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 Rehoboth Beach Historic Marker 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 Rehoboth Beach, 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.
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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 Lake Gerar 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 La Fable or visit Rehoboth Beach Historical Society & Museum, 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.
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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 Rehoboth Beach, 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 Rehoboth Beach, 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 Rehoboth Beach, 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.
After the annual bowing of Milton and Lewes on recent days, Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation officials and volunteers turned their attention to Rehoboth Beach Aug. 28.Turn the Towns Teal is an annual initiative that marks September as national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Its purpose is to create awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms.Sally Oberle, Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation vice president, said there’s still a big push for early detection because there is no test to detect ovarian cancer. The symptoms ...
After the annual bowing of Milton and Lewes on recent days, Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation officials and volunteers turned their attention to Rehoboth Beach Aug. 28.
Turn the Towns Teal is an annual initiative that marks September as national Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Its purpose is to create awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms.
Sally Oberle, Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation vice president, said there’s still a big push for early detection because there is no test to detect ovarian cancer. The symptoms are vague and can be confused with indicators for other types of cancer, which is why knowledge is crucial, she said.
In addition to Cape Region towns, teal bows were hung in towns up and down the state. The Delaware River and Bay Authority is also hanging bows on all its facilities, said Oberle. Now, when anyone comes into Delaware from New Jersey they’ll see them, she said.
“There still may not be a test, but at least it gets people talking about it, if nothing else,” said Oberle.
All women are at risk for ovarian cancer; the disease affects 1 in 70 females of any age. Fewer than 20 percent of cases are diagnosed early. Due to late diagnosis and a recurrence rate of 70-90 percent, ovarian cancer is the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers.
There is no test for ovarian cancer, so knowledge of symptoms is crucial. Symptoms can include bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, difficulty eating or feeling full quickly, and urinary symptoms such as frequency or urgency. The symptoms are often vague, but if they persist more than two weeks, a woman should discuss them with her physician.
The foundation’s 15th annual Teal Ribbon 5K will take place Saturday, Sept. 20, at Rockford Park in Wilmington. It’s the biggest fundraiser of the year, said Oberle.
For more information on the Delaware Ovarian Cancer Foundation, go to deovariancancer.org, email [email protected] or call 302-998-6889.
City committee recommends state marker, federal historic place, but not historic landmarkChris FloodIn its final act as a group, the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Beach Committee submitted a report to city commissioners recommending the city pursue state and federal historic designation of the Boardwalk.Earlier this year, after nearly two years of discussion, city commissioners voted in favor of reducing the number of advisory committees from five to two. As part of that process, committees are supposed to be officially w...
City committee recommends state marker, federal historic place, but not historic landmark
Chris Flood
In its final act as a group, the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk and Beach Committee submitted a report to city commissioners recommending the city pursue state and federal historic designation of the Boardwalk.
Earlier this year, after nearly two years of discussion, city commissioners voted in favor of reducing the number of advisory committees from five to two. As part of that process, committees are supposed to be officially wrapping up business, which is why the beach and boardwalk committee held its final meeting July 11.
While rebuilt over the years because of storms and upkeep, the first Boardwalk was constructed in 1873. Mayor Stan Mills, who chaired the committee, delivered the recommendations to city commissioners July 18. There’s the state historic marker program, and the option to pursue a federal designation as a historic place, he said.
The state marker is fairly easy and could take three to four months to get permission, said Mills. The historic place destination is much more involved and could take six months to a year, depending on how energetic the applicant is, he said.
The committee researched a second federal designation as a National Historic Landmark, but Mills said the process was too onerous.
The committee also recommended the formation of a task force to pursue the two historic destinations.
Property owner Tom Gaynor said he’s against the historic designation. He said historic designations are done to limit something, prevent something or isolate something.
In addition to the beach and boardwalk committee, four others are being eliminated – streets and transportation, environment, animal issues, and trees and green infrastructure.
There are a number of code- or charter-required committees and boards that are not included as part of the discussion – planning commission, board of adjustment, parks and shade tree, audit, board of elections and personnel.
Later in the same meeting, commissioners appointed chairs of two new advisory committees. Commissioner Mark Saunders is chair of the public safety advisory committee. Commissioner Craig Thier is chair of the environment advisory committee.
Mills said he plans to meet with Saunders and Thier soon to discuss next steps in filling out committee memberships, draft mission statements and finalize names for the new committees.
