Rehoboth Beach Local News

Traffic Alerts and Info: Memorial Day through Labor Day avoid travel on mid mornings or early afternoons on Saturdays as this is "Moving In Day" for weekly renters, and traffic is usually very heavy.  If you must travel on Saturday, be in the downtown parking areas by 9:00am.  Avoid leaving Rehoboth Beach late Sunday afternoons, as well as early Monday mornings.  On rainy days, Route 1 is very congested due to outlet shoppers.  Be sure to exercise caution and patience during your travels on Route 1 as there are many last minute lane changes and turns made. For a live traffic update:  Listen to 1380AM on your radio or go to http://www.deldot.gov/Traffic/travel_advisory/#advisories . Live beach traffic cameras:click here.

It's a Law!!! No texting or talking on cell phone unless a Blue-tooth device is used. Must have "hands free".C

Visit, View & Vote: Chamber Again Hosts Scarecrow Show & Trail
     The Rehoboth Beach – Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce is again hosting the Scarecrow Show & Trail for member businesses in the 19971 zip code (Dewey Beach, Downtown Rehoboth Beach and Route One). Everyone is invited to visit, view and vote for their favorite scarecrow this fall. Beginning on Monday, September 13th votes can be submitted through the Chamber’s website at www.beach-fun.com or via paper ballot available at the Chamber’s Admin office (306 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE). All votes that include a valid numbered entry or business name will be accepted until 11 PM on Monday, November 1st. Only one vote may be submitted per person. The top 10 voted scarecrows will receive a Sea Witch® Memorabilia package which includes a numbered and authenticated piece of the original Sea Witch® Parade Balloon, a limited-edition Sea Witch® cloth face mask, a youth or adult sized 2021 Lobster Monster festival shirt, and a 20/21 festival pin (valued at $150). A listing of participating businesses including entry numbers and addresses will be available online at www.beach-fun.com  or for pickup at the Chamber’s Admin office (306 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE) and Visitor’s Center (501 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE) beginning September 13th, updated regularly as participants register.

September is Membership Month at the Rehoboth Beach Historical Socity
     During the month of September, The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society is offering to new members 15 months for the cost of a one-year membership - an extra three months free. This offer is only for new members.
     Membership includes advanced notice of informative lectures, exhibits, workshops and a discount in the gift shop and on ticked events such as the annual Beach Ball.
     The Museum is open year round and provides opportunities for volunteering. For further information on joining, please go to the Museum website at www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org  or call (302) 227-7310 to sign up.

Needlework Exhibit Continues a Tradition
The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society will soon hold its Annual Needlework Exhibition at the Rehoboth Beach Museum. More than 80 regional needle artists participate by submitting nearly 100 entries each year. The works are judged by a National Academy of Needlearts certified judge, and awards are given in 10 categories. Additionally, a Best in Show awarded is given. The public is invited to visit the museum to view the show and to vote for the People’s Choice award winner.
Needle workers of all ages are encouraged to enter their work. There is a nominal fee. Please go to www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org  to download a copy of the application form, or call (302) 227-7310 to have a paper copy mailed. Copies are also available at the front desk of the museum.
The exhibit opens Saturday, September 18, 2021 and continues through November 7, 2021. Needlework demonstrations will be held in the exhibit hall. Dates for the demonstrations will be announced.
“This is one of my favorite annual events and we hope to expand each year. Both men and women enter their beautiful hand work and I am grateful they have shared these works of needle art with us. I am also grateful for the volunteers who made this possible and for Dolores Andrew sharing her expertise as chair,” said Museum Director Nancy Alexander.
All award winners will be posted on the Society’s website.
The museum is located at 511 Rehoboth Avenue. Museum hours are Monday and Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is by donation. Members enjoy special benefits. Please call 227-7310 for information.

Rehoboth Beach Hospitality Group Announces New Project/Second Block Hospitality Group to open new restaurant Drift

REHOBOTH BEACH, De. (September 15, 2021) – Local restaurateurs and owners of The Pines and award-winning Chef, Lion Gardner have teamed up to create Second Block Hospitality Group. A development and hospitality company focused on bringing new and exciting establishments to Rehoboth Beach. Their first venture, Drift will be a raw bar & dining room on Baltimore Ave. The new project, which is already underway, is a massive restoration designed to transform the existing building, originally built in 1890 and used as a camp meeting house, into a modern structure, but with all the historical charm adding to the allure of Baltimore Ave.

