Home Care In Bethany Beach, DE

6 Most Vibrant Towns In Delaware

Delaware shines as one of the most soothing and lively states along the East Coast of the United States of America. Since the 1600s, when Swedish and Finnish immigrants made the first log cabins to settle down and call the land their new home, there have been a number of vibrant small towns that travelers have continuously enjoyed. Visitors will love the beaches of Bethany Beach and Lewes, as well as the living histories located in Odessa and New Castle. Even the horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay have reveled in the vibrancy and warmth that Delaware has to offer. Give yourself a much-needed vacation by experiencing the most vibrant towns in Delaware.

Milton

Only seven miles from Delaware Bay—a breeding ground for the largest population of horseshoe crabs—Milton is an opulent town that earned its name from English poet John Milton. Called “the Head of the Broadkill” due to its location on the Broadkill River, Milton retained much of its shipping and shipbuilding heritage since the 18^th century, particularly at the Town Dock, Town Park, and Marina. The town was also dubbed the “Holly Capital of the World” it produced more Christmas and holiday holly wreaths and decorations than anywhere else. For visitors who enjoy vibrant walks and trails, the Edward H. McCabe Preserve have plenty of riverside treks for you to enjoy the local wildlife. Consider staying a while at the Charleston of Milton Inn LLC or the Governor’s Bed & Breakfast.

Odessa

About 18 minutes from Delaware City, Odessa is one of the oldest towns in Delaware, having been founded by Dutch settlers in 1660 on the Appoquinimink River. Among the many 18^th- and 19^th-century architecture lovingly preserved by the townsfolk, visitors can admire Cantwell's Tavern, the Fieldstone Stable, and the Corbit-Sharp House. The latter has been deemed a National Historic Landmark, as it is one of the many Network to Freedom sites on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad that helped American Civil War slaves escape injustice. While you are staying in Odessa, do find accommodations at Miller-Dunham House Bed & Breakfast. Most importantly, stay during August for the Middletown Old Thyme Peach Festival where you can sample excellent peach pies.

Lewes

Lewes, located where the Delaware Bay and Atlantic Ocean converges, is a perfect seaside retreat from the monotony and staleness of city life. One can find adventure at the expansive Cape Henlopen State Park; there, you can marvel at Delaware’s famous "walking" sand dunes. As a beachside town, Lewes is not short of having many fine shores for people to soak in the sun and the fun. The Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve and Savannah Beach are especially good places to luxuriate. When it comes to history, the Fort Miles Historic Area serves as a testament to America’s readiness during World War II. So wade through those beaches and find more beautiful delights while staying at the Red Mill Inn, Hotel Rodney, or The Inn at Canal Square.

Bethany Beach

Aside from Lewes, there are many more beaches in Delaware that many will absolutely adore. Bethany Beach, for example, has miles of elegant and sublime sandy stretches. Approximately 30 minutes from Lewes, visitors can revel at the James Farm Ecological Preserve, Fenwick Island State Park, and the Delaware Seashore State Park, each with unique biomes and biodiversity. In the town itself, one can be treated to live performances at the Bandstand. These musical and cultural displays occur every Thursday nights in the summer and Fridays and Saturday nights on September and October. Remember to find good lodgings at the Addy Sea Historic Oceanfront Inn, Bethany Beach Ocean Suites Residence Inn, and Hotel Bethany Beach.

New Castle

The historic town of New Castle is the oldest town in the Delaware Valley since 1651. With its prime proximity along the Delaware River, New Castle has prospered as a hub of commerce and communication between many early settlements in the region. Although its name has changed continuously throughout the centuries—from Santhoeck or Fort Casimir in 1651 to New Amstel and finally New Castle—the town has remained an unchanging location for tourists to explore. Many of its original structures and houses still remain standing, such as the Immanuel Episcopal Church, the Amstel House Museum, the Old Dutch House, and the New Castle Court House. If these historic sites do not suffice, then Battery Park offers many colonial-era dwellings and picture-perfect waterfronts that have barely changed since the 1600s. Should you wish to spend more time there, you can find excellent rooms at the Terry House Bed & Breakfast.