There’s a lot to love about fall, particularly if you live at the beach—or plan to visit. The weather remains pleasant, and metered parking ends on September 15 in Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach. While meters are in effect in downtown Lewes until October 14, there are usually spots on the side streets. Meanwhile, traffic has thinned on Route 1. Consequently, it’s easier to check out the changes on the dining scene.Bet on beerThe taps keep flowing on the Culinary Coast. Lewes Brewing Compan...
There’s a lot to love about fall, particularly if you live at the beach—or plan to visit. The weather remains pleasant, and metered parking ends on September 15 in Rehoboth Beach and Bethany Beach. While meters are in effect in downtown Lewes until October 14, there are usually spots on the side streets. Meanwhile, traffic has thinned on Route 1. Consequently, it’s easier to check out the changes on the dining scene.
The taps keep flowing on the Culinary Coast. Lewes Brewing Company opened in fall 2024, and there are often visiting food trucks. The brewery is next to the bike trail that runs from Lewes to Georgetown. 1145 Savannah Road, Lewes; 303-BREW.
First State Brewing Company has a second location on Route 1. The stripmall space was previously home to a TGI Fridays and then The Pond, which had relocated from downtown Rehoboth Beach before closing. However, there are no signs of these previous occupants. The renovated space is open and bright. First State opened in Middletown in 2020 as a production brewery that’s allowed to serve food. The beach might seem like an unusual choice for a second spot, but owner Paul Hester is a graduate of Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes.
Expected brewpub fare includes a pretzel with beer cheese and mustard, beer-brined wings, and fish and chips. The unexpected includes an alligator sausage sandwich and a three-patty smashburger with beer cheese, smoked Gouda, Cooper sharp, onions, an egg, and bacon jam. 19266 Coastal Highway, Rehoboth Beach; 386-BEER.
Fenwick Pub, which opened in June, isn’t a brewery, but the publike ambience might make you want a frosty pint. The family-friendly menu’s Eastern Shore flair features crab dip, crabcake, baked oysters, crab soup, and steamed shrimp. 305 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island; 956-1111.
Milton now has a downtown Asian eatery. The 24-seat Lago Asian Cuisine & Sushi Bar, which opened on May 20, offers creative rolls, including the Cherry Bomb, featuring tuna, salmon, and spicy mayo. (Add crab for an extra fee.) Non-sushi items include ramen, curry, and General Tso’s chicken.
Lago is owned by Preston Russell, who also owns Zava Cafe in Milton and Rehoboth, as well as two Changing Mains food trucks. “I have the will to win, and the smiles I see at every location make it worth every second [of work],” he says. 105 Federal St., Milton; 329-9010.
Tea-Aki debuted in early May near the new Redner’s Market. The restaurant’s signature beverage, bubble tea, contains chewy tapioca pearls called “boba,” and the hibachi options include shrimp, steak, chicken, scallops, and salmon. 24145 Zinfandel Lane, Lewes; 291-2140.
Founded in Ocean City, Maryland, Surfin’ Betty’s Burger Bar is named for owner Vince Sapia’s mother. A humble beach bar morphed into a restaurant, and the Bethany Beach location is the second of what many hope will become a chain. Meat from pasture-raised cows is dry aged for up to 14 days. 786 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach; 557-1070.
Palm Beach Bar & Grill in the Midway Shopping Center is an homage to the Florida resort where owners James Petion and Kathryn Robinson met. The menu includes Jamaican beef pastry, a Cuban sandwich, whole snapper with plantains and rice, Caribbean-spiced ribs, and Haitian pork. 18585 Coastal Highway, Unit 23, Rehoboth Beach; 569-9502.
Ocean 99 Restaurant occupies 99 Sea Level’s old space, but the location still boasts a stellar view of the boardwalk and ocean. The menu is heavy on seafood—tuna ceviche, raw oysters, shrimp and grits, and crabcakes—but steak, pork, chicken, and a burger provide landlubbers with options. The owners also have SoHo Slice on Route 1 near Rehoboth Beach. 99 Hollywood St., Bethany Beach; 595-9908.
SoHo Slice was previously Atlantic Social—same owners, new approach. But some concepts have new owners. Consider Good Earth Market, which has a popular in-house restaurant. Employee Melissa Hekl purchased the market from Susan Ryan, who will continue to run the cottage rentals. 31806 Good Earth Lane, Ocean View; 537-7100.
