Beach Activities
Fall is just around the corner. Before the leaves begin to change and the temperatures drop, make the most of what’s left of summer in Rehoboth Beach, as well as nearby Lewes and Dewey Beach. Here are our top 10 things to do before summer ends.
A trip to Rehoboth Beach is best capped off by spending some time in the surf and sand. Visit Rehoboth Beach’s family-friendly shores for a day of fun on the water and in the sand. Even though school is back in session, a summer weekend is the perfect time to bring the whole family out for one last day at the beach.
Stroll along the Boardwalk
While the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is accessible year-round, some of the best activities, attractions, restaurants and shops close after the summer. Featured on National Geographic’s list of the “Top 10 U.S. Boardwalks,” the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk is the epicenter of summer fun. This may be your last chance to indulge in your favorite boardwalk bites, listen to live music at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand and enjoy the rides and games at Funland.
While you’re on the boardwalk, make your way down to Funland. The whole family will love the rides and attractions at Funland, Rehoboth Beach’s boardwalk amusement park. Twist and turn on the rollercoasters or have some friendly competition playing the midway games. Funland’s summer season ends on Sunday, Sept. 8.
Experience Rehoboth Beach’s Water Sports
The Delaware coastline is the perfect destination for thrilling watersports. Whether you choose surfing, jet skiing, paddling, parasailing or one of the other exciting watersports, you’re sure to enjoy your time on the water.
Head to nearby Dewey Beach for a parasailing adventure. Dewey Beach Parasail sends riders soaring 500–800 feet above the water. You’ll love taking in the bird’s-eye views of the coastline.
Make a Splash at Jungle Jim’s
Jungle Jim’s is the largest waterpark in Delaware. Both kids and adults will love making a splash on the park’s rides and slides, as well as in the wave pool or along the lazy river. In addition to the refreshing water attractions, Jungle Jim’s also features mini golf, batting cages and a restaurant. Jungle Jim’s summer season ends Monday, Sept. 2.
Have a Meal Outside
The warm weather in Rehoboth Beach beckons you outside for a number of activities. Why not also enjoy a meal outside? Rehoboth Beach is known as Delaware’s culinary coast, meaning there are plenty of restaurants to delight your palate. Before the summer season ends, enjoy your breakfast, lunch or dinner on an outdoor patio. You’ll not only have a great meal but also a fantastic view of beach.
It’s not just eating you can do under the summer sunshine. Rehoboth Beach and nearby Dewey Beach also have several bars with large outdoor patios where you can enjoy locally brewed craft beer, glass of wine or frozen cocktail. Along with fantastic drinks, many of these bars also boast fun lawn games, fantastic views and live music. These drinking venues can be perfect for the whole family, including your pets.
Summon your inner Jack Nicklaus and tee off at one of the many first-rate courses near Rehoboth Beach. There are several public courses in the area, each with a distinctive layout and atmosphere. The natural beauty of this area shines through at all area courses, providing a serene environment for total relaxation
Explore a different side to Rehoboth Beach by visiting one of the local state parks. Delaware Seashore State Park in Rehoboth Beach and Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes offer different experiences. Discover the World War II observation towers at Cape Henlopen State Park or simply relax on the more secluded beaches. Find plenty of family-friendly activities on the waterways at Delaware Seashore State Park. Here you’ll be surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Rehoboth Bay and Indian River Bay. All three are perfect for fishing, swimming, kayaking and more.
Have some free fun before summer is over when you visit Rehoboth Beach. There are a number of exciting things to do in Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Lewes that won’t break the bank. Play disc golf at Cape Henlopen State Park, catch a concert at the bandstand, or explore the exhibits and artifacts at the Rehoboth Beach Museum. Save even more money by browsing our coupons.
Delaware’s Favorite Craft Beer Company is Serving Up More
Since 1995, Dogfish Head Brewery has been cultivating award-winning craft beers. The brewery first opened in Rehoboth and has expanded to shipping its beer to over 35 states. Dogfish Head has become a leader in the craft beer industry, receiving acclaim from beer enthusiasts all over the country.
Dogfish Head has become so much more than just a brewpub in a small beach town. Today, the company has expanded to a distillery and owns three restaurants and an Inn along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. Those visiting Rehoboth Beach should experience the popular craft beer for themselves, along with fantastic food and live entertainment, at the Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats brewpub in downtown Rehoboth.
