Summer!
JIm Mease
It's August, and we are in the middle of our summer season in Rehoboth Beach! August is the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar and derives its name from the Roman Emperor Augustus. During August, many of us take a vacation from our normal responsibilities to come to the beach and enjoy the hazy, hot, and humid days. August allows us to recharge our batteries, spend time with family and friends, and mentally prepare for the fall and winter seasons. It is a time to be with family and friends, doing things like boating, fishing, playing in the surf, or just relaxing by the ocean while reading a book or watching the never-ending crashing of the waves.
Despite lacking a major federal holiday, August has several observances worth celebrating. Some of the more interesting ones are: National Girlfriends Day on August 1st, when we can ensure our partners feel valued and appreciated; International Beer Day on August 2nd, when we celebrate its role in our lives; International Cat Day on August 8, when we can honor the quirky, graceful, and aloof joy they bring us; and National Dog Day on August 26th, a time to celebrate and appreciate man’s best friend. These special observances help make August a month to relax and enjoy life's simple pleasures.
Rehoboth Beach Main Street has chosen several of our member businesses that you will appreciate as you spend time in downtown Rehoboth Beach. If you need a place to stay, the Beach View Hotel at 6 Wilmington Avenue is just a few steps from the beach and boardwalk and is central to many Rehoboth Beach activities. If you're looking for the latest lighting ideas for your home, stop in at Penny Lane Lighting located at 42 Rehoboth Avenue, Suite 1, and browse their extensive home lighting ideas. Another cool place to visit is the Purple Parrot Grill & Biergarten at 134 Rehoboth Avenue, which offers American Cuisine, crab cakes, crab balls, and more while you are partaking in your favorite cocktail. Of course, a must-have while strolling around Rehoboth is an ice cream cone, and Uncle Dave's Ice Cream at 237 Rehoboth Avenue featuring Hopkins Farm Creamery Ice Cream is new this year. It is unique because it is a business created by owner David Samson to provide employment opportunities for people with Down syndrome!
All these businesses are in downtown Rehoboth Beach within easy walking distance to the beach and boardwalk and offer a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for you to enjoy. While here, enjoy the beautiful flowers in the earth planters in town! The summer flowers are at their peak, and Rehoboth in Bloom volunteers have been busy tending to them for your enjoyment.
Remember to be particularly mindful of the many bicycles, dog walkers, and children out and about during this busy time of the year.
Current and past issues of the Newsletter are available on the RBMS Website at: Newsletter |Home |Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
New Businesses & Membership Renewals
● RBMS welcomes Atlantic Sands, Breakers Hotel & Suites, and Kiwi’s Tiki Hut, joining at the Gold Partner level.
● RBMS welcomes new members Blue Monkey, Uncle David’s Ice Cream, and Twist Kitchen & Juice Bar, joining at the Bronze Partner level.
● RBMS thanks for Lydia’s Grab & Go Bistro, Coast Hotel/Sirocco Restaurant, Loves Liquors, and Hotel Rehoboth for renewing at the Silver Partner level.
● RBMS thanks these members for renewing at the Bronze Partner level
● Kilwin’s
● go fish!
Showcasing Rehoboth Beach Businesses
The Purple Parrot Grill
Peter Beck
On a pleasant summer night in mid-July, my friend Maria and I decided to go out on a Thursday evening. What better place could there be than the Purple Parrot Grill at 137 Rehoboth Avenue!
The Purple Parrot has been a mainstay for Rehoboth for twenty-five years! Opened to great fanfare in 1999, the Parrot moved in 2005 to its current location on Rehoboth Avenue. A major expansion in 2010 led to the construction of the extremely popular Biergarten that runs along the side of the building and leads to Wilmington Avenue.
Painted bright green, blue, and yellow, the building always attracts the attention of passersby. The charming building is one of the last remaining late nineteenth-century buildings on Rehoboth Avenue. The veranda of the building looks out onto the street, but the windows are garage doors! With the garage doors open on a pleasant summer evening, it’s an ideal place to people-watch!
Inside, you will notice bright cheerful artwork and zillions of dollar bills taped to just about every space in the room, signed in magic marker by satisfied customers. On this particular Thursday, the Purple Parrot was hopping with satisfied customers; it was a perfect spot for Maria and me to enjoy a wonderful evening!