In December 2024, Tyler Townsend and Drew Mitchell purchased the Purple Parrot from Hugh Fuller and Troy Roberts, who had the flamboyant eatery for 25 years. 134 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach; 226-1139.
Last January, Caroline Wetzelberger purchased Warren’s Station in Fenwick Island from Scott and Elise Mumford. Wetzelberger began working at the restaurant as a busser and prep cook at age 15. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she has elevated the familiar landmark, now simply known as The Station. There is a carryout section with coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and pies. 1406 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island;539-7156.
Delaware's best small towns aren't about tourist fanfare or cookie-cutter charm found in many places in the United States. They're real places with streets lined with historic homes, bustling weekend markets, and unexpected character. It's where community still means something and everyday life unfolds with a blend of warmth and a little bit of grit. It's true, you may find some of these towns on a few glossy travel lists. But not the kind that the average tourist checks out. Whether you've heard of these towns or not, they all have a common...
Delaware's best small towns aren't about tourist fanfare or cookie-cutter charm found in many places in the United States. They're real places with streets lined with historic homes, bustling weekend markets, and unexpected character. It's where community still means something and everyday life unfolds with a blend of warmth and a little bit of grit. It's true, you may find some of these towns on a few glossy travel lists. But not the kind that the average tourist checks out. Whether you've heard of these towns or not, they all have a common thread... they're insanely beautiful. Not just in terms of their natural landscapes, but in the attractions they showcase and the history that built them.
Bethany Beach knows exactly what kind of town it is and doesn't overcomplicate things. You like to swim? You like the beach? It's got you covered. This southern Delaware town delivers Atlantic-front beaches without the boardwalk chaos of larger coastal spots. Bethany Beach's half-mile wooden boardwalk is modest. You won't find neon signs or absurd amounts of noise here, just local restaurants, swimmers headed for the surf, and a ton of joggers. Mere steps off the boardwalk, along North and South Atlantic Avenue, and the surrounding downtown streets, you'll find everything from saltwater taffy to arcade games at Shore Fun Family Center. On the quieter side, the Bethany Beach Nature Center borders marshland and gives tourists and residents alike ample opportunity to explore wildlife via walks on the Baldwin Trail.
The riverfront town of New Castle isn't a place where modern reinvention is a priority. It's a rare pocket of the Mid-Atlantic where centuries of history still shape the streets. In the New Castle Historic District, 18th-century rowhouses, cobblestone corners, and buildings like the 1732 Court House and the Dutch House Museum form a grid so well-resevered, it feels like stepping into another time. Locals fill the tavern booths at Jessop's, a colonial-style staple that keeps things hearty and grounded. But while history is plentiful in this Delaware town, its natural beauty demands equal attention. Battery Park, which connects to the Jack A. Markell Trail, wraps along the Delaware River with open lawns, walking paths, and the best views in town.
The town of Rehoboth Beach features a mile-long traditional wooden boardwalk with shops, arcades, ice cream shops, the Funland Amusement Park, and Grotto Pizza stalls. At its heart, the Bandstand delivers over 40 free open-air concerts every summer, Friday through Sunday. It's this attraction, as well as the beach the town shares a name with, that draws tourists each year. Though Rehoboth Beach isn't exclusively beautiful during the summer months. Though it does proclaim itself to be "the Nation's Summer Capital," year-round visitors can slip into Lake Gerar Park and enjoy the quiet waterfront trails lining the inland lake. And not far away, the Rehoboth Beach Museum preserves the town's early years and delves into its unique origin.
Lewes, "The First Town in the First State", was founded as the Dutch colony Zwaanendael in 1631. Its well-preserved historic district offers treasures like the gingerbread-style Zwaanendael Museum and the stately Ryves Holt House, Delaware's oldest building on its original foundation. The walkable downtown is filled with everything a small town should have. Yes, there are antique shops and boutiques, and even a bookstore. But it's the quality and style of these unfussy places that make them special. Just blocks away from the core of Lewes, Second Street, the town opens up to salt marshes and wide beach views. Locals bike straight from town to Cape Henlopen State Park. It's here where you'll find trails past WWII observation towers, a fishing pier, and the magnificent Cape Henlopen State Beach.
