Don’t look now, but summer is on its way with promises of long beach getaways and marvelous meals in the charming seaside towns of Southern Delaware. From Lewes to Dewey to Fenwick Island, the 2023 vacation season will include plenty of old favorites (Thrasher’s fries, anyone?), but also deliver an exciting lineup of new businesses, unique experiences and fresh discoveries.
LEWES
Schellville Sizzles: The Lookout Summer Festival is a fair-weather spinoff of the popular wintertime Schellville celebration. The three-day shindig will feature local bands, drinks and food. (June 23-25)
Marvelous Musical Energy: The people who started The Listening Booth aim to make it a “cultural center in Southern Delaware where original art and music is celebrated.” Plans for a permanent location in Lewes are under way, but concerts are already being staged at the Hammer and Stain DIY shop.
Get Pampered: Ebb + Flow Holistic Spa wants to make your beauty shine, but also aims to heal, energize and nourish your mind, body and spirit.
Dolle’s 2.0: Visitors to Delaware beaches have always loved Dolle’s Candyland, and now there’s a new one coming to the Lewes area this fall, just north of the city on Coastal Highway.
Food Trucks by the Sea: Travelers who adore Lewes Beach are getting more reasons to love it this summer. Five food trucks (including the legendary Fusco’s Water Ice) are setting up shop for the summer at 203 E. Savannah Road.
Fresh Blossom: The new Cafe Pink Blossom on Coastal Highway is now serving breakfast and lunch in the former location of Beaches Seafood.
Sweet Eats: As an offshoot of The Station on Kings market, the new Marigold Creamery adds a sweet side to this popular café and bakery.
REHOBOTH BEACH
They Crushed It: The space at 251 Rehoboth Ave., once occupied by Port 251 restaurant, has been taken over by Crushers Crabs & Crushes, which celebrates two of Delaware’s favorite things to enjoy – steamed blue crabs and those slushy adult concoctions called crushes.
Fresh Hotels: Rehoboth is adding a great lineup of new and refreshed accommodations, and more are in the works. Now open: Coast Rehoboth Beach (the former Sandcastle); the new Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham (near Tanger Outlets); and a made-over Hampton Inn by Hilton Rehoboth Beach (on Coastal Highway).
A New Home: After nearly 40 years in business, Tideline Gallery has reopened in a new space at the former location of the Sea Shell Shop, at 119 Rehoboth Ave. (The Sea Shell Shop at 19366 Coastal Highway remains open)
Two for One: The departure of the two Nicola Pizza locations in downtown Rehoboth opened the door for two newcomers -- Downtown Blues BBQ at 8 N. 1st Street, and Tiki Jac’s Street Eats & Brews, 71 Rehoboth Ave. Both should be opening soon.
Around the Corner: After more than a decade on Baltimore Avenue, JAM Bistro has packed up and moved to 210 Second St., the former location of UnWined at the Beach/Azzuro/Chez La Mer.
Yummy Desserts: Dover's legendary La Baguette Bakery will be opening a beach location, in the old Touch of Italy bakery space in Five Points outside of Lewes.
DEWEY BEACH
Starboard Gets Saucy: Two offshoots of the popular Dewey nightspot are opening this summer! Starboard Claw keeps the focus on seafood, and the new Starboard Sauced serves up pizza in the space formerly occupied by Mama Celeste’s.
A new view: Another one of Coastal Delaware’s famous WWII towers has opened to the public, just south of Dewey at Delaware Seashore State Park. Climb all 100 steps to the top and enjoy the breathtaking views!
Yummy and Fresh: Gaia’s Organic Grocery has opened in the former Good Earth Market location along the “Forgotten Mile,” offering goodies for healthy, happy living.
BETHANY BEACH/FENWICK ISLAND
Hotel Redo: The Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn by Marriott just got a multimillion-dollar makeover, featuring newly designed guest suites and public spaces, meeting rooms and grand event hall, and a new hybrid indoor-outdoor pool. The hotel’s former restaurant, 99 Sea Level, has been replaced by Via Sophia by the Sea, an offshoot of Via Sophia in Washington, D.C.
Tasteful Upgrades: The popular Harpoon Hannah’s eatery in Fenwick Island has newly remodeled docks and outdoor decks, along with a new Tiki Bar!
Southern Style: JR's Seafood Shack has moved in to the spot once occupied by Just Hooked, and is promising some of the best Southern style cooking around.
Dining By the Sea: Hammerheads Dockside restaurant at Delaware Seashore State Park has been replaced by Dockside Marina Bar & Grill, where the seafood-focused menu is filled with crowd-pleasing dishes.