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats Menu
You’ll find several restaurants in Rehoboth Beach but Brewings & Eats sets themselves apart by offering a mix of classic pub fare and innovative cuisine. Indulge in dishes like seafood tacos made with locally caught seafood, pretzel bites served with 90 Minute IPA cheddar dipping sauce, buffalo chicken macaroni and cheese, as well as salads, sandwiches, wood-fried pizzas and wood-grilled burgers.
The brewpub is a family-friendly environment. Even the pickiest eaters will find something to enjoy from the kid-friendly menu. Options include chicken nuggets, pizza, hot dogs, grilled cheese and more.
Finish your meal with a pint or something sweet from the dessert menu.
The kitchen stays open late, especially on weekends. Whether you stop by Brewings & Eats for a new beer release, cocktail or live music, you can also grab a meal from the late-night menu. Several pizzas are available as well as their Brie-Schetta, Wood-Fired Brussels Sprouts and chicken wings.
On Tap
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats has over 25 beers on tap, including fan-favorites 60 Minute IPA, 90 Minute IPA, SeaQuench Ale and more. You can also sip on seasonal releases, Brewpub exclusives, cask-conditioned beers and handcrafted cocktails from Dogfish Head Distilling Co.
Sunday Brunch
Don’t miss Sunday brunch at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats. Start your meal with the brewpub’s twist on classic brunch cocktails. Or, get a flight of brew-mosas made with SeaQuench Ale.
The brunch food menu is similar to the brewpub’s main inventive menu. Chicken &Waffles get a new spin, as the chicken is brined in Flesh & Blood IPA and served with a spicy maple syrup. You can also order the breakfast pizza and Delaware Toast. More traditional dishes include a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich and the Simple Breakfast platter.
Events and Entertainment at Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
The brewpub showcases a 220-square-foot stage, equipped with a professional sound and lighting system. While you enjoy your beer and meal, listen to music from talented local, regional and national bands and artists. You can find a full schedule of live music here.
In addition to live music, Brewings & Eats also plays host to events throughout the year.
Chesapeake & Maine
If you like your Dogfish Head beer paired with seafood, head next door from Brewings & Eats to Chesapeake & Maine. Inspired by the Chesapeake Bay region and summers in Maine, Chesapeake & Maine serves seafood sourced straight from the Chesapeake and Maine region.
The restaurant’s casual, nautical décor lends to the menu, influenced by the coast, handcrafted cocktails and, of course, Dogfish Head beer. There’s even a raw bar serving a seasonal selection of oysters, clams and more. Chesapeake & Maine’s made-from-scratch cocktails, made with Dogfish Head Distilling Co. spirits, earned the restaurant a semi-final spot in the James Beard Award “Best Bar Program.”
Off-Centered Society
Frequent visitors to Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, Dogfish Inn, Chesapeake & Maine, Off-Centered EmPOURium and the Dogfish Head tasting room in Milton should become members of the Off-Centered Society mug club. Members receive advance notice about events and rewards for each time they visit all of the locations.
To sign up, visit one of Dogfish Head’s properties and pay the $25 annual fee.
More Information About Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats
Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats is located at 320 Rehoboth Ave. in Rehoboth Beach. Street parking is available along Rehoboth Avenue.
Beginning June 23, the Jolly Trolley will offer shuttle service to and from Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats, the Dogfish Inn or the Dogfish Head Brewery location in Milton. For more information, visit Dogfish.com.
Hours
The Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats is open Sunday–Thursday from 11 a.m.–11 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.–1 a.m. and for Sunday brunch from 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Plan an Event at Brewings & Eats
Host your party or event at Brewings & Eats for an unforgettable experience. The brewpub can accommodate up to 200 guests. Dining options include plated meals, cocktail style, family style and buffet stations. Of course, Dogfish Head’s selection of beer, wine and cocktails will also be served. Rent the entire restaurant or just the upstairs mezzanine to accommodate up to 36 guests.
Rehoboth Beach is known for its famous boardwalk and family-friendly beach. When you aren’t soaking up the sun, you’ll want to grab a bite from one of the area’s restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, a romantic modern restaurant or comfort food with a view of the Atlantic Ocean, restaurants in Rehoboth Beach have a variety of choices and locales that you’re sure to love.
Restaurants on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk
During your trip to Rehoboth Beach, you could spend all day exploring the shops and attractions on the mile-long boardwalk. Sure, there are plenty of ice cream stands and spots to grab a quick snack, but take advantage of the fantastic view and enjoy a sit-down meal.