We decided it was too hot and humid to dine in the Biergarten, so we sat inside next to the bar. Happy customers filled the restaurant, enjoying the casual Key West vibe of the place; Maria enjoyed a Margherita and I, a strawberry daiquiri.
Our very efficient waiter served our food with the speed of lightning! We both ordered our Purple Parrot favs-Maria enjoyed the Key West shrimp blt wrap, and I chowed down on the famous chicken quesadilla. At dessert time, Maria ordered Key lime pie, which was never my favorite. As I hadn't eaten it in about twenty years, Maria insisted that I try it, and guess what? I LOVED the pie, especially the graham cracker crust! A new tradition has begun!
All through the year, the Parrot offers fun dinner specials: Tuesdays are "Build your Own Quesadilla Day", Wednesday is Crab Cake Day, and on Thursday you can order a tasty Seafood Bake featuring snow crab, shrimp, and clams!
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. Karaoke nights are Thursday, Friday, Sunday, and Monday. On Saturday there is a DJ for dancing, but even more fun: the Biergarten is turned into a silent disco! Dancers put on headphone sets and get to listen and dance to tunes of their choice! How cool is that!
Stop in at the Purple Parrot Grill for fun comfort food and a great time with friends and neighbors. Visit their website at http://www.ppgrill.com for the menu and information about daily specials and events.
Maria and I agree that any trip to Rehoboth is complete with a trip to the Purple Parrot!
Penny Lane Lighting
Peter Beck
If you're in or visiting the Rehoboth Beach area and are looking for cool and stylish lighting designs for your home, be sure to check out Penny Lane Lighting, located right at the entrance to the popular Penny Lane Mall at 42 Rehoboth Avenue. The shop is expertly run by Linda Abrams, who also owns the fabulous Sea Finds at the Wilmington Avenue end of the mall.
Penny Lane Lighting has filled a void in Rehoboth Beach as it is the only lighting store downtown. Since its opening in 2020, this store has been unique to Rehoboth, offering lamps with the personality to add a creative flair to your home. You will find fun, interesting lamps of all shapes and sizes that you can move around to show off your unique personal style. The shop offers a wide selection of table and floor lamps, and outdoor lights.
At Penny Lane Lighting, you will discover a wide variety of wall art and unique home lighting accessories. For example, the shop stocks fun and popular shell night lights. Fountain lights featuring a seashore theme and a diverse collection of homemade leaf lamps are on display. Additionally, Penny Lane Lighting offers a fine selection of unique floor lamps and hanging lights.
So far this summer, the octopus and turtle themes are popular among shoppers. Penny Lane Lighting has several items in stock that will satisfy customers interested in this trend.
Two years ago, the last time I mentioned this store, I discovered a "flat" Christmas tree which I fell in love with. I bought the tree, and each year, I set it up in my living room. During the holidays, visitors always comment on how it is the only tree of its kind that they have ever seen!
Stop in at Penny Lane Lighting; perhaps you’ll discover that special, unique item you love!
Beach View Hotel
Mark May
Located at 6 Wilmington Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach, the Beach View Hotel offers guests both comfortable accommodations and the convenience of staying downtown. Just 150 feet from the beach and Boardwalk, the hotel caters to whichever type of stay you prefer. Whether you want to experience Rehoboth's shops, restaurants, and entertainment or soak up the sun on the beach, the Beach View Hotel gives its guests the best of both worlds!
Beach View welcomes its patrons with a wide array of hospitality and amenities. Start your morning with their full breakfast, served daily from 8:00–10:00am, or take advantage of the Beach View’s location and walk to the myriads of local restaurants nearby. Complimentary beach loungers let guests enjoy the coastal sunshine before cooling off in the hotel’s outdoor swimming pool as an alternative to the ocean waves. End the day with Beach View’s evening traditions of Hospitality Hour and fresh cookies. Hospitality Hour stretches from 5:00–6:00pm every night and lets guests sample complimentary wine and cheese. At the same time, after 8pm a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie awaits visitors ready to end their day. Last but far from least of the amenities, all guests of the Beach View Hotel receive free parking throughout their stay, meaning your vacation will be stress-free and the town is yours to explore!
With 38 exceptional rooms, the Beach View Hotel promises comfort and relaxation to all its visitors. Whether you are a family in town for a beach vacation or a couple looking for a long weekend away to experience Rehoboth’s cultural offerings, the Beach View Hotel has the amenities and hospitality to make your stay unforgettable. To learn more about Beach View visit their website at https://rehobothbeachview.com/ or call (302) 227-2999 for more information.
Uncle David’s Ice Cream
Peter Beck
An exciting new ice cream store opened to great fanfare on June 28 at 237 Rehoboth Avenue, just in time for the summer. One lovely evening, I drove over with my neighbor after dinner to check out the ice cream offered at Uncle David’s Ice Cream Shop.
Uncle David’s offers 30 flavors of locally sourced Hopkins Creamery ice cream! In addition, there are also several gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free options on the menu.
It was somewhat of a challenge to decide which flavor to get, but after a few moments of hemming and hawing I decided on a salted caramel waffle cone. It was an ideal choice as every single bite was scrumptious. Even better, the cone was filled with ice cream down to the very tip! That doesn't often happen with ice cream cones; usually I feel somewhat cheated when I eat the scoop on top of the cone and then find out the remainder of the cone is empty!
Uncle David’s Ice Cream is more than just an ice cream shop. They are raising awareness for inclusion and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome by providing them with employment opportunities. At Uncle David’s, the employees scoop, package, and serve the ice cream. What a fantastic way to provide people with job skills with a path to earn money independently and at the same time, contribute to our community’s love of ice cream!
Uncle David’s Ice Cream was created to honor David Samson who passed away at age 66 in 2018. David served as the original inspiration for the annual Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk Buddy Walk, which since 2006 has raised over one million dollars to support kids with Down syndrome!
Proceeds from the walk are contributed to organizations providing educational and recreational opportunities. Each year the Boardwalk Buddy Walk is held on the Saturday of Columbus Day. This year's walk is scheduled for Saturday, October 12, at 9:00am. Be sure to put this important event in your calendar!
Also, Uncle David’s provides customers with a unique service: mobile ice cream! Community groups can easily fill out a form online and have Uncle David’s bring their delicious ice cream directly to you and your special event. How cool is that!
Current business hours are Wednesday - Monday from 2:00pm-10:00pm. Uncle David’s is closed on Tuesdays, giving the employees a well-deserved day off!
For more information on the shop and mobile services, check out their website uncledavidsicecream.com, call 302-493-6001, or email info@uncledavidsicecream.com.
Then again, you can just drive to the shop after dinner on a beautiful summer evening and enjoy a delicious ice cream treat!
News from Rehoboth in Bloom
Cindy Lovett
Rehoboth in Bloom & UNICO Cleanup the Verrazzano Garden
The Rehoboth Beach Main Street's Rehoboth in Bloom and UNICO groups joined forces to clean up the Verrazzano Garden at Olive and the Boardwalk at 7:30 AM on Wednesday, July 10. The City of Rehoboth requested this project from Rehoboth in Bloom. Under the leadership of Johanna Rupp and her assistant Mary Ann McKiernan, sign-ups were immediate. Mary Teresa Morrison of UNICO recruited volunteers from her group. A total of 12 volunteers filled 13 lawn and leaf bags to the brim. The team discovered an invasive vine, grasses, and thistle as the primary items requiring removal. A second cleanup round is scheduled to occur in 2-3 weeks.
* UNICO is the largest Italian-American service organization in the US, with chapters in over 35 states.
Pictured from left to right. Johanna Rupp, Paula Evans, Carolyn Diefenderfer, Tom Wise, Pam Notarangelo, Mary Teresa Morrison, Mary Ann McKiernan, Ching Hsai, Cynthia Wise, Cindy Lovett
Rehoboth in Bloom Happy Hour!
The Rehoboth in Bloom Social Committee did a great job planning our Happy Hour event on Monday, July 15. About 30 people attended at such a busy time of the year, but we always have a good time when we get together. Atlantic Social’s appetizers were fantastic!
Bloom organizes a couple of social events each year. Some folks join Rehoboth in Bloom just to tend flowers, but some want to meet people. And volunteers are some of the best people there are!
News from Rehoboth Beach Main Street
Congratulations to Dan Slagle, RBMS Executive Director, on His 5th Anniversary!
