Valentine’s Day!
Jim Mease
Welcome to 2024! Now that the holidays are behind us, being neatly filed away in our memories, we here at Rehoboth Beach Main Street (RBMS) are hard at work to make this year our best ever! Valentine's Day is celebrated this month on February 14th, so naturally our thoughts are consumed with romance and love. While flowers and cards are certainly in abundance, and do help to brighten up February, it's the Chocolate Candy that's the star of the show and, this being a leap year, we have an extra day to enjoy all the sweetness of this season. So go ahead and indulge your sweet tooth with reckless abandon, knowing that you can dance it off next month at the Bloomin’ Dance Party at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Tickets are already on sale for the Bloomin Dance Party on March 15th. Hosted by the volunteers of RBMS / Rehoboth in Bloom, this is a great way to shake off the winter doldrums and lose some of the calories gained during the chocolate season of February. It's also a great way to kick off another year of fun filled events brought to you by RBMS. Look for information on upcoming RBMS Spring events with the Gumbo Crawl on April 6 and a weekend of Fashion events culminating with the Runway Fashion show Sunday April 21. Then on June 1 everyone can get into the swing of things at the ever-popular Margarita Crawl.
To help you celebrate this month, our showcase businesses include places that help make your February one to remember beginning with a visit to the Tideline Gallery at 119 Rehoboth Avenue, where you can browse their extensive inventory of gifts for that special someone in your life. Of course, no visit to downtown would be complete without stopping in at Chocolate Wave at 5 North 1st Street, where you can choose from a variety of handcrafted chocolates. Bad Hair Day, Aveda, Salon, Spa & Barber at 20 Lake Avenue is always ready with their first-class service experience in a fun, friendly upbeat environment to help you look your best. If it’s Mediterranean Coastal Italian Cuisine you are looking for, Sazio at 32 Lake Ave can't be beat. Their menu delights in homemade sauces, fire-stone pizza, and fresh baked bread.
You can read more about each of these places later in this newsletter as we have had our members visit each to give you better insight into all they have to offer during the last full month of winter. We encourage you to stop in, say hello and while there let them know you read about them in this newsletter.
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 new member The Admiral On Baltimore.
RBMS thanks Rehoboth Breeze, Rehoboth Property Development, and Bad Hair Day? for renewing as Yellow Partners.
RBMS thanks Louie’s Pizza, Gallery 50, and Mariachi Restaurant for renewing as Green Partners, as well as Something Comfortable and Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant for increasing their membership to the Green Partner level.
RBMS thanks these businesses for renewing as RBMS members:
We also thank these not-for-profit organizations for their RBMS memberships:
For information about levels and benefits of RBMS membership, go to Join | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
Showcasing Rehoboth Beach Businesses
Peter Beck
In December, the day before Hanukkah, I panicked when I discovered that I had one Hanukkah candle left over from last year in an otherwise empty box! I was out of Hanukkah candles for my menorah. While it’s my fault for procrastinating, I did not expect to have a problem finding a box at one of the grocery stores. I went to some of the stores on Coastal Highway but….Surprise! No luck!
One of my neighbors told me that he thought he saw Hanukkah candles and menorahs at the Tideline Gallery, a block away from the boardwalk at 111 Rehoboth Avenue. I was greeted cheerfully by the owners who immediately pointed me in the right direction, and voila! Hanukkah was saved! My holiday was saved, and I was overjoyed to discover a shop in town for those of us who are Jewish or for others who appreciated Judaica!
Owners Barb and Bill Hammond have been operating the Tideline Gallery for over 40 years. Last year they moved their shop down the block to 111 Rehoboth Avenue, the spot that had recently been vacated by the Sea Shell Shop.
The shop is filled with unique gifts, jewelry, pottery, and art glass. You will be amazed by the wide selection of special gifts. Hand crafted items, paintings, and candle holders line the shelves with items in every price range. Even better, as I learned in my search for Hanukkah candles, was meeting the owners themselves, who took the time to help me. As we chatted, they showed me a wonderful photo from their wedding that they keep in the store.
