Explore Coastal Delaware 2025

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A special publication of the Coastal Point | Summer 2025

Anotefromoureditor

Visitorsandlocalsalikewilltellyou thatthebestpartofcoastalDelawareis ourproximitytothebeaches.You’llfindno argumenthereagainstthedrawofour beautifulshorelines.But,asthelocalswill alsotellyou,there’ssomuchmoretoour littlecorneroftheworld.

Ourknownculturalhistoryextends backtothenativeNanticokes,andforward fromDutchandEnglishsettlement,intothe civilwaraspartofboththeunderground andreverserailroads.Agriculturally,the statejumpedintothe20thcenturywitha boomandhasn’tstoppedsince.Andthat’s justthebasics.

Inthisissue,we’regoingtodivealittle deeper.We’lltakeyouforatouralongthe NanticokeHeritageByway,discoverSussex countyLegendsandLore,andsendyou treasurehuntingwithourfinestexperts.

Havenofear,we’vealsocoveredall thesummervacationessentials—Beachcombing101,tidecharts,watersports, tours,activitiesandevents.Whereveryou go, takeourguidewithyouandyou’llbeset toExploreCoastalDelaware!

Publisher SusanLyons susan.lyons@coastalpoint.com

ExecutiveEditor

DarinMcCann darin.mccann@coastalpoint.com

Editor

TarynKing taryn.king@coastalpoint.com

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ShaunM.Lambert shaun.lambert@coastalpoint.com

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M.PatriciaTitus patricia.titus@coastalpoint.com

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SusanMutz susan.mutz@coastalpoint.com

Reporters

KerinMagill kerin.magill@coastalpoint.com

JasonFeather jason.feather@coastalpoint.com

SusanCanfora susan.canfora@coastalpoint.com

LauraWalter laura.walter@coastalpoint.com

MikeStern mike.stern@coastalpoint.com

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CianTitus cian.titus@coastalpoint.com

Onthecover: ‘OnDuty,’anoilpainting bythisyear’sfeaturedartist,Laura Hickman.

Beaches

Weknow,thisistherealreasonyou’rehere.Hot sand,coolwaves,rainbowumbrellasandtonsofsunscreen!Andthere’splentytogoaround.Butinthe midstofyourbusyvacationschedule,makesometime tocheckoutafewoftheotherlocalbeaches—you mightdiscoveranewfavorite!Visitthebeachwebsites forrules,regulations,andparkinginfo.

BethanyBeach: Takeawalkontheboardwalk, relaxbythewater,orsurfduringallottedtimes. townofbethanybeach.com

SouthBethany: Visitthe1-milebeachknownas “TheBestLittleBeachinDelaware”. southbethany.delaware.gov

CapeHenlopenStatePark&Gordon’sPond Beaches: 6+milesofcoastline,situatedatthemouth oftheDelawareBayandtheoceansidebeachlocated atGordon’sPond.| destateparks.com/Beaches/CapeHenlopen DelawareSeashoreStateParkBeaches: Boastingsixmilesofoceanand20milesofbayshoreline.|destateparks.com/Beaches/DelawareSeashore DeweyBeach: NestledbetweentheAtlantic Ocean andthetranquilRehobothBay,DeweyBeachisa gemalongDelaware’s“goldcoast.” townofdeweybeach.com

FenwickIslandBeach: Delaware’ssouthernmostbeach.Fishing,crabbing,kayakingandwindsurfingmaybeenjoyedonthebay.| fenwickisland.delaware.gov

FenwickIslandStateParkBeach: Offers threemilesofoceanbeachesalongwithaccesstothe LittleAssawomanBay. destateparks.com/Beaches/FenwickIsland RehobothBeach: Afteradayrelaxingbythe sea, strollthemile-longboardwalk—oneofRehoboth Beach’smostpopularattractions|cityofrehoboth.com

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Fishing

Oneofthemostpopular sports/hobbiesinCoastalDelaware! Withopportunitiesforsurffishing, freshwater,saltwaterandoffshore fishing,there’snolackofprime locationsforvisitorsandlocals alike.Andifyou’relookingfor clammingandcrabbingoptions, we’vegotyoucoveredtheretoo.

Offshorefishing:

n IndianRiverMarina:Directaccesstotherich AtlanticOceanandinlandbaysfishinggrounds. destateparks.com/MarinaLife/ IndianRiverMarina

n Angler’sFishingCenter:Fishingchartersinthe DelawareBay&AtlanticOcean. anglersfishingcenter.com

n Fisherman’sWharfinLewes:Full/halfdaytrips, tileandseabassfishing.|fishlewes.com

SurfFishing:

Foradditionallocations,maps,regulationsand licenseinfo,visitdestateparks.com/Fishing

n FenwickIslandStatePark

n DelawareSeashoreStatePark

n BeachPlumIslandNaturePreserve

n CapeHenlopenStatePark

FreshwaterFishing:

Forfullinformationabouteachoftheseponds, visit:dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/ fishing-ponds

n MillsboroPond-Millsboro

n IngramsPond-Millsboro

n WagamonsPond-Milton

n WaplesPond-Milford

n TrapPond–Laurel(Day-trip)

Clamming&Crabbing:

Formaps,licenseinfo,permitsandfees, visiteregulations.com/delaware

n HoltsLandingStatePark

n DelawareSeashoreStatePark

n LittleAssawomanBay

n IndianRiverBay

n RehobothBay

Legends Lore

Humans have been creating stories for a long time, and Sussex County has its share of ghost tales, legendary storms and monsters of all kinds. Here are a few local legends that have captured the imagination over the years.

SelbyvilleSwampMonster

WaitingatthewestofSelbyville, the“BurntSwamp”wasknownforits peatfiresthatcouldsmolderinthe thickundergroundformonthsatatime.

TheGreatCypressSwampmay havemadetheperfecthideawayfor bootleggersduringProhibition.Butfor many,theswampheldsomethingmore sinister:theSelbyvilleSwampMonster.

Wasthisnightmarishcreaturea Bigfoot?Orawanderingblackbear?Or atalemadeuptothrilladultsandchildrenalike?

Surelyitmustbereal—becausein 1964, severaljoyridingteenssawa horrorinthewoods,andalocalnewspaperprintedthecreature’sphoto.That month,childrenhidtheirheads,while parentsandteensattemptedtofindthe grizzly,hairybeastthattramped throughtheswampontwofeet.

Nooneevertaggedthebeast— becauseitwasn’tactuallyreal.

Thiswasallamassiveprank,led by(typically)stalwartseekersofthe truth:thelocalnewspaper,theDelmarvaNews.LocalpranksterFred Stevenshadmarchedinthe1963HalloweenParadeasthemonster,having pairedhisAuntDorothyPepper’sold raccooncoatwithabeastlymaskanda spikedclub.Delightedbytheideaofa swampmonsterprank,DelmarvaNews EditorRalphGrapperhausenlisted Stevensforafewphotoshootsalong thedark,windingroadthroughthe BurntSwamp.Hepublishedthephotos andpresumablyenjoyedalaughand boostinsales.

Ofcourse,Stevensknewthetruth, whichwasn’trevealeduntilGrapperhaus’sdeathyearslater.ButStevens famouslyattendedswampmonster raids,silentlychucklingthathisfriends soughtamonsterthatwasrightthere inthecarwiththem.

Whensearchpartiesstartedcarryingguns,“Ihadtoquit.Ididn’twantto

getshot,”Stevenssaidafewyearsbeforehepassedawayin2021.“God,that was50yearsago.”

Butpeoplereportedmonster sightingsforyearsafterward.Maybe Stevenswasn’ttheonlyoneinthe woodsafterall.

PattyCannon: Crueltyontheborder

Here,historyislegendarybecauseitshowshumans’immense cruelty.AwhitewomannamedPatty Cannonswungthebladeherself plentyoftimesbutalsoencouraged otherstoviolence.LivingandoperatingontheDelaware-Marylandborder westofSeafordinthe1800s,her teamwerecreativewithjurisdictionhopping,eludingauthoritiesforyears. Theykidnappedandsoldpeople forprofit,orkilledthemwhenitgot inconvenient.

“Patty’sheinouscrimesequal—if notsurpass —thelegends,”researcherMichaelMorganwrotein 2015(“Delmarva’sPattyCannon:The DevilontheNanticoke”).

In1807,Congresspassedanact prohibitingimportationofslavesfrom outsidetheU.S.Ifnooneelsecouldbe “imported,”slaveholderstriedtokeep aneventighterreinonpeoplealready enslaved.

BothfreeandenslavedBlack peoplelivedontheDelmarvaPeninsula—andCannon’sgangtargetedall ofthem.Itseemsthemen—especiallymenacingJoeJohnson—did muchofthekidnapping,snatchingup peopleinincreasinglycreativeways.

ExploreCoastalDelawarephotos| DelawareArchives&TarynKing PattyCannon’shousestoodonthe Delaware-Marylandborder,inthevicinityofthishistoricmarker.Right,aPattyCannon look-a-likeattheSeafordMuseum.

SussexCountiansstartedtonotethatit seemedespeciallyriskyforBlackpeople tobeawayfromhomeafterdark.

Overtheyears,thekidnappers sailedfarther,toBaltimoreandPhiladelphia,luringfreepeopleintotheirweb. Historicalrecordsnotedwavesofdisappearancesfromthesetimeperiods.Cannon’sgangsoldallofthesevictimsinto slavery,sometimestravelingdeepinto theSouthtopersonallydeliverthishorrorandlifetimesentenceforeachvictim andtheirfuturechildren.

ButCannonwastheringleader.She hidplentyofthevictimsinherhouse, deflectedplentyoflawmenandapparentlykilledplentyofpeople.Shecharmed slave-traders,thenrobbedtheirheavy pocketsandsilencedthesurvivors—eitherbygunshotoraswiftknifetothe back.Thentherearethekidnappedchildrenwhoshebludgeoned(orotherwise) topermanentlyendtheirloudcries.

Overtheyears,manyofhervarious lowlifeassociateswerearrested,killed ormovedonaftertheirtimewithher.But

shewastheglueforalltheseexploits.

AndwithCannon’spropertystraddlingtheDelaware-Marylandline(murky fordecadesandthenattheedgeofmultiplelegaljurisdictions),herteamcould simplymoveintowhicheverregionwould helpthemevadeeachday’slawenforcement.Forbonusconfusion,Reliance,Md., alsosplitsintoCarolineandDorchester countiesthereabouts,soCannonandher accompliceswereregularlyatthefar fringesofthreejurisdictions.

ButCannonwascharming—allegedly“strongasaman,”butskilledat flirtationorafriendlypourofalcoholto turnconversationsinherfavor.For decades,thelawwasn’tquitestrong enoughtoarresther—eithertheevidencewasn’tstrongenoughorshewas outsidetheirjurisdiction,orherassociatesweretoofearsomeforthelawmen andtheirpossetoface.

InApril1829,atenantfarmerunexpectedlyfoundaboxofbonesonCannon’sland.Authoritiesswungbythe prisontograbacoupleofheroldteam—

includingCyrusJames,amixed-race youngmanwho’dbeenindenturedto Cannonsincehewas7yearsold—and currentlyinprisonforkidnapping.James recalledCannon’smurders,including wherethebodieswereburied.

Whentheassembledcrowdstarted diggingupmorebonesthatmatchedhis stories,Cannonwasarrested.Shedied verysoonthereafter,beforehertrial,rumoredtohaveswallowedpoisonwhilein prison.

Today,Cannon’shouseislonggone, butbothstatesinstalledhistoricalmarkersnearby,torememberthehorridtales. “Thismemorialisdedicatedtothevictims ofthisevilenterprise,andthosewho struggledagainstit,”Delaware’smarker reads.

