Explore Coastal Delaware 2026

A special publication of the Coastal Point | Summer 2026

Anotefromoureditor

Thisseason’sguidecelebratesthe traditions,history,andeverydayexperiencesthatmakeDelaware’scoastsucha specialplacetovisit.AsDelawareandthe nationpreparetocommemorateAmerica’s 250thanniversary,thiseditionincludesa lookattheFirstState’sroleinthathistory, alongwithlocaleventsandcelebrations happeningthroughouttheregion.

Inside,you’llalsofindstoriesrootedin thecoastallifestyle.Fromexploringregionalfavoritesthatdefinelocalflavor,to talesfromthelocalshipwreckmuseum andguidestobikingthecoast,seaglass hunting,andenjoyingtheoutdoorssafely duringthebusysummerseason.

Asalways,you’llfindhelpfulseasonal resourcesforexploringthearea,including beaches,watersports,trails,birdingspots, galleries,livemusic,bonfires,andmore.

Whetheryou’realongtimelocal,a summerregular,ordiscoveringCoastal Delawareforthefirsttime,wehopethis publicationhelpsyouslowdown,explorea littledeeper,andenjoyeverythingthisremarkablestretchofcoasthastooffer.

ThankyouforpickingupExplore CoastalDelaware.We’reproudtocontinue sharingthestories,traditions,andexperiencesthatmakethisregionfeellikehome.

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Onthecover: OneoftheWorldWarII towersstandsoutagainstawhimsical coloredskyontheDelawareshore. PhotoprovidedbyMatthewTrucks.

Acsequentialsemiquincentennial Celebrationsabound fornation’s250th

ByDarinJ.McCann| ExecutiveEditor

Theremightbealittlebitofdebateover whenexactlyDelawarejumpedonthewhole “Independent-State-As-Part-of-TheUnited-States”train,butthereiscertainly noneovertheallegianceandpatriotismof thoseearlyDelawareans.

And,judgingbythearrayofcelebrations acrosstheFirstStatethisyear,thereshould benodebateoverthecurrentstateofthe state,either.

AsDelawareansjointheircompatriots acrossthesefruitedplainsmarkingthe 250thbirthdayoftheUnitedStates,animpressivelistofeventsandcelebrationshave

takenshape.Fromeventsalongthebeaches toinlandfestivalstohistoricrecreationsof 18thcenturylifeinDelaware,theSmallWonderisgivingresidentsandvisitorsanopportunitytohonorthenation’s250th anniversary.

Atthestart

So,Delawareearneditstitle,“theFirst State,”becauseitwasthefirsttoratifythe U.S.Constitution,onDec.7,1787.Thatdayis honoredeveryyear,withDec.7beingdubbed DelawareDay.Obviously,thisdidnottake placein1776,whichistheanniversarybeing celebratednationwidewiththe—sayitwith

me—semiquincentennial.

Thatbeingsaid,theStateofDelaware’s websitesays,“Delawarebecameastateon June15,1776,whentheDelawareAssembly formallyadoptedaresolutiondeclaringan endtoDelaware’sstatusasacolonyofGreat Britainandestablishingthethreecountiesas anindependentstateundertheauthorityof ‘theGovernmentoftheCountiesofNewCastle,KentandSussexUponDelaware.’

FollowingthesigningoftheDeclaration ofIndependenceonJuly4,1776,theleaders organizedaconstitutionalconvention,andon Sept.11,1776,thatconventionenactedthe DelawareDeclarationoftheBillofRights— whichwasabitofaprecursortotheU.S.Bill

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| MaryfrancesBerger

ofRights.Just10dayslater,theconvention enactedthefirstDelawareConstitution.After afewtweaksandchanges,thefourth,and current,constitutionwasenactedin1897,and Delawarenowutilizesacabinetformofgov-

Wecandebatetheprecisedate Delawareofficiallybecamea“state”aswe knowittoday,butthereisnowiggleroomin whetherornotDelawarewasonboard,or whetheritwasfirst.Itwas,anditwas.

Celebrationsalongtheshore

Asitdid250yearsago,Delaware feelsanenormousamountofpridein thisstillrelatively-newnationofstates, andtheslateofeventscommemorating the—herewego—semiquincentennial, isimpressive.

•BethanyBeachishonoringthenation,andDelaware’splaceinit,withtheir immenselypopularIndependenceDay celebrations—dubbed,“Stars,Stripes& Shorelines”thisJuly.ThisyearalsocelebratesBethanyBeach’s125yearsasan incorporatedtown,sotheenergypromisestobeelectric.

TheBethanyBeachIndependence DayParadewill takeplaceonFriday,July 3,atnoonindowntownBethanyBeach. Thatevening,TheFunsterswillperform ontheBethanyBeachbandstandfrom 7:30to9p.m.OnSaturday,July4, Uncagedwillperformonthebandstand, alsofrom7:30to9p.m.,followedbya fireworksshow.

Also,onThursday,June25,South CoastalLibraryishostingafreepresentationbyDanielPritchettfrom5:30to 6:30p.m.onthecreationandrescueof theDeclarationofIndependence.The presentationisfreeforthose18orolder, andnoregistrationisrequired.

•Lewes250isanongoingeffortby

Lewes,“TheFirstTownintheFirstState,” tocommemoratethenation’s,andstate’s, 250thanniversaries.Eventsincludethe HistoricLewesSpeakerSeries,hostedat theLewesHistoryMuseum.

TherewillalsobeaRockingthe DocksWaterfrontCelebrationonJuly2, attheLewesFerryGrounds,whichis billedas“amassivecommemorationin partnershipwiththeDelawareSemiquincentennialCommission.”Itwillfeature

livemusicbyFleetwoodMacked,adrone lightshowandwaterfrontfireworks.For morefromLewes,visitlewes250.com.

Inlandtownsreadytoshine

•TheTownofMillsborohasjoinedinon thefun,withitsMillsboro250efforts.

“Asawelcominghometownnestlednear beautifulinlandbays,richfarmlandsandthe Continuedonpage6

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| MaryfrancesBerger

Ready for Summer?

• Outdoor Wicker

• Bookcases & Accent Furniture

• Home Decor • Puzzles • Yankee Candles

•Georgetownisthecountyseatfor Sussex,themostcentraltowninthecounty. TheGeorgetownSpiritof1776Artisan&Craft festivalwillbeheldonSaturday,June13,from 1to4p.m.atSouthRaceStreetandEastPine Street.Therewillbeartisans,crafts,food vendors,liveperformancesandascavenger hunt.Formoreinformation,emailAmerica250@georgetowndel.com.

• Fudge

Open Wed - Sat, 10 - 4:30 Rt 26 • Millville • 302-539-4513

ancestrallandsoftheNanticokeIndianTribe, Millsboroembodiesthediversestoriesthat havewoventhefabricofournationfortwo andahalfcenturies,”saidorganizers.“From ourearlysettlersandNativeAmericanheritagetothehardworkingfamilies,veterans, innovatorsandneighborswhocallMillsboro hometoday,ourlocalhistoryreflectsthe broaderAmericanjourneyofresilience, communityandopportunity.”

TheTown,inconjunctionwiththe GreaterMillsboroChamberofCommerce,will haveitspopularStars&Stripescelebration onSaturday,June27,from2to9p.m.,followedbyafireworksshow.Thiswilltake placeindowntownMillsboro(MainStreet) andW.B.AtkinsPark.Activitieswillincludea parade,touch-a-truck,caricatureandballoonartists,livemusic,andakids’zonewith inflatables,facepaintingandgames.Formore information,visitMillsboro.org,orMillsborochamber.com.

TheGeorgetownPublicLibraryisalso hostingdedicatedDE250historicalprograms, whichcanbefoundatGeorgetown.lib.de.us.

Aroundthestate

TheStateofDelawareisexecuting morethan50events,historicalprogramsandinteractiveeventsthroughouttheyear,undertheumbrellaof Delaware250(delaware250.org).The websitehasafulllistofeventsandactivitiestocelebratethe—herewego again—semiquincentennial,including educationalandculturalinitiatives,arts andmusic,historicaltoursandmore.

OneofthestandoutsistheWilmingtonRiverfrontFourthofJulycelebration,forwhatpromisestobea “once-in-a-generation”Independence Daycelebrationwithactivities,foodand fireworks.

DowntownWilmington’sRodney SquarewillbethehostofafreeUSA Boxing-sanctionedoutdooreveningof amateurfightsonJune26,whichwill alsofeaturelivemusic,foodtrucksand adronelightshow.

TherewillalsobeanEchoesof FreedomeventattheSchwartzCenter fortheArtsinDover,whichwilltellthe storyof250yearsoftheUnitedStates throughoperaticstorytelling.

ExploreCoastalDelaware Salon on Premises Catering to Seniors Perms $75.00 & Up Wednesday-Saturday 302-541-0600 • 302-539-5264

summerday.Usethisquickguidetofindtherightfit,and checklocalwebsitesforcurrentrulesandparkingdetails.

Editor’sPick

CapeHenlopenStatePark— Thebestallaroundoptionforspace,scenery,andflexibility.

BethanyBeach

Relaxedboardwalkbeachwithlifeguards anddesignatedsurfingtimes. townofbethanybeach.com

SouthBethany Aquiet,one-milebeachknownas“The BestLittleBeachinDelaware.” southbethany.delaware.gov

CapeHenlopenStatePark &Gordon’sPond Milesofoceanandbaybeacheswithtrails andmultipleaccesspoints. destateparks.com/Beaches/CapeHenlopen

DelawareSeashoreStatePark Sixmilesofoceanbeachesandextensive bayshorelineforfishingandwatersports. destateparks.com/Beaches/ DelawareSeashore

DeweyBeach

FenwickIslandBeach

Southernmostbeachtownwithoceanfront andbaysiderecreation. fenwickisland.delaware.gov

FenwickIslandStatePark

Threemilesofoceanbeachplusaccessto LittleAssawomanBay. destateparks.com/Beaches/FenwickIsland

RehobothBeach Iconicboardwalk,easyaccess,andclassic summeratmosphere. cityofrehoboth.com Fromlivelyboardwalkstowide-openstateparks, CoastalDelaware’sbeachesoffersomethingforeverykindof

EnergeticbeachtownbetweentheAtlantic OceanandRehobothBay. townofdeweybeach.com

Cast yourline

FishingisoneofCoastalDelaware’s mostpopularpastimes,witheasy accesstosurf,bay,freshwater, andoffshorewaters.Whether you’rebookingacharter,casting fromthesand,orclammingatlow tide,thisguidepointsyoutosome ofthearea’sbestspots.

n IndianRiverMarina(Editor’sPick)

Delaware’slargestmarinawithfull servicebaitandtackleandonsite seafoodmarket.

OffshoreFishing

n IndianRiverMarina DirectaccesstoAtlanticOceanand inlandbayfishinggrounds. destateparks.com/Indian-River-Marina

n Angler’sFishingCenter ChartertripsintheDelawareBay andAtlanticOcean. anglersfishingcenter.com

n Fisherman’sWharf(Lewes) Half-andfull-daytripstargeting seabassandtilefish. fishlewes.com

SurfFishing

Formaps,regulations,andlicenseinfo,visit destateparks.com/Fishing.

n FenwickIslandStatePark

n DelawareSeashoreStatePark

n BeachPlumIslandNaturePreserve

n CapeHenlopenStatePark

FreshwaterFishing

Forponddetailsandregulations,visit dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fishwildlife/fishing-ponds.

n MillsboroPond—Millsboro

n IngramsPond—Millsboro

n WagamonsPond—Milton

n WaplesPond—Milford

n TrapPond—Laurel(daytrip)

Clamming &Crabbing

Formaps,permits,andlicensing,visit eregulations.com/delaware.

n HoltsLandingStatePark

n DelawareSeashoreStatePark

n LittleAssawomanBay

n IndianRiverBay

n RehobothBay

QuickTips

Licensesandregulationsvarybyactivity

Checktidesforclammingandsurffishing Chartersbookearlyinpeaksummer.

