Freaky, like Really Freaky.

Just read this story on the Bethany Beach Rentals Facebook page.

An owner of ours asked for help - we need your assistance in identifying the woman in the photo. One of our owners took this on the Tuesday morning after Columbus Day. She exchanged pleasantries with the woman who she thinks is in her 30s. She loved the light so snapped this photo - and seems like the women had company. Would love to find her and show her the picture. we figured she is likely a local - not many people on the beach on a tuesday in october. thoughts?

Why Next Summer I'm Finally Getting a Metal Detector

Need a reason to get a metal detector?

Just read this story of a retiree, his metal detector, and a giant trove of Viking treasure.

Farewell Sweets 'N" Treats of Fenwick Island

After 35 years, local institution Sweets 'N' Treats of Fenwick Island is closing.

In a bittersweet (sorry, I couldn't help it) ending, the owner is keeping a blog The Final 90 Days, which chronicles not only her personal story of closing her shop, but also covers the larger story of small specialty stores trying to make it as the world becomes more and more dominated by the big chain stores, and of course, online shopping.

We wish them well in their new endeavors.

Sweets 'N' Treats, you will be missed.

Clear Space Theatre Company Presents Live Theatre Year Round at the Beach

If you're here this fall, be sure to check out a performance from the Clear Space Theatre Company (20 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE).

The Foreigner is showing September 27 through October 13, followed by An American Christmas Carol from November 29 to December 22.

There are also two special weekend presentations planned. On October 25, 26 and 27 it's a Monster Mash-Up with a fun-filled haunted house, and Toon Tunes from Clear Space Children's Theatre is performed November 14, 15 and 16 featuring songs from animated classics.

Where to get ice cream fresh from the farm in Maryland and Delaware

As I was doing an exhaustive search of the best local ice creams (there are plenty to choose from in Bethany Beach from newcomer Ba Roos to old favorite Dickey's Frozen Custard), I came across this: Maryland's Ice Cream Trail.

For the true ice cream enthusiast, here's a list of the eight dairy farms in Maryland with creameries, and you know what that means, amazing, homemade ice cream!

In Delaware, there's no ice cream trail but there is a Creamery Guide here.
The four farms in Delaware with on-farm creameries. They are:
Hopkins Farm Creamery
Vanderwende Farm Creamery
Woodside Farm Creamery
UDairy Creamery

And while this goal is still a little far off, I hope by the time summer comes to a close I've visited at least some (if not all) of the creameries listed here.

Full Moon Super Moon - Take a Moonlight Paddle

This month's big super moon reminded me that it's a great time to take a moonlight paddle. There are several places that will take you out, including:

Coastal Kayak - has a two-hour combined sunset/moonrise paddle for several nights around the time of the full moon leaving out of Fenwick Island.

Ecobay Kayak - has full moon excursions for several nights around the full moon leaving out of Indian River Bay.

Do you know any other kayak trips leaving near Bethany Beach? Let me know and I'll add them to this list!

Pick Your Own Peaches at Bennett Orchards

As much as I love the abundance of fresh produce at the many local farmers markets, there's something really extra special about picking your very own fruit right off the tree.

You can pick your own peaches at Bennett Orchards in Frankford, DE. Located at 31422 Peach Tree Lane, it's an easy and fun outing with the kids. Just make sure to visit their website to make sure there is pick your own happening on the day you want to visit the orchards.

According to their Facebook page today:

For the first time ever, our yellow, freestone Flaming Fury "giants" will be available for picking tomorrow, Monday, August 11. Likely to be the largest peaches you will ever see! 

I don't know about you, but that seems like a perfect picking peach!

It's Carnival Time at the Bethany Beach Boardwalk

On Saturday, August 2, it's Carnival Night at the Bethany Beach Boardwalk!

From 6:00 to 9:00 pm join the fun with carnival games, a free photo booth and a magic show with a Dickens Parlour Theater Magican from 8:00-9:00 pm on the Bandstand stage.

From 7:00 to 9:00 pm there is face-painting and baloon-making with Sunshine the Clown.

Fenwick Island Lighthouse is Worth a Visit

Fenwick Island has a lighthouse dating back to the 1800s. And it's totally worth a visit.

