It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Lewes Town Clock gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Lewes, DE is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I”
“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder”
“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above”
“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to”
“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome”
“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and”
“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting”
“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision”
“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special”
“Always Best Care Senior Services are a group of compassionate care givers and professionals. Use”
“”
“”
“I appreciate ABC of Bristol. They served me and my friend, Helen, at very difficult”
“I've been with Always Best Care, Vacaville, about a year and a half and I am very pleased with the service. Their Caregivers are very kind and competent helpers. I would recommend this service to anyone and I have recommend this service to several of my friends.”
“Here's what I posted on Google and Facebook: Life would have been a lot harder without Always Best Care in my life, I have COPD and I am on oxygen full time at level 4 so doing daily chores are out question without my caregiver Ricci Anthony who has been taking tremendous care of me for 3 years this August 2022 and I thank God everyday for him. Every time he arrives he immediately says Hi checks in with me to see how I am doing. As well as, every time he departs I thank him for all that he does for me and I tell him I love him Ricci replies in same likeness. Ricci and I are incredible friends, it’s closer to a dad and son relationship. We’re both strong Christian me. As for Chelsea who does Intake and is the Schedules for Always Best Care equally an amazing individual. Don’t let her young age fool you on the contrary she is a powerhouse. She’s highly a professional, she’s industrious, highly intelligent, she’s a great friend and you can always depend on her to be in support for you. Always Best Care is always best care.”
“ABC is absolutely amazing! The staff is very caring and very friendly. always go above and beyond. They have great communication between Clients and Staff.”
“I couldn’t thank this Company enough for the services my Father had, it’s difficult to trust others yet Always Best Care of Philadelphia did it with ease. We happily recommend them to our family and friends. Bryant and Co. truly care as if it was their own family. God Bless and May all your Staff be safe, they are in my prayers.”
“The highlights for me is The boss man Bryant Greene, and most of his awesome staff. Mr. Greene, his brother Al Billz and staff always looked out for me even when I was ill. I love them and Always Best Care to the moon and back!”
“Kathy McClure is a problem solver. She assisted us on Long Term Care Reimbursement and took us thru the process smoothly.”
“Nate and Charlene are the best in their field. It has been a pleasure getting to know you and your company.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services of Philadelphia abides by the highest standards in the provision of in-home care.”
“Dave and his staff go above and beyond with their care. They all take special interest with their clients. Also a very helpful resource in future planning and current ideas. Trust your parents to these people - they will not let you down.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services are a group of compassionate care givers and professionals. Use them for all your personal needs Senior or younger. They get the job done!!!”
“”
“”
“I appreciate ABC of Bristol. They served me and my friend, Helen, at very difficult time. The office staff, social workers, and the aides were professional, caring, and reliable. Donna you are awesome....keep up the great work!!!! I would recommend this service to anyone.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Stango Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Heirloom or visit The Lewes Historical Society Main Campus, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Lewes, DE, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Lewes, DE understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Lewes, DE 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The City of Lewes will continue its long tradition of hosting old-fashioned games for children on Second Street beginning at 9 a.m., Friday, July 4. For public safety, Second Street will be closed to vehicular traffic before the games begin and will reopen after the Doo-Dah Parade has concluded. Sidewalks will be available for pedestrians to access the shops and restaurants.Following the games, the Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade will wind its way down the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal from Roosevelt Inlet to Fisherman’s Wharf as part...
The City of Lewes will continue its long tradition of hosting old-fashioned games for children on Second Street beginning at 9 a.m., Friday, July 4. For public safety, Second Street will be closed to vehicular traffic before the games begin and will reopen after the Doo-Dah Parade has concluded. Sidewalks will be available for pedestrians to access the shops and restaurants.
Following the games, the Lewes Independence Day Boat Parade will wind its way down the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal from Roosevelt Inlet to Fisherman’s Wharf as part of the city’s holiday festivities.
Parade entrants leave from Roosevelt Inlet across from the Coast Guard Station at 1:30 p.m., and at approximately 2 p.m., they will pass in front of the judges’ reviewing stand at Fisherman’s Wharf and turn before reaching the Savannah Road drawbridge. Lewes Mayor Amy Marasco will announce the parade with amplification in the area of Fisherman’s Wharf and the city dock.
