August 2026 Newsletter

RBMainStreet
9 hours ago
15 min read

This project has been partially funded by the City of Rehoboth Beach. However, the project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the City of Rehoboth Beach.

This newsletter is a publication of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. President: Suzie Martin. Executive Director: Dan Slagle. Communications Committee Chair: Peter Pizzolongo, Acting Chair: Jim Mease. Newsletter Executive Editor: Peter Beck. Reporters/Editors: Dan Slagle, Peter Beck, Jim Mease, Peter Pizzolongo, Colleen Evans, Cindy Lovett, Maria Misak, Jeff Balk, Richard Barnett, and Rebecca Lertora

It’s August Already!!

Peter Beck

Can you believe August is already here? It feels like just a few weeks ago we were digging out from the February blizzard! Now, we find ourselves in the middle of summer, realizing that Labor Day is just around the corner.

While summer is in full swing, it's the perfect time to savor every sun-soaked moment and prepare for an exciting fall. Now is the ideal moment to take advantage of “last call” summer sales! This season isn’t just about shopping; it’s about making those essential back-to-school purchases, enjoying the final sunny days, reducing stress, and organizing your end-of-summer bucket list to ensure you accomplish everything you set out to do during this vibrant time.

Don’t miss out on this month’s updates—discover the fantastic businesses in Rehoboth Beach, see what’s buzzing around town, and catch a sneak peek at what’s launching next month!

We’re shining a spotlight on several incredible retail establishments, including Tideline Gallery, Blue Monkey, the Mod Cottage, Modern Imprint, and IN2Soles. Stop by and let them know you learned about them through the Main Street Newsletter. These are just a few of the fabulous stores lining the charming streets of Rehoboth, all excited to help you find the perfect outfit or gift you’ve been looking for!

This August, come to downtown Rehoboth Beach, enjoy a day of fun and shopping, and support our outstanding local small businesses as you admire the vibrant floral displays carefully tended by the dedicated members of Rehoboth in Bloom !!

New Business and Membership Renewals

Many thanks to the following businesses for renewing their memberships:

Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats

Chesapeake & Maine

Funland

Sierra Moon

The Spice & Tea Exchange of Rehoboth

Uncle David's Ice Cream

Showcasing Rehoboth Businesses

Discover Something Special at Tideline Gallery

Jeff Balk

A visit to downtown Rehoboth Beach is not complete without stopping by Tideline Gallery at 119 Rehoboth Avenue. This longtime local shop has been welcoming residents and vacationers for more than 40 years.

Tideline is the kind of place where you can take your time and enjoy looking around. The gallery is filled with an ever-changing collection of artwork, handcrafted jewelry, pottery, glass, home décor, Judaica, and unique gifts. You will find pieces from local artists and craftspeople, along with work from artists from across the country.

What makes Tideline especially enjoyable is its variety. One display may feature colorful coastal artwork, while another holds beautifully made jewelry or an unusual decorative piece for the home. Whether you are searching for a birthday gift, a souvenir from your beach vacation, or something special for yourself, there is always plenty to find.

The gallery has also become known for its friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Owners Bill, Barbara and Patty Hammond have helped make Tideline a destination and a familiar part of the Rehoboth Beach community. You are encouraged to browse, ask questions, and enjoy the artwork without feeling rushed.

Tideline Gallery reflects so much of what people love about Rehoboth Beach: creativity, personality, and the charm of a locally owned business. Not planning to buy? Feel free to stop in and see what is new; you never know what you might find.

During the summer season, Tideline Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Make it part of your next walk through downtown Rehoboth Beach and see what catches your eye. For more information, call them at 302-227-4444.

Blue Monkey - A Rehoboth Boutique Full of Unexpected Finds

Author

Just a block and a half from the beach at 125 Rehoboth Avenue, Blue Monkey is the kind of boutique that makes browsing feel like a treasure hunt. It’s the place where you stop in for one thing and leave with a few unexpected finds you suddenly can’t imagine living without.

Inside, you’ll find an eclectic mix of breezy dresses, standout bags, interesting books, playful onesies, and some of the softest Rehoboth Beach sweatshirts around. Philadelphia sports fans will feel right at home, too, thanks to a wide selection of Philly apparel just steps from the ocean.