Photo by Liz Camacho via Instagram

The lighthouse is maintained by the Friends of the Fenwick Island Lighthouse and volunteers are there to tell you more about the history of and story behind the lighthouse on select days and hours. You can learn more here.

There is no fee to enter the lighthouse or the grounds surrounding it, but donations are accepted. While your there enjoy the always exhilarating experience of being in two states at once - there's a Transpeninsular Marker immediately outside the lighthouse.

On the day we were there - a summer Friday - there was plenty of free street parking right outside the lighthouse. In fact, that's my car on the far left of the photo above.

The Fenwick Island Lighthouse is located at the intersection of 146th Street and Lighthouse Avenue in Fenwick Island, just a few feet north of the Maryland border.

Take a Hike at Fresh Pond!

We opted for an early morning in-our-pajamas hike, but Fresh Pond is great to visit any time of day.

Sighted on our hike:

- dragonflies
- wild blackberries
- a turtle, which to be honest was the most exciting find of the day.

I highly recommend a visit to Fresh Pond, with a selection of scenic trails, plenty of parking in the lot, and an abundance of nature "finds" you can't go wrong.

Happy Hiking!

Lighthouse Dance & Yoga Summer Programs in Selbyville, DE

In nearby Selbyville, Lighthouse Dance & Yoga has lots of programs perfect for the Bethany Beach vacationer, both kids and adults.

Offerings at Lighthouse Dance & Yoga include:
- Summer Dance Camps and Classes for ages 3+, including Weekend camps and classes.
- Children's Dance Party - August 28 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm,  $5 and open to all ages 3+.
- Adult Dance and Yoga Classes, see schedule for details.

Yoga and dance at the beach, what could be better?

Where to Play Mini Golf on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk

Ryan's Mini Golf is a mini golf course on the roof right off the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk, and it's a favorite stop for our family before or after heading to Funland just down a bit on the boardwalk.

You can play 18 holes for just $4 (cash only) and it's so fun to putt while watching the folks below on the boardwalk and the beach, as well as getting to enjoy beautiful views of the ocean.

I highly recommend a stop at Ryan's when you visit Rehoboth Beach!

A Visit to Funland Rehoboth and the Thrill of Victory

Winning a giant frog?

Bucket list: checked!

Picture above: Funland Rehoboth, a favorite destination in Rehoboth Beach since 1961.

4th Annual Maritime Heritage Festival - and it's Free!

The  4th Annual Maritime Heritage Festival is this Sunday, July 20 from noon to 4:00 pm at the Indian River Life-Saving Station.

This not-to-be-missed event has free admission and lots of great activities for kids including face painting, as well as live music, a 19th-century shipwreck rescue demonstration and much, much more.

Bethany Beach in the June Issue of National Geographic!

Bethany Beach made the list of The Last Best American Beach Towns in the June issue of National Geographic.

Of course, this comes as no surprise to us here at Bethany Beach Tourist!

Programs at Bethany Beach's South Coastal Library

Photo from the South Coastal Library website

It's so easy to forget the local library when vacationing, but if you're in Bethany Beach you really should check out (see what I did there) the local South Coastal Library.

There are lots of programs for kids, teens and adults.

For toddlers and preschool kids, be sure to join in the story times.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays there are Summer Bookworms for ages 2-3 at 10:00 am and Summer Rhythm, Rhyme & Preschool Time for ages 4-5 at 10:45 am.

Saturdays there's a Summer Children's Story Time for ages 0-5 at 9:30 am.

Bennett Orchards - Peaches and Blueberries Galore

If you want the freshest and best local produce, check out the blueberries and peaches from Bennett Orchards. Located in Frankford (31422 Peach Tree Lane), you can visit the farm for pick-your-own peaches and pick-your-own blueberries, or you can have the peaches and  blueberries come to you, as Bennett Orchards are available daily at the various local farmers markets.

For the full pick-your-own schedule and availability, visit their website.

34th Annual Sandcastle Contest at the South Inlet Day Area of Delaware Seashore State Park - Rehoboth Beach

Another Sand Castle Contest!

This Saturday, July 12, from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm there will be the 34th annual sandcastle contest at the South Inlet Day Area, Delaware Seashore State Park, Coastal Highway, in Rehoboth Beach.