The boat parade judges are members of Lewes City Council, Overfalls Foundation and Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club.
All preregistered boat entrants will be eligible for prizes. Boats will be judged on best use of patriotic decorations. After the parade, all boat entrants are invited to attend the awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on the Lightship Overfalls deck. To be eligible for a prize, the vessel must be registered no later than 3 p.m., Thursday, July 3. Registration forms are available at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center in the Fisher-Martin House at Zwaanendael Park and Lewes Harbour Marina Fishing & Boating Outfitters at the end of Anglers Road.
For more information, call the Lewes Chamber of Commerce at 302-645-8073. There is no charge to participate in the boat parade or to be a spectator. Good viewing spots line the canal on both sides and fill on a first-come basis.
The fun continues with the unique and quirky Doo-Dah Parade that forms in the vicinity of Lloyd’s Market on Savannah Road and winds its way down Kings Highway to Second Street, finishing on Savannah Road heading back toward Lloyd’s. No preregistration is required and everyone is invited to participate. The time, the parade kickoff is expected at 5 p.m.
The day caps off with the annual, fully sanctioned fireworks that will be launched from a barge off Lewes Beach at dusk.
The fireworks are funded by donations from the Lewes-area business community, local residents and out-of-town donors. The Go Fourth Committee was formed with Chairman Russ Palmer leading the group of volunteers who have been meeting to coordinate the fundraising, promotion and logistics, and stage the event, which is open to the public.
To learn more, go to GoFourthLewes.org, ci.lewes.de.us or LewesChamber.com.
Sign In|Already have a subscription but never signed in before...
Already have a subscription but never signed in before?Get started
Get unlimited access with a subscription
Choose your plan. Cancel anytime.
Digital
Monthly
$1 for the first month
Daily digital access on any desktop, tablet, or mobile device
Annual
$99 for the first year
Over 6 MONTHS FREE with an annual subscription
Digital + Print
Sunday - Friday
$1 for the first month
Print delivery + daily digital access & USA TODAY Crossword
Sunday
$1 for the first month
Includes access to the eNewspaper every day of the week
Did you know: Every plan comes with a digital subscription to share.
What's included
Digital plans
Digital + Print
Daily digital access
Android and IOS apps
Subscriber-exclusive content
Digital subscription to share
The eNewspaper — a digital replica of the print newspaper.
Print newspaper delivery
USA TODAY Digital Crossword
Group subscriptions
We have customizable plans for corporations, schools, libraries, government agencies and hotels.
Corporate programsEducation programs
No commitment required. Cancel anytime.
Offer available to new customers only. Read the full subscription terms.
Need help?
Call 1-800-801-3322 and give offer code W-N2 to subscribe.
Every state has that one city, town or village that's just a little different.Between the buildings, the sites, and the events, it's unique. It's quirky.According to the World Atlas, the quirkiest town in Delaware is Lewes.Why is Lewes the quirkiest town in Delaware?To start with, the pronunciation of Lewes – LOO-iss – is a little quirky.But there are a plethora of unique attractions...
Every state has that one city, town or village that's just a little different.
Between the buildings, the sites, and the events, it's unique. It's quirky.
According to the World Atlas, the quirkiest town in Delaware is Lewes.
To start with, the pronunciation of Lewes – LOO-iss – is a little quirky.
But there are a plethora of unique attractions and festivals, according to the World Atlas.
There's the Tulip Celebration with around 31,000 tulips and 5,000 spring bulbs blooming, filling the town with color.
There's The Great Delaware Kite Festival, which features a kite competition with categories for children, teenagers, and adults.
Finally, there's the History Book Festival, which will feature author presentations, book sales, signings, and a spirited discussion closing party. The festival will take place from Sept. 26-28.
Along with the festivals, there's the unique look of the Zwaanendael Museum, which was built to commemorate Delaware's first European colony by the Dutch.
What may have caught World Atlas writers, though, was Lewes being the home of the Fountain of Youth. According to the story:
Dutch colonists discovered the Fountain of Youth in Lewes in the 17th century. Several centuries later, in 1937, the Lewes Chamber of Commerce built a tiny gazebo to mark its fabled location. Over the following decades, however, the fountain fell into disrepair, drying out, leaving behind only mud and muck. Fortunately, in 2019, a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with her husband, cleaned out the well, repainted it, and restored its flow. The mystical conch shell cup, however, said to activate the fountain’s youthful powers, has mysteriously disappeared.
