October 2025 Newsletter

RBMainStreet
Sep 30
17 min read

This project has been financed in part by the City of Rehoboth Beach. However, project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of The City of Rehoboth Beach.

Pumpkins, Candy, Ghosts & Goblins

Jim Mease

October is a month of transitions, as fall begins warm and sunny, but as the month progresses, we find ourselves reaching for sweaters and jackets as temperatures drop and days shorten. After the Autumn Equinox in September, we begin preparing for winter, transitioning into the heating season at home. While we add layers for warmth, trees and grasses display a stunning array of colors as they shed their leaves and enter dormancy until spring.

October, derived from the Latin word for "eight," is the tenth month in the Gregorian calendar. It features the Harvest Moon, which typically occurs in September but falls in October approximately every three years. This full moon helps illuminate fields for harvesting, particularly as it rises closer to the horizon, appearing larger and more colorful due to atmospheric effects. In Rehoboth Beach, the sunset aligns well with the moonrise, enhancing visibility. The 2025 Harvest Moon will occur on October 6.

While the Harvest Moon is certainly interesting, October is the month we fully embrace fall and all of its colorful beauty. We have filed our summer memories away and now look to the shoulder seasons’ festivals and parades. Pumpkins fill the scene as Halloween approaches, with thoughts of costumes and candy swirling. We eagerly await the Sea Witch during the 35th Sea Witch Festival on Rehoboth Avenue on October 25.

Other days to commemorate during the month of October include a federal holiday in observance of Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day on October 13th. On the 6th, you can celebrate National Mad Hatter Day by wearing something silly on your head. On the 8th, you can wear your favorite pair of cowboy boots as you celebrate National Day of the Cowboy Boot to highlight its role in American culture, not just as work gear, but to represent a lasting symbol of personal style and pride. Sunday the 11th is It's My Party Day, when you can throw your own party to celebrate anything you want. National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day, on the 15th, offers a chance to have an enjoyable and memorable lunch with your parents, which can be as simple or as fancy as you'd like it to be. Finally, just in time for Halloween, you can celebrate Howl at the Moon and National Pumpkin Day on the 26th, right before you close out the month of October by donning your favorite costume to celebrate Halloween on October 31st.

To assist you with your October plans, Rehoboth Beach Main Street has selected several member businesses to highlight this month. Main Street volunteers have written about each of these businesses later in this newsletter, and we invite you to visit them while you explore downtown Rehoboth Beach.

The Rehoboth Beach Running Company, located at 301 Rehoboth Ave, offers the latest styles and performance gear, specializing in running and triathlon brands you’ll want to try. For unique women's accessories and stylish apparel, be sure to stop by Top It Off at 146 Rehoboth Ave #1, a charming boutique that will help enhance your wardrobe. If you're shopping for children, don’t miss the Lilypad Children's Boutique, which carries the latest styles for both boys and girls.

If you feel the need to grab a bite to eat, the 302 Social, located at 70 Rehoboth Ave (upstairs in the 1st Street Station complex), offers a well-balanced menu of American light fare prepared with high-quality, in-house ingredients. You might also want to visit the Purple Parrot Grill at 134 Rehoboth Ave, a long-standing favorite where you can enjoy good food and a fun atmosphere! For a delightful view of the boardwalk and ocean while dining, check out Victoria's Restaurant located at 2 Olive Ave, at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel. They offer a variety of refined coastal cuisine for your enjoyment.

For those who enjoy jogging, Charm City Run Rehoboth LLC, located at 200 Rehoboth Ave, carries a selection of popular brands, including Brooks, ASICS, Mizuno, and Saucony, for you to browse. Enjoy your time in Rehoboth Beach!

Rehoboth Beach Main Street wishes everyone a safe and fun Halloween! Enjoy the Sea Witch Festival activities from October 24-26. As the seasons change, please be mindful of dog walkers, joggers, trick-or-treaters, and traffic. Parking is free until next May. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful Earth Planters maintained by our dedicated volunteers during your visit!

Current and past issues of the newsletter are available on the RBNMS website at

News.RehobothBeachMainStreet.org

New Businesses & Membership Renewals

● RBMS thanks The Lilypad Children’s Boutique for renewing at the Silver Partner Level.