Everyone is welcome from amateurs to experienced builders, so come join the fun. Registration is free, and there will be prizes awarded.

To learn more, visit the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce.

August 2 is Rehoboth Beach's 36th Annual Sandcastle Contest!

On Saturday, August 2, be sure to join the fun at the 36th Annual Sandcastle Contest at Rehoboth Beach!

With more than 800 participants expected and over 100 teams, this day will produce amazing sand creations. If you want to come and view the sand-rific buildings, mermaids, animals and more you can do so for free. If you want to register to participate, you can do that here.

Prizes awarded for best in the categories: Business, Adult (15+), Children (ages 7 to 14) and Child (ages 6 and under).

Beach Break Art Gallery: New Art Gallery and Kids Art Camp in Downtown Bethany

There's a new art gallery in Bethany Beach, the Beach Break Art Gallery.

The Grand Opening and public reception is Saturday, August 16 from 6 to 8 pm.

The Gallery will features local artists in a variety of mediums, including painting, pottery, glass and photography.

The Beach Break Art Gallery will also offer art lessons for kids and adults, as well as summer camp in July and August.

Learn more on their website: BeachBreakArt.com and their Facebook page.

Matt's Fish Camp Got a Food Truck!

D you know the restaurant Matt's Fish Camp? I know it's not right to pick favorites, but I think it's my favorite restaurant in Bethany Beach.

So you can imagine my foodie delight when I saw this post on their Facebook page today:

Starting today, and every Saturday throughout the summer our new food truck Big Thunder Roadside Kitchen will be serving lunch in the Bluecoast parking lot! Come grab crabcake sandwiches, lobster rolls, salads, salt fries, kimchee hot dogs, and more! Don't forget while you're here that Tomato Sunshine is set up with a remote stand selling the freshest local produce available!!

I read this post too late to make a trip to the Food Truck today, but next Saturday, I plan to be first in line. 

Bethany Beach Nature Center Kids Programs

The Bethany Beach Nature Center has great programs for kids on Saturday mornings from 10:30 am to noon.

Here's the schedule for July:

Earthly Earthworms, Ladylike Ladybugs, Net Seining and the Wonderful Wetlands - they all sound great!

The Bethany Beach Nature Center is located at 807 Garfield Parkway (Rt. 26) about a mile west of Route 1 on the right just past Grotto’s Pizza.

Camps for Kids in Bethany Beach, Dewey, Rehoboth, Fenwick Island and Ocean City

If you'll be in Bethany Beach with your kids, there are tons of great camps.

Here are a few resources:

Rehobeth.com has a list of camps and other fun kid activiites here.

BethanyVisitor.com has a list of camps in Bethany, Fenwick Island, Dewey and Ocean City here.

And I can personally recommend the Marty Godwin Tennis camp, my kids went a few years ago and had a great time. You can learn all about it here.

That isn't even the order that happens in.

What do you think? Are each of the dogs supposed to represent the size of each community?

Or, is it jarring they aren't in the correct geographic arrangement?

Or should I accept they're dogs wearing sweaters, on a surf board, and leave it at that without further analysis?

Even for the internet, is this a stupid discussion?

Huge List of Bethany Beach Entertainment - 2014

This has just about all the summer entertainment in Bethany Beach - Bandstand, Beach and Events. There's lots of nightly music at the bandstand, and in July, Wednesday nights are Children's Nights with music and shows.

For all the details, click here.

The Artful Bean: The Best Coffee in Bethany Beach

One of my favorite places to get coffee in Bethany Beach is at The Artful Bean. And, as they also have smoothies and baked goods, my kids are also happy to join me in my quest for early morning caffeine.

One draw back to The Artful Bean having the best coffee in Bethany Beach? It can often have lines, especially in the morning.

The Artful Bean is located at 20 Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Bethany Beach.

On My List of Places to Visit this Summer: Indian River Life-Saving Station and Museum

I can't believe I've never visited the Indian River Life-Saving Station and Museum, but it's true. I haven't.

This summer I'm going to change that and be back with a full review.