Clayton

The town of Clayton is not only vibrant, but has been one of the most invaluable towns in the Delmarva Peninsula. Since the 1850’s and up to the 1950’s, Clayton was a major epicenter of rail transportation. Clayton Station, once known as Smyrna Station, is a historic testament of the town’s role in connecting faraway places like Dover, Newark, and Wilmington together. In addition, the Smyrna Museum elaborates more about Clayton’s pivotal location and how the town contributed to Delaware’s economy. Should history lessons not suffice, you can always relish the town’s beautiful surroundings at the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge, Blackbird State Forest, and Blackiston Wildlife Area.

7 Of The Friendliest Towns In Delaware Striking up conversations with complete strangers, the palpable desire to connect and be of help — elicits a reaction that no sparkling waterfall can equal. Friendliness is even more critical when considering living in a place; not merely visiting, and if the place is Delaware, here are some of the state's friendliest towns.

Now most people journey either through Maryland or Virginia on the Eastern Shore to embrace Delaware’s bracing coastline and its simplistic atmosphere. But mainly it is the most vibrant towns in the Delmarva Peninsula that people feel truly excited to fill their vacationing days, especially for the promise of being far away from New York City. There are simplicity and unique adventures to be created when immersing yourself in Bethany Beach’s shores, Odessa’s charm, Clayton’s quaintness, and many more. Pretty soon, you will feel like the horseshoe crabs in Delaware Bay who have enjoyed the splendor of Delaware since prehistoric times.

DNREC can no longer shoulder the $10 million to $15 million annual burden of beach replenishment in the state, according to Jesse Hayden, environmental program administrator for DNREC’s shoreline and waterway management division. The agency has just launched a study to seek new funding sources, including potential cost-shares with local beach towns, and officials announced the economic analysis on Jan. 18.

“In two years, we have had large expenditures,” said Hayden. “The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is going to ask DNREC for $10 million now. Last year, we had to write a check for $15 million to the Corps because of the many storms.”

DNREC pays for beach nourishment using funds generated by the state accommodations tax. DNREC receives one-eighth of the 8 percent hotel tax specifically for shoreline management, and funds are appropriated for the division by the Delaware General Assembly.

Some beach nourishment projects are cost-shared with the federal government. In Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, Bethany Beach, South Bethany and Fenwick Island, the Corps and DNREC share the cost of beach nourishment, DNREC officials said.

“We are here to inform the public about the economic analysis that we are undertaking,” said Sarah Bouboulis, who is a planner for DNREC. The “Economic Analysis for Shoreline Management” event drew more than 100 people online, and Hayden provided what many of them perceived as bad news.

“This is just a study we are undertaking, and over 100 people are attending,” said Bouboulis, noting broad public interest. Several mayors of local municipalities, and Tim Shaw, mayor pro tem of South Bethany, attended remotely. “Our shoreline and waterways section is spearheading this analysis. We have a project work group made up of small group organizations to get pointed feedback — the Association of Coastal Towns (ACT) and the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center, along with Delaware Sea Grant, and the Woods Hole Ecological Survey are all part of this smaller group.”

Jesse Hayden, head of the shoreline and waterways section, said the Sussex County Council, coastal mayors and public officials will also be added to the work group.

“We have enjoyed a great collaboration with you,” he said.

In short, “Beach nourishment is making a pile of sand so we have dune and shoreline elevations. … We do it for storm protection, for recreation tourism and for habitat, like the horseshoe crab,” he said. “That then supports the migratory shorebirds, like the rufa red knot. Since the 1950s, the State of Delaware has been placing sand on the beaches to offset the chronic erosion that nature produces. Before the 1970s, it was the highway commission, and then DNREC took over.”

“We have been entrusted with this responsibility,” said Hayden solemnly.

“The cost of nourishment projects are increasing to an unsustainable level. The main reason is climate change. We see more frequent and more intensive storms. We are in the rainiest period right now of our recorded history,” Hayden said. “Beach nourishment will not solve all of the coastal storm protection methods we have. But it is still the preferred method to protect infrastructure and the economy.”