Showcasing Rehoboth Businesses

The Lilypad Children’s Boutique-Gearing up for the Holiday Season

Colleen Evans

While shopping for yourself is always fun, there's something about buying children’s clothes and gifts for the special little people in your life – it seems to take retail therapy to the next level.

Kimberly Carey, owner and buyer extraordinaire of The Lilypad Children’s Boutique, aims to provide retail therapy with a wonderful shopping experience for parents, grandparents, and kid-loving friends through her highly fashionable clothes, toys, and accessories, which are creatively designed and carefully chosen. Carey’s hands-on experience with thousands of clients has made her an expert in youth retail. She has done her research to ensure the children’s lines are thoughtfully placed throughout the boutique.

Lilypad launched with one simple goal in mind: to offer a finely curated collection of baby and children’s clothing and accessories that are sure to please both parents and children.

Carrying the best and most sought-after brands, Carey sells clothing, apparel, accessories, and toys for both boys and girls.

“We carry the latest collection of our favorite brands from newborn up to the largest size the brand offers,” says Carey. “We are currently getting holiday clothing and accessories for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. We also have a large Jellycat holiday collection that will be hitting our shelves in the coming month.”

With a team of experienced and knowledgeable staff, Carey’s top objective is to provide exceptional, individualized customer service to all boutique clients. She also truly enjoys being a part of her clients’ life milestones, such as births, birthdays, holidays, and other happy occasions.

“I encourage customers to text or email us if they find something online and have questions before making a purchase,” says Carey. “We’ll pull the item and have it ready for our client to see in person or for their child to try on.”

If you are looking for a local children’s boutique experience, something unique and much different than what the large luxury retailers are offering, visit Lilypad Children’s Boutique at 149 Rehoboth Avenue or check out their website.

Victoria’s Restaurant

Peter Beck

On a sweltering summer evening, my brother and his wife visited us and insisted we return to Victoria's, conveniently located on the boardwalk's first level, where we had dined two years ago. They fondly remembered the delicious food and the incredible views from the patio.

This time, it was far too hot to sit outside, so we enjoyed our meal in the beautifully Victorian-decorated dining room. The decor was quite charming, and it turns out that in 2024, Victoria's was selected as the most beautiful restaurant in Delaware by OpenTable! When you dine there, you'll understand why!

We were greeted by an amiable and personable waitress who promptly brought out our water and drinks: a glass of champagne, an Aperol Spritz, and a Modelo beer.

The menu was filled with many tempting options. After a few minutes, we decided on the salmon risotto with asparagus and the summer berry salad. Everything was fresh, the portions were generous, and the food was delicious. We were quite stuffed, so we decided to skip dessert. Maybe next time!

Victoria's is open daily for breakfast from 7am-11:30am, lunch form 11:30-3:00pm, and dinner from 4-10pm. For early bird special lovers, stop by on a Monday for the prix fixe dinner from 4:00 to 5:30.

For a unique and charming experience with friends and family, visit Victoria's for

Afternoon tea, available Tuesday-Thursday from 3pm-5pm. Please call (302) 227-0615 to make reservations.

I have no doubt my family will want to dine at Victoria’s again next time they visit!

Top it Off

Dan Slagle

Next time you are in town shopping for apparel, be sure to visit Top It Off - Fashionable Clothing and Accessories. Karena Rasser, a proud owner, is a member of Rehoboth Beach Main Street, and we're so excited to have this stylish women's apparel and accessories boutique join our downtown Rehoboth Beach community.

Top It Off is currently having a fantastic sidewalk sale. Get ready to refresh your wardrobe, because EVERYTHING in the store is 50% off during this special promotion. But wait, there's more! When you use cash at checkout, get a gift. Enjoy early holiday items that are out for shopping.

This is the perfect chance to snag some amazing deals before the sale ends. Be sure to stop by Top It Off at 146 Rehoboth Ave—unit 6, to explore their incredible collection and take advantage of this fantastic sale.

If you aren’t in town, don’t despair! You might want to check out their website, where you can browse through the new fall fashions or get ten percent off your first order by registering!

The Purple Parrot Grill

Peter Beck

On a delightful Friday summer evening in mid-July, my friend Maria and I were eager to explore the vibrant atmosphere of our town. We decided that the Purple Parrot Grill, nestled at 137 Rehoboth Avenue, was the perfect destination for our night out!