Middletown once moved peaches by railcar in pre-Civil War Delaware. Today, it moves people, by the thousands, to its annual Olde-Tyme Peach Festival every August, when Main Street shuts down for live music, pie contests, and a peach parade that runs straight through the heart of town. But this place isn't just an attraction in the summer. Though Silver Lake Park, just a few blocks off the commercial strip, is particularly nice on a warm day. With its surrounding farmland, restaurants, and shopping, and nearby Coleman's Christmas Tree Farm, Middletown is one of the most desirable year-round vacation spots in southern New Castle County. It's also home to some pretty iconic buildings, such as The Everett Theatre, which dates back to 1922 and is famous for appearing in Dead Poets Society.
Smyrna sits between cornfields and commuter highways, halfway between Dover and Wilmington, but it's never felt like a halfway place. Downtown is compact, a few blocks of brick-front shops and restaurants like Brick Works Brewing and Eats. Though arguably, the most famous place to grab a bite is Helen's Sausage House just off the highway, as the popular truck stop diner has become somewhat of a Delaware legend. In Summer, the man-made Lake Como, which sits right in town, is a popular swimming spot and is used just as much for fishing. And while it's outside of town, Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see. It's a vast salt marsh where birds gather by the thousands, and the sky stretches flat and low like a lid.
Tucked at the head of the Broadkill River, about 15 miles northwest of Rehoboth Beach, Milton still carries the imprint of its shipbuilding past. That energy is best felt around the historic district's Victorian homes and the riverside footpaths of Milton Memorial Park. The town's best-known 'resident' is arguably Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, which draws steady crowds for its small-batch beers, wood-fired pizzas, and offbeat tours. A few blocks away, the restored Milton Theatre packs the calendar with everything from film nights to burlesque. Just over the river is the Edward H. McCabe Preserve, a forested stretch with trails and river access for those who need a little less beer and a little more nature.
Dewey Beach isn't exactly a big place. After all, it's only a few streets across, and a few blocks long just south of Rehoboth Beach. But in the summer, it feels as though the entire East Coast is crammed into it. The Atlantic Ocean's on one side, Rehoboth Bay's on the other, and in between are bars, restaurants, and rental houses with towels draped over the railings. You can walk from a packed beach to a crab shack to a full-blow cover band concert without crossing more than two streets. Dewey Beach is known for its nightlife, and The Starboard is the center of it all. So much so that it even has multiple sister restaurants, some within a block's distance, that offer different dining experiences. Live music spills from places like Bottle & Cork and from Rusty Rudder's bayside deck, where you can watch the sun sink into the water.
Right up against the Maryland state border, Selbyville has long been a town that straddles both Delaware's rural and coastal worlds. Its downtown still shows off bits of its 19th-century railroad past, but it's what's cooking that really gets attention. La Sierra, both a restaurant and Mexican grocery, is the kind of place people drive an hour for. Over on Main Street, On the Way Cafe dishes out massive breakfasts with zero pretense, and the Little Italy Food Truck pulls regulars from both sides of the state lines. Just outside the center of town, the Freeman Arts Pavilion packs its summer calendar with national acts. And if you need a quiet reset, there's the edge of the Great Cypress Swamp, Delaware's largest forest, so dense and flat it practically swallows sound.
Milford's heart beats along the Mispillion River, where old shipyards and art galleries now sit side by side. The town's walkable downtown, especially North Walnut Street, still leans into its past, with restored 19th-century facades and a riverside stretch that locals simply call The Riverwalk. The path winds past Goat Island Nature Area and toward the Vinyard Shipyard, a living tribute to the town's boatbuilding roots. The nearby Riverfront Theatre fills its small stage with big-hearted productions, and just outside of town, the DuPont Nature Center draws birders and naturalists from across the coast.
Fenwick Island may share a border with Ocean City, Maryland, but its pace is several gears lower. This small Delaware town, set snugly between the Atlantic and Little Assawoman Bay, keeps things local and unfussy. Fenwick Island State Park claims a long stretch of beach right at the edge of town, with space to swim, fish, or just let the breeze undo whatever stress you brought with you. A short walk inland, the historic Fenwick Island Lighthouse, which was built in 1859, still marks the coast. While much of Fenwick Island is serene and peaceful, you can get louder at Viking Golf and Thunder Lagoon, where go-karts, mini golf, and waterslides come together on one lot.