Coast Ridethe

Asdedicatedbikerssay,“Dropagear anddisappear.”

Andwhynot?Ridingabicycleis,as comedianRobinWilliamsobserved,“the closestyoucangettoflying.”

Whetherforweightloss,toputa brakeonthedailystressesoflifeorforthe enjoymentofbeingoutdoors,bikingisthe

TownCouncilmanMickeyHinmansaid.

HeandCouncilwomanTheresaKeil co-chairtheTown’sBicycle&Pedestrian SafetyCommittee,andHinmanregularly rides.

“Being abletogofromtheoceanside tothebayside,totheinlandbays,tostate parkstoshoppingareastoboardwalks—

andtheyareallinterconnected—thatiswhat Ifindmostenjoyable.I thinkthat’soneofthe nicestthingsaboutbeing downhere,”hesaid.

“Maybepeopledon’t useallthat.Maybethey justgofromheretothe store,andthat’sOK.But theyhavetheabilitytogo fromspottospottospot.Youcangofrom FenwickuptoCapeHenlopentoLewes,and nowyoucangotoGeorgetown.That’salot ofmilesandadiversekindofscenery,” saidHinman,aWilmingtonnativewhodidn’t bikeasanadultuntilhemovedtoBethany Beach.

Hedidn’tevenhaveabicyclewhenhe arrivedinBethanyBeachbutnowenjoys

thesport,goingbyhimselforwithhiswife.

“Igofrommyhouseuptotheinlet, looparoundtheinlet,throughFreshPond, andIcomeoutinOceanView,looparound thebackofBethany,sometimestoSouth Bethany.It’sabouta90-or100-minute ride,”Hinmansaid.

ForKeil,awarenessofsurroundings whilebikingisthemostimportantaspect.

“Biking,yougowithtraffic.When you’rewalking,youwanttofacetrafficfor yourownsafety.Wearahelmet.Wear brightcolors.Wearwhiteorbrightcolors, sopeoplecanseeyou.Useabikelight.We havealotofdarkroads.AlotofJ1[international]studentswhoworkatrestaurants —alltheuniformsareblack,sowhenthese kidsareridinghome,nobodycanseethem. Makeyourselfvisible.Wearbrightcolors. Wearafluorescentvest,”Keilsaid.

Safetywhilebikingisalsoimportant toDelawareGov.MattMeyer,whoisanavid bikeraswell.

Hebikesnotonlyforgoodhealthand tobenefittheenvironment,butasasmart means oftransportation.Heoftenrideson

localtrails,butheisn’ttheonlygovernorto supportthesport.

FormerGov.JackMarkell,whowasin office2009to2017,ledannualTourde Delawarebikeridesandbikedacrossthe countryin2017,traveling3,680milesfrom OregontoDelawareduringa50-daytrip.

Althoughmostbikerswon’tpedalthat far,theycanenjoyridesacrosstheIndian RiverInletBridge,whichhasabikingand walkingpathseparatedfromtraffic,or along theAssawomanBayatFenwickIslandStatePark.FreshPondParknear BethanyBeachhasanaturetrail,asdoes CapeHenlopenStatePark.Cyclistsalsolike theloopfromCatHillinSouthBethanyto theBethanyBeachboardwalkandthe SeashoreBikeroutethroughDelaware SeashoreStatePark.

TheycanrideontheBethanyBeach andOceanCity,Md.,boardwalks,atdesignatedtimes.AlsoinOceanCity,Northside Parkon125thStreetisperfectforbiking, as aretheAssateagueIslandNational Seashore,WestOceanCityNaturePark, AssawomanCanalTrailandstreetsof

OceanCity.

Cyclistscanfindabasketfulofinformationonline,includingat www.bicycling.com,wherearticlesinclude topicssuchasbicyclingforweightloss,the besthelmets,dealsonelectricbikes,biking towork,whatmakescyclingsaferandthe bestbikepumpsandracksforcars.Cyclistswillfinddetailsaboutskillsnecessary tomakethesportaffordable,trainingroutines, tipsforbeginnersandtheimportanceofgettingenoughproteinandwater topreventfeelingtiredafteraride.

Regardlessofthedestination,safety isimportant.

Thesectiononbicyclesafetyonthe DelawareOfficeofHighwaySafetywebsite,atwww.ohs.delaware.gov,warnsthe numberofcyclistskilledorinjuredcontinuestoincreaseandurgescycliststostay focused,neverdrinkorusedrugswhile biking,wearsafetyequipmentandknow the rulesoftheroadsinceabicycleis consideredavehicle.

Hinmancautionedagainstnotwearing Continuedonpage16

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| MaryfrancesBerger

Continuedfrompage15

ahelmet,notbeingvisibletovehicles,ridinginthewrongdirection, ridingonthesidewalk,notpayingattentionorlookingatcellphones whileriding.

“Icouldneverridewithoutholdingthehandlebars.Somepeople aresousedtoitthatthatishowtheyride.Youseethemgoingdown Route26throughBethanydoingthat,whilelookingattheircell phones.AttheBicycle&PedestrianSafetyCommittee,wearetrying toaddressthosekindsofbehaviors.Wecandoalotofthings,and wearedoingalotofthings,fromtheinfrastructure,buildingthebig crosswalkonRoutes1and26toallowpedestrianstobeabletotraverseoneofthebusiestintersectionsinDelaware.

“WearegoingtodothecrosswalksonRoute26alittlefarther up,butevendoingallthosethings,peoplestillhavetoexercisejudgmenttouseallthatstufftherightway.Somepeoplesayweneed anothersignorweneedsomethingpaintedontheroad.Afterawhile, peopledon’tevenpayattentiontoit.

“Youcanpaintaroompink,andafteramonthyoudon’teven noticethepinkanymore.It’saboutengagingpeoplewiththewilland thebelief.It’stherightthingtodotokeepthemselvesandtheirloved onessafe,”hesaid.

Bethany Bandstand 2026

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| LauraWalter

OCEANFRONT DINING

SummeralongDelaware’scoast meanssunshine,beachdays,outdooradventures,andcommunity events.Whilewarmweatherispart oftheseason’scharm,hightemperaturesandhumiditycanquickly leadtoheat-relatedillnessesif you’renotprepared.Whetheryou’re spendingthedayonthesand, strollingtheboardwalk,orenjoying localfestivals,thesesimpletipscan helpyoustaysafe,healthy,and comfortableallsummerlong.

HydrateEarly&Often

Don’twaituntilyou’rethirsty.Carrya reusablewaterbottleanddrinkplentyof fluidsthroughouttheday,especiallyatthe beachoronthewater.

SeekShadeDuringPeakHeat

Thesunisstrongestbetween10a.m. and4p.m.Takebreaksintheshade,under anumbrella,orindoorswhentemperatures climb.Scheduleoutdooractivitiesinthe morningoreveningwhentemperatures arelowerandUVraysarelessintense.

DressfortheWeather

Wearlightweight,light-coloredclothing,awide-brimmedhat,andsunglasses. Applybroad-spectrumsunscreenand reapplyeverytwohours.

KnowtheWarningSigns

Dizziness,headaches,nausea,andexcessivefatiguecansignalheatexhaustion. Movetoacoolplace,hydrate,andseek medicalattentionifsymptomsworsen.

Discovertheareafroma wholenewperspective withguidedexperiences designedtoinform, unwind,andentertain. Fromwateradventures tofarmvisitsand historicwalks,there’sa tourtomatchevery interestandpace.

Tours

n BackBayTours- Bayfishingtrips,sunsetcruises,andsandbarexplorations forallages.| backbaytours.com

n CapeWaterTours– Narratedcruises, dolphinencounters,sunsetsails,andlive musiccruises(May–September).

| capewatertaxi.com

n CoastalKayak– Eco-toursthroughBurton’sIsland,TrapPondcypressswamps, Assateagueponyroutes,andsunset paddles.| coastalkayak.com

n DelmarvaDiscoveryTours– Hop-on andall-inclusivetoursfeaturingbreweries, wineries,farms,antiques,and more—orbuildyourownviapartybus.

| delmarvadiscoverytours.com

n EcobayKayak&SUP– Guidedkayak toursonIndianRiverBay,plusfullmoon,sunsetpaddles,andSUPyoga.

| ecobaykayak.com

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| BethBaker

n HauntedHistories– ParanormalTours–ChillingtruetalesofLewes’past,offered selectdatesJune–November.

| historiclewes.org

n QuestAdventures– Dolphintours,sunsetsessions,andseasonalspecialty paddlesincludingfull-moonevents.

| questkayak.com

n UniversityofDelawareDocentTours–Guidedexplorationsofmarinescience fromDelawareBaytoAntarctica.Fridays,10am–noon.

| udel.edu/academics/colleges/ceoe/ community/docent-tours/

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| MarianDowling

Performing Arts &Movie Theatres

Fromlivetheaterandcomedytoindie filmsandblockbusterreleases,these venuesofferaneasyalternativetoa nightoutonthetownoraperfectplan forarainyday.

PerformingArtsTheaters

n ClearSpaceTheatreCo. (RehobothBeach) clearspacetheatre.org

n DickensParlourTheatre(OceanView) dickensparlourtheatre.com

n MiltonTheatre(Milton) miltontheatre.com

n PossumPointPlayers(Georgetown) possumpointplayers.org

n RiverfrontTheater/ SecondStreetPlayers(Milford) secondstreetplayers.com

MovieTheaters

n CinemaArtTheater(RehobothBeach) rehobothfilm.com

n ClaytonTheatre(Dagsboro) theclaytontheatre.com

n MilfordMovies9(Milford) milfordmovies9.com

n MoviesatMidway(RehobothBeach) moviesatmidway.com

When bites:

ByLauraWalter |StaffReporter

“LivinginDelaware,I’matthetopofthe foodchain.Nothingwantstoeatme,”said BryanOchs.“Butthere’scertainlyannoyances, liketicksandmosquitos.”

AttheDelawareCenterfortheInland Bays(CIB),Ochsandhisteamspendalotof timeoutdoors,sothey’reseasonedinavoiding ordeterringcreaturesthatbiteorsting.

TheFirstStatehaselegantbutterflies, dolphinsandherons.Butitalsohasinsidious jellyfish,horsefliesandmosquitoesthatcanget inthewayofaperfectday.

Herearesometipsforavoiding,deterring ortreatingcommonbitesinDelaware.Consider goingtoawalk-inhealthcenter(urgentcare) orcalling911ifsomeoneishavinganallergic reactionorsufferingimmensely.

Ticks

Ticksareapublichealthconcernin Delaware.Peopleandanimalsshouldenjoytheir timeoutdoors,buttheyshouldalsocheckfor parasiticinsectsthatcancarrydisease.

“TicksareactiveinDelawareyear-round, notjustinwarmermonths,andcanbefoundin wooded,brushyandgrassyareas,”accordingto DelawareDepartmentofNaturalResources& EnvironmentalControl(DNREC)officials.

Mosthumanbitescomefromtheblackleggedtick(deertick),lonestartickandAmericandogtick.

Youcanavoidticks,orslowthemdown beforetheybite.Minimizebareskinbywearing longpants,longsleevesandeventuckingpant legsintosocks.Walkinthecenteroftrails,and

avoidwalkingintallgrass,leaflitterorbrush.

Determinewhatkindofinsectrepellent youprefer,whetherwiththechemicalsDEETor picaridin,ormorenaturaloptions,suchasoilof lemoneucalyptus.Alwaysfollowlabelinstructions,andensuretherepellentisactuallyformulatedtorepelticks.Petownersshoulduse preventionproductsyear-roundtoprotectanimalsthatspendtimeoutdoors.