“We could not be more excited to be breaking ground on another passion project,” said Drift Owner, Bob Suppies. “Coming through the last year brought many new challenges to our industry, but we were able to get very creative and grow as a company, so this new venture is very exciting for us.”

Slated to open sometime in early 2022, things are in full swing for the new restaurant owners, including menu planning. “Drift will be a true raw bar focusing on the art of raw seafood and not just oysters, along with traditionally prepared dishes influenced by the sea. From a beverage standpoint we will feature craft cocktails and eccentric wine and beer offerings,” said Drift Owner, Tyler Townsend. “Think small and intimate, rustic and classic, yet casual with a focus on culinary inventiveness and creative spaces.”

Drift restaurant will feature a refined design of open airy spaces and lots of glass for open vantage points with an indoor/outdoor bar area and intimate back patio. Expect a personalized experience with all the flair and trimmings of Rehoboth Beach, brought to you by the owners of The Pines and Chef Lion Gardner.

About Second Block Hospitality     Our mission is simple…to deliver exceptional hospitality.

Second Block projects are designed to become places that matter; that bring the community together. We aim to create unique spaces that foster positivity, a creative atmosphere, and memorable experiences. Driven by this philosophy we are thoughtful in everything we do, down to the smallest detail. In all our endeavors we are committed to crafting unique guest experiences through innovative design, authentic flavors, and warm hospitality.

Second Block Hospitality brings together local industry leaders Lion Gardner, Tyler Townsend, Bob Suppies, and David Gonce. Join us in celebrating good people and good times.  For more information visit: www.driftrb.com

Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival adds two shows
   Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival announced two new shows for Sunday, Oct. 17. Elan Trotman and Paul Jackson Jr. will play at 11 a.m. during brunch at the Rusty Rudder in Dewey Beach, and JJ Sansavera and Jeff Kashiwa will play at 4:30 p.m. on the Rudder deck. As with all festival brunch and dinner shows at the Rudder, tables are only reserved in the Rusty Rudder bar theater. Open brunch seating in the restaurant will be first-come, first-served. Ticket price for the morning show includes the brunch buffet from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. No food will be permitted in the theater. The festival recommends vaccination for all guests in order to make their show experience more enjoyable. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.rehobothjazz.com.

Coastal Concerts 2021 - 2022 Concert Tickets
   Single tickets for each individual concert will go on sale (if available) a few weeks prior to each concert in order that we may monitor the available seating capacity and environmental restrictions for our venue. Please note there has been a minimal increase in ticket prices this year to cover increases in artist fees, piano rentals, and venue costs.
   The exact number of Season Subscriptions available is based upon the maximum seating capacity permitted by our venue (Bethel United Methodist Church) AND by our best estimate of future COVID guidelines/ restrictions. If, and when our venue adds additional seating AND/OR as state and federal guideline information is updated, we may make additional tickets available.

Upcoming Beer and Wine Festivals in Delaware & Surrounding Areas
There are so many upcoming Beer and Wine Festivals in this area. Some are as soon as this coming weekend. Be sure to check them out and support our amazing local breweries, wineries, cideries, meaderies and distilleries.

South Del Tasting Trail
Discover area Craft Breweries, Distilleries, Wineries and Meaderies! Use the all new South Del Tasting Trail Map to plan your unforgettable visit

New! Wine Lovers Tour of Delaware
Spend a day sipping your way along the entire Winery Trail of Delaware as we visit all 4 of Delaware's Wineries.

Salted Vines, Frankford
Nassau Valley Vineyards, Lewes
Pizzadili's Winery, Felton
Harvest Ridge Winery, Marydel   https://www.delmarvadiscoverytours.com/