Photo from: http://www.destateparks.com/attractions/life-saving-station/ 

If you want to visit before I'm back with insider insights, here's the information you'll need:

ADDRESS

25039 Coastal Highway

Rehoboth Beach, DE

PHONE

(302) 227-6991

HOURS (April 1 to October 31)

8:00 am to 4:30 pm, 7 days a week

TOURS

You can take a self-guided tour of the station anytime they're open. It's $4 for adults, $3 for seniors (62+) and just $2 for the littles 6 to 12, and free for kids five and under. For a guided tour, it's $5 per person.

Weekly Summer Programs at Delaware Seashore State Park Begin on June 17

Wow! Can you even believe all the amazing summer programs being held at Delaware Seashore State Park?

All the fun starts on June 17, so start marking the dates in your calendar now!

Bethany's Bonfires on the Beach Begin Tonight!

Starting tonight in Bethany Beach, and continuing every Thursday night until August 28, there are bonfires on the beach at dusk, just off of Campbell Place.

We'll be adding photos soon!

New Menu at Mickeys Family Crab House

One of my absolute most favoritist places in Bethany Beach to eat is Mickeys Family Crab House. It's been our go-to for crab cake sandwiches and steamed hard shell crabs since it opened in 1990. I should mention was referred to as "the new place" until at least 1996. Hard to believe it's been around now for over twenty years.

This year, Mickeys made some interior renovations and changes to the menu, all for the better - which is amazing because honestly the place was already pretty much perfect.

I ate outdoors on their deck recently, and was able to try one of the new selections from their menu, and it was beyond good - a buttermilk battered soft-shell crab BLT. It was so delicious I can't believe no one has thought to pair crab and bacon together before in a sandwich.

If you're looking for the best in local seafood, be sure to check out Mickeys. If your bringing kids, they'll love ordering the single hard-shell crab which they can use a mallet to smash to their hearts delight.

To keep up with all things Mickeys, be sure to "like" their Facebook page which is updated often. 

Bethany Beach Surf Report

Want to know the Bethany Beach surf report?

You can find it here on Surfline.com.

As of today, the water is a not so balmy 66 degrees. You can find this and other Bethany Surf Forecast info at surf-forecast.com.

The surf is warmest from early to mid August, when it usually hits 72 to 77 degrees.

Let's see if after the cold winter and cool spring we'll make it that high this year.

Here's hoping.

Bethany Beach Farmer's Market Opens on June 15

If you like fresh produce, amazing homemade bread, and local honey, then you'll love the Bethany Beach Farmers' Market, located right in the center of downtown Bethany (in the lot on the corner of Garfield Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue) on Sundays from 8 am to noon. It opens for the season on June 15 and runs through August 31.

I am such a fan of the Farmer's Market scene, that I have been known to hit up all the ones in the local area.

Here are some of the other ones in the area:

Fenwick Island Farmers' Market (runs from June 16 - September 1)
When: Mondays, 8 am to noon
Where: American Bayside, 31254 American Parkway

Sea Colony Farmers' Market (runs from June 25 - August 27)
When: Wednesdays, 8 am to Noon
Where: Route 1 and West Way (private business parking lots)

Fenwick Island Farmers' Market (runs from June 20 - August 29)
When: Fridays, 8 am to noon 
Where: Fenwick Island, Route 1 and Essex Street

A few of my favorite things at Bethany Beach

I have so many favorite things at Bethany Beach, here are just a few:

Concerts at the Bandstand (full schedule here)
Bethany Beach Farmer's Market
Bethany Beach Books
The Cape May Lewes Ferry
Bonkey's Ice Cream

What's on your summer to do list?

Delmarva Now has a list of 100 things to do this summer, including Bethany Beach's Fourth of July Parade and and Bethany Beach Jazz Funeral on September 1.

There's also build a sand castle, score big at the outlets and "be the first of your friends to get your entire body in the ocean" which I am proud to report my crazy kids already did over Memorial Day weekend.

Official ocean temperature? 58 degrees.

Head to Bonkey's for the Best Ice Cream in Bethany Beach

To be honest, the best ice cream in Bethany Beach is not actually in Bethany Beach. It's in Millville.

Bonkey's Ice Cream and Snoballs is by far our favorite place for an afternoon or after dinner treat, and best of all, it's not in downtown Bethany so no worries about meters and parking.