Celebrated as a beloved part of Rehoboth for twenty-five years, the Purple Parrot first opened its doors in 1999 and moved to its current location in 2005. A major expansion in 2010 introduced the charming Biergarten, a favorite spot that stretches along the side of the building and connects to Wilmington Avenue. Its lively colors of bright green, blue, and yellow make it a true eye-catcher, while also being one of the last remaining late nineteenth-century structures on Rehoboth Avenue.

The inviting veranda overlooks the street, featuring unique garage doors that can be opened wide on warm summer nights – perfect for soaking up the bustling ambiance and people-watching!

Inside, the cheerful decor is complemented by the countless dollar bills signed by happy visitors, creating a warm and welcoming environment. On this particular Thursday, the energy was vibrant with joyful patrons, making it an ideal setting for Maria and me to share a delightful evening filled with laughter and good food! We couldn’t have asked for a better experience!

We knew it was Fish Taco and Margarita night at the Parrot, so ordering wasn't an issue. How could you go wrong with 10-dollar Baja fish tacos and 7-dollar margaritas? Our very efficient waiter served our food with lightning speed! Before we knew it, we were enjoying our wonderful tacos and drinks.

The last time I ate at the Parrot, I enjoyed the delicious Key Lime pie; however, on this particular night, I was too full to order a dessert. Maybe on my next visit.

Throughout the year, the Parrot offers fun dinner specials, including Burgers and Beers on Mondays, Crab Cakes and Crushers on Wednesdays, and German Day on Saturdays for those Schnitzel lovers.

Finally, please be aware that the Purple Parrot Grill isn't just about food and drink; it's also a terrific place to enjoy entertainment. There’s live music on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Karaoke nights are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays..

You are always to have a great time at the Parrot! Visit their website at http://www.ppgrill.com for the menu, information about daily specials, and upcoming events.

302 Social

Dan Slagle

If the owners of 302 Social, located upstairs at 70 Rehoboth Avenue, were to describe their restaurant and bar to someone, they would like them to think of the establishment as a comforting place, with a colorful and warm atmosphere, and friendly, engaging staff who provide guests with a feel-at-home experience at the beach. They were motivated to create a place where people could come and feel like part of the community, doing what the owners enjoy most: providing guests with great experiences.

In the fall of 2023, the owners were presented with the opportunity to take over the establishment formerly known as Cooter Browns, and from there, their journey began. It would become the sister restaurant of their very successful location in Berlin, MD, the 410 Social Eatery and Barroom, which opened in the Fall of 2022.

They closed for a brief period for some renovations, and in the spring of 2024, they reopened as 302 Social Eatery and Barroom!

They were thrilled about the opportunity to open a restaurant in a vibrant culinary town like Rehoboth Beach. It is perfectly aligned with their vision for their establishment, which embodies warmth, energy, colorfulness, and uniqueness. They were also excited by the chance to compete in a market filled with exceptional dining options. To carve out their own niche, they aimed to blend different flavors and styles in a relaxed, communal setting that allows guests to enjoy fresh, high-quality food in an inviting atmosphere.

Whether it be on the patio, which offers a great view of Rehoboth Avenue, the front dining room with a panoramic view of downtown Rehoboth, or the bar area, which is an open room with 7 TVs to view all your favorite sports teams, the establishment also provides a great venue to host large parties for all occasions, albeit rehearsal dinners, work cocktail parties or any occasion. March 2025 also marked the first annual “Love Your Craft Festival”. An event that showcased local Oyster Farmers, Fallen Pine Oyster Co. and Choptank Oyster Co., craft beer from Dewey Beer Co., and handcrafted jewelry from local artisans.

The owners believe they have created an establishment that caters to the needs of all guests. The food menu features a variety of appetizers and handheld options, along with a well-rounded selection of salad entrees, bowls, and dinner entrees. Some of the most popular items include Tuna Nachos, Barrio Bowl, and the signature 302 Style Smash Burger. The beverage menu includes a diverse selection of handcrafted cocktails, mocktails, and local craft brews and spirits. The owner’s passion is hospitality, and the goal is to exceed guests’ expectations. During the short time in Rehoboth, the owners have enjoyed tremendous support from the local community, fellow business owners, and organizations such as RBMS.