Be sure to check out the Tideline Gallery at 111 Rehoboth Ave, 302-227-4444. You will enjoy browsing and shopping at this gallery and gift shop right in the heart of our city!
Chocolate Wave Valentine's Day Chocolates for Your Sweet Someone—Treat Your Sweetheart to Chocolates Wave’s Latest Swoon-Worthy Collection This Valentine’s Day
Colleen Evans
When you think of classic Valentine’s Day gifts, your mind may drift to Champagne, diamonds, and fresh rose bouquets. But there may be one gift even more quintessential: Valentine’s chocolates.
This February 14, indulge in a classic gift selection with a box of goodies, ranging in options from dark chocolate ganache to bonbons with unique fillings. The best Valentine's Day chocolates to sweeten up the holiday, whether you're shopping for a family member, a friend, or another loved one, are handmade at Chocolate Wave.
“We specialize in small batch heirloom chocolates that evoke a memory or tell a story,” says Carmen Kulak. “And you can't go wrong with a box of decadent confections from Chocolate Wave.”
Some of Chocolate Waves unique offerings include small batch, heart-shaped hand-painted bonbons in a variety of flavors; heart-shaped hot chocolate bombs filled with shredded dark chocolate, mini marshmallows, and other toppings like cinnamon, salted caramel, or peanut butter; create your own chocolate bark—customized by you—milk, dark, or white chocolate and your choice of as many toppings as you like with vegan options available. Or, build your own box of luxury chocolates from bonbons, barks, clusters, turtles, hand-dipped chocolate pretzels and more.
Carmen Kulak and Dan Moldovan’s painstakingly artisanal-crafted chocolate creations are elegant, beautifully presented, and Valentine’s Day inspired.
Love is in the air this season, and Chocolate Wave has you covered.
For more information on Valentine’s Day offerings contact the Chocolate Wave at 5 N 1st Street. Phone: 302-567-2419 or email chocolatewave.rehoboth@yahoo.com.
Bad Hair Day?
Peter Beck
Everyone wakes up some mornings, takes one look in the mirror, and screams at the top of their lungs, “Help! I look awful! I am having a Bad Hair Day!” Luckily, we have the perfect place to recommend to resolve your problem: Bad Hair Day?, located at 20 Lake Avenue in beautiful downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Bad Hair Day is the go-to place in town for fantastic haircuts, manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages. If you are in the mood for a mini-spa treatment, this salon is the place to go! Owner Drexel Davison is committed to providing first-class service in a fun, friendly, first-class environment! Bad Hair Day? proudly offers a full line of Aveda products, and party packages to celebrate special occasions and gift certificates for that “special someone” are available for sale.
Rave reviews are regularly posted online to praise the services received at the salon:
“Bad Hair Day was our one-stop shop for beauty and relaxation for my daughter's wedding weekend. We had wonderful massages, manicures, and pedicures. The day of the wedding, we had hair and makeup done for the ceremony. Each hairstyle was unique and absolutely beautiful. The staff were courteous, talented, and pampered each one of us! I would definitely visit again when I'm in Rehoboth. Fabulous overall experience!”
“Love this salon! Sophisticated, edgy. Professional talented staff who know how make a client feel special and look great.”
“Just a terrific experience. Pleasant surroundings, friendly staff, good work...say yes to the spa services.”
With reviews like these, why not pamper yourself and spend some time at Bad Hair Day? Whether you are visiting Rehoboth Beach or call it home, the specialists at the salon can have you feeling beautiful for any occasion.
Bad Hair Day? currently has two occasions: the location in downtown Rehoboth Beach and the second location at the Sussex Consortium in Lewes. The Lewes location is about to expand to offer more services and opportunities for students at the Consortium, many of whom gain work experience at the salon!