Combine all of it with the Roosevelt Inlet Shipwreck, Lewes-Cape May Ferry, beaches and the Delaware Bay and you have something special.
Established in the early 17th century, the small town of Lewes is filled with fascinating stories that continue to shape its quirky character. Originally settled by Dutch colonists, the town still carries traces of its Dutch heritage. Local lore claims the Fountain of Youth is tucked away within Lewes, while a shipwreck off its coast, lost in the late 18th century, remained hidden until archaeologists uncovered it in 2004. These curious tales ...
Established in the early 17th century, the small town of Lewes is filled with fascinating stories that continue to shape its quirky character. Originally settled by Dutch colonists, the town still carries traces of its Dutch heritage. Local lore claims the Fountain of Youth is tucked away within Lewes, while a shipwreck off its coast, lost in the late 18th century, remained hidden until archaeologists uncovered it in 2004. These curious tales and historical surprises have left an imprint on the town, one that visitors can experience through its festivals, museums, and guided tours. Even if you think you know Lewes, some of the following quirky attractions are likely to surprise you!
With so many events happening throughout the year, it is difficult to narrow Lewes’s calendar down to just a few. The town’s Dutch heritage has contributed to its famed Tulip Celebration, a three-weekend-long spring festival that commemorates the blooming of its tulips. During the celebration, around 31,000 tulips and 5,000 spring bulbs bloom, filling the town with color. The event also features art exhibitions, history walking tours, tulip sales, and many other festive activities.
Another one of Lewes’s most beloved festivals takes place in April as well. The Great Delaware Kite Festival, which celebrated its 57th year this year, attracts kite flyers from across the state. The event features a kite competition with categories for children, teenagers, and adults, where participants are judged on their kite’s type, precision, size, and more. The festival also includes a face painter, food vendors, and local community organizations, adding to the event’s atmosphere.
Later in the year, in September, book enthusiasts from across the East Coast gather in Lewes for the History Book Festival, which attracts over 4,000 attendees. The festival this year will take place from September 26th through the 28th and will feature author presentations, book sales, signings, and a spirited discussion closing party. Perfect for those hoping to meet their favorite author or discover a new book!
In 2004, Lewes undertook a beach restoration project, placing tons of sand on Lewes Beach to replenish it. Little beknownst to the town, this sand was filled with artifacts from a mysterious shipwreck! In the decades that followed, beachcombers have donated thousands of artifacts to the state that have been connected to the shipwreck, with archaeologists now tracing it to a 1774 British Merchant Ship that collided with the present-day Roosevelt Inlet. If you find any artifacts that you believe to be associated with the wreck, the state asks that you bring them to Zwaanendael Museum to document and identify them. Simply interested in learning about the shipwreck? Make sure to check out the museum’s exhibit that explores it, titled “Rediscovery through Recovery,” which showcases the inlet shipwreck and the cargo that it held. While visiting the museum, travelers can take a look at several other exhibits, which explore the town’s maritime, social, and military history. Admission to the museum is free!
The legendary tale of the Fountain of Youth has existed for millennia. But what if it has been in Delaware this whole time? According to local legend, Dutch colonists discovered the Fountain of Youth in Lewes in the 17th century. Several centuries later, in 1937, the Lewes Chamber of Commerce built a tiny gazebo to mark its fabled location. Over the following decades, however, the fountain fell into disrepair, drying out, leaving behind only mud and muck. Fortunately, in 2019, a member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with her husband, cleaned out the well, repainted it, and restored its flow. The mystical conch shell cup, however, said to activate the fountain’s youthful powers, has mysteriously disappeared. Visit this mystical attraction and decide for yourself whether the legend holds any truth! Just do not drink the water, unless questionable pond scum is your secret to eternal youth.
After revitalizing yourself at the Fountain of Youth, put that newfound energy to good use with a cruise around the Delaware Bay! Cape Water Tours offers several experiences for exploring the waters. Travelers hoping to learn about the waterways’ natural habitat or history can sign up for a narrated tour, which offers narrated maritime history tours, birding tours, eco tours, dolphin watching tours, and more. To enjoy the bay’s beautiful sunsets, travelers can also register for a sunset cruise, which departs from Lewes Ferry Terminal. Curious about the town’s music scene? Cape Water Tours also offers live music cruises, featuring on-board performances by rock guitarists, modern country acts, and ’70s pop artists, among other acts.