Afterenjoyingtheoutdoors,checkyourself,kidsandpetsforticks.Thenimmediately batheorshower.Ticksliketohideinwarm,hiddenareas,socheckthescalp,armpits,beltline, groinandbehindtheknees.

Removeanytickfromyourbodyassoon asyoufindit—ideallywithfine-tippedtweezers,butwithyourfingersifneedbe.Graspthe tickasclosetoyourskinaspossibleandpullit outgently.Donottwistorsqueeze.

“Donotusepetroleumjelly,heat,nailpolish orothersubstancestotryandmakethetick detachfromtheskin.Thismayagitatethetick andforceinfectedfluidfromthetickintothe skin,”accordingtotheCDC.

Disposeofthelivetickbyplacingitina sealedcontainer;wrappingittightlyintape; flushingitdownthetoilet;orputtingitinalcohol. Donotcrushthetickwithyourfingers.Clean yourhandsandthebiteareaimmediately,as bestyoucan.

Besidesbeingcrawling,bitingorpartially embeddingthemselvesintheskin,ticksare knowntocarryillness.Ifyouwerebitten,you couldkeepthetickinaplasticbaginthe freezeroratleastphotographitforidentification,incaseoffuturehealthproblems.

Lymediseaseisbacterial.Seeahealth-

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| CDC/PublicDomain Alwayscheckforticksafterenjoyingtime inthegrassoronthetrails.

careprofessionalimmediatelyifyouexperience arash,fever,swelling,nervepain,arthritis,flulikesymptomsorotherailmentswithinamonth ofthebite.Thesoonerapatientobtainsantibiotics,thebetter,tohelppreventasingleflareup frombecomingachroniccondition.

Alpha-galsyndromecanalsobetransmittedbyticks.Itactslikeaseriousfoodallergy. Firsttherearesymptomsthatmayincludea rash,nausea,indigestion,diarrhea,cough, shortnessofbreath,swellingintheface,faintness,difficultybreathingoranaphylaxis.But mostdistinctively,victimsdevelopanewand ongoingallergytomeat.Theirbodiesreactnegativelytothealpha-galsugarmolecule,whichis

Continuedonpage28

Watchingoutforsummer stings,swipesandbites

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| CDC/PublicDomain LoneStarticksarethemostcommonof thefivespeciesfoundregularlyin Delaware.

naturallyfoundinbeef,pork,lamb,venison, rabbitandgoatmeats,dairyfoods,gelatinand somemedicines.

Powassanvirusisrarer,butDelawarehad itsfirstcaseinthespringof2026.Atthistime, therearenomedicinestotreat,norvaccinesto preventit.Initialsymptomscanincludefever, headache,vomitingandweakness.Ifthefull diseasedevelops,itcanincludeinflammationof thebrain(encephalitis)orthemembranes aroundthebrainandspinalcord(meningitis), aswellasconfusion,lossofcoordination,difficultyspeakingandseizures.

Mosquitosandbitingflies

Theseinsectsarelikepapercuts:after twobites,you’rewonderingwhereyouwent wronginlife.Mosquitos,horsefliesandgreenheadfliesareknownforirritatingbitesthat causeitchingandswelling.

Summertimeactivitiesareespecially

fraught,becausepeopleusuallyhavemore bareskinforbugstochompon.

“Ifthewindisgoingthewrongway,the horsefliesandmosquitoesaremiserable,”said theCIB’sOchs.“Thisismyobservationonthe beach.…Ifthewindiscomingoffthemarsh behindus,thehorsefliesandmosquitosmakeit unbearable.”Butbreezesfromtheoceantend topushinsectsbackoffthesand.

“Typically,forme,Iwouldwearlighter pantsandalong-sleevedshirtandsomething withahoodsotheydon’tbuzzinmyears—and alsoforsunprotection,”saidtheCIB’sClare Magargal.

Aswithticks,determinewhatkindofinsectrepellentyouprefer,andalwaysfollow labelinstructions,andensuretherepellentis formulatedtorepelwhicheverinsectsyou mightencounter.

Onetreatmentformosquitobitesisto immediatelyrubfreshaloeplantonthebiteto

Continuedonpage68

Fromchampionship fairwaystowhimsical minigolfgreens, SussexCountydeliversagolfscenethat welcomespros,casual players,andpint-sized putters.

GolfCourses:

n SaltPondGolfClub–BethanyBeach

n HeritageShoresGolfClub–Bridgeville(Day-trip)

n CrippleCreekGolfand CountryClub–Dagsboro

n Mulligan’sPointe–Georgetown

n AmericanClassicGolfCourse–Lewes

n MidwayPar3GolfCourse–Lewes

n BaywoodGreens

GolfCourse–LongNeck

n PeninsulaGolfand CountryClub–Millsboro

n PlantationLakesGolfand CountryClub-Millsboro

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| TonyPratt

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| TomGelnett Aperfectgolfdaycallsforblueskiesandwaterviews.

n SouthernDelawareGolfClub-Milford

n TheRookeryGolfCourse—Milton

n ShamrockPar3GolfCourse—Milton

n BearTrapDunes GolfCourse–OceanView

n BethanyBayGolfClub–OceanView

n TheForelandClub—OceanView (Insidegolfsimulators)

n KingsCreek CountryClub–RehobothBeach

n RehobothBeach CountryClub–RehobothBeach

n Hooper’sLanding GolfCourse–Seaford(Day-trip)

n BaysideResortGolfClub–Selbyville

MiniGolf:

n Nick’sDinoland–BethanyBeach

n Nick’sPirateGolf–BethanyBeach

n TheGolfin’Dolphin–BethanyBeach

n DeweyBeachGolf–DeweyBeach

n SaintNicks–FenwickIsland

n VikingGolf–FenwickIsland

n LighthouseBeachGolf-Millville

n Ryan’sMiniGolf–RehobothBeach

n ShellWeGolf–RehobothBeach

n ShipwreckedMiniGolf–OceanView

Daytrip: Berlin

AvacationtotheDelmarvacoastisn’tjust forthebeachgoers,whofeelmostatpeace bobbinginthecooloceanwaterorsoakingup thesun’srays;thefoodies,savoringlocaldelicaciesfrombluecrabtoboardwalktreats;or therecreationaladventurers,whopreferto glidealongwiththeDelawareBay’snatural currentinakayakorsailboat.

It’salsofortheculturalexplorers,those whoenjoylearningaboutlocalhistory,discoveringone-of-a-kindsmallbusinessesin tucked-awaysidestreets,andauthentically beingimmersedinthelocalcultureandcharm ofasmalltown.

OnlyashortdrivefromtheDelaware beaches,oneofthosesmalltownsisBerlin, Md.,knownforitscharmingmainstreetand historicdowntownareathat’saccessibleon foot.

theCalvinB.TaylorHouseMuseum,whichdoublesasahistoricalhomeandamuseumof localhistory.Whilethehomewasbuiltin1832 forIsaacCovingtonandhisfamily,it’sknown astheresidenceofCalvinB.Taylor,founderof theCalvinB.TaylorBankingCompany,andhis wife,Mattie,inthe1890s.

Thehome’sremainingoriginalfeatures includeagrandfrontdoorwayandfluted columns,whiletherestofthemuseumisfurnishedwithperiod-appropriatefixtures, recreatingtheTaylorfamily’slivingquarters. Therearealsoexhibitssharingsomeofthe town’smostnoteworthystories,includingthe lifeofformerslaveandCivilWarsoldierIsaiah FassettandthelegendaryracehorseSeabiscuit’ssurprisingconnectionstoBerlin.

“BerlinhasaverybusyMainStreetand thesidestreetsarewhereallthetreasures arefound.Therereallyisn’tanywhereyoucan’t walktoifyou’redowntown,”saidIvyWells, economicandcommunitydevelopmentdirectoroftheTownofBerlin,whosharedsomeof thetown’smostnotableattractions.

Withavibrantartsscene,educationalexplorationsoffolkloreandworldmysteries,and evenaconnectiontoHollywood,Berlin,has somethingforeveryonetoexploreonadaytrip awayfromtheshore.

Historichighlights

PartofBerlin’snaturalcharmliesinthe town’sconnectiontoitsroots,withechoesof itspastpersistingintomodernday.Stephen DecaturPark—acommunitycenterfeaturing aplayground,discgolfcourseandracquetball courts—commemoratesaBerlin-areanative and19th-centurynavalhero.Amidstmore modernstructures,thearchitectureofthe brickbuildingsonMainStreetharkenbackto theFederal,Victorianand19th-centuryeras, denotingthetown’srichhistory.

Oneofthesemust-seehistoricalsitesis

Incelebrationofthe250thanniversaryof theUnitedStatesthissummer,visitorstothe museumduringthe2026seasonwillhavethe chancetoattendspecialevents,includingnew exhibits,concerts,movienightsandabook festivaloccurringbetweenAprilandOctober.

“OurgoalistoshowcaseBerlin’shistory asamicrocosmofAmericanhistory,focusing onbothindividualstoriesandcollectivecommunityaction—particularlytheworkdonein the1970sand1980storevitalizeBerlin’shistoricdowntown,”saidExecutiveDirector MelissaReidaboutthecelebration,onthe websiteattaylorhousemuseum.org.

Quirkyhiddengems

GiventhatBerlinofferssomanyunique, quirkyexperiencestoitsvisitors,it’seasyto comprehendwhyitwasnamed“America’s CoolestSmallTown”backin2014byBudget Travel.

AwalkdownMainStreetwillignitea senseofnostalgiaforfansofthe1999film “RunawayBride,”transportingthemtothefictionaltownofHale,Md.—thecharmingsmall townthatactedasthebackdropoftheromancebetweenMaggieCarpenter(Julia Continuedonpage36

Roberts)andIkeGraham(RichardGere).

Onaself-guidedwalkingtour,movie buffscanseethereal-lifefilminglocations thatservedasMaggie’shouse,locatedon BakerStreet,aswellastheAtlanticHotel whereIkestayedandtheFalconDiner,better knowntolocalsasRayne’sReefSodaFountain. Millennialswillalsorecognizesomeofthe landmarksonmainstreetfromanotherpopu-

larfamilyfilmfrom2002:“TuckEverlasting,” starringAlexisBledel.

OneoftheonlymuseumsofitskindlocatedontheEastCoast,theMermaidMuseum —openedin2020bylocalartistandphotographerAlyssaMaloof—highlightsthehistory, folkloreandcuriositiesrelatedtothemysterioussirensofthesea.Someofthehidden gemsfeaturedinthemuseuminclude“mermaidscales”fromtheIsleofWight,mermaid

spiritcharmsusedbyJapanesefishermanas protectivetalismansatsea,andamodelofa “Feejeemermaid”—ataxidermyhalf-monkey, half-fishthatP.T.Barnumclaimedasauthentic.

Familieswithchildrencanspendtheafternoonexploringtheexhibits,perusingthe mapofpastreportedmermaidsightings,take onamermaidscavengerhuntoreven“transform”intooneofthecreaturesthemselvesby donningacostumemermaidtail.Theexhibitis openeverydayinthesummer,from10a.m.to 5p.m.,andtheentryfeeis$11perperson.

Continuingwiththethemeofexploring mysteriesandchallengingpersonalbeliefs, anotherquirkyattractionistheGhostMuseum, locatedonPittsStreet.Themuseuminvites paranormalenthusiastsorcuriousnon-believerstotesttheirbeliefsfirsthandbyexploringacollectionofartifactsandstoriesrelated toghostsightingsandparanormalphenomena. It’sanotherhiddentreasurethatupholds

Town of Ocean View’s Summer Concert Schedule

p.m. to 8:00

Friday, June 19 - Love Seed Mama Jump (Scout Troop 281 Food Sales)

Thursday, June 25 - The Castaway Band (Taco Reho Food Truck)

Thursday, July 9 - Pistol Whipped (Scout Troop 281 Food Sales)

Thursday, July 23 - Funsters (Scout Troop 281 Food Sales)

Thursday, August 13 - West of One (Damm Good Fish & Chips Food Truck)

Thursday, August 27 - Charlie & the Cool Tones (Luv Thai Food Truck)

Thursday, September 3 - Hot Sauce (Scout Troop 281 Food Sales)

Fromsurfingandjetskistokayakingandparasailing, CoastalDelawareoffersplentyofwaystoexploretheocean, bays,andinlandwaterways.Theselocaloutfittersproviderentals, lessons,tours,andguidedadventuresforallexperiencelevels.

EditorPick

CoastalKayak— Alongtimelocal outfitterofferingrentals,lessons,and guidedeco-tours.

BayVentureOutfitters- Explorethe cslmwateroftheAssawomanCanaland WildlifeREfugre.Kayakrentralandtours. bethanybeach.bayventureoutfitters.com

BethanySurfShop- Surf,bodyboard,skimboard,andSUPgearwithdaily andweeklyrentals. bethanysurfshop.net

CoastalKayak- Kayak,sailboat,and paddleboardrentals,lessons,andguided eco-toursinFenwickIsland. coastalkayak.com

DelawarePaddleSports- Kayak andSUPrentals,sales,fishingtournaments,andguidedtoursinLewes. delawarepaddlesports.com

DelmarvaBoardSportAdventuresFamily-friendlyrentals,lessons,and guidedexcursionsinDeweyBeach (reservationonly). delmarvaboardsportadventures.com

DeweyBeachParasail- Parasailing adventureswithalong-standingsafety recordandmultiplepackageoptions. flydewey.com

DeweyBeachWatersports- Bike andboatrentals,kayaks,SUPs,banana boatrides,andsunsetcruises. deweybeachwatersports.com

EcobayKayakandSUP- Kayakand SUPrentals,camps,tours,andgroupexcursionsinOceanView. ecobaykayak.com

QuestAdventures- KayakandSUP rentals,guidedtours,andbeacheventsin Lewes. questkayak.com

Shark’sCoveMarina- Jetskis,pontoonboats,paddleboards,andparasailing inFenwickIsland. sharkscovemarina.com

Onthewater

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| BethBaker

A Coastal Tradition Since

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.

Berlin’sreputationasaone-of-a-kindtownwithnewanduniqueadventuresaround everycorner.

“TheartofBerlinbeingcoolisthatwe’renottryingtobecool,wejustare,”joked Wells.

Sweetestplaceontheshore

Justlikethegooeycenterofacinnamonbun,whentheyfurtherexplorethe coreofBerlinbystrollingdownitssidestreets,visitorswillstumbleuponasweet surprise.AccordingtoWells,Berlinhasbecomeknownasoneofthe“sweetestplaces ontheshore,”developingareputationforitsbakeries,cafésandicecreamshops.In betweenavisittoamuseumorboutique,takeabreakfromsightseeingandstopinat oneofBerlin’srenowneddessertspotsforasweettreat.

OnenotableshopistheBakedDessertCafe&Gallery,locatedonBayStreet, alsoknownasthehomeoftheofficialdessertfortheTownofBerlin:apeach dumpling.Inadditiontoawideselectionofdecadentdesserts—fromcupcakesto cookiesandbundtcakes—customerscanalsoenjoyperusingtheirgalleryoflocal artwhilesippingaglassoforganicwine.

Anothermust-tryistheIslandCreamery,afamily-ownedsmallbusinessthat originatedinChincoteague,Va.

Continuedonpage80

Freshfromthefield

Cravingseasonalfruitgrown closetohome?CoastalDelaware’s U-Pickandvisitingfarmsmakeit easytofillabasket,meettheanimals,andstockuponlocaltreats. Manyareperfectforahalf-day outing,orafulldayifyouplanto exploreafew.

Editor’sPick

ParsonsFarm— Ago-tostopfor seasonalU-Pickfruit,awell-stockedfarm store,andfan-favorite“goatmountain.”

Farms&Markets

BennettOrchards- U-Pickblueberriesandpeaches,plusmarket-fresh fruit forpurchase. bennettorchards.com

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| TylerValliant

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| CarlaVarisco

BrittinghamFarms- Lavender fields,friendlysheep,andhandmade lavenderandwoolgoods.

brittinghamfarms.com

FourAcresLiving- Alpaca-centeredfarmofferingtours,products,and alpacawalks.

fouracresliving.com

KingsleyOrchards- Sixtoeight blueberryvarietiesavailableforU-Pick. kingsleyorchards.com

MageeFarms- U-Pickstrawberries,flowers,andfarmstandswithproduce,honey,andjams.

mageefarms.com

Mr.PeppersPumpkinPatch- Fall favoritewithpumpkinpickingandhayrides (lateSeptember).

facebook.com/profile.php?id= 100070709395729

ParsonsFarm- SeasonalU-Pick blueberries,peaches,apples,andpumpkins,plusafarmstore. parsonsfarmsproduce.com

ReinkeFarms- Cut-your-own lavenderduringlateJuneandJuly;check forweeklyhours. reinkefarmsde.com

StoryHillFarms- Regenerative farmwithwildflowermeadow,animals,and awell-stockedshop. storyhillmoos.com

T.S. SmithOrchardPointMarket (DayTrip)- Farmmarket,deli,bakery,and friendlyanimalsnearBridgeville. orchardpointmarket.com

Parks,Trails, Camping&Birding

CoastalDelawareisa havenforwalkers,campers, cyclists,andbirders.From foresttrailsandcoastal preservestoscenicoverlooks andwater-accessroutes, theseparksandnaturalareas offereasywaystoexplorethe regionbeyondthebeach.

Editor’sPick

JamesFarmEcologicalPreserve— relaxonacalmbaysidebeach,observenativeplantsandanimals,andhikethreemiles oftrailsthroughsevendistincthabitats.

DelawareStateParks

Formaps,campinginformation,and park hours,visitdestateparks.com.

n BeachPlumIslandNaturePreserve

n BurtonIslandTrailhead

n CapeHenlopenStatePark

n DelawareSeashoreStatePark

n FenwickIslandStatePark

n HoltsLandingStatePark

n NorthInletDayArea

n TrapPondStatePark

Refuges,Preserves&Forests

n AssawomanWildlifeArea— Frankford stateparks.com/assawoman_bay_state_wi ldlife_area_in_delaware.html

n EdwardH.McCabeNaturePreserve— Milton.nature.org/en-us/getinvolved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/edward-h-mccabe-preserve

n JamesFarmEcologicalPreserve— OceanView.inlandbays.org/visit-the-preserve

n PembertonForestPreserve— Milton nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-tohelp/places-we-protect/pemberton-forest-preserve

n PrimeHookNationalWildlifeRefuge— Milton fws.gov/refuge/prime-hook

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

Biking&WaterTrails

n CedarIsland,Terrapin&PelicanWater Trails— DelawareSeashore destateparks.com/Trails

n Georgetown–LewesTrail— Lewes delawaregreenways.org/trail/georgetownlewes-trail

n NanticokeWaterTrail(DayTrip)— Laurel&Seafordaccess paddlethenanticoke.com

QuickTips

n Bringbinocularsforbirdingareas

n Earlymorningsarebestforwildlife viewing

n Checkparkofficesfortrailmapsand seasonalaccess

DidYouKnow?

PickupDelawareStateParksTrading Cards–PlantsandAnimals(series3)at parkoffices.Thecollectiblesethighlights flora andwildlifefoundintheparks.Series 1&2cardsarestillavailable.

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto|

JeffHolmes

man’streasure,andintheworldofseaglass, that’sliterallytrue.

Seaglassis,afterall,piecesofglass, tumbledbytimeandtide…themoretumbled,or “frosted,”themorevaluableitisconsideredby seasonedseaglass“hunters.”

Whileshell-seekingisacommoncoastal pastime,focusingontheflotsamandformer

Forexample,inhisbook“PureSeaGlass: DiscoveringNature’sVanishingGems,”author RichardLaMottedevotesanentirechapter, andatwo-pagephotospread,tobottlelips.

Inhisbook,LaMottebreaksdownbottlelip stylesintofourtimeperiods,rangingfrom pre-1850to1890-present.Similarly,heexplainsthevagariesofeverythingfromsnuff

jarstosodabottles.

Thatmeansseaglasshunterscanfind themselvesdelvingintohistoricrealmsthey didn’tevenknowexisted,allbecauseofapiece offrostedglassthatwasheduponasandy shore.

Somanydistinguishingcharacteristics canhelptellthestoryofapieceofglass— color,shapeandthickness,tonameafew.One ofthemosttreasuredtypes,called“pirate glass,”issodarkandthickthatanuntrained eyemighteventhinkit’sjustadarkpieceof stone.

Helduptolight,however,pirateglassis revealedtobeimbuedwithdeephuesofolive green,amberand,occasionally,redorblue. Motivationsandinterestsvaryforseaglasshunters,butitusuallystartswithasimple desiretogetoutonthebeach,breathethesalt airandletthemindrest.

ForJennBarrowsofRehobothBeach,a yearslonghabitofwalkingthebeachesturned intoa“pandemicsilverlining”inthespringof 2020,whentheworldcloseddownduringthe earlydaysoftheCOVID-19crisis.

Thatwaswhen,Barrowssaid,“Myeyes startedtofinallyseetheseaglass.Barrows saidit’snotjusttheseaglassthatmakesthe huntssomeaningful.Ayearafterherrenewed seaglassmojo,Barrows’motherpassedaway, andthedayafterthat,Barrowsagainfound herselfwalkingthebeach.

Thatday,shesaid,shefound60piecesof seaglass,includingonepieceinashadeofblue —hermom’sfavoritecolor.

Beforehermompassed,Barrowssaid, thetwohadadiscussionaboutwithwhomshe hadan“agreement”regardinglifeafterdeath. Shesaidhermom“agreed”thathermom wouldsendherasign,andthatitwouldbe yellow.

“AsIwasleavingthebeach,”Barrows recalled,“Isawthisverylargeyellowcrab comeoutofaholeinthesand.I’venever seenanothercrablikeit.Itwasyellow—like

reallysunshineyellow.Itwasthecraziest thing.”

Whilesomeseaglasshunters“getterritorial”anddon’tdivulgetheirbesthunting spots,shesaid,“Isortoffeellikewhatyou findismeantforyou.”

MostDelawareseaglasshuntersacknowledgethatbaybeaches—including WoodlandBeach,BowersBeach,Broadkill BeachandothersontheDelawareBay— mightbemoreproductive,butoceanbeaches areeasiertoreachfromcoastaltowns.

Baybeaches,Barrowssaid,“arevery, verytidal”soit’smorechallengingtotimea visit.“ButIknowpeoplethatdoreallywell,”on thosebeaches,shesaid.

“Idon’thavetimetogoupthere,”Barrowsadmitted.“Ihavegearinmycar,andifI have30minutes,I’llstopatthebeachand takeaquickwalk.That’smyjam,”shesaidof herwalks,whichsheoftentakesatsunrise.

Likemanyseaglasshunters,Barrows

saidwinterisherpreferredtimetowalkthe beach,particularlybecausesunriseatthat timeofyearislater.

“Seaglassing-wise,winterintospringis probablythebest” time,shesaid.

However,shesaid,seaglassshowsup allyear-round.Sherecalledonesummerday whenshemetacouplewith“ahugebagfull ofseaglass,andalotofitwaspirateglass.”

“I’veonlyfoundmaybetwopieces,”she saidofpirateglass.“Thesepeoplehadlike30 piecesofpirateglass.Good-sizedpieces.So, it’soutthere.”

PennsylvanianativePattiDurachko foundherloveofseaglassafterretiringto Millsboro.