Contact the salon by emailing team@badhairday.biz or by calling 302-227-4247. The Rehoboth Beach location is open every day except Sunday. Call for an appointment on Monday from 10:00am–5:00pm, Tuesday through Friday from 10:00am–8:00pm, and Saturdays from 10:00am–6:00pm. The Sussex Consortium salon, at 17344 Sweet Briar Road in Lewes, is open Monday through Friday, 10:00am–5:00pm.
Sazio
Mark May
The weather may be cold, but at Sazio there’s always a warm place waiting for you! Located in downtown Rehoboth, Sazio is a landmark of the area’s fine dining. With an extensive menu, Sazio offers their patrons Italian cuisine and exquisite seafood worthy of its coastal locale.
The refined cuisine that Sazio offers is beautifully balanced by the establishment’s relaxed atmosphere, letting patrons enjoy their meal in true lower, slower Delaware style. Sazio does more than serve Rehoboth: It represents the culture of the city with every design touch, carefully crafted plate, and exquisite glass of wine.
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Sazio truly comes alive for couples. Book a reservation for a romantic dinner and sample their extensive collection of on-tap wines, a rare offering unique to Sazio. Or pop in spontaneously to try their dessert menu and after dinner wine selection. Valentine’s Day offers couples the opportunity to enjoy the Chicken Parm Night special.
“We recommend the Fried Oreos and Affogato Martini!” suggests Mary Beth Phillips when I mention Valentine’s Day.
Other Sazio specials running for the whole month of February are Thursday’s “Buy One, Get One Half Off Pasta Night” and Sunday’s Lasagna Special for only $19, including Caeser salad and Italian loaf. Sazio also offers pizza baked in their stone brick pizza oven, all within view of the dining room!
Whether you’re planning the perfect Valentine’s evening or looking to brighten your spirits this winter, try Sazio at 32 Lake Avenue in Rehoboth, phone 302-226-1160. Reservations can be made online at https://www.exploretock.com/sazio or visit them online at https://saziorehoboth.com/.
News from RBMS Members
Rehoboth Breeze has relocated to 138 Rehoboth Avenue. Resuming in-store shopping in February 2024. On-Line Orders have resumed as of January 6.
DiFebo’s Restaurant is hosting a Wine Dinner on Sunday, February 4, at 6:00pm. Experience the unveiling of the season's finest flavors in DiFebo’s exclusive Abruzzo Wine Dinner! Delight in a carefully curated journey of five courses, each artfully paired with exquisite wines. Immerse yourself in a palate-tantalizing adventure that showcases Abruzzo's culinary essence.
· Young Professionals Group: On Friday, February 23, 5:00–7:00pm, CAMP Rehoboth's Young Professionals Group will kick start with a social and happy hour. The group is for young professionals (and those young at heart) to meet other like-minded professionals, network, and support each other.
· Blood Drive with Blood Bank of Delmarva: Registration is open for CAMP Rehoboth's next blood drive with the Blood Bank of Delmarva, set for Saturday, February 24, 11:00am–4:00pm.
· Women's FEST: Women’s FEST is taking over Rehoboth Beach from April 25–28, 2024. Watch throughout this month for many more announcements from the dedicated FEST Committee about the developing lineup of activities. Once again, FEST Sports events will go on sale first. Then, FEST Passes and all event tickets will follow, closer to the end of February. As a benefit to CAMP Rehoboth rainbow members, advance tickets will go on sale exclusively to members for a limited time before becoming available to the general public. Stay tuned to the website and the Women’s FEST Facebook page for continual updates.
See Save the Date below for additional CAMP Rehoboth events.
