August is a perfect time to escape the heat on the Hill and relax at the Delaware beaches. Yet no one looks forward to vacationing in a place where there are long waits at restaurants, expensive meters to feed, crowded beaches and sparse parking. In the four years I’ve lived here I’ve found a plethora of out-of-the-way places for relaxation, entertainment and excellent food that have largely escaped attention from tourists.
There’s never a day I say ‘I have nothing to do.’ Pickleball, game nights, happy hours with live music, karaoke, charity events, hiking, kayaking and farmers markets several days a week as well as volunteer opportunities such as counting dolphins and counting horseshoe crabs are here. The following are just a few of my favorite regular spots.
Beaches
Gordon’s Pond, Tower Beach, Rehoboth, Dewey and Lewes beaches are all popular among visitors, but it can often be hard to park or find a space to lay down your blanket and chair during the summer. When I was paddling Hawaiian outriggers I discovered the Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier. It is a part of Cape Henlopen State Park, a popular destination for locals and tourists who, when entering the lush park, often head to the beach on the ocean side and by the fishing pier. Even if you don’t fish, the fishing pier has one of the most family-friendly beaches on the Delaware Bay. You can rent kayaks and SUPs (stand-up paddleboards) on the beach that extends on either side of the pier. The bay water is calm and shallow during low tide. If you like to fish, you can purchase a license and equipment as well.
If you don’t mind about a 20-minute drive north of Rehoboth, Broadkill Beach, my favorite, can transport you back in time. The Delaware Bay water is calm, dogs are welcome and it is usually less populated, even in summer months, than beaches in town. It is also an official sanctuary for horseshoe crabs and borders Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve on its south end. The only place of business is The Broadkill Store, a general store that sells homemade donuts on the weekends. Many compare Broadkill’s remote feel to the Outer Banks of North Carolina (but much smaller).
Paradise Grill
The Room At Cedar Grove
One of my first evenings out for a meal and live music after the shutdown was on the patio at The Room at Cedar Grove in Lewes. Paul Cullen, former bass player for the rock band Bad Company, cooked us a gourmet meal with fine wine and serenaded us with original tunes and familiar hits from Bad Company. The Room has evolved to become one of the most sought after venues by locals. It’s an intimate nightclub-like setting where you can get a three-course meal and live music for about the same price as it costs to park at the Kennedy Center. Money raised goes to the nonprofit Paul Kares organization which donates to Delaware students studying the culinary or musical arts. Shows are sold out quickly so check out www.paulkares.org to make a reservation.
Café Azafran
After seeing Holly Lane perform at the Room at Cedar Grove, I visited Rehoboth’s Café Azafran where Lane has been the singing bartender on Thursday nights for 14 years. The cozy dining area which surrounds the front bar is where Lane dons her head set and belts out jazzy tunes while mixing drinks. She is accompanied by John Flynn on piano who is known to sing a few tunes himself. Lane, a vibrant, colorful entertainer, was born in DC and attended the Washington School of Ballet. She lived in Paris (her mother was French) where she danced in a cabaret before she started singing. Call 302-227-8100 for a reservation.
Serendipity
For a unique dining experience on the water away from crowds I take guests to Serendipity on the Indian River in Oak Orchard. In about a 20-minute drive from historic Lewes you can enjoy Italian or Polish cuisine outside on the dock or inside an eclectic restaurant adorned with colorful parasols hanging from the ceiling and ornate light fixtures on the walls. The menu and the portions are huge. I especially love the sea salt caramel sweet potato fries and homemade desserts. Call 302-945-3600 for reservations.
Paradise Grill
When I was house hunting before my move to Lewes, my realtor drove me to Paradise Grill touting it as one of the coolest places to hang out. Its motto is: ‘Paradise is where you need to be’ although, if you don’t know exactly where you are going, Paradise is hard to find. Tucked in the back of the Potts Net community in Long Neck, Paradise transports you into the land of palm trees, sandy beaches and possibly the best orange crushes around. It has a kids’ playground, an indoor and outdoor dining area, two bars, two indoor venues for music and a big outdoor stage band on the Indian River Bay. Many dock their boats alongside and enjoy dining in Paradise. No reservations necessary.
I’ve been amazed at all there is to do, everywhere there is to go and how many interesting people I meet at the beach. I guess I’m not the only one who recognized how cool it is living here. According to Bankrate, Delaware just moved into the top spot for the best state in which to retire in 2024. It’s a great destination just 2.5 hours from the Hill.
Pattie Cinelli is a journalist who has been writing her column for more than 25 years. If you are interested in learning more about where the locals ‘hang’ at the Delaware beaches her at: [email protected].