These restaurants not only offer the convenience of being right by the boardwalk, you’ll also enjoy a meal right on the water. Start or end your day on the boardwalk with a meal at one of the restaurants located right on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.
Atlantic Boardwalk Grille
Located in the Atlantic Sands Hotel is a casual café serving classic American dishes. Atlantic Boardwalk Grille is a full-service oceanfront restaurant and bar right along the boardwalk. The restaurant has seating inside as well as outside on the open-air patio. Come in the morning for the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet, or stop it later in the day for lunch, dinner or a cocktail.
Grotto Pizza
You can never go wrong with pizza. Grotto Pizza has been serving Rehoboth Beach locals and visitors since 1963. The family-friendly restaurant, open year-round, uniquely serves the sauce on top of the cheese and toppings of their pizzas. In addition to the “legendary” pizzas, Grotto also offers salads, hamburgers and buffalo chicken wings.
Gus & Gus Place
For classic eats along the boardwalk, visit Gus & Gus Place, a Rehoboth Beach landmark. With over 60 years of history, Gus & Gus has been serving up hotdogs, burgers, fries and more to hungry beach goers. Choose from eating inside the restaurant or grabbing your food to go through the walk-up window. Head to the back of the restaurant and order Gus & Gus’ crispy fried chicken to go along with your meal.
The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille
For rooftop oceanfront views on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, grab a cold beer and pub food at The Greene Turtle. This popular sports bar is also a family-friendly restaurant. Come for lunch, happy hour or dinner and make selections from their large menu, including a options for kids, burgers, seafood and shareable appetizers. If the food and drink offerings don’t draw you in, the fantastic view of the ocean will.
Obie’s By The Sea
A summertime favorite, Obie’s by the Sea is a massive restaurant and bar with indoor and outdoor seating providing views of the Atlantic Ocean. Walk right in from the boardwalk for lunch and dinner. The whole family will love Obie’s crab dishes, burgers, fries and catch of the day. Beat the summer heat with a fruit smoothie, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.
Victoria’s Restaurant
For more refined eats on the boardwalk, Victoria’s Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Located in the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, Victoria’s three-tiered dining room provides unmatched views of the beach and boardwalk. There’s even an outdoor patio, right on the boardwalk, for those who want to dine al fresco. Victoria’s is perfect for an intimate and romantic dinner. Those staying at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel can even order room service from Victoria’s full menu.
Click here to learn more about hotels in Rehoboth Beach.
Seafood Restaurants in Rehoboth Beach
Since Rehoboth is a coastal town, you can certainly expect the freshest seafood on your plate. Local seafood restaurants embrace the tide-to-table movement to serve you fresh, locally-caught seafood, including blue crabs, rockfish, tautog, flounder and more. Here are three of the best seafood restaurants in Rehoboth Beach.
Henlopen City Oyster House
A favorite among locals and visitors, the Henlopen City Oyster House features a plethora of oyster dishes. Select an offering from the raw bar or enjoy your oysters fried, baked steamed or in a shooter. Open for lunch and dinner, Henlopen City Oyster House creates their dishes using the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients. The menu includes other seafood offerings like scallops, crab legs, mussels and shrimp. Henlopen City Oyster House is a bit more high-end than Rehoboth’s other seafood restaurants, making this a great spot for adults looking for some time away from the kids.
Big Fish Grill
Voted “Best Seafood at the Beach” by Delaware Today countless years, Big Fish Grill is a staple in Rehoboth Beach. The casual restaurant serves your favorite seafood dishes at an affordable price. Open for lunch and dinner, Big Fish boasts an extensive menu of offerings such as raw oysters, mussels, shrimp, lobster and more. Take advantage of the daily specials to receive the fresh catch of the day. Big Fish’s happy hour features discounted beer, wine and cocktails along with specials on raw oysters, the sushi bar and appetizers.
Fin’s Fish House & Raw Bar
Taking advantage of the local offerings from the sea, Fin’s Fish House & Raw Bar has over 30 oysters in rotation on their menu. Great for families, friends and couples, Fin’s embraces Rehoboth’s beach setting in their casual dining room. Stop by for happy hour and enjoy discounted oysters, clams, shrimp, mussels and more, as well as beer and wine. Check Fin’s website to find out about the daily specials like Tuesday’s half-priced fish dinners or Thursday’s discounted crab cakes.