“We have placed over 25 million cubic yards of sand since we started this replenishment work,” said Hayden of the total commitment. “One truck holds about 15 cubic yards — so, over a million of these truck loads have been brought in” over the decades.

“We just brought in sand to Lewes beach this week,” said the DNREC shoreline administrator. “Most of these projects have been either at the Delaware Bay or delivered to our coastal towns.”

Bethany Beach and South Bethany have gotten the lion’s share of the sand and replenishment since 2000.

“The uptick in the number of projects and the size of projects came after we reached an agreement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. We have spent $61.8 million since the 1960s, but the majority of it has been spent in the last 20 years, since the Atlantic coastal towns received so much nourishment.”

“There is a cost-sharing obligation we have with the federal government to serve these Atlantic beach towns,” Hayden said. “We are counting on the federal government to continue to fund nourishment. For the state share, we need to find new resources to add to the state budget.”

“This is the time to get ahead of the issue — not when we have run out of money. There is also a risk that federal support may be reduced in some way,” said Hayden.

The federal government has spent more than $150 million, for a total of more than $210 million going to beach replenishment, said DNREC officials.

“We would have big concerns if the federal contribution were to go away.”

“We know that we have to come back and renourish,” said Hayden of the constant battle. “The climate-change impact here is making these incidents more prevalent. We get sand to the beach by hauling through dump trucks from commercial pits, using the same vendors who supply sand to concrete plants. The sand is compatible with our beach sand. The cost of fuel has gone up the past few years. So, sand we purchase [and truck] from a pit and bring in is more costly.”

The other method of beach nourishment is to use a dredge.

“The State has engaged a dredge that we can use offshore and pump sand onto the shore,” said Hayden. “We have lost the function of some of these dredges, which break, and we know it’s not environmentally wise to continue. The unit cost of that sand has almost doubled over that 10 years.”

DNREC has two revenue streams. First is the state’s lodging tax. DNREC receives 1 percent of hotel, motel and tourist rental home income, and that has generated $2 million to $4 million for nourishment.

“To date, we at DNREC have gotten $2 million, and we expect $4 million for 2024.”

“The second is state bond bills, and we have received generous appropriations. We have to split those funds for nourishment from clearing waterways for boating and the marine debris.”

“We have $3.5 million from our state bond projections for this year.”

“We want to look at the people who are getting the benefits of local beach nourishment,” which DNREC officials said is the coastal town receiving the tourism. “What would it look like to see who benefits and calculate a structure that is shared?” he asked.

“Nothing is changing right now, and we are not asking for a local cost share. Nothing will impact current projects or future planned projects,” said Hayden of the new study’s impact.

Shaw, who is also chairman of South Bethany’s Canal Water Quality Committee, stated, “Economic benefits are not limited to the beach towns, so all who benefit should share in the funding — not just beach towns.”

According to the National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO), Delaware’s total expenditures in the 2022 fiscal year were $15.5 billion. That’s a single year’s expenditure. The cost incurred by the State for beach replenishment over the last 75 years “isn’t even a rounding error,” said an elected official from Bower’s Beach in the virtual audience.

“As we have been told on many occasions, DNREC owns the beaches and dunes, and the beaches are open to the public, both statewide and countrywide. That being the case, why is maintaining the beaches and dunes now a local town responsibility? Why is this not a statewide funding issue?” asked Shaw during the webinar.

“Why would it not be better, and more equitable, to have a statewide tax to pay for these costs?” said Shaw.

DNREC’s division of shoreline and waterway management provided a public presentation to begin the discussion of the “Economic Analysis of Shorelines” study. The study will explore the range of economic benefits provided by beach nourishment and develop cost-share ratios and new approaches to funding projects needed to maintain Delaware’s shorelines.

Shaw said the Town of South Bethany does not believe this study is necessary and that the State of Delaware should continue to fund beach nourishment without local municipality cost sharing.

The State routinely provides monetary incentives to businesses to come to Delaware or expand business in return for the promise of additional jobs and revenue, said representatives of the South Bethany Property Owners Association. The 2012 study they referenced indicates that the coastal communities continually provide increased jobs and state revenue.