SailingtheAtlantic: Legendsofthelost

Onceuponatime,oceansand riversweretheroadwaysofman,especiallyinNorthAmerica.Inaland wheresquirrelscouldlegendarilytravel “fromtheMississippiRivertotheAtlanticOceanwithouttouchingthe

ground,”forestswereendless,wagon pathswerealmostnonexistent,and colonizersmightaswellrelyonthe shipsthatbroughtthemfromEurope.

Manyshipcaptainslivedin Delaware,andplentymoresawher shoresenroutetoPhiladelphia.

PirateCaptainKiddanchoredhis 40-mansloopofftheLewescoastin 1699,andgovernmentrecordscomplain ofthelocalssellingsupplies,buying EastIndiangoodsandpotentiallysupplyinginformation,too.Blackbeardthe Piratewasalsoreportedtosailthe DelawareBay, buthewasraidingother vesselsin1717.

Likemanycoastalregions, Delawarewasrumoredtohaveburied treasure—butsomeofitwasfromofficialgovernmentships.

BritishwarshiptheHMSDeBraak

Continuedonpage14

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| Submitted PeggyKane’spaintingrenditionoftheDeBraakship.

Lookingfornewwaystoexploretheareabutyouaren’tsure wheretostart?Bookfromavariety ofguidedtoursfocusedoneducation,relaxation,orentertainment!

BackBayTours: Whetherit’samemorable3hr.bayfishingtrip,asunsetcruise, watertaxiorasandbarexplorationtrip, kidsandadultscanfindtheperfectblend offunandrelaxationwithBackBayTours.| backbaytours.com

CapeWaterTours: Withabout20differenttoursandcruisesonoffer,including narrated,educationaltoursorsimplytake inasunset,experiencethethrillofseeing dolphinsintheirnaturalhabitat,orlistento localmusiciansonaLiveMusicCruise. OperatingMaythroughSeptember. capewatertaxi.com

CoastalKayak: Offering1to2.5hour Eco-Paddles,3touroptionsfeaturingLittle AssawomanBay.Sunsetandfullmoon tours—there’ssomethingsuitableforall levelsofpaddlers!|coastalkayak.com

DelmarvaDiscoveryTours: Offering year-roundhop-ontoursandall-inclusive tours(pricedperperson)includinganantiquestrail,brewerytours,winerytours, farmtours,wineandgardentours,meaderies,distilleriesandmore.Orrentaparty busforabuild-your-owntouroption. delmarvadiscoverytours.com

EcobayKayakandSUP: Enjoyaguided

kayakingtourontheIndianRiverBay,full moonandsunsetpaddles,ortryyourhand atSUPyoga!|ecobaykayak.com

FourAcresLivingTours: Forarainy-day activityorsunshinefun,stopbyFourAcres Livingforaneducationalfarmtourortake analpacawalktolearnaboutthealpacas andthecontributionstheymake! fouracresliving.com

HauntedHistories-ParanormalTours: HauntedHistoriesechothroughtimeand Lewesisfulloftheseeerieaccounts. LewesHistoricalSocietyandFirstState ParanormalInvestigationsinviteyouto hearthetruetalesoflong-agoresidents. AvailableselectdatesJunethrough November.|historiclewes.org

QuestAdventures: Thefirstofitskindin Lewes,QuestAdventuresoffersdolphin toursandsunsetsessions,aswellasfun one-offtoureventsthroughouttheyear suchasfull-moonmeandersandmarsh paddles.|questkayak.com

UniversityofDelawareDocentTours: GuidedtoursoftheCollegeofEarth,Ocean, and EnvironmentshowcasethemarineenvironmentoftheDEBayallthewayto Antarctica!10am-nooneveryFridayorcall tomakereservations.|udel.edu/ academics/colleges/ceoe/community/ docent-tours/

wasescortingaconvoyofBritishand Americanmerchantshipsenrouteto theU.S.whenitcapsizedandwaslost offtheDelawarecoastin1798.Abitof hubrisandbadluckplayedintoit.

TheDeBraakoriginatedinHolland butwasconscriptedwhenitwas dockedinEnglandandwarbeganbetweenthetwocountries.Itwasretro-

fittedwithmorefirepower,plusasecondmastthatheldmoresails—and potentiallymadeitoff-balance,reportedJimDuffyin2019(“Eastern ShoreRoadTrips#2”).

AsacaptainintheBritishNavy, J amesDrewseemstohavebeensomewherebetweenunsavoryandprideful, sohebrokeformationtogoaftera “prize,”hopingtowinthetreasureof

capturinganenemyvessel,andeventuallyarrivedattheDelawareBayweeks later.Itwasstandardtotakeapilot aboardtonavigatethetrickywaters there.AccordingtoPilotAndrewAllen,a stormrose,thecaptainwasdrunk,and thosetop-heavysailsweren’twrapped upquicklyenoughbeforethewinds pulledthewholeshipdown,killingmore thanhalfthesailors.

Whileassistingsurvivors,aLewes mangotwindofanallegedtreasure,so hewrotenotesinthefamilyBible, whichenchantedfuturereaders.After manyattempts,treasurehuntersfound thewreckinthe1980s,thankstosonar technology. Andthesunkenshipwas intact—afantasticboon.

Butitseemsatightscheduleand financialpressuresmight’vepushedthe teamtoattemptliftingtheDeBraakin 1986asanotherstormrolledin.Waves werehigh,andtheshipwasliftedperhapstooquicklyfromthewater. The cranecablesandtheoldancient woodenstructuredidnotcooperate— theshiptoreopenandtreasurepoured backintotheocean.

Onlyathirdofthehullmadeit aboard,plussomeofthetreasure.It wassuchanunbelievablelossofhistorythatstateandfederalgovernments wrotenewlawstogovernantiquities.

In1992,theDelawareDivisionof Historical&CulturalAffairsacquired the20,000DeBraakartifacts,including thehull—displayingorstoringeverythingatvarioustimessincethen.Asthe onlyRoyalNavysloopofwarfromthis timeperiodthathadbeenrecovered anywhereintheworld,theDeBraakwas aninvaluablehistoricalresourcefora timewhenBritainstillruledthewaves.

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Watersports

BethanySurfShop: locatedindowntown BethanyBeach,stockuponeverythingyou needforsurfing,bodyboarding,skimboarding,andstand-uppaddleboarding. Daily/Weeklyrentalsandtoursavailable. bethanysurfshop.net

CoastalKayak: looknofurtherfor rentals,lessonsandguidedeco-tourson KayaksandpaddleboardsinFenwickIsland. coastalkayak.com

DelawarePaddleSports: Purchaseor rentkayakandSUPboards,joinafishing tournament,ortakeaguidedSUPadventure tourinLewes. delawarepaddlesports.com

DelmarvaBoardSportAdventures: Lo-

catedintheBayResortMotelinDewey Beachforfamilyfriendlywatersport rentals,lessons,andguidedexcursions.By reservationonly. delmarvaboardsportadventures.com

DeweyBeachParasail: Enteringits21st seasonofbusinesswhilemaintaininga perfectsafetyrecord.Offeringmultiple parasailingpackagesandmerch. flydewey.com

DeweyBeachWatersports: Locatedin thequainttownofDeweyBeachandoffering bikeandboatrental,kayakandSUP rentals,bananaboatrides,andasunset cruisepackage. deweybeachwatersports.com

EcobayKayakandSUP: OceanView’s PremierKayakingandStand-UpPaddle BoardingAdventure.Offeringrentals,privategroupcamps,toursandexcursions. ecobaykayak.com

QuestAdventures: ThefirstlocalKayak andSUPbusinessinLewes,theyspecialize inrentals,tours,andbeachparties. questkayak.com

Shark’sCoveMarina: PopintothisFenwickIslandmarinatorideajetski,renta pontoonorpaddleboards,orparasailhigh abovetheDelawarecoast. sharkscovemarina.com

iscover a one-of-a-kind shopping experience that’s been familyowned and operated for four generations. Indulge in our famous cheese spreads and choose from over 40 varieties of homemade fudge in our Food Room. Explore the Bath Shop, stocked with all your bath-time essentials. Wander through our beautifully curated Gift Shop, filled with beach, nautical, and garden décor. Step into the Ladies Boutique to find beachwear, jewelry, and flip-flops perfect for your coastal adventures. Don’t forget to head upstairs! Explore our festive Christmas Shop, spooky Halloween decor, linens, and a delightful selection of gifts just for kids.

ExploreCoastalDelawarephotocourtesy| BaywoodGreens —Vibrantfloral landscapingsurroundsthe18thhole atBaywoodGreens.

Withover20golfcoursesandnumerousthemed minigolfcoursesthroughoutSussexCounty,pros, amateursandeventhelittlestputterswillfinda perfectfitfortheirgolfingneeds.

GolfCourses:

n SaltPondGolfClub

BethanyBeach

n HeritageShoresGolfClub

Bridgeville(Day-trip)

n CrippleCreekGolfandCountryClub

Dagsboro

n Mulligan’sPointe Georgetown

n AmericanClassicGolfCourse

Lewes

n MarshIslandGolfClub Lewes

n MidwayPar3GolfCourse

Lewes

n BaywoodGreensGolfCourse

LongNeck

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| KerinMagill

TheLighthouseBeachMini-Golfcourseat MillvilleBoardwalk.

n PeninsulaGolfandCountryClub

Millsboro

n PlantationLakesGolfandCountryClub

Millsboro

n SouthernDelawareGolfClub

Milford

n TheRookeryGolfCourse

Milton

n ShamrockPar3GolfCourse

Milton

n BearTrapDunesGolfCourse OceanView

n BethanyBayGolfClub OceanView

n TheForelandClub OceanView

n KingsCreekCountryClub RehobothBeach

n RehobothBeachCountryClub RehobothBeach

n Hooper’sLandingGolfCourse Seaford(Day-trip)

n SeafordGolfandCountryClub Seaford(Day-trip)

n BaysideResortGolfClub Selbyville

MiniGolf:

n Nick’sDinoland–BethanyBeach

n Nick’sPirateGolf–BethanyBeach

n TheGolfin’Dolphin–BethanyBeach

n DeweyBeachGolf–DeweyBeach

n GolfDownUnder–FenwickIsland

n VikingGolf–FenwickIsland

n LighthouseBeachGolf-Millville

n JurassicGolf–RehobothBeach

n Ryan’sMiniGolf–RehobothBeach

n ShellWeGolf–RehobothBeach

n ShipwreckedMiniGolf–OceanView

Beachcombing

Themostinterestingitemeverfound ontheOceanCity,Md.,beach—andcertainly thefunniest—mayhavebeenthebikinitop MarylandauthorBunkMannfound.

“InalltheyearsIworkedasabeach boyrentingumbrellas,Ineverfoundanythingexceptshells,butIdidfindthetoptoa girl’sbikinibathingsuitonemorningwhile

settingupmyumbrellas.Thegirl,however, wasnowheretobefound,”saidMann,who haswrittenseveralbooksaboutthemany changestotheOceanCityresort townin recentdecades,including“VanishingOcean City.”

Mannwasn’tevenbeachcombingwhen henoticedthatbathingsuitpiece,butmost residentsofDelawareandMaryland—and certainlyvisitors—regularlywalkthe

beaches,enjoyingthesoundsandsplashes andlookingforshells,seaglass,driftwood andtheoccasionalunusualitem,suchasa shark’stooth.

“Somesharksloseteethallthetime. Onecuratorsaidit’slikeaconveyorbelt— onetoothgoesandseveralmorego,then theygrowbackthroughouttheirlives.Ifit’s afossil,itwillbealittledarker.Whenitbecomesafossil,itwillcreateapatinaover time,”CaraDowney,assistantcuratorofthe OceanCityLifesavingStationMuseum,said.