Upscale Restaurants in Rehoboth Beach
While Rehoboth is a very casual coastal community, that doesn’t mean all of your dining experiences have to be. Treat yourself to a sophisticated meal at an upscale restaurant. This can be the perfect, candlelit dinner for a romantic night out, or just a chance to enjoy a high-quality meal from an award-winning Rehoboth Beach chef. Rehoboth Beach has a number of fine-dining restaurants ranging from American, Italian and French cuisine to vegan and more eclectic offerings. Here are three of the best upscale restaurants in Rehoboth Beach.
La Fable
Transport your taste buds to an authentic French bistro when you dine at La Fable. The cozy and intimate atmosphere is perfect for couples wanting to have a romantic evening in Rehoboth Beach. The menu features traditional French and high-end fare, including escargot, braised beef, duck confit and more. While the menu offerings are succinct, you won’t find anywhere else in the area with such fine, authentic cuisine.
Blue Moon Rehoboth
Blue Moon Rehoboth offers sophisticated food and talented entertainment in downtown Rehoboth. Located in a restored Victorian home, Blue Moon has been ranked as one of Delaware’s best restaurants for years. Blue Moon is open for dinner and their award-winning Sunday brunch. The menu is constantly changing to utilize the freshest ingredients, including local seafood. Have a glass of wine with your meal that was selected to complement the menu. While you eat, enjoy a cabaret-style performance or lively karaoke.
1776 Restaurant
Nothing says fine-dining like dinner at a steakhouse. 1776 Steakhouse is one of the few steakhouses in the Rehoboth Beach area. The steakhouse, also open for lunch, serves the highest quality cuts of meat. In addition to the premium dry-aged cuts of meat, 1776 also offers pasta, seafood, chicken and vegetarian options. Have a glass of beer, wine or a handcrafted cocktail with your meal, then wind down with one of their decadent desserts.
During your Rehoboth Beach getaway, you may not want to splurge on dining. Not to worry. There are plenty of restaurants in Rehoboth Beach that offer quality food at a cheap price. These range from mom-and-pop diners serving comfort food to bars with filling beach bites at a bargain.
From the boardwalk to downtown Rehoboth, fantastic restaurants are waiting for you during your Rehoboth Beach vacation.
Summer vacation is all about indulging and enjoying life. At the Delaware Beaches, enjoy the sand in your toes and the sound of waves crashing as you sip on the ice-cold beverage in your hand. Whether you’re a craft beer connoisseur or you just want to cool off with a frozen cocktail, you’re sure to find the perfect summer libation.
According to Josh Grapski, managing partner of La Vida Hospitality, Delaware’s craft beverage scene is booming with new breweries and distilleries.
Craft Beer on the Delaware Beaches
Local industry leaders like Dogfish Head Brewery introduced the area to the craft beer scene and led the way for smaller breweries like Crooked Hammock in Lewes. Crooked Hammock specializes in “easy drinking” craft-beers. Grab a pint of their signature Wai Ola California-style coconut beer, while you listen to live music in their beer garden.
Grapski says the craft beer scene has created a sub-tourism business for the area through tours and tastings. Follow along the Delaware Beer, Wine & Spirits Trail for a thirst-quenching experience. With several participating breweries near the coast, you can take a tour of the facilities, enjoy tastings and make memories while enjoying the state’s finest craft beverages.
The Delaware Beaches’ Twist on Classic Cocktails
While innovation is emerging along the coastline, the easygoing, fun drinking scene has not been forgotten. Grapski says that the Delaware Beaches lay claim to being the home of the crushes, plus you can never go wrong with a margarita. However, you’ll find more than just the traditional orange crush and frozen margarita.
Bartenders in the Delaware Beaches take classic recipes and put a twist on them. Fork and Flask at Nage in Rehoboth Beach takes an artisanal approach to their cocktails. Try a jalapeño watermelon margarita or their classic Summer Lovin’, made with raspberry vodka and white cranberry.
Sip a Vintage from Delaware’s First Winery
During your trip to the Delaware Beaches, head to Lewes to visit Delaware’s first and only winery, Nassau Valley Vineyards. Peg Raley and her father Bob established the vineyard on a family-owned farm site outside of Lewes back in 1993. At that time, state laws did not allow farm wineries. Peg drafted laws and convinced the Delaware General Assembly to create legislation for farm wineries.
Nassau Valley Vineyards produces 13 wines, crafted from Eastern Shore grapes and fruits, as well as regionally-grown fruit. Taste the varied wines, from the barrel-aged cabernet to a French-style rosé. For dessert, try their 2012 Peach Ambrosia, crafted from 100 percent fermented peach juice.