“Ihadneverheardofseaglass,”before movingtoSussexCounty,shesaid.

Asherownloveofseaglassdeveloped, Durachkosaid,“Istartedcollectingit,putting itinjars.AndthenonedayIthought,‘Whatam

Continuedonpage50

Igoingtodowiththis?’soIdecidedtostart makingpictures.”

That’swhenDurachko’sart-school trainingcametothefore.

“Istartedmakingpictures,”withthe piecesshewasfinding,shesaid.Inaddition toseaglass,sheusesstonesandshellsshe findsonherbeachwalks.

Whilesome“seaglass”artusesglass piecesthatarenotauthenticseaglass— essentiallyjustmachine-tumbledglass— Durachkoonlyusespiecesshefindsonthe beach.

“Ittakesalotoftime,butIlikeit,andI’ve metsomereallyinterestingpeople”through herart,whichshesellsonlineandatcraft shows.

Durachkosaidshefindsit“kindof amusing”thatsomeseaglasscollectorsare sosecretiveabouttheirfavoritespots.

“It’salmostlikepeoplewhowon’ttellyou

wheretheyfish,”shesaidoftheparallel.

Durachkooftengoesseaglasshunting atdawn—andoftenfindsotherslikeherself outtherealready.

“It’sastounding,”shesaid.“Yougoout thereatthecrackofdawn,andthereare peopleouttherewithflashlights.”

Shesaidthat,whenshegoestocraft shows,shetriestoeducatecustomersabout howtorecognizerealseaglasswhenit’sused inart.

“Tumbledglassisverypretty,butcallit whatitis,”Durachkosaid.

Forthoseinterestedinlearningmore aboutauthenticseaglass,DurachkorecommendedtheannualMid-AtlanticSeaGlass& CoastalArtsFestival,heldinLeweseachyear inearlyJune,andtheAnnualEasternShore SeaGlassFestivalheldinAprilinSt.Michaels, Md.

Inadditiontoseaglassart andcollections,thereareexpertsatthosefestivals whocanexaminepiecesandoffertheir thoughtsonwhattheyare.And,Durachko said,what’sthereisauthentic,notjusttumbledglass.

Fun, Funky

Durachkosaidherbeach-glasshunting andherarthave“evolved”overthepastfive years,andshewashonoredtohavebeena featuredartistattheGeorgetownPublicLibrarylastFebruary.

Butshesaidhermainmotivationfor beach-glasshuntingremainsjustgettingout onthebeachandwalking.

“It’saveryZenthingtodo.I’llpacka lunch.I’lljustwalkaroundandpickupseaglass,andpickuptrashwhileI’mthere.I’ll spendhoursandhours,justwalkingandenjoyingtheday.It’sprobablyoneofmyfavorite thingstodo.”

Oneofherfavoritefinds,shesaid,was apieceofredglass,whichisquiterare. “Ihappenedtofinditonouranniversary.

Continuedonpage84

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Winddownaftera beachdaywithlive music,outdoormovies, andlaid-backbonfires. Fromweeklyconcertsto family-friendlyfilm nights,theseeventskeep summereveningslively.

Beachplease.

LiveMusic: BethanyBeachSeasideConcert Series: June—October.Summerconcerts typicallybeginat7:30pm(throughLabor Day)andFamilyNightsbeginat6:00pm.Fall concertswillbeginat6:30p.m.Shows offersomethingforeveryone-fromrock andpoptocountry,jazz,andanythingin between.DatesVary.

DelawareBotanicGardensOutdoorVenue inabeautifulsetting.June25, July9,July16,July23,August6,August13, August27,September3.Fortickets,visit delawaregardens.org

Evans ParkSummerConcerts: familyfriendlyconcertsandfoodtrucksin MillvilleatEvansPark.July22,August5& 19,September2,16&30from6-8pm. FreemanArtsPavilion: Anoutdoor performancevenuewithover60performancesayear.Foreventsandtickets,visit freemanarts.org

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

MillsboroConcertsinthePark: BringachairtoCupolaParkformidweek summerconcerts.Tuesdays(June-August) &July2,6-8pm.

MusicattheMillSummerConcertSeries: Livemusicandfoodtrucks atAbbott’sMillinMilford.5-7:30pmonJuly 9,August13,andSeptember10.

OceanViewSummerConcerts: GatheratJohnWestParkfrom5-8pmon June25,July9&23,August13&27,and September3.

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

SummerconcertsatHoltsLandingStatePark: Tuesdaysat6pm,June

23—August11.

MoviesandBonfiresontheBeach:

BethanyBeachMovies: Mondays ontheBandstandatduskfromJune-August.

DeweyBonfiresontheBeach: Wednesdaysat7pm,June—Augustonthe beachatDagsworthyAvenue.

DeweyMoviesontheBeach: Mondaysat8:30pm,June—Augustonthe beach atDagsworthyAvenue.

FenwickFlicks: Familyfriendly moviesonBayardStreetBeachat8pm, June19,July17,andAugust14.

FenwickIslandTownBonfire: Games,dancing,rafflesandmore.7-10pm, July18,atBayardStreetBeach.

Taste Tradition &

Longbeforethebeachesbecamemajor touristdestinations,SussexCountywasheavily agricultural.Familyfarmsproducedcorn, tomatoes,peaches,watermelon,beans,and poultry.TakeadrivethroughinlandDelaware, andyou’llseemilesofthesecropsstillgrowing today,alongsideanabundanceofchicken farms.

hitsyou,andyoufindyourselfstandinginline foryourfirsttasteofsummer.Maybeit’sa saltybucketofboardwalkfries,thesweet tangofice-coldlemonade,orasugar-dusted

savoryboardwalkflavorsandtheresounding crackofacrabmallet,CoastalDelaware’sfood sceneisdeeplytiedtothebeach,thebays, summertourism,andMid-Atlanticcomfort foodtraditions.

Regardingthatlastfact,oursmall,threecountystatecurrentlyranks#10inthecountry forchickenproduction,accordingtotheWorld PopulationReview.ThehistorybehindSussex County’spoultryindustrybeginswithone OceanViewwoman,CeciliaSteele,in1923,who waserroneouslysent500chickensinsteadof heroriginalorderof50fromaDagsboro hatchery.Shedecidedtoraiseall500andsell theirmeatforalucrativeprofit.Ashort5years latersawover500growersintheregion,and processingplantsbegananother5yearsafter that.DuringtheSecondWorldWar,redmeat washeavilyrationedformilitaryuse,andanationalcampaignpromotedtheconsumptionof fish,fruits,vegetables,and,that’sright,poultry. Delawareansrosetothechallengeandbythe endof1942wereproducing102millionchickensperyear.Today,Delaware’spoultryindustry isvaluedataround$1.60billion.

AstourismgrewafterWorldWarII, restaurantsbegancombininglocalfarmproductswithseafoodtraditions.Thatblendof agricultureandcoastalcookingstilldefinesthe foodcultureofcoastalDelawaretodayandhas

Continuedonpage56

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto|

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto|

esortst R ough the Quie y thr our cling t y y ond on a c s, e the beaches, ba Bik

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e the beach is the back wher w Shop the juried art sho ybeachartsfestiv bethanybeachartsfestiv

earnedtheregionalmonikeroftheCulinary Coast™(designatedbySouthernDelaware Tourism).

TheFirstFishermen

Centuriesbeforetheboardwalksand beachumbrellas,SussexCountywasdefinedby thewater.Thetidalcreeks,inlandbays,and broadexpanseofDelawareBaythatcarve throughthecounty’seasternedgehavesustainedhumanlifeforthousandsofyears.First forIndigenouspeoples,thenforEuropean

colonists,andeventuallyforgenerations ofcommercialwatermenwhoseidentity andlivelihoodwereinseparablefromthe rhythmsofthesea.

ThestoryoffishinginSussexCounty beginswiththeNanticokepeople,whooccupiedthesouthernregionsofDelaware, particularlyalongtheNanticokeRiver,and wereskilledhunters,fishermen,and traders,relyingheavilyontheregion’swaterwaysfortransportationandsustenance.Farin advanceofEuropeancontact,thesecommunitieshadmasteredtheabundanceofthemidAtlanticcoast.Thearea’searliestNative Americansfeastedonoystersandusedtheir shellsineverydaylife,suchastomakejewelry, spoons,bowls,andmore,asevidencedbydisplaysattheNanticokeIndianMuseumnear Millsboro.

Thebayanditstributarieswerenotmerely afoodsource,buttheorganizingprincipleoflife onthelowerDelmarvaPeninsula,andthefish-

ingknowledgetheNanticokeandLenapecultivatedwouldquietlyshapethepracticesofevery watermanwhofollowedthem.

EuropeanengagementwithSussex County’swatersbeganinearnestin1631,when theDutchWestIndiaCompanyestablished Delaware’sfirstEuropeansettlementnear present-dayLewes—asettlementknownas Zwaanendael,meaning“SwanValley,”intendedto promotewhalingandtrade.Thoughthatfirst colonywasshort-lived,thetownofLewes eventuallytookrootandgrewintosomething remarkable.Overthecenturies,thetownbecameoneofthelargestfishingportsinthe country,withatraditionofboatbuildingand seafaringthatstretchesbackoverthreecenturies.

Fuelingmuchofthatearlymaritimeeconomywasanunassuming,oily,inediblefish:the menhaden.Themenhadenprovidedoilforcolonialstreetlampsandmuchofthecolonialeconomybeforethewhaleoilindustrytookoffin

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| R.ChrisClark

lopeneachspringtotheaquaculturepioneersnowgrowingoystersintheBroadkill River,tothechartercaptainsrunning bluefishandfloundertripsoutofLewes andDeweyBeach,theconnectiontothe waterremainsvisceralanddefining.The growthoftheLewes-RehobothCanaland RooseveltInletin1935helpedmakethe areawell-knownasafishingdestination,one thatcontinuestodrawanglersfromacross theMid-Atlantic.

Beforerefrigerationandhighway tourism,manyseafooddisheswerehyperlocalbecausetheydependedonthedailycatch. Friedplattersandoysterhousesbecameespeciallypopularduringthemid-20th-century beachtourismboom.Today,summerrestaurantsleanheavilyintodock-to-tablemenus featuringoysters,clams,Rockfish,Flounder, Tuna,shrimpbaskets,andseafoodplatters.

Delaware’sMost DebatedBreakfast

Loveitorleaveit,scrappleisaDelmarva staplewithPennsylvaniaDutchroots.Grayand unassuminginitsbrick-shapedloaf,crackling andgoldeninthepan,ithasfedfarmworkers, watermen,andfamiliesacrossthelowerDelmarvaPeninsulaforgenerations.TounderstandscrappleinSussexCountyisto understandthelanditself:itsGermanimmigrantroots,itshog-farmingheritage,andthe stubborn,sensibleprincipleofwastingnothing. Itisbelievedtherecipewasbroughtto

themid-AtlanticregionbyGermanimmigrants,whichiswhyit’slinkedtoPennsylvaniaDutchcuisine.Thecounty’sflat,fertile landwaswell-suitedtohogfarming,and theannualhogbutchering(acommunal autumnritualonfarmsteadsacrossthe region)waswherescrapplewasbornout ofnecessity.Oftendescribedinflavorasa crossbetweensausageandpâté,pork scrapsweremixedwithcornmealandspices suchassageandsavory,thenformedinto loavesforslicingandfrying.Today,scrapple recipescanalsoincludeversionswithturkey, beef,andbacon.

ItspreadthroughoutDelmarvaduetothe region’sstrongfarmingandpoultry-processingindustries.Tothisday,itremainsanostalgic dinerbreakfastfoodacrossDelaware.Fortrue scrappledie-hards,avisittotheRAPAScrapplefactory,establishedin1926inBridgeville, DE,isamust-stopalongthewaywhentravel-

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JaclynVernace |iStock/GettyImagesPlus

Gardens, Nature Centers, and Animal Parks

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto|RayBojarski DelawareBotanicGardens

Continuedfrompage61

Editor’sPick v DelawareBotanicGardens: Meander throughworld-classgardensanddiscovera naturalforestandmythicalcreatureshidden alongthewalkingtrail.

•Abbott’sMillNatureCenter –Milford delawarenaturesociety.org

•BethanyBeachNatureCenter townofbethanybeach.com/397/Nature-Center •CoastalWilds –Frankford coastalwilds.org

•DelawareBotanicGardens –Dagsboro delawaregardens.org

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

•LavenderFieldsatWarringtonManor –Milton |lavenderfieldsde.com

•MillPondGarden –Lewes millpondgarden.com

•SeasideNatureCenter –Lewes destateparks.com/Centers/SeasideNatureCenter

•SussexCountyMasterGardeners DemonstrationGarden –Georgetown udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperativeextension/environmental-stewardship/master-

DiscoverSeaShipwreck Museumpreserves maritimehistory

ByMikeStern |StaffReporter

Thewonderofthe seacomesalive witheachartifact ondisplay.

VisitorstotheDiscoverSeaShipwreck Museumat708CoastalHighway,onthe secondflooraboveSeaShellCity,inFenwick Islandcanenjoyajourneyintomaritimehistory.Thevisitwillincludeaglimpseintothe

depthsofvariousbodiesofwaterwaysand acollectionoftreasuresfromthesea.

Themorethan10,000artifactsinthe 1,000-square-footfacilityincludecoins, shipbells,weaponryandamyriadofother compellingitemsthathavebeenrecovered fromshipwrecks.Theseartifactsprovidea connectiontocenturiesofmaritimeheroics, disastersanddiscoveries.

Whileagreatdealoftheitemsrange fromthe1400stothe1700s,thereareother artifactsthataremorerecent,including thosefromtheTitanicandtheEdmund Fitzgerald.

Mostoftheitemsondisplayhavebeen obtainedduringdivesbythemuseum’s maritimearchaeologist,owneranddirector, DaleClifton.

Recentvisitorswereimpressedwith theexperienceofholdingrealgoldbars fromthetreasureship,theAtocha. ThemuseumwasopenedbyCliftonin Julyof1995,withthegoalofrecoveringand preservingmaritimeheritage. Admissiontoindividualsandsmall groupsisfreebutdonationsareaccepted. Tour-buspatronsarecharged$5perperson.

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto|MikeStern

Visitorscanchoosetotourthefacility ontheirownorpurchaseaspecifictypeof lecturedeliveredbyCliftonthatwillinclude perusingitemsfromthemuseum’svault.

Moreinformationaboutmanyartifacts isavailablebyactivatingaQRcodewitha cellphonetoprovidebriefverbalpresentations.

Anever-changingexhibit

TheDiscoverSeaShipwreckMuseumis anever-changingexhibitthatexpandsand diversifieswiththeacquisitionsofnewartifactsastheyarerecovered.Thecollection ofshipwreckandrecoveredartifactsisone ofthelargestintheMid-Atlanticregion.

Repeatvisitorswillfindthatthemuseumprovidesfrequentlychangingexhibits fromvariousregionsandaroundtheworld thatexpandanddiversifywiththeacquisitionofnewartifactsastheyarerecovered.

Approximately80percentoftheartifactsarerotatedthroughoutmuseumexhibitsaroundtheworld.Thelong-rangegoal istoexpandthefacilitytoexhibittheentire collectionatonelocation.

“Thisisonlyabout10percentofmy collection,”saidClifton.“Wehavethings loanedtomuseumsallovertheworld.Butif Ifindsomethingononeofmydives,it comesrightheretothemuseumfirst.”

TheFenwickmuseum,whichdoesnot receivestateorfederalgrantsandis fundedbyownercontributionsandpublic donations,isanessentialvisitforanyone fascinatedbytheocean’sepicstories.

Agift fromthesea

Cliftonrecalledholdingthesmallblackeneddiscfromthesandandgentlyrubbing itssurface.Lookingbackathimwasthe imageofKingGeorgeIIIofEngland.

Hehadjustfoundhisfirsttreasure.It

wasthestuffdreamsaremadeof,herecalled.Hewasholdingalegendarycoin,and heknewthatthelastpersontohave touchedithaddiedmorethan195yearsbefore,aroundSept.1,1785.Itwastrulyagift fromthesea.

Clifton’sintroductiontotheuniqueand fascinatingworldofthismaritimeheritage occurredin1979andchangedhislifeforever.Hesuddenlyrealizedthathehad shakenhandswithhistory.Healsowas challengedwiththetaskofpreservingthe artifact,aswellassharingitsstorywith others.

“Overthepast40years,Ihavehadthe uniquethrillofresearchingandrecovering artifactsfromshipwrecksandcolonialsites aroundtheworld,”hesaid.“Eachofthe thousandsofartifactsthatIhaverecovered hasastorytotell.Bystudyingtheseartifacts,wecangetanoverviewofwhatlife waslikecenturiesago.Bystudyingthepast,

wecanbettercopewiththepresent.By teachingthepast,weopendoorstothefuture.Throughtheseexhibits,Ifeelthatthe artifactscanfinallytelltheirstories.Ihope thateveryonewholeavestheDiscoverSea museumwillleavewithabetterunderstandingofourgreatmaritimeheritage.”

Sharingknowledgegained fromfindings

DaleCliftonsaidDiscoverSea’sfirst responsibilityistoadvanceanunderstandingandappreciationofthenaturalandculturalcommonwealthofitscollections througheducation.Oneofthemuseum’s goalsistoteachandsharetheknowledge thathasbeengainedthroughitsfindings. Thisincludestheimportanceofproperarchaeologyandhowitaffectstheknowledge ofanysea.

todateisagoldchainthatwasonitswayto thequeenofSpainbeforeitsankona SpanishgalleonofftheFloridacoastina 1622hurricane.Thatgalleonwasfoundin 1985,aftera16-yearquest.Itheldanestimated$538millioningold,silverandgems, muchofwhichformedpartofthemuseum’s initialcollection.

MuseumhoursinMayandJuneare SaturdayandSunday,11a.m.to3p.m.Hours fromJuly3throughAug.11areThursday throughTuesdayfrom11a.m.to4p.m.SeptemberhoursareThursdaythroughTuesday,11a.m.3p.m.OctoberandNovember hoursareSaturdayandSunday,11a.m.to3 p.m.

Formoreinformation,callthemuseum (302)539-9366orvisit www.discoversea.com.

Amongtheoldestitemsatthemuseum

sootheitandpreventthelonger-term swelling.Later,antihistaminesandhydrocortisonecaneaseitching.Acoldcompress cansoothetheskin.

Jellyfish

Whatjellyfishlackinbrains,hearts, bonesandlungs,theymakeupforinadecentralizednervoussystemthatidentified changesinlightandtide.Andtheyalsosting likeason-of-a-gun.

JellyfishdoappearinDelawareocean watersanditsinlandbays,pickingupinconcentrationwhentemperaturesareattheir highest.Ofcourse,climatechangehasbrought abouthottersummers,sojellyfishhavebeena biggernuisanceearlieronintheyear.

“Warmer-than-averageoceantemperatures,combinedwithfavorableweatherconditions,havecreatedanidealenvironmentfor jellyfish,”DNREC’sCapt.BaileyNoelsaidduring theJuly2025surge.

“Theygowiththeflowofthewater,soif wegetanonshorewind,theywillgetpushedto shore.Ifwegetmoreofawestwind,theyget pushedout.Theygowiththeflowofthewater,” BethanyBeachPatrolCapt.JoeDonnellyhas said.

Jellyfishtentacleshavethousandsoftiny, barbedstingerscontainingvenom.Brushing againstatentaclereleasesthosestingersinto yourskin.

Rememberthatjellyfishstingerscanstill betriggeredwhenthey’vewasheduponthe beach.

Topreventstings,avoidtheoceanonhigh jellyfishcountdays.

“Manyclammerswearquick-dryingnylon pants,etc.,thatcoverskin,”saidtheCIB’sBob Collins.Rashguardsorswimshirtscanhelp protectthetorso.

“Ifaswimmerisstung,theyshouldexit thewaterimmediately,”Noelsaid.“Gentlyremoveanyvisibletentaclesorstingersusinga

Ana-MariaVladmirova| iStock/GetttyImagesPlus JellyfishlikethesearefoundinDelawareocean wateranditsinlandbays.

pairoftweezers,ifpossible.Rinsetheaffected areawithhotwater.Asolutionofvinegarand waterisalsocommonlyusedtohelpneutralize thestingandproviderelief.Cometalktoyour lifeguardsabouthavingbeenstungoryour concernsaboutjellyfishinthearea.”

Andno—urineisnotrecommendedasa treatmentforjellyfishstings,anditcouldeven worsenthepain.Instead,considerbringinga smallbottleofvinegaronbeachdays,forquick treatmentifsomeoneisstung.Meattenderizer isalsosaidtorelievepain(especiallyabrand thatincludesthepapainenzyme,suchas Adolph’sOriginalUnseasonedTenderizer).You cantryeasingthepainbypilingsandonthe area,orawarmtowel.Mostpeoplestarttofeel betterabout15minutesafterbeingstung.

Butifyou’restunginthefaceorneck, seekmedicalhelpquickly.

Seabather’seruption

Seabather’seruptionistherashcaused bytinycrittersthatgetstuckinyourswimsuit, thenpinch,stinganditchyoutodistraction. Typically,they’relarvaeofjellyfish,sea anemonesorbluecrabs.Sincethey’retranslucentandonlyaboutamillimeterlong,it’simpossibletoseethemintheocean—andnot alwayseasytospotinyourswimsuit.

LarvaelikethisonlyappearoccasionallyinDelaware,sincetheymovewithtime andtide.(Thesepeskycreaturesaresometimesnicknamed“sealice,”butthatisactuallyaseparatemarineparasitespeciesthat attachestofish.)

“Whentheselarvaearetrappedbetweenthebathingsuitandtheskin,the frictioncausesthestingingstructures, knownasnematocysts,toinjectasmall amountofvenomintotheskin,”accordingto theNewJerseyDepartmentofEnvironmentalProtection.“Swimmerscanalsoencountercrablarvaethatpinchtheskin; however,crablarvaedonothavenematocysts, andafterremovingthelarvae,thereisnolastingrash.”

Theskinwilldevelopitchyredspotsor raisedbumps,whichlastuptoaweekortwo. Flu-likesymptomsariseinasmallpercentage ofcases.Theirritationbecomesapparentafter aswimmerleavestheocean,withdampclothingrubbingagainsttheirskin.

Unfortunately,rinsingyourbodywith freshwaterwhilestillwearingthebathingsuit typicallyjustirritatesthetrappedcritters,which canreleasemorevenom,causingyoumore discomfort.Theonlyreliefistochangeoutof theswimsuitassoonaspossible,showerwith freshwatertoremovethelarvae,andwash bathingsuitswithdetergentandusemildheat todrythem.(Ifyouhaveaseverereaction,just throwoutyourswimsuitaltogether.)

Ifyou’vehadahistoryofaseverereactionanddohearaboutanoceanoutbreak,stay outofthewater.Symptomsmaybetreatedat homewithhydrocortisonecream,calaminelotion,antihistaminesoranti-inflammatorymedicines,suchasibuprofen.Healthcareproviders canprescribecortisoneorstrongeranti-itch treatmentsifneeded.Avoidscratching!

Stingraysandskates

Theseflatfishareonlyaconcernifyou accidentlysteponthemintheoceanorbay.

“Justshuffleyourfeet,andthemovement willscarethemaway,”saidOchsattheCIB.

Skateshaveashortertail,withsome spikesorthorns,whichmerelysmartsifyou steponthem.Stingrayshaveajaggedandvenomousbarbontheirwhipliketail,whichthey canuseinastabbingattackifstartled.

Intherareinstancesomeoneisinjured, cleananddisinfecttheopenwoundimmediately.Soakingthewoundinhotwaterissaidto reducethevenom’stoxicityandreducethepain.

Seekprofessionaltreatmenttoprevent infection(especiallyifanybarbsremainembedded)orifyouexperienceadditionalsymptoms,suchasheadache,nausea,fainting, abnormalheartrhythmorseizures.

Snakes

Snakesgivealotofpeoplethewillies,but thesereptilesareusuallyevenmoreafraidof you.Delawareishometo19snakespecies,but amongthem,onlytheEasterncopperhead snakeisvenomous.

“Inadditiontotheircopper-coloredhead andcat-likeverticalpupils,thecopperheadis theonlyspeciesofsnakeinDelawarethathas darkhourglass-shapedcrossbandsthatare narrowestatthecenterofthebackandwider atthebelly,”accordingtoDNREC.

Thecopperheadandothersnakesmay biteasadefensivemove.Butonlythecopperheadhasanoptionofusingvenominthatbite (althoughitmayalsochoosetosavethatresourceforcapturingprey).

Althoughbitesareuncommon,thevenom cancauseseveretissuedamage,soanyonebit byacopperheadshouldseekmedicalassistanceimmediately.(Ifpossible,grabaphotoof thesnaketobetterensurecorrectidentificationandtreatment.)

Snakeslookforeasyshelter,foodand comfortabletemperatures,soDNRECoffered thesetipstoavoidinteractingwiththem:Avoid feedingpetsoutside(whichcanattractmice

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andwildlife,andtherefore,snakes).Keep woodandkindlingstackedneatlyand awayfromthehouse.Ifyouencountera snake,youcantrysprayingtowardit withagardenhosetosafelyencourageit tomoveon.

PerhapstheNationalParkService saysitbest:“Ifyouencounterasnake, leaveitalone.Donotattempttoharassor handleanysnake,andkeepasafedistance.”

Animalsnottofear

Peoplefeartheunknown.Butmost wildlifejustwantstobeleftalone.

“Thebestthingtodoisjustleave thembe,lookatthemfromafar,glance atthem,don’tinteractwiththemortryto getthemtocomeafteryou.Bringyour binoculars,”saidtheCIB’sMagargal.

Horseshoecrabsareonlyadangerif

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| CDC/PublicDomain Copperheadsnakesaretheonlyvenomoussnakes inDelaware.

they’realreadydeadandyoucutyourfootona dried-outshell.Theirpointedtaildoesnotsting,

andtheirsmallclawsdonotpinch.

“Theylookprehistoric,sopeople wouldthinkthey’dscurryafteryouor biteyouquick…buttheydon’t.They’re veryslowanddocile,”saidMagargal. Foxes,deerandothermammalsare generallynotaggressive.

Seagullsareanuisancebecause they’reusedtoscavengingfoodatthe beach.Don’tbethevacationerwhooffersthemfood,causingaswarmonyour familyandthepeoplearoundyou.Keep yourfoodclosed,andyellatcuriousbirds toscatterthem.

Alwayskeepyourdistancefrom oceananimalsthatwashuporhaulout ontotheshore(includingseals,seaturtles,whales,dolphinsormanatees),and reportthemtotheMarineEducation,Research&RehabilitationInstitute(MERR) strandinghotlineat(302)228-5029.

Festivals,Fairs &SeasonalFun

familyfestivalstofireworksand foodiefavorites,thecoaststays livelyallsummerlong.Markyour calendarandjointhecelebration.

June

WestSideCreativeMarket– Mondays &FridaysthroughLaborDay,5–9pm|Rehoboth.Localart,handmadegoods,live music,foodtrucks&craftcocktails.

OldTimers’DayClassicCar&Family Festival– June20.Vintagecars,music, beergarden,artisans&familyactivities. oldtimersdayde.com

Lavender&LambsFestival– June27, 9-4pm|BrittinghamFarms.Farmtours, demos,tastings,photoops,picnics&live music.brittinghamfarms.com

RunningoftheBull– June27,9am| DeweyBeach.AlegendaryDeweytradition withlivemusic,drinks&thebullrun.

2–9pm.Entertainment,foodtrucks&fireworks.millsborochamber.com

July

FourthofJulyCelebrations

BethanyBeach– Parade,entertainment&fireworks|July3,12pm&July4, 7:30pm.townofbethanybeach.com

Lewes– Games,parades&fireworks atdusk|July4,9am.leweschamber.com

Delaw

RehobothBeach– Bandstandentertainment&fireworks|July5,8-10pm. cityofrehoboth.com

MillvilleBoardwalkHotDogEating Contest– July4,12pm.Thearea’spremier hotdogshowdown—freehotdogsfor spectators!millvilleboardwalk.com

LewesAntiques&HomeDécorShow–July10–11,9am.Qualityantiques,art,jewelry&décor.bethellewes.org

FreemanArtsFamilyFunFest– July 15,3pm.Performances,hands-onart,face painting&eco-friendlyfun. freemanarts.org

RehobothBeachPrideFestival– July 18,9am.Vendors,entertainment,food& communitycelebration.sussexpride.org

August

RehobothOutdoorArtShow– Aug1-2 &8–9,10am.Fineart,livemusic&demonstrations.rehobothartleague.org

ZAPPRO/AMSkimboardingChampionships– Aug7–9,9am|DeweyBeach. Elitecompetition,livemusic&beachchill zone.alleyoopskim.com

Arts&JazzFestival– Aug18,4pm| FreemanArtsPavilion.Visualartstrollsand world-classjazzperformances. freemanarts.org

September

BethanyBeachJazzFuneral– Sept7. Alively,theatricalfarewelltosummer. jazz-funeral.com

BethanyBeachBoardwalkArtsFestival– Sept12,10am.Over100juriedartists acrossmultiplemediums. bethanybeachartsfestival.com

NanticokeIndianPowwow– Datesnot yetsetinSept.|Milton.Traditionalmusic, dance,crafts&food.nanticokeindians.org

IndianRiverMarinaAutumnArtFestival– Sept19,10am.Localart,games, music &familyfun.destateparks.com

DelawareSeafoodFestival– Sept19, 11am|Rehoboth.Seafood,craftvendors, contests,kids’zone&more. delawareseafoodfestival.com

MaximaHispanicFestival– Sept20, 11am|Georgetown.Music,dance,cultural arts&authenticcuisine. hispanicfest.festivalhispano.org

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto| LauraWalter The4thofJulyfireworksexplodeover Millsboroduringlastyearsfestivities.

Historical Attractions& Museums

v BethanyBeachDinker-IrvinMuseum: OpenMondays,Wednesdays,andFridays, JunethruSeptember10am-12pm. townofbethanybeach.com/110/Town-Museum

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

v DiscoverseaShipwreckMuseum: Open SaturdayandSunday11am-3pminJune, ThursdaythroughTuesday11am-4pminJuly andAugust,andThursdaythroughTuesday 11am-3pminSeptember. discoversea.com

v Ft.MilesMuseum: OpenSaturday&Sunday, 10am-4pm. fortmilesha.org

v LifeSavingStations

•LewesLife-SavingStation: HoursVary historiclewes.org

•IndianRiverLife-SavingStation: Open8am-4pmMondaythroughSaturday, 8am-3pmonSundays. destateparks.com/centers/irlifesavingstation

v LewesHistoricalSociety(MainCampus) &HistoryMuseum: TheCampusisopen 10am-4pmWednesdaythroughSaturday.The MuseumisopenFriday&Saturday10-4. historiclewes.org

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

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

v NanticokeIndianMuseum: OpenTuesday throughSaturday,10am-4pm. nanticokeindians.org/locations/nanticoke-indianmuseum

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

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

v SeafordMuseum: Thursday,Friday,and Saturday1:00pm–4:00pm seafordhistoricalsociety.com

v SelbyvilleMuseum: ThirdSaturdayofeach monthuntilOctober.10am-2pm selbyvillehistoricalsociety.org

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

Annuals

Succulents

Mulch

Birdhouses

Local

INLAND BAYS GARDEN CENTER Local Color: Art Galleries

Takeinortakehomea pieceofCoastal Delawarethroughthe workoflocaland regionalartists.From contemporarygalleries tocooperative spacesandlongtime institutions,thesestops offerasnapshotofthe area’screativescene.

Editor’sPick

v RehobothArtLeague: Multiplegalleries, rotatingexhibitions,andastrongshowcaseof memberartists.

BethanyBeach

v BethanyFineArtsGallery: Photographyand printmakingbyMichaelOrhelein. bethanyfinearts.com

OceanView

v AntiquePrints,Inc.: Raremaps,vintage prints,oilpaintings,andcustomframing. antiqueprintsinc.com

v EllenRiceStudioandGallery: Workbyone oftheEastCoast’smostcollectedartists. ellenrice.gallery

v GalleryOne: Originalartandartisancrafts featuring22+localartists. galleryonede.com

RehobothBeach

v DamonPlaFineArts: Landscapeandsurreal acrylicsinspiredbymusicandlate-daylight. damonpla.com

v Gallery50: Contemporaryartgalleryandfullserviceframeshop. gallery50art.com

v RehobothArtLeague: Multiplegalleriesfeaturingrotatingexhibitionsandmemberartwork. rehobothartleague.org

Lewes

v AbraxasStudioofArt: Seascapes,landscapes,stilllifes,andportraitsinoiland graphite. abraxasart.com

v CapeArtistsGallery: Cooperativegallery showcasingworkbylocalmemberartists. capeartists.org

v PeninsulaGallery: OneofDelaware’slargest fine artgalleries.. peninsula-gallery.com

Milford

v Gallery37: Adestinationforartfullivingand curatedexhibitions. facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057435221476

v MispillionArtLeague: Exhibits,education, andprogramssupportingthevisualarts. mispillionarts.org

v JohnDonatoArt: Whimsicalartandcreative empowerment johndonatoart.com

v SabiewarePottery: Handmadegiftsand homedecor. justsabie@gmail.com

Clarksville

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto|MarciaReed

“Whentheownerwantedtoopenasecondlocation,theychoseBerlin,”saidWells,notingthebusiness’sexpansionbackin2017.The creamery,whichwasnamedthe“BestIce CreamPlaceinAmerica”byUSATodayin2023, isknownforitsall-natural,locally-madeice creamwithcreativeflavorsinspiredbylocal fruitfarmers.

Ahavenforthearts

andbakeries,suchasTheGlobeandBaked DessertCafe;onthesidesofbuildings,such asthemuralcelebratinggospelmusiccomposerandBerlinnativetheRev.CharlesAlbert TindleyonCommerceStreet;andinshops downtownintheformofblown-glassjewelry anddécoratBeachMemoriesGlassStudioor JeffreyAuxerDesigns.

Itcanevenbefoundinsecretlocations acrosstown,throughtheBerlinBubbleProject,aninitiativethatencouragesvisitorsto explorehistoricdowntownBerlintodiscover hiddenhand-blownglassstarfish—which theluckyfindergetstokeep.

ingclassesforchildrenandadultstolearn howtocreatetheirownhandblownglassornamentsorstarfishesthroughoutthesummer.

Theart studioColorfulEncountersoffersavarietyofartexperiences,including guidedartworkshopsforbeginnerswho wanttolearndifferentartisticmediums,or creativewellnesssessionsforthosewho wanttofocusonself-expressionandrelaxation.

Embracingthephilosophythatfineart shouldn’tbeconfinedtothebasicfourwalls ofatraditionalartgallery,butratherexperiencedinthespaceswherepeoplespendtheir dailylives,localfineart canbediscovered aroundeverycornerofBerlin.