The coastal communities are an economic engine for the state through tourism dollars. A 2012 study showed that the total economic contribution of coast-related activity to the state are:

• $6.9 billion added to total industry production;

• 59,000 additional jobs supported;

• $711 million of additional local, state and federal taxes paid;

• $67 of additional production is added throughout the state for every $100 of coast-related production, said the association; and

• 48 additional jobs are added for every 100 coast-related jobs.

“The State should continue to invest in what is already here and assist with its expansion by fully funding the State’s share of beach nourishment,” said the SBPOA representative.

BETHANY BEACH, Del.- A new year, the same goals for safety.

Bethany Beach's Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Committee highlighted multiple areas of focus for safety improvements as 2024 kicks off.

The committee discussed where the town's W.A.V.E. program could expand, including adding signs around town and making more videos. W.A.V.E., which stands for Wait/Watch, Assess, Verify, and Engage/Enter is an initiative to make people be more cautious when crossing the road or going through a traffic pattern.

The committee also discussed more details signage on Route 1, called rectangular rapid fire beacons. These signs aim to allow people to cross the busy highway safely. Some are already established on Wellington Road. The town is still working with DelDOT to get these new signals installed.

Neighbor Dee Weber is all for the idea.

"I like having the lights across the roads and the traffic stopping," she said. "They're (the drivers) so used to it now here that they will stop when they see you automatically."

Another big piece of discussion was safety of people on bikes- especially J-1 students. J-1 students are people- usually teenagers and young adults- that come from other countries to work for the summer months. The committee said that a lot of J-1 students are not following the rules of the road when riding their bikes- and more needs to be done to make sure they are taking proper precautions to ride safely.

Tom Johnson at Bethany Sports Cards and Collectibles says he see's J-1 Students riding unsafely all the time.

"A lot of people travel Route 26 and they're going all the way down to the Giant, A lot of them don't even have tail lights on their bikes and they're dressed in black and they're like invisible," he said.

Furthermore, Sgt. Patrick Foley, who is on the committee, expressed interest in starting an orientation program for these students to get them familiar with basic safety knowledge- such as wearing reflective clothing and having blinkers on their bikes, having speakers from the healthcare field and financial field and more.

He did say that the Bethany Beach Chamber of Commerce is also working on something similar- and that this is not meant to impede on that project.

A big theme from the meeting was working on the town's community outreach- and making sure everyone has the knowledge to keep them safe as they go around town.

While Delaware’s beach towns attract many out-of-towners during the summertime, off-season attractions keep coastal residents entertained all year long. For northern Delaware residents, a day trip to the beaches is an often underrated form of winter entertainment.

From shopping and local museums to brewery and winery tours, these local hotspots are top picks to keep in mind during the fall and winter months.

Crooked Hammock Brewery

Offering easygoing, flavorful craft beer and backyard vibes, Crooked Hammock is a great option for gathering around a firepit on a chilly fall or winter night with friends and family, beer and great food. The popular local brewery changes its beer lineup often, so check crookedhammockbrewery.com to see what’s on tap for fall and winter. 36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes | 644-7837

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Shell We Bounce

This family-owned trampoline park and family entertainment center will have you (literally) bouncing all day long. Aside from trampolines, there are several entertainment amenities perfect for the entire family like virtual reality, an arcade, a kid zone with a jungle gym, an enclosed playground and a café. Open daily at 10 a.m., bounce time slots begin every 30 minutes in addition to special events and classes happening weekly. 32295 Lewes-Georgetown Highway, Lewes | 827-4453

Lewes Polar Bear Plunge

One of the First State’s signature events, the 2024 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge will take place on Sunday, February 4. The yearly event is held on the first Sunday in February, during which time guests can take the plunge into the cold waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a great opportunity to jump into freezing cold water with your friends and family and hundreds of others to benefit Special Olympics Delaware. Register Online | 831-4653