Delaware isn't a state with over-the-top attractions or touristy gimmicks. But it does have a collection of beautiful towns that blend nature, history, and a great food scene together in an unpretentious way. Some are busy party towns like Dewey Beach, others are sleepy getaways such as Milford and Middletown. None of them compete with one another as they all offer something for a different kind of person. But each is honest, grounded in that specific Delaware vibe, and ready for you to visit.
More beachgoers have been getting an unexpected shock this summer as jellyfish numbers bloom along the Delaware coast, interrupting — but not stopping — the summer fun.Beach patrol captains reported a dramatic increase in jellyfish activity and stings in July, the most they’ve seen in recent memory. Lewes Beach reported a fourfold increase in stings compared to 2024.Lion’s manes, which can have 100-foot (30-meter) tentacles, sea nettles and moon jellyfish are some varieties that frequent Delaware’s...
More beachgoers have been getting an unexpected shock this summer as jellyfish numbers bloom along the Delaware coast, interrupting — but not stopping — the summer fun.
Beach patrol captains reported a dramatic increase in jellyfish activity and stings in July, the most they’ve seen in recent memory. Lewes Beach reported a fourfold increase in stings compared to 2024.
Lion’s manes, which can have 100-foot (30-meter) tentacles, sea nettles and moon jellyfish are some varieties that frequent Delaware’s summertime waters.
Jellyfish blooms have become common from Maine to Florida in recent years. Warming waters can create ideal conditions for jellyfish growth.
Normally, Delaware’s five state parks may report a handful of summer jellyfish stings, said Bailey Noel, a beach patrol captain. But Fenwick Island State Park recently reported 92 stings on a single July day. Three lifeguards were taken to urgent care after swimming in jellyfish-infested waters, Noel said.
The jellyfish at Delaware’s Towers Beach surprised Philadelphia resident Christina Jones, whose two daughters refused to wade back into the water after being stung, she said.
“The jellyfish are pretty bad,” Jones said. “And not only are they a lot in number, but they’re pretty big.”
Delaware State Beach Patrol started tracking jellyfish stings this year due to the rise in cases, said Noel. Most patrol teams do not track the data.
Lewes Beach Patrol treated 295 stings in 2024, the first year the data was collected, but reported over 1,200 cases so far in 2025, said Capt. Strohm Edwards. Lifeguards started carrying vinegar solutions, which can neutralize the venom agents, to help ease pain, he said.
But vinegar solutions may cause microscopic venom-coated barbs known as nematocysts to discharge, according to some research. Those experts recommend a baking soda slurry.
While venomous, stings from Delaware’s lion’s manes and sea nettles typically only cause minor irritation and pain, said Edwards. In cases of severe allergic reactions and symptoms — nausea, vomiting and trouble breathing — lifeguards can help.
Jellyfish blooms, sudden fluctuations in jellyfish populations, are not uncommon, said Gisele Muller-Parker, a retired marine biologist who would count dozens of lion’s mane jellyfish during her daily Lewes Beach walks in July. Temperature, salinity and food availability influence jellyfish breeding, and in favorable conditions, such as warmer waters, populations can explode.
“This year, we’ve never seen anything like this,” Muller-Parker said.
The jellyfish were near the end of their life cycle, finishing their reproductive phase and laying their eggs. Those jellyfish will die once water temperatures cool, said Keith Bayha, a research collaborator with the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History.
The jellyfish boom can harm ecosystems and marine industries, said Bayha, who has studied the animals for more than 20 years and helped identify a nettle species. Fish larvae primarily feed on plankton, but jellyfish can eat both the plankton and the fish. And with few natural predators, the jellyfish food chain is an ecological dead end, said Bayha.
Delaware’s boom this summer is far from alone. Florida’s Volusia County reported hundreds of stings around Memorial Day weekend. Gloucester, Massachusetts, reminded beachgoers to stay safe around jellyfish in mid-July. And in June, Maine’s Ogunquit Fire Department warned beachgoers about the increase in jellyfish after stings were reported.
Jellyfish research is limited, but Muller-Parker hopes more work will be done to assess the ecological ramifications of jellyfish blooms and improve safety advisories.
For now, some unlucky beachgoers will have to rely on home remedies and, in the case of Massachusetts resident Kathy Malloy-Harder’s third-grade nephew, a little bravery.
“When he got stung, he jumped up and started crying and said, ’I’m never coming back to the beach again ever,’” said Malloy-Harder, who had to try two stores to find vinegar for him. But she said that after talking about it “and once the sting subsided, he was interested in coming back and enjoying the beach.”
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