Personally, I'm a huge fan of their amazing homemade ice cream, but as you can see below, my kids love the snoballs.

Whatever you choose, you can't go wrong.

For hours and directions visit their website, Bonkeys.com.

Bethany Beach Books

I love Bethany Beach Books.

Located right off the boardwalk, and in the center of town right by the Bandstand, this is the place for a summer read for yourself or some new books for the kids.

They also have a fantastic line-up of book readings all summer long. You can check out the full schedule of author events here. There are also Children's Story Times all summer long - the schedule for those is here.

Dickens Parlour Theater

Looking for a great night out in Bethany Beach?

Check out the Dickens Parlour Theater, which features world class magicians every week. There's a nightly show at 7:00pm, as well as rainy day matinees at 2:00pm.

For a full schedule of performances, click here.

And for the kids, mark June 16 on the calendar, when there's a Children's Magic Show.

It's Not Too Late to Help with the Annual Horseshoe Crab Survey

Join the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays for the annual Horseshoe Crab Survey, which takes place select days in May and June when the horseshoe crabs come ashore to spawn hundreds of crab eggs.

I didn't realize until reading more that horseshoe crabs are predominantly found in Delaware, and really not anywhere else.

If you would like to participate in the 2014 Horseshoe Crab Survey, you can contact Team Leaders directly or send an email to habitat@inlandbays.org.

Also, two incredible horseshoe crab facts: they have more in common with spiders than they do with crabs and they can go a year (a year!) without eating.

Bethany Beach Nature Center

The Bethany Beach Nature Center is a great place for kids. Indoors, there are several engaging interactive exhibits (perfect for rainy days), and outdoors, there is a small playground and a scenic boardwalk, The Bethany Beach Nature Trail.

Saturday mornings from 10:30am to noon there are ongoing programs for kids, the Kidz Nature Adventure, with different topics presented each week. You can see the full schedule for May here.

The Bethany Beach Nature Center is open in summer from 10am to 3pm Monday -Saturday, and 10am to 2pm on Sundays. The outdoor Nature Trail is open from dawn to dusk.

The Bethany Beach Nature Center is located at 807 Garfield Parkway (Route 26), approximately one mile west of Route 1.

To learn more, visit their website here.

Bethany Beach Bandstand Schedule - May and June 2014

Performances at the Bethany Beach Bandstand begin this Saturday, May 24. All shows begin at 7:30 pm and are free and open to the public.

For more information and details, visit the Town of Bethany Beach.2014 Bandstand Schedule.

Here are all the performances in May and June.

Click here for the July, August and September Bandstand schedule.

MAY

Saturday, May 24: Sean Reilly’s (Frank Sinatra Tribute)

Sunday, May 25: U.S. Navy Cruisers (Rock)
Monday, May 26:  V.F.W. Memorial Service, 11:00 AM

JUNE

Friday, June 13: The British Invasion (Beatles Tribute)

Saturday, June 14: Fish Whistle (Rock/Pop)

Sunday, June 15: Delmarva Big Band

Friday, June 20: Apex Revolution (Country)

Saturday, June 21: Still Surfin’ (Beach Boys Tribute)

Sunday, June 22: Melissa Alesi (Singer-Songwriter) 5:30-7 p.m.; Lauren Mitchell Band 7:30-9 p.m. (Blues)

Friday, June 27: Sir Rod (A Tribute to Rod Stewart)

Saturday, June 28: Ernie Halter (Singer-Songwriter; check him out on Pandora/ Spotify!) & Tony Lucca (finalist on Season 2 of "The Voice")

Sunday, June 29: Electric Velvet (Rock/Pop)

Please note, performances can be cancelled due to inclement weather. To find out if bandstand performances will go on as scheduled, follow The Town of Bethany Beach on Facebook and Twitter, @bethanybeachfun.

Bethany Beach Bandstand Schedule - July, August and September 2014

JULY

Tuesday, July 1: “Dancing through the Decades” with DJ Batman. Come dance the night away on the Bethany Beach Boardwalk with music from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s! 7-9:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 2: Uncle Pete w/ kids on the Bandstand 7:30-9 p.m.