Take a tour of Nassau Valley’s winery along a self-guided or guided group tour. Discover your new favorite of their award-winning wines in the tasting room and even sip on some of their unique small batch wines.
From Rehoboth to Lewes, the perfect sip of summer is waiting to be imbibed in the Delaware Beaches.
Why did the turtle cross the road? To lay her eggs!
Each year, just as people are heading for the beaches, so are the female Diamondback terrapins. The terrapin lives in the Delaware Inland Bays, but the females lay their eggs in the soft sands of the beach dunes, and mid-May to mid-July is their nesting season.
Dangers to Diamondback Terrapins
Some of these beloved creatures are killed crossing Coastal Highway. Unfortunately, nearly all the terrapins that are killed are adult females. Because they can live for 25–30 years and can continue to reproduce for two decades, every female lost is also a loss of all her potential offspring.
Protecting Diamondback Terrapins
One solution is more sandy beach habitats on the bays. But these natural areas are becoming rarer and rarer as shorelines are hardened with rip rap and stone. As an alternative to bulkheads and riprap, the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays, a nonprofit organization committed to the protection and preservation of the watershed and local marine life, recommends installing a “living shoreline.” This is a term used to describe a number of options that reduce wave energy, trap sediment and filter runoff, while maintaining (or increasing) beach or wetland habitat. Such habitat can protect Diamondback terrapin populations by providing areas for feeding and growth.
What can you do to help the Diamondback Terrapins?
Drive slowly on Route 1 (Coastal Highway) between Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach from May through July.
The females will be crossing the road from the bay side to the ocean side to nest in the Atlantic dunes and lay their eggs. It is a dangerous crossing for these gentle animals.
Leave extra distance between you and the car in front of you.
Cars may stop suddenly or swerve. If you are following too closely you may be unable to react in time to avoid a terrapin.
Use extra care at nighttime.
The terrapins nest round-the-clock and are very hard to see in the dark.
If you see a terrapin in the road and want to help, use caution when stopping.
Pick her up gently on each side of her shell and place her behind the terrapin fencing on the bay side. She won’t bite, but be prepared; she will be frightened and will flail her back legs that have sharp claws.
Don’t drop her under any circumstance.
She and her eggs may be injured. If you are scratched, don’t worry, the terrapin does not transmit disease.
Adult females can live 25–30 years and will reproduce for 20 years and produce 8–36 eggs per year if allowed to live. Please help them cross the road safely. Keep pets and people away from their nests.
Facts About Diamondback Terrapins
Diamondback terrapins are non-migratory and spend their entire lives in bays, creeks, salt marshes and coves.
Terrapins do not reach maturity until a minimum age of 6, and then produce only 8–36 eggs per year. This low reproductive potential means that female terrapins must reproduce for many years in order for the population to grow or remain stable.
The terrapin is considered an aquatic organism, but female terrapins must lay their eggs in open, sandy areas to successfully reproduce. These are among the few times that terrapins exit the water.
Although little is known about the behavior of very young terrapins, juveniles and hatchlings spend a lot time on marshy shoreline searching for food such as arthropods, clams, crabs and small crustaceans.
Because of alternating areas of sandy beaches and marsh waters, the natural shoreline around the Inland Bays is an excellent terrapin habitat.
Habitat loss is a significant threat to the continued existence of the Diamondback terrapin in the Delaware Beaches. Beach nesting areas are universally and permanently being altered through riprapping, bulk heading and other shoreline stabilizing practices.
Shoreline stabilization that uses bulkheads or riprap destroys the narrow strip that has suitable sandy material required for nesting as well as high beach elevations necessary for the successful development of terrapin eggs.
If terrapins nest in areas that are not sufficiently above the high tide, the developing embryos can drown. Or if they lay their eggs in higher, grassy areas, eggs and hatchlings can become entrapped or killed by grasses.
It is estimated that only two percent of terrapin eggs hatch, owing largely to predation by foxes, skunks and raccoons, which dig into nests and consume the eggs and baby terrapins.
Surviving hatchlings emerging from the nest are often eaten by gulls and crows or by herons and predatory fish after entering the water.
Traditional nesting areas have been severely and permanently altered by waterfront development.
Beach habitat is critical to the continued existence of terrapins. Research indicates that more than 95% of breeding females return to a particular area to nest year after year.
