Robby's family has a beach house in Rehoboth Beach, DE that is split between the aunts and uncles. Robby's parents usually go down for a couple of weeks a summer around the 4th of July weekend. Of course it's packed, but it's the beach. The town is wonderful. For Independence Day, the fireworks are fantastic (and you can usually see Dewey Beach's show at the same time). Rehoboth Avenue is warm and intimate. I'm used to spending most of my beach days at Ocean City, MD, and the atmosphere is so much different. The boardwalk is loud and sometimes raunchy, which is why my mom and I tend to spend the day at Assateague Island instead. Plus, wild horses . . . c'mon.
Anyway, I throughly enjoy my time at Rehoboth when I go. It somehow always seems to be that I'm broke when I'm there, which works out because there are too many things I'd spend my money on. When you go, you'll probably have to pay meter parking, and if you're going to the beach, most of the streets require a parking permit which can be purchased. Our favorite street to park along for great beach access is Rodney. Here are some must do experiences while you're there:
- Walk Rehoboth Avenue. There are so many cool gift shops and specialty stores that there is sure to be something for every personality to enjoy. There are a lot of fun places to eat (which I'll point out a few further down), and some cool places to take your date. Not to mention, the ocean is right beside you with its welcomed breeze and the scent of salt water in the air.
- Get a Pizza. Between Nicola's and Grotto's, there is plenty of pie to choose from. If you go to Nicola's, not only is their pizza fantastic, but their Nic-o-boli is their iconic take on a calzone. Grotto's famous swirled take on cheese and sauce also makes for an out-of-the-ordinary pizza experience.
- Grab some custard. Kohr Brother's Frozen Custard as multiple locations along the boardwalk, and their custard is amazing. If it's a hot day, it might be too heavy, but in the evening, as you stroll along the bowed planks of the boardwalk, it's the perfect treat to accompany people watching. They have twisted flavors from the classic creamsicle to mint chocolate chip and all are equally delicious.
- Take some popcorn to-go. Fischer's Popcorn is one of my absolute favorite popcorn producers. Ever. I was introduced to them in Ocean City, where they are originally from, but they've opened up locations along Bethany and Rehoboth beaches as well. Their caramel, fresh and hot, is to die for. They've perfected gooey goodness. However, if you're not ready for it, you can grab a carton or bucket to go. It's still pretty delicious a day or two later.
- Pick up a new beach read. Browseabout Bookstore is the place to go if you want to pick up another book to accompany you at the beach. Hoda Kotb from the Today Show is a regular at Rehoboth, and a regular at the bookstore. You can usually catch her there on the Independence Day weekend (we saw her walking along the beach like it ain't no thang - she's so awesome to meet in person!). Also, the bookstore is cozy, with a great selection of books and a never-ending number of willing staff to help you find the perfect read.
- Drop into Dogfish Head Brewpub. Even if you're not a beer lover, this place is a groundbreaker in Delaware. Its owner and founder, Sam Calagione, literally rewrote state legislation to make a brewpub (and later a brewery and distillery) possible in Delaware. He's the first beer brewer in Delaware, and he uses the idea of pairing wine and food in his beer-making (i.e. he makes beers with certain food pairings in mind). His menu definitely reflects his motto: Off-centered ales for off-centered people. But it's a cool place to stop for great food and a unique experience.
- Visit local towns. Lewes and Milton are also great little towns that are close by and offer a small town feel if you want to get away from crowds. Lewes is a water town, with lots of boaters and seafood joints to stop while Milton is home to Dogfish Head's brewery. Both have cute restaurants and great streets to walk down.
- Honorable Mentions. Some other places I love are Ryan's Rooftop Mini Golf ($4 a game, cash only), The Spice and Tea Exchange (literally any kind of tea, spices, sugars, even catnip, that you can think of), and La Tonalteca (not on the boardwalk, but just past the Outlets. Great Mexican food for a good price).
Robby and I, on our way out, visited Dogfish Head Brewery because we've been long admirers of Sam Calagione and his brilliant mind. I've read his book, and we've ate at his Brewpub and affiliated Alehouses, we keep track of his beers and when they come out. We don't drink his stuff to get drunk - we drink it to experience his experimentations with flavors, ingredients, and sometimes to go back in time. Although getting a tour proved to give us an hour wait, there were plenty of things to do in the meantime. There are two regulation Bocce ball courts, as well as two Cornhole game areas. There's also a tasting room, and a gift shop. We had no problem filling up time there. The tour was cool, but prepare yourself for at least 45 minutes of packed-to-the-brim facts. We knew most of it already, but it was still neat to see the Palo Santo tanks and witness bottling and packaging of some of our favorite brews.
Here are some things to keep in mind if you decide to visit:
- Wear close-toed shoes. Most people coming from the beach don't think about this when coming, but in your tour, they actually take you into their factory. If you forget your shoes, you're stuck wearing provided Crocs, which could be questionable. You don't know whose feet have been in there before yours.
- Get there early. If you want to avoid long wait times, get there in the morning. We got there around one in the afternoon, and had to wait an hour for a tour. But, like I said, there are plenty of things to do in the meantime. If you're looking for a quick in-and-out, just stick with the tasting room and gift shop.
- Minors and Alcohol. If you have people who are under 21 in your group, they have to maintain a 6-ft distance from the bar area in the tasting room. That's about the only restriction though, so don't feel like you can't bring them with you.
- Prepare for a hike. Not a literal one, of course, but there's a bit of walking included with the tour. When they take you to where they bottle and package, it's close to a quarter of a mile walk (according to the tour guide - it really doesn't feel that long). As well, you're standing on concrete floors. So, if you have hip, back or knee problems, it may not be the tour for you.
- Visit the Website. If you have more questions, or would like to know more about the establishment, then that's the place where your questions can be answered.
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| Sam was originally an English major in college - nothing like a good quote from Emerson. |
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| Much beer. Many feels. |
Sorry this was so long overdue! Happy adventuring! :)
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