News from Rehoboth Beach Main Street
RBMS Hosts “Delaware on Main Street” Quarterly Meeting
The 10 Main Street America affiliates in Delaware hold quarterly meetings, during which staff and board members confer with each other, DE Division of Small Business (DSB) officials, and others who have an interest in ensuring the vitality of Delaware’s cities and towns. Facilitated by Anastasia Jackson, DSB, the 1st quarterly meeting of 2024 was held in Rehoboth Beach on January 11. Representatives of Delaware’s Main Street organizations and RBMS board members and staff participated in the day’s activities.
The convening began with a welcome by Dick Byrne, RBMS President, and presentations by Heidi Nasstrom Evans, Rehoboth Beach Museum Executive Director; State Senator Russ Huxtable; and Dan Slagle, RBMS Executive Director. Main Street staff and board members shared their successes and challenges during the morning session. Following the session, the participants got on board the Jolly Trolley for a trip across town to Above the Dunes, where RBMS board member and Above the Dunes co-owner Mike Venanzi treated the participants to a scrumptious buffet lunch. Following the lunch, presentations were made by Jaclyn Hulihan, Delaware Tourism Office, and Cindy Lovett, RBMS board member and chair of Rehoboth in Bloom.
Following lunch, the participants again boarded the Jolly Trolley for a tour of Rehoboth Beach and ended the day with a visit to the RBMS office, which included a presentation of the Rehoboth Beach Diorama by Paul Lovett.
The day was a success, offering participants opportunities to learn from each other’s successes, share challenges, and offer and receive suggestions for addressing the challenges.
On the RBMS Webpage: Off-Season Specials
Each year, locals and visitors look for the off-season specials offered by Rehoboth Beach businesses. We’ve created a chart of the downtown restaurants’ specials, based on a chart created by Michael Moreland and posted on Facebook. RBMS members are identified with an asterisk on the chart. We will add to this chart as more specials are announced. Hours of operation are subject to change: Verify hours, prices, and particular terms of specials with the restaurants directly. Please be kind to servers and tip on the full bill before discount!
To access the chart, go to Off-Season Specials | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
Looking for something to do on a February afternoon...
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 Events in 2024
Mark your calendars! Plan for these RBMS events in 2024:
RBMS / Rehoboth In Bloom, presents “It’s a Bloomin’ Dance Party,” Friday, 3/15 at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center (see article that follows).
RBMS and The Purple Parrot Grill present the 2024 Gumbo Crawl on Saturday, 4/6.
RBMS presents “Runway 2024,” a weekend of fashion events, 4/18–4/21, with a Formal Style Fashion Show on 4/21, 4:30–7:00pm, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
RBMS presents the award-winning Margarita Crawl on Saturday, 6/1.
RBMS will host the Holiday Stroll on Small Business Saturday, 11/30.
RBMS will convene the much-loved Community Unity Dinner on Sunday, 12/8.
RBMS and the Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association will participate in Wreaths Across America on 12/14.
In addition, RBMS will support the downtown Easter Bonnet Crawl and Easter Egg Hunt on 3/30 and the Mrs. Roper Romp on 9/21. RBMS will again have a contingent in the Rehoboth Beach Holiday Parade in December.
Rehoboth in Bloom: It’s a Bloomin’ Dance Party!
Cindy Lovett
RBMS and Rehoboth in Bloom will hold the third Annual dance party fundraiser on Friday, March 15, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Music will be provided by the awesome DJ, Sky Brady. The dance is the annual major fund-raising event for the fabulous work Rehoboth in Bloom does to make downtown a very special and picturesque place to visit. This spring we will be starting our 6th year with over 70 volunteers maintaining 3 gardens and 103 self-watering planters.
Tickets for the event are $25 per person and are available at the Rehoboth Beach Main Street office, at the door or through Eventbrite at downtownRB.com/Bloom (scroll down). Beer, wine, coffee, and dessert will be available. So—dine downtown and then come to the Convention Center dance the night away! For more information, call 302-227-2772 or info@pdlovett.com.