They have really enjoyed their first couple of years here and are excited to see what the future holds. This summer, they aimed for a very successful season and are excited about fall, with the opportunity to reconnect with the local community through the many events hosted by RBMS and Rehoboth Beach. Stay tuned for weekly special nights, beginning October 6!

Rehoboth Cycle Sports

Rehoboth Cycle Sports is excited to announce our Used Rental Bike Sale! All bikes have been professionally tuned up and are in like-new condition, available at about 50% off the new price. These bikes were used for just one summer season and include the ever so popular models, the Trek Verve 1’s and Electra Townie 7D’s. We also have a limited selection of kids’ bikes available.

Don’t wait—inventory goes fast, and bikes are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're looking for a budget-friendly bike or to add to your guest rental fleet, stop in at 174 Rehoboth Avenue, give us a call at 703-227-7600, or shoot us an email at rideon@rehobothcyclesports.com!

News from Rehoboth in Bloom

Cindy Lovett

Another great summer season has come to an end, so it’s time to transition to fall and winter mode!

The Rehoboth in Bloom volunteers are amazingly dedicated and will be out in full force on October 27 and 28 to remove the summer annual plants and will plant the winter pansies the following week, November 3 and 4. Keep your eyes out and say hi when you see the crew!

News from RBMS

Post Office Update!

Cindy Lovett

As a sub-committee of the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Design Committee, this task force was formed in late 2024. The objective was to get the Rehoboth Beach Post Office designated on the National Register of Historic Places.

The post office building in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, was constructed in 1937-8 with federal Treasury Department funds. Locals strongly believe that the post office is historically significant for its New Deal artwork and its Art Deco design elements.

It took almost a year, but the USPS Task Force has completed the DRAFT of the application. As a courtesy, the team submitted it to the City of Rehoboth for its review. Upon approval, the next step will be to send it to the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs in Dover, Delaware.

Once the nomination is finalized, it will be reviewed by the Delaware State Review Board for Historic Preservation and, ultimately, by the Department of the Interior, National Park Service. Should our application be accepted, a plaque will be placed at the Rehoboth Post Office. Many thanks to this talented team for all of their hard work.

In the picture (left to right). Catherine Perge, MaryJane Deets, Cindy Lovett, Paula Evans, Robert Thompson (not pictured, Greer Maneval)

RBMS Benefits from the Mrs. Roper Romp

On Saturday, September 20, Rehoboth Beach hosted the 3rd Annual Mrs. Roper Romp, with proceeds benefiting RBMS. Our town was filled with Mrs. Ropers of every size and shape imaginable! We estimate that approximately 1,000 participants attended the festivities at over 20 downtown bars and restaurants. A big thank you to everyone who helped plan the event. It was a fun time for all!

Come to the Cabaret: Support the Cape Henlopen Senior Center Relocation!

The Cape Henlopen Senior Center has thrived since its incorporation in 1966. From a membership of 30 in that first year, within its first 15 years, membership had grown to a remarkable 1,100 seniors, eager to engage and connect across a broad range of activities.

For the last 45 years, the Center has called a property on Martin’s Lawn in downtown Rehoboth Beach home. In 2007, six acres were donated to the Center on Hebron Road, just outside the municipal limits of Rehoboth Beach. At last, it is time to build a new state-of-the-art senior center on this parcel to continue to enhance the quality of life for all seniors in our region.

In late May of this year, a group of residents and representatives from community organizations joined the leadership of the Center to launch the public phase of the fundraising campaign that will make this dream a reality. At the Cabaret to Support Senior Center Relocation on November 20, we hope to raise the next phase of support. We hope you will join us this September to learn more about the fundraiser and join in support for our region’s seniors.

News from RBMS Members

News from CAMP Rehoboth: The 2025 Block Party!

The CAMP Rehoboth Annual Block Party will take place on the second block of Baltimore Avenue, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Join our friends at CAMP Rehoboth for a day of celebration and performances, and vendors including local restaurants, caterers, businesses, nonprofits, arts & crafts, and more.

A limited number of new vendor spaces are available for reservation on a first-come basis. The Block Party is a tremendous way to reach a broad and diverse group of attendees, while supporting CAMP Rehoboth. Register Here

For questions or inquiries, contact: blockparty@camprehoboth.com

Fall Cocktail Class with Mixologist Patty Cullen!