Revelation, Hudson Fields continue Thankful Thursdays-Summer 2021
   Revelation Craft Brewing Company and Hudson Fields have collaborated for a new community-focused event called Thankful Thursdays, which will support more than 20 nonprofits this summer season.
    Many nonprofit organizations canceled fundraising events last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankful Thursdays aims to provide support for these organizations, while also providing a family-fun atmosphere filled with good food, great brews and local music.
   “We want to help give back and provide this wonderful outdoor space for nonprofits to have the opportunity to raise money for their organizations,” said Kyle Shaffer, marketing and sales manager, Revelation Craft Brewing. “Our goal is to help these organizations and raise money in an outdoor space where people and their families can come together and have fun and feel safe.”
    Christian and Julie Hudson and Revelation have partnered for the last two years on Fridays and Saturdays by having a beer garden at the hangar at Hudson Fields. Proceeds and beer sales benefited Beebe Medical Foundation, which recently received a check for more than $4,000.
    The recent fundraising event for injured Cape Henlopen High School student Gavin Birl raised more than $130,000 to help with his medical bills.
    “This is what Revelation is all about – we’re a family- and community-oriented organization. Beer is our passion, but without this community, it wouldn’t be possible. We’re so happy to continue this partnership at Hudson Fields,” said Patrick Staggs, founder and brewmaster of Revelation.
    To learn more about participating in Thankful Thursdays or to help give back to the community, contact Kyle Shaffer at 302-233-2076 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

  Sept. 23, Children and Families First; Sept. 30, Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth; Oct. 7, Kent-Sussex Industries; Oct. 14, Sussex County Habitat for Humanity.

Rehoboth Beach Public Library updates summer service
New Hours: Starting July 6 we're resuming our regular business hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm
Thursday - Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday - Sunday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Library is open to the public. Computers and seating available. Masks recommended. Curbside & Delivery still available.

Rehoboth Beach Historical Society & Museum’s New Hours for the Winter
 The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society and Museum announces new hours starting October 1st. The new hours are Fridays 9:00am – 3:00 pm, Saturdays & Sundays 9:00am – 1:00pm. We are closed Monday-Thursday.
For more information visit www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org  or call 302-227-7310.

Visitors are asked to comply with local and state regulations about wearing face masks. Free parking is available with timed parking passes. Members of the public are encouraged to check out planned on-line programs at www.rehobothbeachmusuem.org. 

LaBlast Dance Fitness at Cape Henlopen Senior Center
   The Cape Henlopen Senior Center is offering a brand-new fitness program sure to please.
LaBlast Dance Fitness is a partner-free fitness workout created by world-renowned dancer and fitness expert Louis Van Amstel, who has been seen on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”
   The class is accessible for all levels, from the absolute beginner to the experienced dancer. LaBlast takes students through a diverse mix of famous ballroom dances set to favorite music from pop and rock to hip-hop and country. Participants experience the full array of dance styles from jive to foxtrot and Viennese waltz to Lindy hop.
   Whether one wants to tone the body, maintain a healthy lifestyle, learn to dance or just have a great time, LaBlast offers something for everyone.
   The class will be held weekly from 9 to 9:45 a.m., beginning Wednesday, March 24. The cost is $5 per session, and attendance is limited to 16 people. To reserve a spot, call 302-227-2055. Once the center is permitted to return to a five-day week, this class will be held at 3 p.m., Tuesdays.
   Instructor Joshua Beaver, originally from Thompson town, Pa., began his early dance training at Movement Laboratory with Judy Williams Henry. He attended summer intensives at American Ballet Theater. He attended the Boston Conservatory and earned a bachelor’s degree in dance in 2011. After graduating, he joined ballet company Teatrul de Balet Sibiu in Romania, where he spent three seasons rising to first soloist and choreographer. During this time, he toured and performed various classical and contemporary works, and toured throughout Europe performing in theaters in Germany, Austria, Hungary and Sicily. Shortly after returning home, Beaver joined Dayton Ballet in Ohio where he spent two seasons as a featured soloist. Before the pandemic hit, Beaver was touring nationally with the Broadway musical “An American in Paris.” He currently resides in Lewes and is involved in the fitness industry.
   For more information about the Senior Center, stop in and visit us at 11 Christian Street Rehoboth Beach, DE or website www.capehenlopenseniorcenter.org .