Sherecalledreadingaboutateenager who,afewyearsago,slidapieceofpaper containinghislocationandabriefmessage inabottleandtosseditintotheocean,and eventuallyheardfromacoupleinIreland whofoundit.

BeachcombersonAssateagueIsland haverecentlyfoundpiecesofpottery— possiblyfromplatesthatcouldhavecome fromshipwrecks,butit’shardtoidentify them,Downeysaid.

“Brokenpiecesofceramicpottery,a pieceofaplate,havebeenfoundonAssateagueinthelastmonth.Peopleusedto tellustheyfoundoldcoins,butmostofthe time,whattheyfindisshells.Peopleloveto gobeachcombing.It’sawaytoremember OceanCity.Somepeoplewilltakesandhome asawaytorememberthebeach,ortheywill takeshellstoremembertheirtimeinOcean City.Theydon’tfindconchshells,because therearemorewhelkshellshere,”shesaid.

TylerDreiblatt,DelawareSeashore StateParkInterpretiveProgramsmanager, saidthereare6milesofbeachatthepark forbeachcombing.

“Whatyoufindwillbesimilar,nomatter whereyougointhepark.Youcanfindsome prettycoolstuff,butnotalotofvariation betweenonebeachandthenext.Iamseeing oysters,alotofsnailsandmoonsnails,slippersnails.Youwillseewhelkinthepark.

“Ifyouspendtimeonanyofthe beachesinDelawarestateparks,youwill findseaglass,”henoted.“Werefertoitas ‘prettypollution.’Wearehappyforpeopleto finditandtakeit.Thefirstlowtideaftera

DorlingKindersley| DorlingKindersleyRF

stormisthebesttimetofindit.Ifit’shazy, it’sabetterfind.Strongsunlightwashesout thecolor.

“Seaglasscomesfromtrash,likebrokenbottles.Weareseeinglessandlessofit, becausesomuchismadefromplastictoday insteadofglass—especiallynice-colored glasslikeperfumebottlesfromthelate 1800sandearly1900s.Someofitwasfrom shipwrecks,butsomeofitpeoplejustthrew itout.Glassusedtobeused,insteadof plastic,toshipandstorealotofdifferent things,andwhentheyweredonewithit backthen,theythrewitawayanditmadeits

wayintothewaterways.Eventoday,green andbrownbeerbottlesbreak,andthatglass makesitwayintothewaterways,”hesaid. Beachcomberswhofinddriftwood sometimestakeithomefortheirgardensor makewindchimesfromit.

Dreiblattsaidsomebeachcombersfind munitions—“thingslikea50-caliberbullet, piecesoftimingdevicesoffshellsfromthe 1940sintothe‘70sand‘80s,usedintraining areasfortheArmyandNationalGuard. Thousandsofroundshavebeenfiredinto theocean.Anythingthatlookslargeand dangerous,ifyoufindit,pleasecallitinto

ourrangers.Don’tpickitupandtakeittomy office,”hesaid.

OldcoinsmustbeturnedintotheHistory&CulturalAffairsDepartmentorgiven toastateparkemployee,“becausethey havehistoricandculturalvalue,”hesaid.

Abeachcombingguide,onlineat https://documents.dnrec.delaware.gov/

fw/Education/self-guided/ Beach-Combing-Guide.pdf,states thatDelawareBaybeachesoffer beachcombers“afirsthandlookat someofthecreaturesthatinhabitthe bay,”includingchanneledwhelk, knobbedwhelk,Atlanticslippersnail, Easternoyster,horseshoecrab,skate eggcases(knownasmermaid’s purses),moonshellsandAtlanticbay scallops.

“Byinspectingthethingsthat washuponourshores,wecandeterminealotaboutthebay’secosystem.”

Thefirstthingtoconsiderwheninvestigatingthebeachesiswheretolook,the guidenotes.

“Thetidelineandthewracklinearethe bestareastolookforshellsandotherorganisms.Thetidelinelieswherethewater meetsthebeach.Thewracklineishigherup

onthebeach,wherethehightidestopsand canbeidentifiedbyitsaccumulationofdebris.Bothoftheseareaswillbefullofavarietyofshellsandcreaturesthatwere washedupatsomepoint,”thewebsite states.

“Thesecondthingtoconsideristhe tide.Beachesareadynamicenvironment andarechangedeasilybywindandwater. Lowtideisthebesttimetolookforshells, becausetherewillbemorebeachexposed toexplore.

“DelawareBaybeachesaredynamic placeswithincomingandoutgoingtides,migratoryspeciesandavarietyofplantand animallife.Asyouexploretheshoreline,look forcluestoidentifysomeofthespecies thatmaybelivingalongthebeachorinthe water.Youmayfindshells,livingordeadorganismsandplantmaterial.It’sallpartofthe bayecosystemandanimportantpartof Delaware’scoastalenvironment,”itstates.

TideCharts IndianRiverInlet

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SEPTEMBER2025

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4 6:23 7:06 12:30 12:00

7:13 7:49 1:09 12:50

8:00 8:30 1:46 1:39

7 8:45 9:10 2:23 2:27

9:29 9:51 3:00 3:15 9 10:14 10:33 3:39 4:05 10 11:01 11:18 4:20 4:57

11:52 — 5:04 5:52 12 12:06 12:48 5:51 6:52 13 1:01 1:52 6:44 8:00

6:46 7:22 12:27 12:18

7:37 8:07 1:14 1:12

8:22 8:46 1:56 2:00

9:02 9:21 2:33 2:45

9:38 9:53 3:08 3:27

10:12 10:25 3:40

Whetheryou’renavigatinglocal waters,fishing,surfing,or beachcombing,it’salwayshelpful toknowwhenthetides arehighandlow.

JULY2025

OCTOBER2025

NOVEMBER2025

MarcQuebec| iStock/GettyImagesPlus

Cravingfreshseasonalfruit, grownlocally?Pickyourown! WithmultipleU-Pickfarmsto choosefrom,yourbiggestissue willbefiguringoutwhichonesto visit.Whileyou’reatit,makeita fulldayandpopintosomeofour favoritevisitingfarmsandsay hellotoresidentalpaca,sheep, cows,horsesandgoats.Don’t forgettostockuponallthetasty farmgoodies!

BennettOrchards: Pickyourown blueberriesandpeachesorpopbyalocal farmersmarkettopurchase. bennettorchards.com

BrittinghamFarms: Visittheir lavenderfield,petthesheep,andpurchase handmadelavenderandwoolengoods. brittinghamfarms.com

FourAcresLiving: Curatesandsells naturalproductscenteredaroundalpaca. Tourthefarmandtakeanalpacawalk! fouracresliving.com

KingsleyOrchards: Offers6-8differenttypesofblueberriesforpicking. kingsleyorchards.com

MageeFarms: Freshflowers,vegetables,fruit,honey,jams,etc.availableat both farmstands. mageefarms.com

Mr.PeppersPumpkinPatch: Open lateSeptemberforpumpkinpickingand hayrides.|facebook.com/profile.php?id= 100070709395729

ParsonsFarm: Seasonalu-picks includeblueberries,peaches,apples,and

pumpkins.Visitthestoreforlocaleggs, veggiesandbakedgoods.Anddon’tforget tostopbygoatmountain! parsonsfarmsproduce.com

ReinkeFarms: Visitorsmayvisitthe lasttwoweeksofJuneandmostofJulyto cuttheirownlavender.Checktheirwebsite or Facebookpageforupdatedweekly times.|reinkefarmsde.com

StoryHillFarms: Learnaboutregenerativeagriculture,visitthewildflower meadow,andmeettheirheritagechickens, mini-donkeys,horseandgoats.Don’tforgettostopbythestorefortastytreatsto takeontheroad!|storyhillmoos.com

T.S.SmithOrchardPointMarket (Day-trip): OnyourdrivetoBridgeville, popbytopetthegoats,chickensandbunnies,andstayforthefreshmarket,deli, and bakery.|orchardpointmarket.com

Parks,Trails, Camping&Birding

BAYS GARDEN CENTER

CoastalDelawareisa havenfornaturelovers! Discoveraplethoraoflocationsforpower(orleisure) walksthroughstunning stateparks,trailexploration, andcampingfans.Birdersof alllevelswillbewillbe thrilledtodiscovermyriad opportunitiestoseerare gulls,ternsandwaterbirds.

Annuals • Organic Herbs • House Plants

Succulents • Organic Soil Amendments & Fertilizers

Mulch • Custom Pots & Planters • Bonsai Plants

Birdhouses • Birdfeeders • Birdbaths Fire Pits • Fountains • Pottery

Local Art • Local Honey • Henlopen Salt

Outdoor Furniture • Garden Gift Shop

Workshops/Classes • Garden Coaching & Design

Continuedfrompage27

DelawareStateParks: Formaps,camping, andparkhours,visitdestateparks.com

n BeachPlumIslandNaturePreserve

n BurtonIslandTrailhead

n CapeHenlopenStatePark

n DelawareSeashoreStatePark

n FenwickIslandStatePark

n HoltsLandingStatePark

n NorthInletDayArea

n TrapPondStatePark

Fortheadventuringcollectors,stopby theparkofficeofanyDelawarestatepark topickuptheirnewtradingcardseries2: ParkGems—featuringmust-seespots from museumsandtrailstohistoricstructuresandscenicoverlooks.Series1cards arestillavailable!

Continuedonpage30

Refuges/Preserves/Forests:

n AssawomanWildlifeArea–Frankford stateparks.com/assawoman_bay_state _wildlife_area_in_delaware.html

n EdwardH.McCabeNaturePreserve–Milton|nature.org/en-us/getinvolved/how-to-help/places-weprotect/edward-h-mccabe-preserve/

n JamesFarmEcologicalPreserve–Ocean View|inlandbays.org/visit-thepreserve

n PembertonForestPreserve–Milton nature.org/en-us/get-involved/ how-to-help/places-we-protect/ pemberton-forest-preserve/

n PrimeHookNationalWildlifeRefugeMilton|fws.gov/refuge/prime-hook

n ReddenStateForest–Georgetown agriculture.delaware.gov/forestservice/state-forests

Biking/WaterTrails:

n AssawomanCanalTrail|CedarIsland WaterTrail|TerrapinTrail|Pelican WaterTrail–DelawareSeashore destateparks.com/Trails

n Georgetown-LewesTrail–Lewes delawaregreenways.org/trail/ georgetown-lewes-trail

n NanticokeWaterTrail(Day-trip)–AccesspointsinLaurelandSeaford paddlethenanticoke.com

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| SusanLyons AssawomanCanalisalwaysapeacefulpaddle, fourmileslong.

RestorewithYoga Connectyourbody,breath,andmind. Findrelaxationwhileyoubuildstrengthand flexibility.Regardlessofyourlevelof familiarityorskillwithyoga,there’s somethingforeveryone(Including Kangarooyoga).

n AtlasYoga&HealingArts www.atlasyogahealing.com

n ECEYoga www.eceyoga.com

n OceanVayuYoga www.oceanvayuyoga.com

n KaiutYogaBethanyBeach www.kaiutyogabethanybeach.com

n BethanyBeachYoga www.bethanybeachyoga.com

n CoastalWilds www.coastalwilds.com

n YogaVibezStudios www.yogavibezstudios.com

n SummerRainYoga www.summerrainyoga.com

n HeartwishHealingCenter www.heartwishmassage.com

n RehobothBeachYogaCenter www.rehobothbeachyoga.com

n TheYogaStudio www.theyogastudiorehoboth.com

n OneLoveYoga www.oneloveyoga.co

n SoulfireCollective www.soulfirecollective.com

n DimitraYoga www.dimitrayoga.com

n YogainthePark www.oceanviewde.gov

Indulgeandpamperyourbody.Banish stiffmusclesandrejuvenateyourskin throughavarietyoffull-bodyskin treatmentsandmassage.Spendtheday inatranquilatmospherebringingyour bodybackintobalance.

n OceanovaSpa www.oceanovaspa.com

n BethanyMassage&HealingArts www.bethanymassage.com

n ZenSpa www.zenspafenwick.com

n Vogueon24 www.purebeautyandwellnessde.com

n OneWellnessSpa&Boutique www.onewellnessspa.com

n AvenueInn&Spa www.avenueinn.com/spa

n TheBellmoreInn&Spa www.thebellmoor.com

n UrbanFloat www.urbanfloat.com

n AvenueApothecary&Spa www.avenuedayspa.com

n BarefootontheBeach www.barefootonthebeachspa.com

n ReelaxSpa www.reelaxspa.com

n Ebb&FlowSpa www.ebbflowspa.com

n NestSpa&Skincare www.nestspaskincare.com

n BadHairDay www.badhairday.biz

Saddleupforhorseriding, alpacawalksandmore

Ridingorbondingwithahorsecanbe anentertainingandfulfillingexperience. However,ittakesagreatdealof trainingandexperiencetolearntoridea horsesafelyandproperly.Beginningriders mustmastertheartofproperlymounting, steeringandgroomingthehorse.