Celebrating five years of service, Dan Slagle, is the Executive Director of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. Over the last five years, Dan brought his 30 years of small business experience and skill set to successfully collaborate with downtown Rehoboth Beach business owners, merchants, residents, and community leaders to promote a positive image of downtown Rehoboth Beach as a great place to visit, shop, dine, and invest. Dan started his employment with RBMS on August 26, 2019. Along with many volunteers and RBMS contractors, the RBMS team continues to promote a vibrant, year-round, in-town experience for businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
Dan has represented the RBMS organization for the last five years by attending many local events, workshops, conferences, and city meetings. Dan has seen RBMS grow from a small organization of volunteers to an organization with nearly 200 dedicated volunteers. Dan said: “I am most proud to work with enthusiastic volunteers who believe in our mission and recognize how valuable RBMS is to our community. Every volunteer team member strengthens my commitment to work harder every day.”
Dan’s commitment extends to the entire network of Main Streets throughout the nation. Dan was invited to be the first person to present a workshop on behalf of Delaware Main Streets at this year’s National Main Streets America annual conference, discussing seasonal economies. The session was so popular that the room was over capacity, with participants even sitting on the floor. This exemplifies Dan's ability to engage and educate others and his willingness to share his knowledge for the entire community's benefit. Dan is always willing to help our affiliate Main Street programs with his insights and advice or to be a willing listening ear.
Through Dan’s efforts, Rehoboth Beach Main Street hosted the Delaware on Main quarterly meeting this year, where many RBMS Board members and committee members showcased the history of Rehoboth and upcoming events while emphasizing the importance of supporting local businesses. Dan and the RBMS team are dedicated to promoting the “shop local” experience, which is truly commendable and sets an example for others to follow.
The RBMS board of directors, RBMS members, and supporters are fortunate to have the opportunity to collaborate with Dan to continue building a strong organization. Dan summed up his experience saying “It’s all about teamwork. I love my job.”
Notary Services
Attention RBMS Members! Notary services are included as a benefit to all RBMS
members. There is no fee. Call 302-227-2772 to make an appointment if you need a document notarized.
Looking for Something to Do in August
Rehoboth Beach Then and Now—Take a self-guided walking tour on the Built Story mobile app! Tour takers can explore downtown Rehoboth Beach and learn about the 19th-century religious summer camp, how the fires and storms shaped the community, the transformative impact of the railroad, and the illustrious citizens who made Rehoboth Beach what it is today. The app is available from either Android or iPhone app stores for free. The 15-stop tour of downtown focuses on how the city evolved from its 19th Century roots as a rural community, the arrival of the summer religious camp in the 1870s, the arrival of the railroad, and the “battles” between the “saints and sinners” that influenced the later development of the community.
The Built Story mobile app is free and tickets for each tour are $10.00. Tickets for individual tours are good for 30 days and may be viewed more than once. The Built Story app is also your gateway to other tours around the world. Half of the proceeds from this tour benefit Rehoboth Beach Main Street. For more information, call the RBMS office at 302-227-2772.
RBMS Is on TikTok!
Mikki Abbott
With its growing popularity, TikTok has completely altered traditional marketing. To reach a larger audience and gain brand awareness, TikTok is now crucial to an organization’s or company’s marketing strategies.
As a 22-year-old, I am fully engaged with TikTok. This platform provides news and media opinions, and most importantly, TikTok promotes brands and partnerships.
When I assumed my role as Social Media & Marketing Assistant at Rehoboth Beach Main Street, I knew that creating a TikTok page would be the perfect way to highlight members, beautification efforts, and events in downtown Rehoboth Beach!
Spending time scrolling TikTok has helped me to analyze trends and viral audio, which are both important when trying to gain a following and grow your brand on the platform.
Follow the account Rehoboth Beach Main Street (@rehobothbeachmainstreet) | TikTok to see all the extraordinary happenings in Rehoboth this summer!
News from RBMS Members
Kudos to the Purple Parrot Grill!
Peter Beck
Congratulations to the Purple Parrot Grill, the featured story in the July 3 issue of the Washington Blade. The Parrot is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, and over the years it has become a fixture in the Rehoboth area!
In the article, owners Hugh Fuller and Troy Roberts explain how the Parrot was born back in 1999. From the beginning, their inspiration was to provide a spot to celebrate inclusivity. Whether a person is straight, gay, or trans, everyone is welcome at the Parrot and is highly encouraged to enjoy great comfort food, terrific drinks, and upbeat music. The article is a testament to a dream project that has come true!
All of us at RBMS wish the Purple Parrot Grill another 25 years of unifying people and providing a space where everyone can feel accepted and free!
News from CAMP Rehoboth
● Calling out all artists interested in submitting artwork for a bear theme exhibition–Grin and Bear It–at CAMP Rehoboth. The reception is Saturday, September 14, 3:00 - 5:00pm. The show runs from September 14th through October 7th. All are welcome to submit artwork–go to the Rehoboth Beach Bears Facebook page for the QR Code: (7) “Grin and Bear It” an art exhibition. | Facebook
● SUNFESTIVAL 2024: Celebrate Labor Day Weekend in Rehoboth Beach, DE at SUNFESTIVAL 2024! Delight in two nights of fun with headlining entertainment and globally renowned DJs. As the ultimate party to close out the summer, SUNFESTIVAL sells out every year while supporting a great cause. All proceeds benefit CAMP Rehoboth. Joe Dombrowski will headline Saturday's Night of Comedy. Joe will bring his hilarious set to the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center stage on Saturday, August 31.Then, Sunday, September 1 will feature DJ Robbie Leslie and DJ Joe Gauthreaux for A Night of Dance. Tickets, sponsorships, accessibility information, and volunteer opportunities are available at camprehoboth.org/sunfestival.
● Urvashi Vaid Short Film Screening: There Are Things to Do: Join us at CAMP Rehoboth on Thursday, August 1 at 4:00pm in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium for a short film screening THERE ARE THINGS TO DO, an award-winning documentary about LGBTQ+ activist Urvashi Vaid has resonated with audiences at 39 film festivals around the world. The film focuses on Urvashi’s life in Provincetown, MA, and the decades-long relationship with partner, comedian/activist/author Kate Clinton, that inspired her call to action to achieve equality by creating community. Register in advance.
● Porch Connections: Each Wednesday through August 28, join us for Porch Connections. This will be a space to start your day and connect with others, as well as hearing from a special guest each week. This program ends before the meters are in effect.
● Beat-The-Meter Tuesday Tai Chi: CAMP Rehoboth offers Tai Chi with Master Trainer, Marianne Walch, Ph.D., the Co-Director of the Silver Lotus Training Institute, each Tuesday before meters start.
● CAMP Families Cape Water Taxi Cruise: CAMP Families is set to charter a sunset cruise aboard the Cape Water Tour on Monday, August 12 from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. For guests 15 and older, tickets are $25; for children 14 and younger, tickets are $15. Individuals 17 years of age or younger must be accompanied by an adult. For tickets and more information, visit camprehoboth.org.
News from the Rehoboth Beach Bears
The 2024 Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend is planned for September 12th to 15th–the 9th annual event! It is the organization’s largest event and fundraising source. As in years past, the Bears will hold pre-weekend events on the evening of Wednesday, September 11, for those who arrive early. To purchase passes: Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend 9th Annual Event Tickets, Thu, Sep 12, 2024, at 4:00 PM | Eventbrite.
Rehoboth Beach Pride Festival
Peter Beck
The Rehoboth Beach Pride Festival was held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center on Saturday, July 20. Sussex Pride and Gay Women of Rehoboth organized the festival and other pride events at the Convention Center. This event was free, family-friendly, and open to all who wanted to celebrate or learn about Pride. The festival included a wide variety of exhibitors offering information and resources, health screenings, fun activities, and support, as well as vendors that included local LGBTQ+ artists and craftspeople.
On Saturday night my goddaughter Erin and I attended the Rehoboth Beach Pride Comedy Night and Dance. The Convention Center was packed with several hundred people who enjoyed a thrilling evening of comedy! The featured performers were Funny Girlz Roxanna Ward, Vickie Shaw, and Lisa Koch, who entertained us with jokes, stories, songs, and satire. All three entertainers received standing ovations from the enthusiastic audience!
In the middle of the show, an auction was held for next March’s Olivia cruise for two. The cruise will compete for a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest gay cruise ever recorded! Unfortunately, we did not win!
Erin and I had such a good time that we hope to make this event an annual tradition!