Although Lewes is home to fewer than 4,000 residents, the stories the town can tell make it anything but quiet. The annual Tulip Celebration is a wonderful way to experience a piece of the town’s Dutch Heritage, while the quirky Fountain of Youth ties back to centuries of local history. As you begin to plan your own trip to Lewes, don’t be surprised if you discover an odd attraction or tale of your own!
Tucked in a cradle of sand and loblolly pines where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean is Lewes, Delaware. Located about 120 miles east of Washington, D.C., this historic coastal community boasts easy access to three beaches, is home to a vibrant restaurant scene, and offers a pletho...
Tucked in a cradle of sand and loblolly pines where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean is Lewes, Delaware. Located about 120 miles east of Washington, D.C., this historic coastal community boasts easy access to three beaches, is home to a vibrant restaurant scene, and offers a plethora of fun outdoor activities—just don't call it a beach town.
“It’s more like a small, charming town that happens to be at the beach,” says Kevin McGuiness, the host of the podcast "We in Lewes." “On the same day, you can kayak with the dolphins, listen to a celebrated author speak about her latest book, go fishing, and have your choice of Italian, French, American, Indian, and Mexican food.”
The list of things you can do in this town of 3,300 people—with book festivals, art shows, concerts, and boat parades to attend—feels more like activities you'd find in a “big city,” McGuiness says. The crook of land that frames Lewes to the east, Cape Henlopen, was first spotted by European eyes in 1609 by English explorer Henry Hudson and is now a lovely state park. However, the region was originally occupied by Algonquin-speaking Indigenous communities. By 1631, the Dutch had established a trading post and whaling station here, which became the first, albeit short-lived, European settlement in the state. By 1682, though, the area was thoroughly English.
Today, Lewes—which proudly claims to be the “first town in the first state”—stands apart from other mid-Atlantic coastal towns that bent the knee to kitschy mass tourism. You’ll find no boardwalk here, no Ferris wheel, no loud T-shirt shops—just a relaxing enclave lined with brick sidewalks, tasty seafood joints, and miles of sandy stretches flecked with sun-spangled sea foam.
As McGuiness says, “There’s a special spirit here.” Here's everything you need to know before visiting Lewes, Delaware.
With 22 rooms and three luxury suites perched along the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal in the heart of the historic district, the Inn at Canal Square is arguably Lewes’ most elegant place to stay. “It rivals the sort of place you might find in somewhere like Aspen,” McGuiness says. “Absolutely beautiful.” For the best views, book a Harbor Master room.
Also set along the canal, the Dogfish Inn—an entrepreneurial off-shoot of the popular Delaware-based brewery Dogfish Head Craft Brewery—has 16 bright rooms decked out with Scandinavian-style interior design. Each room comes with a free growler, but there’s no beer for sale on site. “If they could get around state liquor laws, I’d bet they’d have a keg in every room,” McGuiness says, laughing. After checking out the cottage library, grab a complimentary bike and explore the town.
Overdose on quirky, pastel, Key-West-meets-knickknack-store vibes by booking one of the 10 whimsical suites at this bed-and-breakfast situated a few steps from the beach. Each room at the Blue Water House is themed, from the “Nautical,” with oars and a life preserve ring on the wall, to the “Islamorada,” featuring a monkey mural and a blue four-poster bed. The “Key Largo” comes with a porch swing. Complimentary beach chairs, oversized towels, bikes, and a gas grill make the transition into coastal living easy.
“One of the coolest things you can do is watch the sunrise and sunset over the water, all from the same place,” McGuiness says. To do that, head to Cape Henlopen State Park, which encompasses 5,000 acres of sand separating the Atlantic (best for sunrises) from the Delaware Bay (head here for sunsets). Borrow a bike from Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park free of charge for up to two hours, and explore the Gordons Pond Trail, a 6.4-mile round-trip journey—it's a favorite activity of Delaware’s most famous couple, the Bidens.