Lessonsforhorseridingandrelated activitiesareavailablethroughoutsouthern Delaware.

WinsweptStables,Millsboro

VisitWinsweptStablesat24376Winners Circle—alsoknownasHarmonsHillRoad —forprivateandgrouphorsebackridinglessons.

Ratesare$55perpersonforasmall group,$240foraseriesoffourlessonsused inthesamemonthfornewstudentsentering theprogram,$80fora45-minutesessionor $50forahalf-hoursession.

SingletreeStables RidingSchool,Seaford

Singletreeoffersitsridingschool at22237EstersonLane,nowisinits55thyear ofoperation.

Half-hourponyridescost$45each,and themonthlycosttoboardahorseis$550. Peoplecanalsoattendasummerriding campatthestables. Formoreinformation,visittheWinswept StablesFacebookpageorcallDawnBeach at(302)645-1651.

Participantscanenjoyfun-filledinteractivestableswhereeveryonecanproperlylearn tocarefor,ride,andinteractwithhorses.An indoorarenaenablestheschooltoremain openallyearlongandinvarioustypesof weather.Thisfamilybusinesswasestablished in1970.

RidingtimesareMondayat5:30p.m.,

Tuesdayfrom8:30a.m.to5p.m.,Wednesday from4to5p.m.,Thursdayfrom8:30a.m.to 5:30p.m.,andFridayfrom4:30to6:30p.m.

Lessonsareavailableforgroupsand families.Inaddition,specialprogramscanbe providedforworkingstudents,clinicsand seminars,scouttoursandbadges,Girls&Boys Clubs,4-HPositiveYouthDevelopment,senior centerprograms,churchgroups,fieldtrips, schooltoursandfarmtours.

Giftcertificatesareavailable.

Formoreinformation,visitwww.singletreestables.netorcallMollieEstersonat(302) 629-4971.

SaddleUpStables,Bridgeville

SaddleUpStablesislocatedat4528 SaddleUpCircle,wherepeoplecanfindriding lessons,companionriding,exercising,trick trainingandponyparties.

Formoreinformation,visittheirFacebook page,orcallGracePoeat(302)228-7859.

CowtownCabins,Selbyville

CowtownCabins(formerlySweet MeadowStable)islocatedat37033Sweet MeadowLane.

HorseloverscanenjoytheBrushN’ Bond experiencethatenablesthemtobond withthehorsebygroominghimorher. Groomingreducesstress,lowersblood pressureandimprovesoverallemotional healthinhumansandhorses.Asession alsoincludesinformationonbasichorse safetyandisdesignedforparticipants6or older.Theone-hourBrushN’Bondexperience,availableonafirst-come,firstservedbasis,isdesignedforindividuals,as wellasgroupsofuptosixpeople.

Formoreinformation,visitCowtownCabins@gmail.comorcallortextShelley Wrightat(302)316-5353.

FourAcresLiving,Selbyville

Forsomethingcompletelydifferent, visitFourAcresLivingat32236OmarRoad inFrankfordtoexperienceaguidedoutdooralpacawalk,withtheanimals—a speciesofSouthAmericancamelidmammal.

Participantswilllearnallaboutalpacasandthecontributionstheymaketo nature.They’llalsohavetheopportunityto shopinthenewalpacaboutique.

Indoor toursarealsoavailableinFour AcresLiving’snewbarn.Alpacawalksare outdoors,andtakeplaceevenduringlight rainshowers.

Eachwalkcosts$50perperson.Participantscantakeoneofthegentlealpacas aroundthefarmforastroll.Aguidewill leadthemonatwo-thirdsofamilewalk. They’llhaveplentyoftimeforselfies.

Eachparticipantmustbe12orolderto walkanalpaca.

Forthosewhojustwanttogoalong withfamilyorfriends,it’s$40tojointhe fun.

For moreinformation,contactLizFergusonat(502)235-4543orvisittheir websiteatwww.fouracresliving.com.

PeacefulWoodsFarm, Georgetown

PeacefulWoodsFarmat24319WhisperingPinesLane,Georgetown,offerslessonsaboutequineassistedlearningand horsemanshipexperiences,suchaslearninghowhorsesthink,groundworkand meditationwiththeherd.

Althoughthefarmdoesofferpony rides,itdoesnotprovideweeklyhorseback ridinglessonsortrailrides.

For moreinformation,callMarenMiltonat(516)509-8537.

Gardens,NatureCenters, andAnimalParks

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| ButchComegys VisitthelushgreeneryofMillPondGardenin Lewes.

Educatingpeopleaboutthenature andenvironmentthatmakeupour coastalregionisincrediblyimportantto ourlocalconservationists.Takeastroll throughtheonlybotanicgardenin southernDelawaretoenjoynative grasses,plants,andseasonallychangingflowersandwoodlands.Foramore hands-onexperience,visitanyoneof ourlocalnaturecentersforabevyof touchtanks,interactivedisplaysand exhibits.Andifyoureallywanttogetin touchwithyourwildside,headoverto CoastalWildsforexoticanimalencounters!

Continuedonpage38

ExploreCoastalDelaware

n Abbott’sMillNatureCenter–Milford delawarenaturesociety.org

n BethanyBeachNatureCenter townofbethanybeach.com/ 397/Nature-Center

n BrittinghamFarms–Millsboro brittinghamfarms.com/

n CoastalWilds–Frankford coastalwilds.org

n DelawareBotanicGardens–Dagsboro delawaregardens.org

n DuPontNatureCenter–Milford dnrec.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/ education-outreach/ dupont-nature-center

n LavenderFieldsat WarringtonManor–Milton lavenderfieldsde.com

n MillPondGarden–Lewes millpondgarden.com

Continuedonpage40 ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| Submitted SlowdownwiththeslothsatCoastalWilds inFrankford.

Jenny’s Beach Listings

$1,499,000

$695,000

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| Filephoto Abutterflytakesarestinalocallavenderfield.

Continuedfrompage38

n

destateparks.com/Centers/ SeasideNatureCenter

n SussexCountyMasterGardeners DemonstrationGarden-Georgetown udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/ cooperative-extension/environmentalstewardship/master-gardeners/ demonstration-gardens1

v BethanyBeachDinker-IrvinMuseum: OpenMondays,Wednesdays,andFridays10am12pm.| townofbethanybeach.com/110/Town-Museum

v DelawareAviationMuseum: Toarrange tours,call(443)458-8926| delawareaviationmuseum.org

v DiscoverseaShipwreckMuseum: Open SaturdayandSunday11am-3pminJune,ThursdaythroughTuesday11am-4pminJulyandAugust,andThursdaythroughTuesday11am-3pm inSeptember.| discoversea.com

v Ft.MilesHistoricArea: OpenTuesday through Saturday,10am-4pm.| fortmilesha.org

v LifeSavingStations:

•LewesLife-SavingStation:Open WednesdaythroughSaturday10am-4pm. historiclewes.org

•IndianRiverLife-SavingStation: 8am4pmMondaythroughSaturday,8am-3pmon Sundays.| destateparks.com/centers/ irlifesavingstation

Vines Creek Rd #102, Dagsboro

v LewesHistoricalSociety(MainCampus) &HistoryMuseum: TheCampusisopen 10am-4pmWednesdaythroughSaturday.The Museumisclosedforrenovationsuntil2026. historiclewes.org

v MarvelCarriageMuseum: Openingtimes vary.Callforavailability-(302)855-9660 marvelmuseum.com

v MilfordMuseum: OpenTuesday-Saturday, 10am-3:30pm.| milforddemuseum.org

v MiltonHistoricalSociety: OpenThursday throughSaturday,11am-4pm.| historicmilton.org

v NanticokeIndianMuseum: Open Tuesday throughSaturday,10am-4pm.| nanticokeindians.org/locations/nanticoke-indian-museum

v OceanViewHistoricalSociety&Coastal TownMuseum: OpenWednesdays10:00am1:00pm.| hvov.org

v OverfallsLightship: OpenThursdaythrough Sunday,10am-4pm.| overfalls.org

v RehobothBeachHistoricalSociety Museum: OpenMondaythroughFriday,10am4pm&SaturdaysandSundays10am-2pm. ClosedWednesdays.| rehobothbeachmuseum.org

v SeafordMuseum: Thursday,Friday,andSaturday1:00pm–4:00pm,FirstSunday1:00pm–4:00pm.| seafordhistoricalsociety.com

v SelbyvilleMuseum: Openthe3rdSaturdayof eachmonth,10am-2pm.| selbyville.delaware.gov

v TreasuresoftheSea–DelawareTech: OpenMonday,Wednesday,andFriday10am4pm.| treasuresofthesea.org

v ZwaanendaelMuseum: OpenWednesday throughSaturday,10am-4:15pm. history.delaware.gov/zwaanendael-museum

Thelifestyleofpirateshasoftenbeen romanticized.

Wethinkofswashbucklingrenegades pilferinggoodsfromgold-filledshipsas theyswigrumandsingshantieswitheyepatchedparrotsatoptheirshoulders.In reality,theyweretypicallyhijackerswho wereusuallytryingtokeeptheirheadsout ofnooses,whilecarryingnearlyeverydiseaseknowntomanandwerefairlylikelyto berobbedthemselvesbythepiratenextto them.

But, alas,amoremodernwaveofpirate-likeadventurehasgrabbedtheattentionofthrill-seekersacrossthis spinningglobeofours,and,whileitdoesn’t promisepuffyshirtsandweatheredmaps, thereisplentyofbootytobefoundforthe explorer-at-heart.Butinsteadofdoubloonsandemeralds,thinkmoreinterms

ofclevernotes,smartphonesandarguing withyourkids.Ofcourse,we’retalking aboutgeocaching.

Atitsroots,geocachingisaGPS-focused activitythatinvolvestryingtofind “treasures”hiddenallovertheworld.Peoplehidesmallitemsinpublicly-accessible locationsandmarkitontheappthatis beingused,andotherpeoplesetouttotry tofindit.Theirmapistheapp,anditoften involvesdriving,walking,pokingaroundand —didImentionthisalready?—arguing withyourkids.

Accordingtogeocaching.com,there aremorethan3.3millionactivegeocaches worldwide,hiddenin191differentcountries and onallsevencontinents.Andthereare morethan361,000geocacheowners throughouttheworld.