Cape May–Lewes Ferry

The Cape May-Lewes Ferry allows residents to enjoy Delaware’s tax-free shopping and local attractions, plus the scenic and historic destinations of southern New Jersey—all in one day! The Cape May-Lewes Ferry is family-friendly and offers numerous kids’ attractions, plus events and excursions for the whole family. The ferry and its events operate year-round, so check cmlf.com for more details. 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes | 1-800-643-3779

Lefty’s Alley & Eats

Lefty’s is the perfect place for family fun all year long. With off-season attractions like bowling, an arcade, axe throwing and a TOPGOLF Swing Suite, there’s plenty to do at Lefty’s. Plus, the craft kitchen and bar is always serving up creative cocktails, mouthwatering food and crisp beer and seltzer. Rent out private karaoke suites to enjoy a music-filled evening with family or friends. 36450 Plaza Boulevard, Lewes | 864-6000

Seal-Watching Tours with Cape Water Tours

Cape Water Tours are a great way to enjoy the Delaware Bay during the off-season. We have visitors from the north during the winter months that can be safely and respectfully observed up-close on a seal-watching tour. Register online for a weekend tour departing from Lewes. Tickets are $30. Binoculars and all types of cameras are encouraged to capture the moment! 43 Cape Henlopen Drive, Lewes | 655-7334

Clear Space Theatre Company

Located in downtown Rehoboth Beach, Clear Space Theatre is an off-season hotspot for professional local performances and acting classes. Clear Space puts on over 100 performances a year, with Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap running January 19 to February 4. Children and adults alike can also sign up for classes at the theater. Clear Space offers classes in acting, voice and more for all ages and experience levels. Find more information and show tickets at clearspacetheatre.org. 20 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach | 227-2270

Movies at Midway

This independently-owned multiplex building brings the hottest upcoming movies right to the beach. Located on Route 1 between Lewes and Rehoboth Beach just north of the Tanger Outlets, the theater boasts a full cinematic experience complete with comfortable seats, high-quality speakers, digital projectors and stadium-style theater layouts. The theater also provides handicap seating and assistive listening devices. This winter, enjoy the hottest releases like Poor Things, the Mean Girls movie musical, The Iron Claw and more. 18585 Coastal Highway, Suite 1 | Rehoboth Beach

Tanger Outlets

With over 130 stores and designer brands to choose from, no one will run out of places to shop at the Tanger Outlets. Perfect for stocking up on gifts for loved ones (or yourself), the outlets are a staple at the beach. Browse all of the latest sales and deals at tangeroutlet.com/deals. 36470 Seaside Outlet Drive, Rehoboth Beach | 226-9223

The Bellmoor Inn & Spa

Whether you want an off-season staycation experience or just a day of pampering, The Bellmoor is the perfect place to unwind in Rehoboth. The spa menu boasts 44 different kinds of massage—including couples and CBD-infused—and other pampering body treatments. With cozy rooms and suites, The Bellmoor offers a great staycation experience for couples looking to wind down after the holiday season. 6 Christian Street, Rehoboth Beach | 888-699-8563

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Rehoboth Beach Museum

Beach-goers have a long history of enjoying the sun and sand of Rehoboth Beach, and the Rehoboth Beach Museum showcases that nostalgia through its exhibits. Sand toys, surf boards, archeological artifacts and more have been on display at the museum, which accepts donations for admission. The museum also features a gift shop that has plenty of unique Rehoboth-centric gifts. 511 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach | 227-7310

Delmarva Discovery Tours

Whether you’re in to antiquing, agriculture, dining or partying, Delmarva Discovery Tours showcase the best of southern Delaware’s beer, wine and spirits offerings. All-inclusive tours include brewery tours, winery tours, farm tours and more. For unique off-season experiences, try the antique tour or the wine and lavender garden tour. Group sizes vary per tour. There are also non-inclusive party bus rentals available. Tours are offered in the morning and afternoon all year long; visit delmarvadiscoverytours.com or call 260-9008 to book. 125 McKinley Street, Dewey Beach | 260-9008

Dewey Beer Co.