News from the DE Division of Small Business: EDGE Grant Competition Opens on February 1
This year, The Delaware Division of Small Business has moved the EDGE grant application up a month. The Division will be accepting EDGE grant applications from February 1 through March 1, 2024.
The Division awards EDGE Grants through a competitive selection process. Five STEM-based companies can each receive up to $100,000 for eligible expenses. Five Entrepreneur Class (non-STEM) businesses can each get up to $50,000. The funds are provided as a $3 (state) to $1 (business) match and the Division can provide up to 10 grants per application round (spring/fall).
Qualified applications must have been in operation less than 7 years, employ 10 people or fewer, and be majority located in Delaware.
For more information, go to EDGE Grant Competition - Division of Small Business - State of Delaware.
Delaware Small Business Grants Fair
Attend the 2024 Grants Fair being hosted by SBDC and the Delaware Business Times. The event will be held at Ed Oliver Golf Club, 800 N. DuPont Rd., Wilmington, DE 19807. The event will begin at 11:30am on Thursday, March 21, with lunch and networking. Attendees will hear brief introductions from organizations that can help them grow their business through available Delaware Grants. Afterward, attendees can then visit with organizations, at their booths, for 1-on-1 conversations with representatives during the open Grants Fair time.
Registration fee for the Grants Fair is $30.00.
For more information and to register: Tickets for 2024 Small Business Grants Fair in Wilmington from Today Media (showclix.com)
Save the Date
Clear Space Theatre Company presents Agatha Christie’s “The Mousetrap”
Friday, 2/2, 7:00pm; Saturday, 2/3, 7:00pm; and Sunday, 2/4, 2:00pm
20 Baltimore Avenue
Rehoboth Beach Bears FURst Friday & Groundhog Day
Friday, 2/2, 5:00–9:00pm
Above the Dunes, 101 S. Boardwalk, 2nd Floor
CAMP Rehoboth in Partnership with Coastal Concerts Presents a Recital by the Dover Quartet with Clarinetist David Shifrin
Friday, 2/2, at 2:00pm
Elkins-Archibald Atrium
37 Baltimore Avenue
Rehoboth Beach Library – Writing Boot Camp
Saturdays, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, and 2/24. 8:30am–10:00am
Upstairs Meeting Room, 206 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach Library – Online Event
Creative Movement Virtual Yoga
Sundays, 2/4, 2/11, 2/18, and 2/25, 11:00am–Noon
2024 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge
Restaurant Chili Contest
Saturday, 2/3, from 2:30pm–5:00pm
Various restaurants
2024 Lewes Polar Bear Plunge
Sunday, 2/4, at 1:00pm
Rehoboth Beach at Rehoboth Avenue and the Beach
Wine Dinner, Abbruzo Region
Sunday, 2/4, 6:00pm
12 N. First Street
Rehoboth Beach Library – Free Writes
Mondays, 2/5, 2/12, 2/19, and 2/26, 9:00am–11:00am
Upstairs Meeting Room, 226 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach Library – February Events
226 Rehoboth Avenue
Cash Bingo at Cape Henlopen Senior Center
Wednesday, 2/7. Doors open at 11:30am, games start at 1:00pm.
11 Christian Street
Conversation with Sadeqa Johnson/The House of Eve
Online Event – Thursday, 2/8, 5:00pm–6:00pm
Browseabout Book Clubs
133 Rehoboth Avenue
Browseabout Book Club, 1st Sunday of the month, 3:00–4:00pm.
Celebrating its 27th year, Club members discuss works of literary fiction, poetry, non-fiction, and a range of genres.