So,yes,itisaglobaleffort,and,also, yes,youcandoiteasilyrighthereonthe shore.

zlikovec| iStock/GettyImagesPlus

Forexample,mydaughterandIwent outintheOceanViewarea,andwespotted morethan10geocachetreasuresinthe areaimmediately.Wechaseddownafew, includingattheBethanyBeachNature Center,BearTrapandHoltsLanding.(Sorry. Nocluesforyou.Weputintheworktofind them, andyoucan,too!)Andjustgetting youclosetothespotviatheappdoesnot necessarilyputyouontopofthetreasure, mindyou.Theycanbeunderneaththings, tiedtothebackoftrees,inparkinglots… younameit.

WhileatHolts,wedecidedtotakeon anotheroneofourfavoriteactivitiesthat involvesgeocaching,tosomeextent,and thatisPokemonGo.It’sdifferentfrom geocachinginthatyoudon’tneedtofind onespecificvery-well-hiddenobject,but insteadinvolves“virtualcaches”ofPokemon charactersthatyoutrytocatch.The appprovidesyoudirectionstothenearest

targetandletsyouknowifyouarecloseto one,andthenit’suptoyoutocatchit.This oneyoucanplayanywhere,andthegame adjuststowhereyouare.

Timeline

May3,2000— ThefirstrecordedgeocachewashiddennearBeavercreek,Ore.

September2000— JeremyIrish launchedGeocaching.com.Atthattime, therewere75knowngeocachesworldwide.

2008— VideogamedeveloperRichard GarriottplacedageocacheontheInternationalSpaceStation.

2020— NASA’sMarsPerseverance Rover,containingageocachingtrackable code,launcheswithanAtlasV-541from CapeCanaveral,Fla.,andarrivesinJexero Crater,Mars,onFeb.18,2021,makinggeocachinginterplanetary. Courtesyofgeocaching.com.

Glossary

Archive— Archivingacacheremovesit frompublicview.It’softentakenwhena cachehasbeenremovedandnotreplaced withanything.

BYOP— BringYourOwnPen(orPencil) —Thisisoftenacluebythecachehiderto letpeopleknowtheywillneedtosignthe cache’slogwhentheyfindthecache.

ChallengeCache— Thisiskindofa “sidemission”order,whereyoumustcompleteachallengebeforefindingthemain cache.Oneexamplewouldbetologcaches thatfeatureeveryletterofthealphabet.

Geobuddy— Yourfavoritegeocaching partner.

GroundZero— Thisistheexactspot thegeocachelocaterhasbroughtyou.Itis wheremostDrunkenBeeDancestake place.

DrunkenBeeDance— Thisdescribes themovementgeocachersmakewhenthey arestumblingaroundwiththeirphones tryingtopinpointtheexactgeolocation.In mypersonalexperience,thisdancewas performedrightbeforethemajorityofargumentsbrokeoutbetweendaughterand father.

McToys— Originallyinreferencetothe littletoysthatcomeinMcDonald’sHappy Meals,itreferstocheaptrinketsyoumight findatageocachelocation.

Spoiler— Thisiswhensomeoneputsa cluetothesearchthatisaninstantgiveaway.

WebcamCache— Therearecachesthat involvelocationswithestablishedwebcams,whereyoumustgetyourselfon cameraandhavesomeonegotoawebsite toverifythatyoufoundthespot.

Courtesyofgeocachingsa.com

Sussex County Murals

Delawareisrifewithtalented artiststhatregularlycapture thebeautyofourstate,anda largenumberoftheseartists claimSussexcountyashome. Whileanyoneofthenumerous localartgalleriesandstudios offertheirworkforsale,some oftheseartistshavelefttheir markinamorepermanent way.VibrantMuralsand backdropscanbefounddotted aroundthecounty,creatingan Instagramworthytrailof artworkjustwaitingtobe discoveredandphotographed!

ExploreCoastalDelaware

BethanyBeach

n BigChillBeachClub :byKelseyMontague,27099 CoastalHwy.

Frankford

n InlandBaysGardenCenterMural :byJohnDonato, 38320MuddyNeckRd.

FenwickIsland

n FenwickIslandSunsationsMural :bySarahJayne Bleiweis,304CoastalHwy.

Dagsboro

n DEBotanicGardens :byLeahBeach,30220Piney CreekRd.

n KisaCaféMural :byMcKenzieWest,33103Main St.#1

Dewey

n Bottle&CorkMural :byJohnDonato,1807HighwayOne

n SurfShantyMurals :byMichaelJohnson,21Van DykeAve.

n Woody’s2Go :byAmandaPaceandLauraErickson,1904CoastalHwy.

Lewes

n CapeMay-LewesFerryTerminal :byChristian Kanienberg,43CapeHenlopenDr.

n KindleRestaurantMural :byJeanDoranatKindle restaurant,111BankSt.

n LewesDrawbridgeMosaicMural :byLorelei Meanor(withvolunteersfromArtinBloom),211 FrontSt.

n LewesMunicipalBuilding(Seenbestfromthe Lewes-GeorgetownTrail) :byKyleConfehr, Lewes-to-GeorgetownTrailatSchleyAve.

n MenhadenMural : DamonPla,514E.Savannah Rd.

ExploreCoastalDelaware

MOVING? CALL JANICE WARNS

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto|SusanLyons

Continuedfrompage49

Milford

n Arena’sMural :byLoriConner,GilbertoRodriguez andDeMarcusShelborne,200NEFrontSt.

n MilfordLibraryMural :byJackLewis,11SEFrontSt.

n MispillionRiverBrewingCompanyMural :by MichaelJohnson,255MullettRunSt.

n SalvationArmyMural. :byMispillionArtLeague artists,117SEFrontSt.

Millville

n Bonkey’sIceCreamMural :byMariaSunickZeller, 35849AtlanticAve.

n MillvilleTownHallMural :byJohnDonato, 36404ClubHouseRd.

n Lord’sLandscapingMural : byJohnDonato, 35577AtlanticAve.

OceanView

n GalleryOneMural :byRichardMatthews,32AtlanticAve.

Rehoboth

n DogfishHeadBrewing&Eats :byHollyFieldsScott,320RehobothAve.

n RehobothBeachConventionCenter :byBrett Steeves,229RehobothAve.

n TacoReho :byOrionCameron,18784Coastal Hwy.

n WestRehobothHeritageMural :byTerranceVann, 37401MalloySt.

Seaford

n HighStreetMural :byGilbertoRodriguez,215 HighSt.

Selbyville

n FreemanArtsPavillionMural : byLauraErikson, 31806LakeViewDr.

n SelbyvillePublicLibraryMural :byMichaelJohnson,11WMcCabeSt.

n SelbyvillePostOfficeMural :byWilliamH.Calfer, 23WChurchSt.

BethanyBeachFarmers’Market

OnthecornerofGarfieldPkwy andPennsylvaniaAve.

BethanyBeach,DE

Sundays:8am-noon

FenwickIslandFarmers’Market

1406CoastalHwy

FenwickIsland,DE

Fridays:8am-noon

HistoricLewes

Farmers’Marketlocations

GeorgeH.P.SmithPark Lewes,DE

Saturdays:8am-noon

CrookedHammockWay and KingsHighway Lewes,DE

Wednesdays:8am-11:30pm

Hops&CropsMarket

RevelationCraftBrewingCo. Georgetown,DE

Wednesdays:4pm-7pm (SpecialHalloweenMarket10/29)

MiltonBroadkillFarmers’Market

MiltonHistoricalSociety

Milton,DE

Fridays:3:30pm-6:00pm

RehobothBeachFarmers’Market GrovePark

RehobothBeach,DE

Tuesdays:10am-2pm

ArtGalleries

Takeinortakehomeanauthentic pieceofcoastalDelawarewithlocalartworkcreatedbythearea’sfinestartists!

BethanyBeach

n BethanyFineArtsGallery:Featuringthe workofMichaelOrhelein—Photographer andprintmaker.|bethanyfinearts.com

OceanView

n AntiquePrints,Inc.:Oldprints,raremaps, uniqueoilpaintingsandcustomframing. antiqueprintsinc.com

n EllenRiceStudioandGallery:Oneofthe EastCoast’smostcollectedartists. ellenrice.gallery

n GalleryOne:Originalart andartisancrafts.|galleryonede.com

Rehoboth

n DamonPlaFineArts:Landscape &Surrealacrylicpaintingslargely inspiredbyambientmusicand thelateafternoonlight. damonpla.com

n Gallery50:Contemporaryart andframeshop.|gallery50art.com

n RehobothArtLeague:Severalgalleries offeranexcitingselectionofrotating exhibitionsofartwork,andtheMember SalesGalleryoffersthebestincreativity from memberartists. rehobothartleague.org

Lewes

n AbraxasStudioofArt:Fineart seascapes,landscapes,stilllifeand portraituresinoilandgraphitecreated byAbraxas.|abraxasart.com

n CapeArtistsGallery:Acooperative artgalleryfeaturingworkfrom eachmember.|capeartists.org

n PeninsulaGallery:Oneofthelargest fineartgalleriesinDE. peninsula-gallery.com

Milford

n Gallery37:Adestinationforartfulliving. facebook.com/profile.php?id= 100057435221476

n MispillionArtLeague:fosteringand promotingthevisualartsthrough education,exhibits,andvarious programs.|mispillionarts.org

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| Submitted

WestSideCreativeMarket: RunningthroughLaborDay,every MondayandFriday5pm–9pmonMalloy StreetinRehoboth.Featuringlocalartists, acuratedselectionoffineart,handmade goods,andcreativeproducts,livemusic, foodtrucks,andcraftcocktails. developingarts.org/west-sidecreative-market

OldTimers’DayClassicCarand FamilyFestival: June14.Enjoythe classiccarshow,music,anoutdoorbeer garden,localartisans,food,drinks,and familyactivities.|oldtimersdayde.com

LavenderandLambsFestival: June21-22.HeadtoBrittinghamFarms forafulllineupofdemos,tastings,wagon farmtours,selfiespots,picnicsetups andmusic!|brittinghamfarms.com

RunningoftheBull– June28. HeadtotheStarboardforthisiconic Deweyevent.Featuringlivemusic,drinks, entertainment,andofcourse,thebullrun. thestarboard.com

4thofJuly

(parade/fireworklocations):

MillsboroStars&Stripes: June28,6pm-9:30pm.Featuring entertainment,activities,foodtrucksand othervendorsleadinguptothefireworks. www.millsborochamber.com

BethanyBeach’sbiggestparty oftheyear: July4.TraditionsThrivein ’25withbands,floats,evening entertainment,andfireworks. townofbethanybeach.com

IndependenceDayinLewes: July4.Oldfashionedchildren’sgames, DooDahparade,boatparade,andfireworksatdusk. leweschamber.com/event/lewescelebrates-4th-of-july/

bandstandfollowedbyfireworks. cityofrehoboth.com

Red,White,and‘Ooh’: July5. EntertainmentattheRehobothBeach

MillvilleBoardwalkAnnualHot DogEatingContest: July4,12pm.Come viewthespectacleofthearea’spremier hotdogeatingevent!Freehotdogsfor spectators.millvilleboardwalk.com

65thAnnualLewesAntiques& HomeDécorShow&SaleatBethel UnitedMethodistChurch: July11&12, 9am-5pmonFriday&9am-3pmon Saturday.Thisindoorshowfeatures qualityantiques,collectibles,homedécor, art,jewelry,&photography.There’s somethingforeveryone!|bethellewes.org

FreemanArtsFamilyFunFest: July12,11:30am.Experiencetheartswith thewholefamily.Thisall-dayeventwill featuremusicalandtheatreperformances,activitiesthatincludefacepainting,interactiveartexperiences, eco-friendlycreations,andmore! freemanarts.org/events/2025/ family-fun-fest

RehobothBeachPrideFestival: July19,9am.Acolorfulhostofvendors and organizationswillexhibittheir creativewaresandinfoatthePride Festival!Featuringoodlesofvendors, spectacularentertainment,foodvendors, raffles,andmore! sussexpride.org/events/pride2025/