The Fort Miles Museum and Historical Area is housed inside a 15,000-square-foot bunker that was once used as a top-secret Navy spy station during World War II. Climb the 115 steps to Tower 7 Observatory, a concrete bastion with sweeping ocean views, where U.S. soldiers once triangulated approaching enemy vessels. If you'd like to turn back the clock even more, make plans to attend Historic Lewes First Friday Community Night at Sussex Tavern, where the Lewes Historical Society gathers every month to celebrate the town's colonial roots in grand fashion, with period costumes, live music, and even a pop-up antique shop.
Cape Henlopen State Park's Seaside Nature Center includes five, 1,000-gallon tanks full of native fish, touch tanks for getting up close and personal with sea life such as horseshoe crabs, and educational displays that demonstrate the breadth of Delaware's diverse coastal ecosystems, from salt marshes to tide pools. Keep an eye on their calendar for special events such as dolphin-watching sessions, wagon rides down the beach, and ghost-crab night hikes.
Taking place over three days in the fall, the History Book Festival attracts thousands of readers to Lewes each year. Past attendees have included heavyweights like comic book artist Erik Larsen, National Public Radio host Steve Inskeep, and more. Can’t make it? Check out the Lewes Public Library’s Pints & Pages, a book discussion group that combines literature with beer tastings on every fourth Tuesday of the month.
The tri-state peninsula that includes Delaware, the eastern shores of Maryland, and Virginia (hence, Delmarva) was once an agricultural powerhouse that fed New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C., with fresh ingredients and seafood. The town’s two-time James Beard Award semifinalist restaurant, Heirloom, carries on that farm-to-table tradition with seasonal menus featuring ingredients like heritage pork, pan-seared mahi mahi, and sweet corn, as well as creative dishes like smoked goat cheese ravioli. End your meal on a sweet note with one of their fun desserts, like the butternut squash cheesecake, served with a healthy dollop of honey-orange pastry cream and crunchy pecan.
Sitting inside Lewes' old railroad station, The Station on Kings offers a pastry fix with a rotating roster of croissants and tarts, as well as savory options like house charcuterie served with brie and blueberry mint jam. While you’re there, check out the bakery’s curated selection of home goods and garden plants. “You wouldn’t think home decor and pastries would go together, but it’s actually brilliant,” says McGuiness.
Agave serves up Mexican comfort made with local Delaware produce and seafood. Try the blue cheese and steak quesadillas or the chiles en nogada, a house specialty featuring roasted poblanos, ground tenderloin, and chorizo topped with cheese, nuts, and a cinnamon sauce. Pair it with a hand-squeezed lime margarita, or choose to sip on one of their many mezcals—Agave claims it has the largest tequila and mezcal collection in the state.
Located in the town's historic district, Lewes Oyster House pays homage to the many oyster houses that sprang up along the mid-Atlantic coast during the late 18th century, a.k.a. the “golden age of oysters.” Order the Double D’s or the Nancy James, two types of oysters grown in floating cages, a relatively new technique that keeps the bivalves naturally sand-free and buttery.
The best time to visit Lewes is in the spring or fall, when many summertime visitors return to work and school. “You have all of the amenities, but none of the crowds,” McGuiness says. Summer can also be a great time to plan a trip, but be forewarned: the Delmarva Peninsula can be very hot, muggy, and buggy during the height of the season.
Lewes is about 120 miles east of the Washington, D.C. area's Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), 100 miles southeast of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), and 110 miles south of Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). The Salisbury Regional Airport (SBY) is the closest option, at about 40 miles south of Lewes, and has direct flights from Philadelphia and Charlotte, North Carolina, via American Airlines. For the best and most convenient experience, you'll want to rent a car and drive from there. If you’re coming from the north and want even more fun and adventure, take the scenic Cape May-Lewes Ferry that steams between southern New Jersey and Delaware every day, year-round. Prices start at $30 per car or $8 per person without a vehicle.
The Delaware Administration for Regional Transit, or DART for short, has beach buses that run from the Cape May-Lewes Ferry terminal to towns along the Delaware and Maryland coast (prices start at 80 cents one-way). Other buses in the DART system run inland to towns like Georgetown, Milford, and Seaford (prices start at $6). If you don't have a car, your best bet is to bike around Lewes, but ride-hailing services and taxis are options, too. The town is pretty walkable, so hoofing it isn't a bad idea, either.
302-409-3710