Thursday, July 3: National Guard Army Show Band from 5:30 p.m.-7 followed by a bonfire at dusk on the beach at Campbell Place.

Friday, July 4: Parade at noon with bands, horseshoe-throwing contest at 2 p.m., awards ceremony at 7:15 p.m.; fireworks at dusk. 

Saturday, July 5: The Stims (Rock/Pop)

Sunday, July 6: Sarah Williams (Singer-Songwriter)

Wednesday, July 9: Kids’ Night: Songs by Jim Hossick on the Bandstand 7:30-9 p.m.

Friday, July 11: David Stone’s Johnny Cash Tribute

Saturday, July 12: Haleytown (Modern Country)

Sunday, July 13: Karaoke 7-9:30 p.m.; registration begins at 6 p.m. on the Bandstand Plaza

Wednesday, July 16: Kids’ Night: Children’s Theater “Peter Pan” at Town Hall w/ shows at 6 and 7 p.m.; tickets must be picked up at Town Hall at 8 a.m. on the day of the show.

Friday, July 18: Mario Rocco’s Parade of Stars (Variety)

Saturday, July 19: The Threetles  (Beatles Tribute)

Sunday, July 20: Ryan Tennis and the Clubhouse Band 6:30-7:15 p.m.; Eric Lindell & The Sunliners 7:30-9 p.m. (Singer-Songwriter; check him out on Pandora/ Spotify!)

Wednesday, July 23: Kids’ Night: Children’s Theater: Alice in Wonderland at Town Hall w/ shows at 6 and 7 p.m.; tickets must be picked up at Town Hall at 8 a.m. on the day of the show.

Friday, July 25: Tyrone Wells (Singer-Songwriter; check him out on Pandora/Spotify!)

Saturday, July 26: Fabulous Dialtones (Rock)

Sunday, July 27: Chris Westfall (John Denver Tribute)

Wednesday, July 30: Kids’ Night: Children’s Theater “Aladdin” at Town Hall w/ shows at 6 and 7 p.m.; tickets must be picked up at Town Hall at 8 a.m. on the day of the show.

AUGUST

Saturday, Aug. 1: Overtime (Dance)

Saturday, Aug. 2: Carnival Night at the Bandstand 6:00-9:00 p.m. w/ carnival games and a free photo booth w/ unlimited photo strips

- Dickens Parlour Theater Magician on the Bandstand stage 8-9 p.m.

- Sunshine the Clown: Face-painting (air brush) and balloon-making on the Boardwalk 7-9 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 3: Jimi Smooth & HitTime (Motown/R&B)

Friday, Aug. 8: “Dancing through the Decades” with DJ Batman. Come dance the night away on the Bethany Beach Boardwalk with music from the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s! 7-9:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 9: Hope Road (Bob Marley Tribute)

Sunday, Aug. 10: Monkee Paw  (Rock/Pop)

Friday, Aug. 15: Talent Show w/ Mario Rocco

Saturday, Aug. 16: The Philly George Project (Jazz/R&B)

Sunday, Aug. 17: Love Seed Mama Jump (Rock/Pop)

Friday, Aug. 22: U.S. Navy Country Current (Country), 5:30-7 p.m.; Jamboree Boys (Country), 7:30-9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 23: The E. Street Shuffle (Bruce Springsteen Tribute)

Sunday, Aug. 24: The Vigilantes Acoustic Duo  (Rock/Pop)

Friday, Aug. 29: The Bullbuckers (Reggae/Ska)

Saturday, Aug. 30: Three Sheets Acoustic Trio  (Rock/Pop)

Sunday, Aug. 31: The Stims 6:15-7:45 p.m. (Rock/Pop);  Jesse Garron’s Tribute to Elvis 8-9 p.m.

SEPTEMBER

Monday, Sept. 1: Jazz Funeral

Bethany Beach Tourist

Every year, I'm lucky enough to spend most of the summer in Bethany Beach, Delaware.

And while I'm not a local for sure, I know lots about what to do, where to eat, and how to find great places to explore in Bethany Beach as well as in the neighboring towns of Dewey, Fenwick Island, Rehoboth Beach and Ocean City.

Come back often to Bethany Beach Tourist where I'm always adding new places to visit and enjoy in my favorite place in the world, Bethany Beach!