Horror Book Club, 3rd Sunday of the Month, 3:00pm–4:00pm
Browser’s Forensic Files, 4th Sunday of the Month, 3:00pm–4:00pm
“Tidal Wave” presented by Good Aesthetic Gallery
Friday, 2/9, through Sunday, 3/10, Hours: Monday–Saturday: 10:00am–4:00pm; Sunday: Noon–4:00pm
Corkran Gallery, 12 Dodds Lane
CAMP Rehoboth – Love Yourself: Self-Care Event
Saturday, 2/10, from 10:00am to 2:00pm
37 Baltimore Avenue
Rehoboth Art League – Gallery Talks – From the Artist’s Son with Jamie Loper
Saturday, 2/10, at 10:00am
12 Dodds Lane
2nd Lover’s Lane Valentines Boardwalk 5K – Seashore Striders Delaware
Sunday, 2/11, 10:00am
Rehoboth Beach Bandstand
CAMP Rehoboth Open House
Thursday, 2/15, 4:00–6:00pm
37 Baltimore Avenue
CAMP Rehoboth Chorus Presents “The British Are Coming!”
2/16 & 2/17, 7:00pm, and Sunday 2/18, 3:00pm
Epworth United Methodist Church
19285 Holland Glade Road
Bingo with the Rehoboth Beach Bears at Rigby’s Bar & Grill
Happy Hour / Bingo and Dinner
Monday, 2/19, 4:00–8:30pm
404 Rehoboth Avenue
Rehoboth Beach Museum – Those Who Led the Way
Thursday, 2/22, 5:00pm
John N and Jean K. Papajohn Lecture Hall at the Rehoboth Beach Museum
511 Rehoboth Avenue
CAMP Rehoboth Young Professionals Group
Friday, 2/23, 5:00–7:00pm
37 Baltimore Avenue
CAMP Rehoboth Blood Drive with Blood Bank of Delmarva
Saturday, 2/24, 11:00am to 4:00pm
37 Baltimore Avenue
Clear Space Theatre Presents “A Raisin in The Sun”
Saturday, 2/24, 6:00pm reception, 7:00pm performance; and Sunday, 2/25, 1:00pm
(Readers Theatre Collaboration with the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice)
20 Baltimore Avenue
Mark Your Calendars for These March and April Events
Wayne Newton to Appear at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, Friday, 3/1, doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are on sale now through ETIX.COM for this legendary performance. Sharing the stage as special guest is Dan Gaffney and his Mind Mysteries.
Rehoboth Beach Bears FURst Friday, Friday, 3/1, 5:00–7:00pm, at Rigby's
Clear Space Theatre presents “My Fair Lady,” 3/8–3/24, 7:00pm. BUY TICKETS
Rehoboth Beach Main Street / Rehoboth In Bloom, presents “It’s a Bloomin’ Dance Party,” Friday, 3/14, 7:00–10:00pm, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
Rehoboth Beach Bears St. Patrick’s Day Bear Bar Bust, Saturday, 3/16, 5:00pm, at Above the Dunes.
Clear Space Theatre presents Outfit the Ensemble—Food, Fashion, & Fun. Prom Edition: A Clear Space Fashion Show with a Twist, Thursday, 3/27, 6:00–9:00pm.
Easter Bonnet Bar Crawl & Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, 3/30, 1:00–4:00pm, Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk.
Rehoboth Beach Main Street and The Purple Parrot Grill present the 2024 Gumbo Crawl, Saturday, 4/6, 1:00–4:00pm.
Harry K Foundation presents Spring into Fashion Luncheon and Fashion Experience, Thursday, 4/11, 12:00–2:00pm, at the Atlantic Social Restaurant.
Harry K Foundation presents the Second Annual Chocolate Crawl, Saturday, 4/13, 1:00–4:00pm.
Rehoboth Beach Main Street presents “Runway 2024,” a weekend of fashion events, 4/18–4/21, with a Formal Style Fashion Show on 4/21, 4:30–7:00pm, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center.
Rehoboth Beach Homeowners Association Spring Meeting, Saturday, 4/20, 10:00am, at the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Department, Upstairs Meeting Room.
Editor’s Note
If you have any questions or comments, please contact Peter Pizzolongo, Newsletter Editor, at PeterRBMS@gmail.com.