Rehoboth Beach Museum Releases Video of Vintage Images and Spoken Poems to Thank Supporters
   Rehoboth Beach, DE – The Rehoboth Beach Museum has released a video of spoken poems about Rehoboth Beach from a c. 1940 book by Sadie Moore Cooke. The poems are read by Michael Sprouse, and images of vintage postcards from the museum's collection and private collections are shown throughout. Sprouse is the live on-air host of the television/radio program Coastal A&E which is broadcast every Saturday morning between 11 and 12 on TV Delmarva and between 12 and 1 PM on Delaware 105.9 FM. Mr. Sprouse also created the video. The video can be viewed on the museum’s website at www.rehobothbeachmuseum.org.
The video is presented by the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society as a way to say thank you to the community and to those who supported the society throughout 2020.
   The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society wishes to thank Michael Sprouse, Delaware Humanities, The National Endowment for the Humanities, and volunteers David MacDonald and Roland Forster for making this video possible. It is dedicated to the memories of Carol and Lee Jones, ardent supporters of the arts and humanities in Delaware.
The link to the video on YouTube is here:  https://youtu.be/SHnyuVmLryE   

Otherwise, folks can view the video by going to: https://rehobothbeachmuseum.org/index.php/video2

Museum Offers Recorded Programs for Public Viewing
   Rehoboth Beach, DE - Members and friends of the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society have been treated to a fun and informative series of video programs over the past four months on topics ranging from the history of Funland to the passage of the 19th Amendment. Titled “Conversations on History,” these programs, hosted by Program Manager Marge LaFond, have been posted on the museum’s YouTube channel. The recorded videos can now also be accessed on the Society’s web page at rehobothbeachmuseum.org. under the “Video/Audio” tab at the top of the home page. Other topics include Religious Congregations of Rehoboth, Rehoboth Beach during the Railroad era, Ferries, Trains and Automobiles: Getting to Rehoboth Beach before the Bay Bridge, and 30 Years of CAMP Rehoboth: A Photographic Retrospective. Each program lasts about 50 minutes and can be watched at any time of any day. While there is no charge to view the programs the Society appreciates donations, which help us continue these programs.
   Donations can be made and memberships purchased on the website as well. This, and other programs, are made possible by a grant from the Delaware Humanities Forum and the National Endowment for the Arts. Members of the public may call (302) 227-7310 with questions about programs or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Delaware's State Museums Reopening With Self-Guided Tours
    “We are very excited and proud to welcome the public back to Delaware’s historical sites in a safe and deliberate manner,” said Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs Director Tim Slavin. “Our team has worked hard to design an experience for visitors that connects them to the people, places and artifacts of our shared past, while respecting the demands of the present.”
   Delaware’s state museums include the John Dickinson Plantation, the Old State House and the Johnson Victrola Museum in Dover, the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes, and the New Castle Court House Museum.
   Tours will take place at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Sundays (except for the Johnson Victrola Museum.) To make a tour reservation, patrons must call the museum they wish to visit. Contact information is available here.
   Self-guided tours will be 30 minutes in length and will include reference materials that can be accessed via smartphone or in single-use printed form. Due to space constraints, some museum areas will remain closed for the time being. Tour groups will be limited to four or six visitors, depending on the museum, and cloth face coverings must be worn at all times by staff, volunteers and patrons. All public museum areas will be cleaned between tour groups according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

https://history.delaware.gov/museums/

DART Resumes Full Bus Service Levels, Front Door Boardings and Fare Collection on Monday, June 1
   DART will resume full-service levels starting Monday, June 1, with the exception of the seasonal Beach Bus services in the resort areas. Front door boardings and fare collection will also be reinstated. https://www.dartfirststate.com/

Streaming Films
   Rehoboth Beach Film Society is inviting moviegoers to enjoy its Cinema Art Theater from the comfort of their own homes with its Virtual Theatre. Available at www.rehobothfilm.com,  users may choose from a variety of features to screen on their devices. Cost is $8 to $12.

   The Rehoboth Beach Film Society receives a portion of each registration

The 25 coolest towns in America: 2019   Our own Rehoboth Beach made the list.
   Each of these 25 towns, all with populations under 100,000, offers something special and has come into its own as a destination of late. Whether you’re looking for untamed wilderness or sandy beaches, deep history or provocative art, craft cocktails or cheap beer, these are the 25 coolest small towns in the US to visit next year. Read about it here:

https://matadornetwork.com/read/25-coolest-towns-america-2019/?fbclid=IwAR05Kf2lKZXObOZuZVbsngwWr9hWfkmXkcafRzZjpTQSNJ2zFoC7FmJev1k