The shop’s creativity extends well beyond its racks. Throughout the store, guests can discover original artwork by Blue Monkey’s owner, a former attorney who now prefers the title “kind person” and takes custom art commissions during the off-season. Blue Monkey also honors local history with an exclusive collection curated by the former owner of The Pelican Loft.

Looking for something custom? Blue Monkey also offers in-house screen printing, making it easy to create personalized T-shirts or sweatshirts for a company, family reunion, special event, or group outing.

Best of all, Blue Monkey is open year-round. Whether you’re searching for a new favorite piece, picking up a beach-town souvenir, or simply wandering through Rehoboth, stop in and say hello. You never know what you’ll find.

Blue Monkey

125 Rehoboth Avenue

Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

(302) 883-7209

Egg-Start Your Day Sunny Side Up at Egg

Colleen Evans

Egg is a casual, modern, family-run spot in Rehoboth Beach for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, best known for its pancakes, eggs Benedict, and creative morning favorites.

Egg is a favorite on the “culinary coast,” and it’s easy to see why. The menu takes breakfast classics and gives them a fun, flavorful twist—from sriracha bacon candy to shrimp and grits with Tasso ham cream sauce. You’ll also find standout dishes like homemade lemon curd crepes and the Eastern Shore Benedict, topped with fresh jumbo lump crab meat.

There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a great breakfast, and Egg brings that warm, just-like-home feeling to downtown Rehoboth. It’s cozy, comfortable, and welcoming, with generous portions and a menu full of both creative specials and comforting classics.

510 Rehoboth Ave

Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

(302) 227-3447

Step Into Comfort at in2Soles

Jeff Balk

A day in downtown Rehoboth Beach usually means plenty of walking, whether you are shopping along Rehoboth Avenue, heading to lunch, or taking a stroll on the boardwalk. That is why a comfortable pair of shoes can make all the difference.

in2Soles, located at 170 Rehoboth Avenue, is a popular stop for shoppers looking for footwear that combines comfort, support and style. The store carries a variety of women’s sandals, sneakers, boots and everyday shoes, with options for both casual outings and dressier occasions, along with men’s sneakers.

What sets in2Soles apart is the personal service. The staff is happy to help customers find the right size, compare different brands and choose a shoe that fits their needs. Instead of feeling rushed, shoppers can take their time, try on several styles and ask questions along the way.

The selection includes practical, easy-to-wear shoes as well as colorful and modern designs. Whether you need supportive sneakers for travel, sandals for summer or a dependable pair of shoes for work, there are plenty of choices to explore.

For visitors, in2Soles is a convenient place to pick up comfortable footwear during a beach vacation. For local residents, it is a reliable downtown shop for quality shoes and friendly service.

Shopping for shoes should not have to mean choosing between comfort and appearance. At in2Soles, customers can often find both.

Open year-round, in2Soles is open seven days a week. Their summer hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The next time you are walking through downtown Rehoboth Beach, stop in and take a look around. You may find a pair that feels good from the moment you put it on. Follow them on Instagram at in2soles_shoes or call them at 302-226-5202.

Modern Imprint LLC Brings Custom Apparel and Branding Services for Rehoboth Beach

Peter Beck

Modern Imprint LLC, a custom apparel and promotional products store located at 70 Rehoboth Avenue, Unit 104, is bringing a colorful new option for personalized merchandise and commercial printing to downtown Rehoboth Beach.

The store opened last summer and specializes in custom apparel, embroidery, commercial printing, and branded promotional products. Customers can create merchandise for personal use, local organizations, businesses, events, and community groups.

Modern Imprint LLC offers a streamlined design process that allows customers to add a logo, select colors, and preview a finished design before it goes to print. Orders can be created in-store or online using the company’s user-friendly design tool.

Available products include custom T-shirts, polos, hats, hoodies, sweatshirts, mugs, and cups. Smaller made-to-order projects can be handled through the Rehoboth Beach location, while larger orders are produced at the company’s facility in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania.

The company emphasizes quality control and transparency throughout the ordering process, allowing customers to see how their design will look before production begins.

Modern Imprint LLC already serves several prominent clients in the region, including YMCA locations throughout Delaware. In Rehoboth Beach, the company has also produced the distinctive “Go Fish” menus and branded beer steins.

Businesses, organizations, and community groups can also work with Modern Imprint LLC to create their own online merchandise stores, making it easier to sell branded apparel and promotional items.

For more information, visit Modern Imprint LLC’s website or call 302-703-9898 or e-mail sales@modernimprintllc.com. Check out their website online at www.modernimprintllc.com. Let Modern Imprint bring your brand to life!

The Mod Cottage

Peter Beck

Now in its 19th year, the Mod Cottage is a popular upscale gift and home goods boutique located at 247 A Rehoboth Avenue.

Owners Ed Moore and Brad Holinger run the shop together, describing it as a “mini department store.” The Mod Cottage offers a wide variety of products, including Lennon’s bath linens, a dedicated baby section, handbags, tableware, picture frames, jewelry, children’s clothing, and even some toys.

This boutique is an ideal destination for gifts for friends and family. Coastal decor is particularly popular, making it perfect for those looking to add a special touch to their homes. The shop is a favored choice for shower, wedding, and housewarming gifts. This summer, some of the hottest items include the adorable Jellycat plushies and trendy E. Newton jewelry. The impressive variety of merchandise for sale is sure to delight visitors!

When asked why they started the Mod Cottage, Brad explained that they lived in the DC area and frequently vacationed in Rehoboth Beach. After moving from Los Angeles, they felt a strong desire to open a gift and home store in Rehoboth, believing there was a need for such a shop downtown back in 2008.

At that time, the area was much more seasonal, with winter being quite slow, while spring and summer brought bustling activity. Their concept resonated well with the community, helping them build a loyal customer base that includes weekend visitors and repeat customers who return multiple times each year. To meet the community's needs, they keep the Mod Cottage open year-round.

For a fantastic shopping experience, stop by the store to enjoy personalized service and browse the charming, eclectic selection of merchandise!

Rehoboth HiSTORIES

Behind the Signs: Robin Hood Restaurant

Rich Barnett

Some things seem quintessentially Rehoboth to me. Blue-and-white hydrangeas. The smell of French fries drifting through the summer air. Dogs in costume parading the boardwalk during the Sea Witch Festival. And the Robin Hood Restaurant at 54 Rehoboth Avenue, serving hungry locals and visitors since 1968.

The Robin Hood. Not exactly the name you'd expect to find hanging over a family restaurant so close to the beach.

Then there's the sign. Look closely, and you'll notice the feathered green cap, the bright red shield, even Robin's unmistakable grin. It isn't simply inspired by Robin Hood—it closely echoes the famous movie poster for the 1938 Errol Flynn classic The Adventures of Robin Hood. Once you see the resemblance, you can't unsee it.

Which raises the obvious question: Why?

That's exactly the sort of story I hope to tell in this new “Behind the Signs” series for Rehoboth Main Street, which aims to introduce readers to the people, businesses and moments that have shaped our town. One of the things I've come to appreciate in writing about Rehoboth over the years is how its stories and history are passed on by business owners, longtime residents, newspaper reporters, photographers and local historians, each adding another layer. This series is my contribution to that ongoing story.

The Robin Hood's story begins in 1968, when Harry and his wife Niki Tsoukalas purchased the Robert Lee Restaurant on the ocean block of Rehoboth Avenue.

Harry was one of three Tsoukalas brothers who came from Greece to Wilmington, Delaware, and then to Rehoboth Beach in search of business opportunity and a calm, friendly pace of life. Collectively, they started several well-known Rehoboth restaurants, joining other Greek families whose establishments became part of the backbone of the downtown Rehoboth economy. Long before Rehoboth became known as a foodie destination, the Tsoukalas family was serving breakfasts, seafood, sandwiches and warm hospitality that helped define the town for generations. They still are today.

According to family recollections, when Harry wanted a new name for his restaurant, he didn't want to stray too far from the old one. According to family recollections, "Robert Lee" became “Robin Hood,” inspired by his lifelong affection for Errol Flynn's swashbuckling hero. He eventually patterned the restaurant's sign after the movie poster, creating one of downtown Rehoboth's most recognizable landmarks. More than half a century later, Robin Hood memorabilia still shares the restaurant walls.

The next time you walk by the Robin Hood, look up. You're not just seeing a restaurant sign. You're seeing one entrepreneur’s favorite movie and a reminder of the Greek families who helped build Rehoboth's restaurant tradition.

Further Reading: The Robin Hood's history has been generously shared over the years by Harry's son, Kosta Tsoukalas, and thoughtfully chronicled by Bob Yesbek in the Cape Gazette and on his Rehoboth Foodie podcast. If this piece piqued your curiosity, I encourage you to seek out their work and discover the fuller story.

Robert Lee historic 1948 photograph provided courtesy of the Cape Gazette.

News from RBMS

Christmas in July

On July 26, a beautiful summer Saturday, RBMS celebrated the holiday season a bit early. Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their friends brought the holiday spirit to our town! It even snowed for a while on Rehoboth Avenue, which is a rare sight in July. A wonderful time was had by all, and we hope everyone enjoyed celebrating the fantastic retailers that make our city a great place to shop!

News from Rehoboth Beach Bears

Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend 2026

The Rehoboth Beach Bears, Inc. invites you to the Rehoboth Beach Bear Weekend 2026, taking place from September 16 to September 20, 2026. As a 501(c)3) nonprofit, the Bears promote camaraderie and inclusiveness. This flagship event serves as a fundraiser for their Scholarship Fund for LGBTQIA+ youth in Sussex and Kent Counties, Delaware, and supports other philanthropic efforts. Tickets are on sale now: Get tickets here.

Furst Friday at Diegos

The next Furst Friday sponsored by the Bears is scheduled for Friday, August 7 at Diego’s from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Stop on by and start your weekend in a grand way!

News from RBMS Members

Ribbon Cutting for the Lia Lane Boutique!

Lia Lane Boutique is a new elevated women’s boutique in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, offering a carefully curated collection of contemporary fashion, resort wear, denim, accessories, and timeless everyday pieces. Inspired by luxury coastal style, our boutique blends effortless elegance with modern trends to create a unique shopping experience by the beach. They focus on high-quality brands, personalized customer service, and pieces that make women feel confident, stylish, and beautiful for every occasion. Located in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, Lia Lane Boutique is your destination for refined fashion and elevated style. Lia Lane Boutique brings you stylish, on-trend women's fashion perfect for beach days, nights out, and everything in between.

Located in downtown Rehoboth Beach.

Address: 146 Rehoboth Ave, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

Phone: (302) 727-8585

https://shoplialane.com/

Left to Right: Mayor Stan Mills, Matt Kilic, Giselle Akdag, owner of Lia Lane Boutique, Sidel, Ozlem, and Ayhan, owners of Le Macaron in downtown Rehoboth. La Hovermale employee, Officer Samantha Burns, Richard Perry, RBMS Ex-Officio.

Anna Hazard House Tours

The Rehoboth Beach Museum is sponsoring tours of the Anna Hazard House every Tuesday in August from 10:00am-2:00pm.

Travel back in time to simple tent houses on lonely lanes, awaiting seasonal settlers in a religious retreat. Discover Anna Haazard - Rehoboth’s Renaissance woman and how she shaped the city we love.

Open Tuesdays during the summer, from 10 am to 2 pm, the house is located at 17 Christian Street, behind Lingo Realtors.

News from CAMP Rehoboth

SunFestival Night of Dance to light up Rehoboth!

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the event concludes at 1 a.m. The Night of Dance will take place in the transformed Rehoboth Beach Convention Center as part of the two-day SunFestival Love Out Loud event over Labor Day weekend. This year's dance will feature DJs Robbie Leslie and James Anthony.

The Night of Dance comes to life through the efforts of a team of designers and event planners who collaborate to create an immersive experience featuring lighting, sound, décor, fabrication, and special effects. The goal is to evoke a jaw-dropping reaction, even from those who have attended SunFestival every year since its inception in 1988. The team aims to make the crowd feel as though they have been transported to a vibrant New York nightclub.

To learn more, go to camprehoboth.com/sunfestival

PHOTO GALLERY

This month, volunteer photographer Maria Misak captivates us with her series "Birds on the Beach." It's a wonderful way to appreciate nature's offerings in our town.

Volunteer Recognition-Herb Engert

Dan Slagel

This month, RBMS honors Herb Engert for his dedication in supporting the RBMS Strategic Retreat and stepping in as Interim Treasurer after Gerry B's passing. Herb is always willing to jump in and support RBMS, enthusiastically supporting RBMS's mission to enhance the downtown experience in Rehoboth Beach.

He grew up in upstate NY and attended St. John Fisher University in Rochester, NY. After living in Rochester for a few years, he relocated to Washington, DC, and then to Northern Virginia. During his tenure at both Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen, he served as an Audit Partner before transitioning to EY's Strategy & Transactions practice. He served in various leadership roles, including Americas Strategic Growth Markets Leader in 2005, when he was relocated to NYC to work with entrepreneurs and high-growth companies. He later led the Global Private Equity practice and served as the Office Managing Partner for the NY Metro practice, overseeing more than 15,000 employees. Herb is known for his client relationship skills and his relentless pursuit of the market, growing the NYC market by double digits during his four years in that role.

Herb gives back by serving on the boards of St. John Fisher University and RBMS, volunteering actively with both organizations. He joined the RBMS Board after meeting Executive Director Dan Slagle and has embraced the community and its mission as family.

Herb works tirelessly to help make the RBMS Strategic Retreat a success, planning and facilitating breakout sessions for this incredibly important strategy session and leveraging his experience in professional consulting. He has also served on the Development and Promotions team at RBMS over the past two years and has never missed the Gumbo Crawl, Margarita Crawl & Ropers Romp as a volunteer. He is optimistic about RBMS's future and aims to strengthen business vitality, engage residents, enhance the brand, and build financial stability.

Thank you, Herb, for your leadership and teamwork in making RBMS a success!

News from the City of Rehoboth Beach

2026 City of Rehoboth Beach Elections

Each year, the City of Rehoboth Beach municipal election takes place on the second Saturday of August. This year, it will take place on Saturday, August 8.

Voting is from 10 am to 6 pm at the Convention Center. Two commissioner posts and the mayor position will be on the ballot. Learn more about the election here.

Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market!

Did you know that the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market has been ranked as “Delaware’s #1 Farmers Market” by TripAdvisor? If you haven't visited yet, make it a priority—you won't be disappointed! The market offers a variety of fresh foods, local produce, flowers, handmade goods, and more from local vendors within our community.

As a non-profit organization, the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market features more than 40 vendors, all within 100 miles of the area. These vendors produce, package, and distribute their goods locally.

The market is open every Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, rain or shine. It is located in Grove Park, next to the visitor center and the Rehoboth Beach Museum. To learn more about the market, visit their website.

News from the Delaware Division of Small Business

Office of Small Business Listening Tour!

The Office of Small Business Access is touring Delaware to gather insights from small business owners. Share your experiences and learn about available resources from the Division of Small Business. Your feedback will help improve support for Delaware's small business community.

Click here for details and dates.

Delaware Division of Small Business–Business Spotlight

The Small Business Spotlight is in need of submissions! What an exciting way to get the word out to others in the state about your exciting business!

To submit an application, go to: Submit Small Business Spotlight - Division of Small Business - State of Delaware

The EDGE Grant Competition is back!

The Delaware EDGE Grant is a competition for grant funding available to both STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) companies and businesses in the Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM). The funding is provided as a match, with $3 from the state for every $1 contributed by the business.

The application period for the Fall 2026 EDGE Grant Competition opens on August 11. To provide you with all the necessary information for applying, the state will hold a webinar on August 11 at 10 AM: register for the webinar at https://bit.ly/4vqAwh7.

EDGE Grant winners will be selected from two tracks: the Entrepreneur Track, which offers up to $400,000, and the STEM Track, which has a total of $750,000 available to be divided among category winners. Up to 18 potential awardees may be chosen.

For more information, go to: https://business.delaware.gov/edge/

WHAT’S GOING ON?

If you're looking for fun entertainment in town, check the following links to see if any local establishments have scheduled events. These links to RBMS members will lead you to live music, dancing, game nights, and exciting shows. Whether you want to dance or catch an exhilarating performance, you'll find plenty of options for a memorable night out!

Above the Dunes

Aqua

Blue Moon

Chesapeake and Maine

Cilantro

Clear Space Theatre

DiFebos

Dogfish Head Brewing and Eats