Rehoboth52ndAnnualOutdoor ArtShow: August2-3&9-10.Fineart andcraftshowfeaturingfood,livemusic, demonstrations,andexhibits. rehobothartleague.org

ZAPPRO/AMWorldChampionshipsofSkimboarding—Dewey Beach: August8-10.Medalsandprize bags willbeawardedtothetop4 competitorsinallamateurdivisions,cash prizesfortop6inmen’sandtop4in women’sprofessionaldivisions.Includes adedicatedbeachchillzoneandlive

music!|alleyoopskim.com

Arts&JazzFestival: August22, 4pm.Aneveningnottobemissedat FreemanArtsPavilion!Strollthegreen andenjoypreviewingtheartworkof Delmarva’sfinestvisualartists.Pullupa chairandgroovetosomeofthemost talentedjazzartiststoeverplayatthe shore. |freemanarts.org/events/2025/ arts-and-jazz

BethanyBeachJazzFuneral: September1.MarktheendofSummerin style!Jointhemournersandfriendsof Summerastheylamentherpassingin thisfun,theatrical,andfamilyfriendly event.|jazz-funeral.com

BethanyBeachBoardwalkArts Festival: September6.Thisyear’sevent includesover100juriedartistsfeaturing paintings,woodwork,metal,clay,jewelry, porcelain,andmore! bethanybeachartsfestival.com

AnnualNanticokeIndianPowwow: Celebratethe47thAnnualNanticokeIndianPowwowthroughtraditional music,dance,NativeAmericancrafts,and foodatHudsonFieldslocatedinMilton,DE onSeptember6&7.| nanticokeindians.org

IndianRiverMarinaAutumnArt Festival: September13.Spotlightingthe localartistcommunityinafamilyfunatmospherewithgames,entertainment, andmusicforeveryone! destateparks.com/programs/ autumn-art-festival5/

MaximaHispanicFestivalin Georgetown: September14.Enjoy musicanddancesperformedbylocal, national,andinternationalgroups, traditionalartsandcrafts,andofcourse delicioustraditionalfoodwithanemphasisonLatinocuisine.hispanicfest. festivalhispano.org Continuedonpage58

DelawareSeafoodFestivalat

SchellvilleinRehoboth: September20, 10am-5pm(RaindateSeptember21).Event lineuptoincludecraftvendors,beertent, competitions,SteamedSeafoodTOGOtent, contests,kid’szone,raffles,andmore! delawareseafoodfestival.com

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| Filephotos Ourresortareahaseventsaplenty,including: Selbyville’sOldTimer’sDay;BethanyBeachJazz Funeral;4thofJulycelebrationsgalore;anda localfavorite,theannualNanticokeIndian Powwow.

FinestCustomCutMeats

Specialorders&cateringavailable–callahead.

Qualityyoucan’tgetanywhereelse~burgers,hotdogs, brisket,ribs,pulledpork,smokedribs,andkielbasa!

Hand-dippedHershey’sIceCream at Hocker’s Grocery&Deli onthecornerofRt.26andRt.17in Clarksville.

Full-serviceDeli Greatselectionoflunchmeatsand preparedfoods.

FreshSeafood shrimpsteamedtoorderinminutes!

FarmFreshLocalProduce Beach&GrillSupplies

Coastal Beverage Trail

Beer,wine,andspirits!Whateveryourtaste,coastal Delaware’sbeveragetrailisanall-in-oneadventure. Don’twanttohitthemall?Pickyourfavoritesand chartyourownjourney!

n (Dewey)38-75Brewing 3875brewing.com

n (Dewey)DeweyBeerCompany deweybeerco.com

n (Frankford)SaltedVinesVineyard& Winery| saltedvines.com

n (Georgetown)RevelationCraft BrewingCo.| revbeer.com

n (Lewes)BeachTimeDistilling beachtimedistilling.com

n (Lewes)BigOysterBrewery bigoysterbrewery.com

n (Lewes)CrookedHammockBrewery crookedhammockbrewery.com

n (Lewes)DogPirateBeerCompany dogpiratebeer.com

n (Lewes)LewesBrewingCo. lewesbrewing.com

n (Lewes)NassauValleyVineyardsWinery| nassauvalley.com

n (Millsboro)BrickWorksBrewingand Eats| brickworksmillsboro.com

n (Milton)DogfishHeadCraftBrewery dogfish.com

n (Milton)TheBrimmingHornMeadery brimminghornmeadery.com

n (OceanView)BethanyBrewing bethanybrewing.net

n (OceanView)OceanViewBrewingCo. oceanviewbrewingde.com

n (Rehoboth)IronHillBrewery& Restaurant| ironhillbrewery.com

n (Rehoboth)RevelationCraftBrewing Co.| revbeer.com

SafeTravels

Explorethebeveragetrailinstyle andeasewithoneoftheselocalcar services:

n AtlanticTransportationServices

302-644-6999

n CoastalLimousines

410-723-5466

n BlackPearlPiratePartyBus 302-569-2273

n JollyTrolley

302-644-0400

n DelmarvaDiscoveryTours 302-260-9008

Hotbeachesandcrowdedboardwalks areaquintessentialpartofourcoastal summers.Butifyoufindyourselfinsearch ofacoolbreakandquieterentertainment, takealookatoneofthemanyactivities offeredbyourlocallibraries.

Photo by Ray Bojarski

Thissummer’sthemeacrosstheboardisColorOurWorld— withmultipleevents,classes,andprojectsfallingunderthesummer readingprogram.It’sfree,it’sfun,and—thisyear—colorful!Allages canjoin,startingJune1standendingAugust9th.Examplesofactivitiesincludehearingamermaidreadstoriesoftheseatojoining theLEGOclub,plusartandmusicalclassesthatcanshowyouall thecolorsoftheworldaroundus.Activitiesincludeaheavyfocus onfun,explorationofnewinterests,andsocialinteraction.

For thoselookingforsomethingabitmorerelaxing,optfor oneofthevaryinglevelsofdrop-inyogaclassesofferedat differentlibrarylocations.

n Frankford| frankford.lib.de.us

n Georgetown| georgetown.lib.de.us

n Lewes| lewes.lib.de.us

n Millsboro| millsboro.lib.de.us

n Milton| milton.lib.de.us

n RehobothBeach| rehoboth.lib.de.us

n Selbyville| selbyvillelibrary.org

n SouthCoastalPublicLibrary| southcoastal.lib.de.us

Laura Hickman Ameetingoflightandshadow

OceanViewartistLauraHickmanhas beencapturinglightandshadow—mostly withpastels—fordecades,beginningwith theplacesandspacesrighthereinhernativecoastalSussexCounty.

“I’malwaysdrawingthelight,”shesaid inarecentinterviewinherOceanView studio.

HickmangrewupinBethanyBeach,a daughterofRaymondandSallyHickman, whoownedarealestatebusinessinthe resortarea.Livingatthebeach,withits goldenlightandever-changinglandscape, wasanearlyinfluenceonherart,shesaid.

“There’sthisfeelingofknowing,when you’reatthebeach,wherethesunisallthe time,”shesaid.“Welivedrightontheocean. Isawitcomeupeverymorning.Wedidn’t havealotoftrees,nothingtoreallyhinder theviewofthelight,soIthinkyou’rereally

awareofthelightandtheshadows,and everythingthatgoeswiththesunasit travelsthroughtheskyduringtheday.And, you know,it’sinonepositioninthewinter andit’sinanotheroneinthesummer.”

GrowingupinBethanyBeach,Hick-

mansaid,shelovedplayingamidtheold cottagesduringthewinter,andshegrewto cherishhowtheycamealiveduringthe summer—childrenplayinginthefront yardsandlaundryswayingfromclotheslinesintheback.

“Thereallifeofthecottageswasbehindthem,”shesaid.“Youknow,where peoplereallylived.”

“EachblockinBethanyhadadifferent characteristicaboutit.Thebeacheswere eachdifferent,eachblock…”sherecalled.

WhatHickmandidn’trealizethen, however,wasthatwithinafewyearsmany ofthosecottages—somebuiltaroundthe turnofthe20thcentury—woulddisappear,beingreplacedbylarger,moremodernhomes.

“Imean,it’sallbeautiful.Butit’snot thesame,”shesaid,lamentingthatnewcomers toBethanyBeach“justhaveno ideathewayitusedtobe.Itwassoidyllic.I couldn’thaveaskedforabetterplaceto growup.”

AlthoughHickmanhasexploredmany mediums,shesaidshehasfoundthatpastelsenablehertocapturetheplayoflight thatshesoenjoys.Overtheyears,shehas

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| KerinMagill —Artist LauraHickmancreateswithpastelsinher WhitesCreekstudio.Oilonoppositepageis titled,‘OnDuty.’

developedatechniquethatinvolvesdrawingondarktexturedpaper.

Shepaintsthepaper,whichhasa grittysurface—allthebettertoholdlayers ofchalk,togiveherworksakindofluminous quality.

“Itholds22layersofchalk,”shesaid. “I’venevergottenthatmanyonthere.”

Sometimesthepaperisblack,butshe oftenusesdeepbluesandpurplesasthe baseforherwork.

Whileshetalked,Hickmandemonstratedhowsheisconstantlyworkingwith lightandshadows,peeringatonesection ofaPortugalstreetscapetogettheinterplayjustright.Shesearchesforjustthe rightshadetoshowlightreflectedoffa

sectionofatiledbuildingexterior,finally pullingapieceofpeach-coloredchalknot muchwiderthanapencil,andshorterthan herpinkyfinger,tosubtlyilluminatethe spot.

TimespentinItalyduringacollege study-abroadprogramgaveHickmannew vistastoexploreandtocapturethrough herart.Shesaidsheparticularlylovesthe landscapesandarchitectureofPortugal andtravelsthereasoftenaspossible.

“Ialwaysseekplacesthathavethat samekindoflight,”Hickmansaid.“That’s whyIlikePortugalandthat’swhyIlikeItaly …andthat’swhyIprobablywouldlove many,manyplacesinthisworld.”

Shesaidshefindsherselfstilldrawn toarchitecture,suchasthetile-sided buildingshephotographedduringarecent stayinPortugalanddrewinherstudiobesideWhitesCreek.

Continuedonpage67

InHickman’slight-filledOceanView studio,sheworksonseveralpiecesata time,oftenlisteningtoBrazilianbossanova musicasshemovesfromonetotheother. Thegentlebutjauntynotesofthemusic, whichhasafeelofjazzwithaLatinflair, remindherofthesightsandsoundsofher travelogue,shesaid.

“It’slikeapuzzle,”Hickmansaidasshe workedonthespotofsun-dappledtile. Sometimes,shesaid,shefindstheneedto fine-tunetheverysurfaceofherdrawing inordertogetallthedetailthatsheseeks.

At71,shestillfindstheoccasional Bethanysceneshewantstodepict,butshe saidit’shertravelstoEuropethatinspire herthemostthesedays.

“I’malwayslookingforanewplaceto travel,soIcanhavesomemoreinspiration,”shesaid.

“I’mreallydoingwhatIwanttodoat

thispoint.Ifeellike,youknow,I’vedonethis longenoughandI’vedonejustaboutallI canthinkof,beach-wise.”

Shesaidshewouldlovetobeableto spendenoughtimeinaparticularspotto actuallyworkthere,insteadoftakingphotographsandrenderingthemwithpastels inherstudio.That,however,involvespackinghersuppliesandtakingthemwithher, andthat’sjusttoounwieldlyforshorter stays.

So,fornow,sheplaysherbossanova tunesbesidethemarshesofWhitesCreek, withawoodandtapestrychaircustommadeforhergreat-grandfatherJohnWest sittinginthemidstofallofthoselightfilledscenesfromacrosstheworld.