Kids Catch-all Fishing Tournament has been recognized as one of the best kids fishing tournaments in the United States
   FishingBooker, the US’s largest platform for booking fishing trips, has made a list of the best kids fishing tournaments in the entire country. Kids Catch-all Fishing Tournament has been recognized as one of the best ones!
   Nothing is as rewarding as seeing your kid pull up their first fish. The joy you share at that moment, the pride you and your kid both feel, is what often sparks a lifelong love of angling. Still, your youngster can only learn so much from you (no matter how good of an angler you are). This is where the kids' fishing tournaments come in. These events are an ideal opportunity for your children to have fun and develop their skills, as well as make new friends. https://fishingbooker.com/blog/kids-fishing-tournaments-in-the-us/

Good news! Two DART Beach Bus Routes - Routes 201 and 204 - now run year-round. They will operate every 30 minutes, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

   Route 201 provides service from the Lewes Park & Ride lot, along DE Route 1 corridor to Tanger Outlets, Rehoboth Park & Ride and Rehoboth Boardwalk. Route 204 operates between the Lewes Park & Ride and Downtown Lewes, including the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal. Free parking will now be offered at both the Lewes and Rehoboth Park & Rides. In addition, the following Sussex County services (Routes 206, 212 and 215) provide Saturday service year round.

Read more here for information about fares and how to connect with the services:  https://www.dartfirststate.com/dtc.ejs?command=PublicDTCPressReleaseDisplay&id=7309

Rehoboth Beach Museum's Call for Volunteers
   Members of the public who are looking for volunteer opportunities are encouraged to contact the Rehoboth Beach Historical Society. Volunteer opportunities include greeting visitors, working with the archives, and completing research on objects in the permanent collection. The museum offers a relaxed working atmosphere and is handicap accessible. Volunteers can work for a few hours a month or a regular weekly schedule. Those interested are encouraged to call (302) 227-7310 and ask for the museum director, Nancy Alexander.

WE’RE WINNERS AGAIN!
 The City of Rehoboth Beach has received two new awards and recognitions – “Top 10 Family Beaches” from Family Vacation Critic and  “11 Mid-Atlantic Small Towns that Will Charm Your Socks Off” from www.WhereTraveler.com.

U.S. Lighthouse Society's Passport Stamps for Fourteen Foot Bank Lighthouse and the Lewes Life-Saving Station are Available at The Lewes Historical Society
   The Lewes Historical Society is excited to now offer passports and stamps for the U.S. Lighthouse Society’s Passport Program.  Lighthouse Passports are available at The Lewes Historical Society’s Zwaanendael Club Museum Store for $15.00.  The Lewes Historical Society stamp locations for Fourteen Foot Bank Lighthouse and the Lewes Life-Saving Station include the Cannonball House Maritime Museum at 118 Front Street, Ryves Holt House at 218 Second Street, and the Zwannendael Club Museum Store at 302 Savannah Road, all located in Lewes, Delaware. For more information about the U.S. Lighthouse Society, visit www.uslhs.org.  To learn more about The Lewes Historical Society, visit www.HistoricLewes.org.

Rehoboth Beach Ranked #2 in "Happiest Seaside Towns in America"
Coastal Living magazine ranks Rehoboth Beach second in it's contest. Many who live, work and visit here agree! By the way, #1 was Stuart, Florida.

Lewes Historical Society Joins Delaware Library Catalog, Receives Grant to Update Website
   The Lewes Historical Society is adding its library collections to the Delaware Library Catalog thanks to the efforts of Society collections volunteer Barbara Nonnemaker who is entering close to 4,000 records from the Society's in-house database.  The Society expects to add select records from its archives to the Delaware Heritage Collection as well. The Lewes Historical Society's library and archives are available to use free of charge and by appointment.  Access to parts of the collection are available at www.historiclewes.org.  The Delaware Library Catalog is searchable at lib.de.us  to explore our library collection as well as libraries across Delaware. If you are interested in donating historical materials to the collection or scheduling a research visit, please contact the Society at 302-645-7670 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Additionally, the Society has recently been awarded a grant from the Jessie Ball duPont Fund of Jacksonille, Florida to improve access to all its collections via its own website.

The City of Rehoboth Beach smoking ban is in effect.
   The smoking ban includes the beach (except for up to 20 areas on the beach designated as smoking permitted areas which will be clearly marked), the Boardwalk, the Bandstand Plaza, City parks, and the street ends adjoining the Boardwalk. Signage is in place to delineate the designated smoking areas. The approved ordinance can be read by clicking here.

Rehoboth Beach beach video
To see what you are missing, click here.