Known for unique fruited sours, IPAs and other craft brews, Dewey Beer Co., offers unique flavors and delicious fusion dishes that pair perfectly with various beers. Enjoy the tastes of Secret Machine, a line of fruity sours with flavors like raspberry almond cookie and cherry blackberry pie. If you’re into hops, try the Swishy Pants IPA for a crisp and hoppy brew. 2100 Coastal Highway, Dewey Beach | 227-1182

Zen Spa

Zen Spa brings more than 20 years combined experience in a variety of services. If you’re looking to advance your own personal journey towards serenity and tranquility this winter, Zen Spa offers plenty of options. Whether it is with a massage to ease daily stress, a body wrap to detoxify, or a facial to nourish and replenish, you’re sure to come out feeling better than when you stepped in. Spend a day at this Fenwick spa to escape everyday stress and emerge refreshed and rejuvenated. 38857 Bennett Avenue, West Fenwick | 988-1750

Addy Sea Historic Oceanfront Inn

If you love charming coastal history, consider an off-season, overnight stay at this historic Bethany Beach inn. Including 12 individual guest rooms with private baths, an elegant parlor, wrap-around veranda and onsite dining room, Addy Sea is a one-stop shop for relaxation in Delaware. Enjoy breathtaking beach views and cozy overnight accommodations. Plus, if you stay during the winter months, there is less noise and no crowds, making it all the more relaxing. 99 Ocean View Parkway, Bethany Beach | 539-3707

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Farm (and Ocean)-to-Table Dining

Restaurants like One Coastal and Our Harvest curate menus based on seasonal products that can be sourced fresh. Some winter offerings are an off-season treat that only locals get to enjoy! Plus, these eateries are often booked up on summer weekends, so this is the perfect time of year to treat yourself to a fresh and delicious dinner option.

The final full week of the unofficial summer season at the Delaware Beaches could be a rough one for swimmers.

Hurricane Franklin and Tropical Storm Idalia are both expected to take paths hundreds of miles east of Rehoboth Beach, but even that close, they're already starting to chop up the Atlantic going into the unofficial final week of summer on the Delmarva coast.

The National Weather Service placed the Delaware Beaches into a high rip current risk starting on Tuesday, with the believe that Franklin will connection to keep rip current active through the end of the week.

Idalia is expected to hit the Gulf Coast of Florida on Wednesday, but then turn back east off the Carolinas on Thursday, and once it passes east of Cape Hatteras, should again chop up the Atlantic, even if it is at the expected Tropical Storm strength hundreds of miles from Delaware.

The timing of the storms is poor, as local lifeguard units are at their lowest levels of the summer, as beach patrols stocked with college students watched many go back to school over the past couple of weeks.

Rehoboth Beach Patrol Captain Jeffrey Giles told WBOC that anyone who wants to brave the surf should be aware they may need to take a walk to find a guard.

"Most of our beach in Rehoboth is unguarded at this point. So we want to make the public aware that swim where the lifeguards are at from Henlopen (Condominiums) to Brooklyn Avenue and know your limitations."

If you do venture into a rip current, you should attempt to signal for help, but try to stay calm. It's recommended you focus on staying afloat, or if possible swim parallel to the shore until you find a break in the current and you can find your way back to the beach. You should not swim directly against the rip current as you'll have a better chance of tiring yourself out than making progress.

Rehoboth Beach lifeguard John Walker told WBOC that he's ready if a rescue is necessary.

"We've done so much practice, and I've been doing this for five summers plus a whole wintertime in Fort Lauderdale (Florida). I'm pretty comfortable in the water, so it's no big deal for me, but for inexperienced swimmers, it can be pretty scary."

Surf heights for Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to be 3-5 feet at the Delaware Beaches, and 4-6 feet along Ocean City, Maryland and Assateague Island.

According to the National Weather Service, there have been 72 fatalities this year along United States beaches, including 1 in Ocean City, Maryland on May 6, and Sandy Hook and Avon-by-the-Sea in New Jersey.

Beaches along the Delmarva coast will be guarded with their normal summers hours through Labor Day, but then some communities, such as Bethany, are unguarded except on weekends.

Both Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City, Maryland are scheduled to have guards daily through September 23, although in limited quantities compared to the heart of July.