Continuedonpage68

   

Continuedfrompage67

Untilhernexttrip,thereisplentyof lightdancingaroundinHickman’sartist’s soultobringtothosepiecesofdark, scratchypaper.

ToseemoreaboutLauraHickman andherart,visitherwebsiteat www.laurahickmanfinearts.com.

ExploreCoastalDelawareart| LauraHickman ‘GoingtotheBeach,’byLauraHickman.

  

ExploreCoastalDelaware

localtrampolineparkslike Altitude or ShellWeBounce!

Andlet’snotforgetthatarcadeshave alwaysbeenpartofthebeachexperience, sopopintothe Captain’sQuarters,the ShoreFun centersinBethanyand Fenwickor Zelky’s inRehoboth.Ifyou’re inthemoodtoknockdownsomepins,visit the MillsboroLanes or Bryan’s BowlingCenter.Orcombinethetwo activitiesat Lefty’sAlley&Eats!While you’reatLefty’sconsidergettinginsome axe-throwingtime,orheadoverto Range Time inMillsboroandletoffsomesteam.

Needabreakfromthecrowded shoreline?Spendthedayat VikingGolf &Go-Karts inFenwickIslandandcool offattheirThunderLagoonWaterParkor driveupto MidwaySpeedwayPark forbigandlittleracers,withasideof putt-puttandbumperboats. Jungle Jim’s inRehobothoffersthelargest waterparkinDelaware,and Funland Rehoboth willsatisfyyourkiddo’sthrill cravingswithamusementrides.Andfor thedie-hardmotorsportsfans,getyour raceonatthe GeorgetownSpeedway withhigh-speedracesandthrillingaction!

n altitudedelmar.com

n bryansbowling.com

n captainsquartersde.com

n fenwickfun.com

n funatjunglejims.com

n funlandrehoboth.com

n iloveleftys.com

n midwayspeedwaypark.com

n millsborobowling.com

n range-time.com

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto|GettyImages

n shellwebounce.com

n shorefunbethany.com

n thegeorgetownspeedway.com

n zelkys.com

Performing ArtsTheatres Mixthingsupandskiptheusualbarhoppingtocatchalocal,liveperformanceofmagic,music,comedyordrama atoneofseveralentertainmentvenues!

n ClearSpaceTheatreCo.: LiveTheatrejuststeps awayfromtheoceaninRehobothBeach. clearspacetheatre.org

n DickensParlourTheatre: HousedontheGood EarthMarketcampusinOceanView. dickensparlourtheatre.com

n MiltonTheatre: LocatedinhistoricDowntown Milton.| miltontheatre.com

n PossumPointPlayers: Visitthiscommunity theatreatPossumHallinGeorgetown. possumpointplayers.org

n RiverfrontTheater: WatchtheSecondStreet PlayersonthesouthbankoftheMispillionRiver indowntownMilford. secondstreetplayers.com

Movie Theaters

Rainydayscallforrestandrelaxation, sowhynotcatchamovie?

n CinemaArtTheater: Featuringarosteroffirstrunindies,documentaries,featuresandinternationalfilms.| rehobothfilm.com

n ClaytonTheatre: Delaware’sonlysingle-screen theaterstillinoperation!| theclaytontheatre.com

n MilfordMovies9: Astate-of-the-artmovietheaterwithheated/recliningseats. milfordmovies9.com

n MoviesatMidway: Watchthelatestandgreatest inRehobothBeach.| moviesatmidway.com

WanderThe

NanticokeHeritage

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| TarynKing

NestledbehindOldChristChurchinLaurel,you’ll findanoverlookformeditationandreflection.

Ifyou’recomingfromtheweston yourjourneytooneofourbeaches, chancesareyou’regoingtotravel throughthewesternsideofSussex County.Atfirstglanceyoumayfeel surroundedbyanexpanseofcornfields andsoybeans,withanoccasionalsmall town,andmaybeaquickglimpseofthe NanticokeRiver.Whatyou’renotseeing? Therichhistory,culture,andhidden

Byway

gemsthatbelongtothispartofthe state.

Shouldyoufindyourselfneedinga breakfrombumper-to-bumpertraffic, thenoiseoftheboardwalk,andthesea ofumbrellasclaimingeverysquareinch ofthebeach,I’dliketotakeyouonalittledetourwestthroughtheNanticoke HeritageByway. Self-describedasa scenicandhistoricroutethatwinds throughtheheartofSussexCounty,the Bywayisa40-milestretchthattwists

andloopsthroughSeaford,Laurel,Concord,Woodland,andBethel.Ifyou’ve beenintheseareasbefore,youmay haveevenseensomesignsfeaturing theBywaylogoanddesignatingordirectingyoutovariouslocationsalong thepath.Ifyoulookcloselyatthissign, you’llseeattheheartoftheBywayis theNanticokeRiver—anidealstartto ourjourney.

Continuedonpage76

Coldwell Banker Realty | 89 Atlantic Ave, Ocean View |

©2025ColdwellBanker.AllRightsReserved.ColdwellBankerandtheColdwellBankerlogoaretrademarksofColdwellBankerRealEstateLLC.TheColdwellBanker®Systemiscomprisedofcompanyownedofficeswhich areownedbyasubsidiaryofAnywhereAdvisorsLLCandfranchisedofficeswhichareindependentlyownedandoperated.TheColdwellBankerSystemfullysupportstheprinciplesoftheFairHousingActandtheEqual OpportunityAct.ColdwellBankerandGuaranteedRateAffinity,LLCsharecommonownershipandbecauseofthisrelationshipthebrokeragemayreceiveafinancialorotherbenefit.YouarenotrequiredtouseGuaranteed RateAffinity,LLCasaconditionofpurchaseorsaleofanyrealestate.GuaranteedRateAffinity,LLC;NMLS#1598647.Forlicensinginformationvisitnmlsconsumeraccess.org.EqualHousingLender.Conditionsmayapply.

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| TarynKing WoodlandFerryVessel,theTinaFallon,was namedaftertheDEStateRepresentative in2007.

Continuedfrompage11

TheNanticokeRiver

In1608CaptainJohnSmithandacrew ofcolonistslefttheJamestownsettlementto exploretheChesapeakeBayanditstributaries.UponenteringtheKuskarawaok(orNanticoke)River,theyspentthreedaysexploring andtradingwiththeNanticokeIndians.The expeditionisbelievedtohavereachedalocationashortdistancefromPhilipsLanding RecreationalArea.*(VisittheNanticokeIndian MuseuminMillsborotolearnmoreaboutthe tribeanditshistory.)With10accesspointsin Delaware,youcanboatorpaddleyourown expeditionthroughthelongestChesapeake Baytributaryonthishistoricwaterway.

*Editor’sNote:InadditiontotheCaptain JohnSmithMonumentatPhillipsLanding, thereisalsoashorttrailleadingtoanold, abandonedcemetery.Shouldyoudecideto explorethiscemetery,besuretowearbug sprayincaseyouwanderintoaticknest. Don’taskhowIknowthis.

TheWoodlandFerry

ConnectingWoodlandtoBethel,theferry

avoidsthelongerdrivearoundtoSeafordand offersabriefbreaktorelaxandenjoythe viewoftheNanticokeRiver.OpenM-F7am4pm.Closedforlunchdailyfrom11am-12pm.

WoodlandSchoolhouse

Justdowntheroadfromtheferry (Woodlandside)isWoodlandPark,hometo the1913WoodlandSchoolhouse.Returned toitsformerglorywithdesksandall,the buildingisusedasacommunitymeeting placeandinhistoricalreenactmentsfor localschoolchildren.

Hearn &RawlinsMill

ThenorthernmostpointoftheByway, andlocatedonHearn’sPond,wasanoperationalgristmillestablishedinthelate1800s

upuntiltheearly2000s.Oncepoweredby thewatersoftheNanticoke,thisheritage sitespeakstoSeaford’sagriculturaland economicimpactonSussexhistory.

SeafordMuseum

Oneofthebestmuseumsinthe County,thishiddengemhidingbehindthe town’sconvertedoldpostofficeshouldnot bemissed!Featuringuniqueandintriguing design concepts,interactiveexhibits,and high-qualityartifactsanddisplays,history buffswillbethrilledtomeanderthrough thisbywaysite.

Food&Drink

WhileinSeaford,domakereservations atBonAppétitforadelightfulfine-dining experienceintheunexpectedblendofprimarilyFrenchfoodswithGerman,Swiss, Incan,andAsianinfluences.Orpopoverto Continuedonpage78

BrimmingHornMeaderyforaflighttourof theirfinestmeads,ciders,andfruitwines.

GovernorRossMansion

Stepbackintimetothe1850satthe GovernorRossMansionandPlantation.RestoredandfurnishedbacktoitsVictorian Italianateglory,you’llseethehomeof Delaware’syoungestgovernorasthoughit neverchanged.Walkthroughtheformal gardensandvisittheonlydocumentedlog slavequarterinthestate.Throughoutthe year,VictorianTeaPartiesarehostedby the SeafordHistoricalSocietyattheMansion,andopentothepublictoattend.

Cannon-MastonHouse

DatingBackto1727,theCannon-MastonhouseistheoldestsurvivingEnglishstylebrickhomeintheCounty.Acloserlook atthebrickshowsinitialsanddatescarved

bytheoriginalowners,andthesmallevidentiaryfingerprintsoftheenslavedchildrenwhomadethem.Althoughcurrently underrenovationswithplanstoopenin 2027asamuseum,youcanstillseethis buildinganditshistoricalmarkersitting backoffAtlantaRdjustoutsideSeaford.

Submitted —Spinthe captain’swheelattheBethelHeritageMuseum.

BethelHeritageMuseum

Onceaflourishingshipbuildingand seafaringcommunity,thetownofBethel payshomagetoitshistorywiththislovely maritimemuseumfilledwithmaritimeartifacts,modelshipreplicas,photos,and manifestarchives.

OldChristChurch

Builtin1772,OldChristChurchinLaurelispreservedinitsoriginalstatewithno runningwaterorelectricity.Althoughit ceased beingachurchinthe1880s,itscare andupkeephavebeenmaintainedthrough communitycare.Duringwarmermonths, theOldChristChurchLeaguehosts18thcenturySundayservicesandvariousconcertswhichareopentothepublic.

TrapPondStatePark

Asafinalstopalongyourroute,this oneisworthyofadayalltoitself.Located inLaurelandhometothenorthernmost strandsofbaldcypresstreesinthecountry,theparkisapaddler’sdream!Boasting

multiplewatertrails,over9milesworthof walkingtrails,fishing,andcamping,visitors canimmersethemselvesinthebeautyof Delawarenatureandwildlife.

Visitnanticokeheritagebyway.orgto learnmore.

ExploreCoastalDelawarephotos| TarynKing Left, stepbackintimeattheGovernorRossMansion. Above,ThefirstfemalechiefoftheNanticokeTribe, ChiefNatoshaCarminestandsnexttotheCapt. JohnSmithMonumentatPhillipsLanding.

Fromthe shoreline tothe stage

FamilyfunatRehobothSummerChildren’sTheatre

AfamilyvacationtotheDelmarva coastofferspossibilitiesasexpansiveas thedistanthorizon.Childrenarecalledto theRehobothBeachboardwalkbythe sweetsmelloffudgefromCandyKitchen, andthewhirloflaughterandcarnival

musiccomingfromFunland.

Enticedbythenightlifeandlocalcuisine,parentshavenoreservationswith bookingacandlelitdinnerfortwoatCatch 54whilewatchingthesunsetovertheglitteringscenicwetlands.Whilegrandma’s fondofsplashinginthesurfalongsideher grandkids,she’salsolookingforwardto

catchinguponherreading,heronlycompanionthesoothingsoundofthecrashing waves.

WhiletheDelawareshorecanbean idealvacationspotforkids,parentsor grandparentsindividually,it’stheshared moments—adayatthebeach,agameof mini-golf,oratriptothetheater—that

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| Submitted ElenaNahrmannandJedKriviskyperforminAladdin.

transcendsabeachgetawayintoacherishedfamilymemory.After40yearsof producinglivetheaterfortheDelaware beaches,theRehobothSummerChildren’s Theatre(RSCT)hasbuiltareputationfor justthat:puttingonperformancesthatappealtotheentirefamily.

“That’sbeenourstockintrade— showingthatit’sgreatfunforafamilyto reallyenjoyourshowsonmanylevels,”said SteveSeyfried,co-founderandcurrent managingdirectoratRSCT.

Afterestablishingasuccessfulbusinesswritingandproducingchildren’splays inPhiladelphia,SteveandEliseSeyfried—a husband-and-wifeteam—wereinspired toformRSCTin1982aftertheDelaware DivisionofLibrariesinvitedthemtoperformaseriesofplaysatlibrariesthroughoutsouthernDelaware.It’saservicethat’s beenabletocontinueovertheyears, thankstoagrantfromDDA.

“Weactuallyfellinlovewiththearea andthought,‘Wow,wouldn’titbegreatto

do summertheaterdownhere?’”said SteveSeyfried.

Unlikeatypicaltheaterthathasa residencyatasingleplayhouse,RSCThasa travelingtourthatputsonfreepublic showsatlocalbusinesses,schools,librariesandtheatersthroughoutKentand Sussexcountiesduringthesummer,giving peoplealloverDelawareachancetoexperienceanightoflivetheater.

Whileeverytheatercompanyhasthe sharedchallengeofbringingrenownedand belovedcharacterstolifeonstage,RSCTis knownforingenuitywiththeirsignature two-actorplays,breathingnewlifeinto classictalesaudiencesknowbyheart.

WhileSteveSeyfriednolongeractsin RSCTproductions,therewasatimewhen hispresenceonstagehelpedestablishtheir theatertroupe’sdefiningstyle:abalanceof doublingchaosandlightheartedfamily-fun humor.Hisfavoriteproduction—theirrenditionof“TheWizardofOz”inwhichElise SeyfriedplayedDorothyandheplayedthe

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| Submitted CassidyDermottinapastproductionof ‘Millieandtheorangedragon.’

rest ofthecast—exemplifiestheintrinsic comedybuiltintoRSCT’sperformances.

“Thatwasthecraziestshowofall,” saidSteveSeyfried,whonowenjoyshiring talentedlocalactorstofillthesedemanding roles.LocalstageactorsElenaNahrmann andJedKriviskywillbeleadingRSCT’s summerproductionof“Aladdin,”which toursthroughouttheDelmarvaregionfrom July14toAug.7.

Withfamiliarproductionsincluding “PeterPan”and“AliceinWonderland”included ontheirrosterofpasttours,one waySteveandEliseSeyfriedkeepRSCT performancesfreshisbywritingoriginal scriptsthatincorporatetheirownartistic visionwhilestillretainingtheheartofthe originalstory.

Intheirrenditionof“Aladdin,”theproductionsubvertstheaudience’sexpectationofthefamous“OneThousandandOne Nights”storybyaddingtheirownoriginal character—agenie-in-trainingknownas Mr.GreenGenie.AccordingtoSteve Seyfried,thecharacter—who’slooselyinspiredbyMr.GreenJeansfromthe’60s televisionshow“CaptainKangaroo”—gives theaudienceanunderdogtorootforand addsanotherleveloffuntothestoryashe strugglestomasterhismagic.

ManyofRSCT’splaysalsotendtoincludemodernpopcultureandregional referencespersonalizedforalocalaudience.Intheirversionof“Cinderella,”oneof thewickedstepsisterswasrenamed“Delmarva”—anamethatwassomemorable

SteveSeyfriedwasgettingrecognizedby passersbyontheboardwalk.

It’sthesespecialunconventional touchesthatcreateauniquetheatricalexperienceonewouldn’tfindatastandard playhouse.

Whilethesummertourgivesfamilies achancetoenjoytheperformingartsfrom theaudience,RSCT’ssummercampsgive childrentheopportunitytoexploreand learnabouttheartsfirst-hand.

Withoutalocaltheatertocallhome, thenonprofithasbeenpartneringwiththe LutheranChurchofOurSaviorinRehoboth tohostavarietyoftheaterandfilmsummercampsoverthepastfouryears.

Thetwoseparateweek-longtheater programs—TheatreCampAandB,offered throughoutAugust—focusonbuilding stageandcommunicationskillsbyengagingintheatergames,andrehearsingand performingaplaybyweek’send.

Unlikeotherlocaltheaterprograms, thefilmcampsatRSCT—fourseparate week-longintensivesheldinJuly—offera uniqueexperiencetothoseinterestedin expressingtheircreativityfrombehindthe camera.

“Ibelievethatwearetheonlytheater intheareaofferingfilmcampsforages9 to14.Theyoungfilmmakershavetheopportunityfortruehands-onexperiencein allaspectsoffilmproduction,”said Seyfried,notingthatcampersgettheopportunitytowriteandproducetheirown originalfilms.

Whetherafamilywantstocheerfrom theaudienceorseetheiryoungestmembersinthespotlight,RSCT’svarietyof showsandcampsofferedthroughoutJuly andAugustmakestheprogramsaccessibletoanyonevisitingtheareaforthe summer.

Whiletheaverageweeklycosttoat-

tendtheirsummercampisapproximately $400,RSCToffersdiscountsforsiblings andmultiple-campsignups.

Asanonprofit,RSCTisalwaysseeking newwaystobringeducationaldramaexperiencestocommunitiesacrosssouthern Delaware—suchasitspartnershipswith theRehobothBeachBoys&GirlsCluband theFirstStateCommunityActionAgencyin Georgetown,offeringchildren’ssummer camps—andvaluesthecommunity’sreciprocalsupport.

“Wearealwayseagertoworkwith volunteerswhowouldliketohelpusout withthevariouscamps,”saidSeyfried, hintingattheneedforassistancewith costumesandscenery.

FormoreinformationontheRehoboth SummerChildren’sTheatre’ssummertour datesandvolunteeropportunities,visit www.rehobothchildrenstheatre.orgorcontactSteveSeyfriedat(302)227-6766.

Afteralong,hotdayon thebeach,whatbetterway torelaxthanwithlivemusic andadrink?Forweekday winddowns,jointhelocals withweeklymoviesand beachbonfires.

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| Submitted Enjoyoneofthemanyopen-air performancesonthisyear’slineupat FreemanArtsPavilion.

LiveMusic:

BethanyBeachSeasideConcert Series: June—October.Summerbandstand performances:ThursdaysinJuneat 7:30pm,Thursdays&SaturdaysinJuly& Augustat7:30pm,Fridays&Saturdaysin SeptemberandOctoberat6:30pmand KidsNightsonWednesdays.

EvansParkSummerConcerts: familyfriendlyconcertsandfoodtrucksin MillvilleatEvansPark.June25,July9,August13,&September10from6-8pm.

FreemanArtsPavilion: Anoutdoor performancevenuewithover70performancesayear.Foreventsandtickets,visit freemanarts.org

LewesStangoParkSummer ConcertSeries: Tuesdaysat7-8:30pm, June—August.

MillsboroConcertsinthePark: BringachairtoCupolaParkformidweek summerconcerts.June24th,July1st,8th, 22nd,andAugust5th&19th

MusicattheMillSummerConcertSeries: Livemusicandfoodtrucks atAbbott’sMillinMilford.5-7:30pmonJuly 10,August14,andSeptember11.

OceanViewSummerConcerts: GatheratJohnWestParkonJune20thand June27that6:30pm.

RockingtheDocksSummerConcertSeries attheLewesFerryGrounds, June—August.Showtimesvary.Forevents andtickets,visit rockingthedockslewes.com

SummerconcertsatHoltsLandingStatePark: Tuesdaysat6pm,June 17th—August12th.

MoviesandBonfiresontheBeach: BethanyBeachMovies: Mondays onthebeachatduskfromJune-August. MoviesontheBandstandareThursdaysat duskinSeptember.

DeweyBonfiresontheBeach: Wednesdaysat7pm,June—Augustonthe beachatDagsworthyAvenue.

DeweyMoviesontheBeach: Mondaysat8:30pm,June—Augustonthe beachatDagsworthyAvenue.

FenwickFlicks: Familyfriendly moviesonBayardStreetBeachat8pm, June20,July18,andAugust15.

FenwickIslandTownBonfire: Games,dancing,rafflesandmore.7-10pm, July5th,atBayardStreetBeach.

AntiquesMap

Gumboro

TheBarnDoor 302-598-6420

Selbyville

Second-Chance302 302-500-2455

AntiqueJunction 302-436-5189

Frankford

TheLittleCountryStore 717-818-6054

Dave’sTreasureHunt 302-732-9556

Dagsboro

Jayne’sReliable 302-927-0049

PiecesonMain

302-927-0601

PeddlersAlley 302-927-0189

Clarksville

Hudson’sGeneralStore 302-539-8709

SomerhouseAntiques 302-539-3049

OceanView

AntiquePrints

302-539-6702

FenwickIsland Eclectic 302-581-0218

Millsboro

TheHouseof ModernLiving 302-934-1800

BlackCatAntiques 302-934-9841

Georgetown

Georgetown AntiquesMarket 302-856-7118

TinRoofTradingPost 302-856-1566

Milton

TheMercantileatMilton 302-664-1840

MagnoliaStreetAntiques 302-344-9139

AWalkThruTime 302-684-3306

RehobothBeach

BuddhasandBeads 302-227-6004

Lewes

Beaman’sOld& GnuAntiqueGallery 302-684-5055

LewesMercantile 302-645-7900

OldScreenDoor 302-827-2149

Chatelaine’sAntiqueJewelry 302-645-1511

Unique Finds 302-236-2573

Salvaged 302-233-1858

HeritageAntiqueMarket 302-645-2309

Greenwood MarketplaceAntiques andCollectibles 302-349-5400

Greenwood TreasureTrove 302-495-7032

Bridgeville AntiqueAlley ofBridgeville 302-337-3137

DowntownAlley 302-956-6984

Laurel

DelawareAvenue Antiques 850-276-2042

OutoftheAttic 302-875-4725

Yourbraindeservesa vacationtoo!Whether youneedanother summertitle,orjust loveexploringnewto-youbookshops, we’vegotyoucovered. Popintooneofour favoriteindiebookstoresandsnagyour nextread!

v BethanyBeachBooks: Locatedonlyafew stepsofftheboardwalkinBethanyBeach. bethanybeachbooks.com

v Biblion: Curatedcontemporaryandantiquarian books,uniquegreetingcards&stationeryitems, literarygifts,andoriginalartinhistoricLewes. biblionbooks.com

v BrowseaboutBooks: LocatedinRehoboth Beachandknownnotonlyforbooks,butafantasticselectionoftoys,stationery,andunique gifts.| browseaboutbooks.com

v Comics&Gaming: DelawareBeach’spremiere comicbookstore. facebook.com/ComicsAndGamingBBD/

v TheBookDrop: AnextensionofBethany BeachBooks.Stopbytheirheadquarterstosign upfortheirbooksubscriptionandvisitthemini bookstore.| thebookdrop.com

v TheBookAttic: UsedBookstore.Located aboveTheBookDropandpoweredbyBethany BeachBooks| thebookdrop.com

v TurningPagesBookLounge: Qualityused booksjustminutesfromBethanyBeach. turningpagesbooklounge.com

v Ogre’sGrove: Milton’slocalcomicshop—geeky goodsmaycurlaroundyourlimbsanddemand youbringthemhome!| ogresgrove.com

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