Forvisitorswhoareshortontime,the shopalsooffersgrab-and-goartkitsthat featureallthesuppliesneededtotacklean art projectathome.Toregisterforclassesor learnmoreabouttheirofferings,visit www.jeffreyauxer.comorwww.colorfulencounters.com. Continuedfrompage40

It’sspottedingalleriesinrestaurants

Aftershoppingtheglassdesignsorappreciatingthefineart aroundtown,visitorsto Berlincanalsogetintouchwiththeirown artisticside.

JeffreyAuxerDesignsoffersglassblow-

ingtothecoastfromthewest.Orwaituntilthe secondweekendinOctoberandattendthe AppleScrappleFestival.

CoastalFlavor,LocallyGrown

Inthesummermonths,roadsideproducestandsappearalongbackroadsand highways,overflowingwithjust-pickedcorn andsun-ripenedtomatoesharvestedonly milesfromthecoast.Atthesametime, seafoodmarketsunloadthedailycatchfrom theAtlanticandinlandbayswithbluecrabs, oysters,clams,flounder,androckfishthat oftenreachrestaurantkitchensthevery sameday.

Theresultisadistinctlycoastal Delawarestyleofdining:localseafoodpaired withpeak-seasonproduceinwaysthatfeel deeplyrootedinintentionality.Summermenus throughoutRehobothBeach,BethanyBeach, andLewesoftenhighlightcrabalongside

sweetcornsuccotash,freshtomatosalads servedwithoysters,orgrilledlocalfishpaired withpeachesandherbsfromnearbyfarms.

Unlikemanycoastaldestinationsthat relyheavilyonimportedingredientsduring touristseason,Delaware’sbeachesbenefit frombeingsurroundedbyoneoftheMid-Atlantic’srichestagriculturalregions.That proximityallowsrestaurants,seafoodshacks, andfarmmarketsaliketocelebrateingredi-

entsthatareunmistakablylocalandseasonal.

Today,chefsacrosscoastalDelaware continuetobuildonthattradition,blending farm-to-tablecookingwiththeregion’s longstandingmaritimeheritage.Thecombinationhascreatedafoodidentitythatfeels uniquelyDelmarva,wheredocksideseafood androadsideproducestandsareequallyessentialpartsofsummeralongthecoast.

Farmers’Markets

Fresh-pickedproduce, bakedgoods,seafood, meats,eggs,andmore! Findtheseason’sbestat theselocalmarkets.Hours andvendorsvarybyweek.

BethanyBeachFarmers’Market OnthecornerofGarfieldPkwyand PennsylvaniaAve.

BethanyBeach,DE

Sundays:8am-noon

FenwickIslandFarmers’Market 1406CoastalHwy

FenwickIsland,DE

Fridays:8am-noon

HistoricLewesFarmers’ Marketlocations

GeorgeH.P.SmithPark Lewes,DE Saturdays:8am-noon

CrookedHammockWayandKingsHighway Lewes,DE Wednesdays:8am-11:30pm

MillsboroFarmers’Market

322WilsonHwy Millsboro,DE Saturdays:8am-noon

MiltonBroadkillFarmers’Market

MiltonHistoricalSociety Milton,DE

Fridays:3:30pm-6:00pm

RehobothBeachFarmers’Market GrovePark

RehobothBeach,DE Tuesdays:10am-2pm

RiverwalkFarmers’Market DowntownMilford DowntownMilford,DE Saturdays:9am-1pm

SeaColonyFarmers’Market Rt.1atSeaColony 33546MarketPlace

BethanyBeach,DE

Wednesdays:8am-noon

“MostlyIjustliketheaquapieces,and thedifferentshadesofgreen.Andpirate glass.Icanpickitout,andI’vefoundbig chunksofit.Youstartthinkingabouthowold itis,”shesaid.

“That’spartofthefunofwalkingthe beach—youneverknowwhat’sgoingto washup.”

BothBarrowsandDurachkoaremembersofaFacebookgroupcalledSeaglass HuntersofDelaware.Anothermember,Laura SchwartzofOceanView,saidherchildhood summersspentathergrandparents’home onLongBeachIsland,N.J.,werewhereher loveofbeachcombingblossomed.

“Mygrandmotheristheonewhostarted myloveofseaglassandallthingsocean,” Schwartzsaid.“It’sdefinitelyherfaultthatI amaseaglasshunter.”

“Ifthereisabodyofwater,Iwillbe

lookingforseaglass,”shesaid.“Ijustlovethe differentshapes,theshades,”butasagraduateofRutgersUniversitywithadegreein history,“Ilovethataspectofit.”

Schwartz saidoneofherfavoriterecentfindswasaclearpiecewithredwording onit.

“Youcouldkindofmakeoutsomeofthe wording—‘BytheSea,’”shesaid.Shetooka photographofthepieceanddidasearchonline.“‘Whatisthis?’Itspitbackoutthatitwas fromtheRehobothBayDairyBytheSea.”

Shethenfoundabottlefromthedairy similartoherpieceofseaglassandpurchasedit.

“It’sthiscoolpieceofhistorythatIwasn’texpectingtofind,”shesaid.

Asamotherofyoungchildren,Schwartz saidher“hunts”areusuallylimitedtoquick beachtripswhileherchildrenareinschool. Shesaidsheoftenwalksthebeachwitha friendinthemornings.

Celebrating 50 Years!

“It’ssomethingfuntodo.You’regetting exercise.I’vefoundthatIdon’tgointhesummerwhenthetouristsareallhere.Ilove goinginthewinter.It’sthiseerie,amazing feeling.It’sverycalmingandpeaceful.Freezingcold,butit’ssomuchfun.”

In“PureSeaGlass,”LaMottewritesthat timingcanbecrucialtosuccessfulbeach glasshunts.“Aprimetimetosearchforseaglassisduringthefirstapproachinglowtide followingastormthathadon-shorewindsof atleast15to20knots,”

Schwartz saidshehasfound,inwalking thebeachesinDelawareforthepastfive years,theuniquerhythmsoftheseaare fascinating.

“Youseehowthecoastlinechanges, howitfixesitself.Younoticethecurrentsand thewinds…allthesethings.”

Seaglass,Schwartzsaid,asaproductof allofthosenaturalforces,“isjustagiftthat theoceangivesyou.”

Drink Local

DeweyBeach

n 38-75Brewing 3875brewing.com

n DeweyBeerCompany deweybeerco.com

Frankford

n SaltedVinesVineyard&Winery saltedvines.com Georgetown

n RevelationCraftBrewingCo revbeer.com

n BigOysterBrewery bigoysterbrewery.com

n CrookedHammockBrewery crookedhammockbrewery.com

n DogPirateBeerCompany dogpiratebeer.com

n LewesBrewingCo. lewesbrewing.com

n NassauValleyVineyards–Winery nassauvalley.com

Millsboro

n BrickWorksBrewing&Eats brickworksmillsboro.com

Milton

n DogfishHeadCraftBrewery dogfish.com

n TheBrimmingHornMeadery brimminghornmeadery.com

n TwinBranchWinery twinbranchwinery.com

OceanView

n OceanViewBrewingCo. oceanviewbrewingde.com

n BethanyBrewing bethanybrewing.net

RehobothBeach

n RevelationCraftBrewingCo. revbeer.com

n ThompsonIslandBrewingCo. thompsonislandbrewing.com

SafeTravels

Exploreresponsibly:leave thedrivingtothepros.

n AtlanticTransportationServices

302-644-6999

n CoastalLimousines

410-723-5466

n BlackPearlPiratePartyBus

302-569-2273

n JollyTrolley

302-644-0400

n BethanyBeachRiders

302-258-4101

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto|RichardFemiano

KidsAtHeart

Beachdaysmaystealthe spotlight,butcoastal Delawareispackedwith off-the-sandfunfor kidsofeveryage—and adultswhorefuseto growup.Fromclassic boardwalkarcadesand high-energytrampoline parkstogo-karts, waterparks,andeven axethrowing,these attractionsareperfect forburningoffenergy, coolingdown,ormixing upyourbeachroutine.

ExploreCoastalDelawarephoto|Submitted

v AltitudeTrampolinePark: Jump,flip,andfly atthishigh-energytrampolinepark. altitudedelmar.com

v ShellWeBounce: Inflatablefunandactive playforyoungerkids. shellwebounce.com

v Captain’sQuarters: Aclassicbeacharcade experience. captainsquartersde.com

v ShoreFun: Games,prizes,andboardwalkstylefun. shorefunbethany.com

v Zelky’sBeachArcade: Alongtimefavorite forarcadegamesandnostalgia. zelkys.com

v HighTideVR: SouthernDelaware’sonlyvirtual realitygamingcenter hightidevr.com

Bowling,AxeThrowing& TargetSports

v MillsboroLanes: Family-friendlybowlingin Millsboro. millsborobowling.com

v Bryan’sBowlingCenter: Traditionalbowling withalocalfeel. bryansbowling.com

v Lefty’sAlley&Eats: Traditionalbowlingwitha localfeel. iloveleftys.com

v RangeTime: Blowoffsteamatthisindoortargetsportsfacility. range-time.com

Go-Karts,WaterParks& AmusementRides

v VikingGolf&Go-Karts/ThunderLagoon WaterPark: Go-karts,minigolf,andaseasonalwaterpark. fenwickfun.com

v MidwaySpeedwayPark: Racingfunforbig andlittledrivers,plusminigolfandbumper boats. midwayspeedwaypark.com

v JungleJim’sRiverSafariWaterPark (Rehoboth): Delaware’slargestwaterpark. funatjunglejims.com

v Funland: Aclassicamusementparkwithrides andgamesforallages. funlandrehoboth.com

v MillvilleBoardwalk: Stateoftheartelectric gokarts. millvilleboardwalk.com

Motorsports

v GeorgetownSpeedway: High-speedracing actionfordedicatedmotorsportsfans. thegeorgetownspeedway.com

Beach Reads

Yourbraindeservesa beachdaytoo.Fromindie bookstoresandcomic shopstousedbooksand literarygifts,theselocal favoritesmakeiteasyto findyournextgreatread.

Editor’sPick

v TurningPagesBookLounge: Grabacoffee atDriftingGroundsthenbrowsetheTurning PagesBookLoungeandattachedgamestore, Yesterday’sFun.

BethanyBeach

v BethanyBeachBooks: Indiebookstorejust stepsfromtheboardwalk. bethanybeachbooks.com

Selbyville

v Comics&GamingWestFenwick: Premier beach-areacomicshopandgaminghub. facebook.com/ComicsAndGamingWestFenwick

v TheBookDrop: Booksubscriptionheadquarterswithaminibookstore. thebookdrop.com

v TheBookAttic: UsedbookstoreaboveThe BookDrop,poweredbyBethanyBeachBooks. thebookdrop.com

Lewes

v Biblion: Curatedcontemporaryandantiquarian books,stationery,literarygifts,andoriginalart. biblionbooks.com

RehobothBeach

v BrowseaboutBooks: Booksplusafantastic

selectionoftoys,stationery,anduniquegifts. browseaboutbooks.com

OceanView

v TurningPagesBookLounge: Qualityused booksjustminutesfromBethanyBeach. turningpagesbooklounge.com

Milton

v Ogre’sGrove: Localcomicshoppackedwith geekygoodsandcollectibles. ogresgrove.com

Laurel

v TheDollarBookShuffle: Used-bookshop offeringaselectionofpaperbacksandhardcovers. facebook.com/OneDollarbookstore/

a unique opportunity to enjoy some of our

e, Red Cedar Farms of ucked into a peaceful, private setting in s beautiful coastal beaches. d and within easy r om the charm and convenience courts, and community gar with access to a clubhouse, pool, pickleball homeowners can enjoy a r thoughtfully designed community most-loved Schell Br