Shake off the chill in the air and stir up something seasonal! Join us on Friday, October 10th, from 6 PM to 8 PM in the Kent and Sussex Ballroom at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel for a hands-on cocktail class. In this session, you will learn to mix and sip on a variety of fall-inspired flavors.

Are you looking for a signature cocktail for your upcoming event or party? Patty will teach you how to impress your guests and have them return for every gathering! This class will explore autumn flavors, provide recipes to try, and you may even get the chance to get behind the bar and mix drinks yourself!

Seating is limited for this event, so gather your fun friends and purchase your tickets through OpenTable. Follow the link below to secure your spot!

https://www.opentable.com/booking/experiences-availability?rid

Help Wanted at Bomshell Boutique!

Internet and Social Media Stats

September Newsletter sent to 2,297 subscribers. Open rate 58%, Click rate 8%. Views: on the Website: 650.

Most clicks: September newsletter, RBMS Website Home Page, The Pines, Rehoboth in Bloom, Rehoboth Breeze, RBMS Website News Page, Blue Monkey, RB Bears, Frank & Louie's, Art off the Avenue, La-Di-Da, Brooklyn Blvd, Flora & Fauna, RB Museum, Browseabout Books, Shore Silver, Archies, Brewfest, Mrs. Roper Romp Tickets.

Facebook Views in August were 323,100--increase of 40% over July. Reach was 133,900, up 33% over July. Most Views: Robin Hood Restaurant, Mrs. Roper Romp, Kilwin's, Doggie Style, Somewhere Rehoboth, Funland, and the September Newsletter.

Instagram Views were 51,200, up 22% over July. Reach was 5,300, up 29%. Most Views: Funland, Robin Hood Restaurant, Mrs. Roper Romp, Coffee Mill, Bomshell Boutique, Somewhere, and Kilwin's.

Google Ads: 34,800 Impressions, 538 Click Throughs.

Photo Gallery

Volunteer staff photographer Maria Misak once again impresses us with her series ‘Farewell to Summer’ photographs! Until next year, summer!!!

News from the City of Rehoboth Beach

Welcome to Rehoboth Beach, Brooke Thaler!

The City of Rehoboth Beach has appointed Brooke Thaler as the new communications manager following the retirement of Lynne Coan, who has held the position since 2021. Brooke began her new role on Monday, September 8.

Thaler joins the city from Danbury, Connecticut, where she has worked as a journalism and yearbook teacher, as well as the coordinator of alumni relations, at the Wooster School since 2016. During her tenure, she expanded the school's communication efforts, notably by creating and managing a weekly online student publication that reaches over 1,200 students, alumni, trustees, parents, and staff. Thaler has over 25 years of experience in the communications field, including freelance writing, public relations, and news reporting.

Brooke has strong ties to Delaware; she grew up in Wilmington and spent her summers visiting her parents' home in Rehoboth Beach. She earned a bachelor’s degree in American Studies with a focus on Mass Media and Communications from Dickinson College, where she was inducted into the sports Hall of Fame for her achievements in field hockey and lacrosse.

“I am thrilled to not only be relocating to Rehoboth Beach, which has always been myself and my family’s favorite place, but especially in this role,” says Thaler. “I am looking forward to sharing information to the public and the stories that come out of this special community.”

News from the Delaware Division of Small Business

Starting on Wednesday, Oct. 15, Delaware employers who have not yet completed the EARNS registration and payroll submission process may begin receiving penalties and fines for noncompliance with state law!

If you have any questions, please contact the Delaware EARNS Employer Assistance Hotline at 855-934-3701 or email employerservices@earnsdelaware.com.

Events

Rehoboth Beach Library

For a full calendar of events during October at the library, please visit Rehoboth Beach Public Library - LibCal - Delaware Libraries

Browseabout Books—Author Talks & Book Signings

For a full calendar of author talks & book signings in October, go to: Events | Browseabout Books

Cape Henlopen Senior Center Vaccine Clinic

Thursday 10/2 9:00am-11:00am

Village Improvement Association

An Evening of Magic, Comedy, & Fun with the Amazing Randy Forster

Thursday 10/2, 6:00pm

Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce