February 2026 Newsletter
- RBMainStreet
- 3 hours ago
- 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.
Current and past issues of the newsletter are available on RBMS Website at:
Newsletter| Home| Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
Valentine’s Day!
Peter Beck
Happy Valentine's Day! This month, we’re celebrating all kinds of love—from romantic connections to self-love and the friendships that brighten our lives.
Here in Rehoboth Beach, there are countless ways to celebrate the joys of love with that special someone. You can enjoy a romantic winter stroll on the boardwalk and dine at a charming restaurant such as Victorias. You can enjoy wonderful food at fine establishments such as Mariachi's, the Shore Break Lodge, Cafe Azafran, or Sirocco or find the perfect gift at Chocolate Wave, Love Liquors, or Something Comfortable. Our town truly has something to offer everyone!
In 2025, Americans spent about $27.5 billion on Valentine's Day, averaging $188.81 per person! This spending includes gifts for partners, family, friends, and pets, with popular items being candy, flowers, greeting cards, jewelry, and dining experiences. Interestingly, Gen Z spends the most on Valentine's Day, averaging $235, while baby boomers spend the least at around $53. Is this difference a reflection of the excitement of young romance versus the wisdom of age and experience?
So this Valentine's Day, come to downtown Rehoboth Beach, enjoy a day of fun and shopping, and support our outstanding local small businesses!
New Businesses & Membership Renewals
● RBMS thanks Jack Lingo, Realtor, the Purple Parrot Grill, and Rehoboth Breeze for renewing at the Gold Partner level.
● RBMS welcomes new members Stellan and Sunshine & Saltwater, for joining at the Bronze Partner level.
● RBMS thanks Breakfast Guru, Louie’s Pizza, and Something Comfortable for renewing at the Silver Partner level.
● RBMS thanks these members for renewing at the Bronze Partner level
o In2Soles
Showcasing Rehoboth Businesses
Something Comfortable: The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift
Colleen Evans
This Valentine’s Day, Something Comfortable makes finding the perfect gift both easy and meaningful. Located at 122 Rehoboth Avenue, this locally owned boutique specializes in beautiful, high-quality essentials designed to make everyone feel confident, comfortable, and cared for.
At Something Comfortable, comfort truly comes in every size. The shop proudly offers lingerie in sizes XS through 3X and bras ranging from 30AA to 56J, ensuring that every customer can find pieces that fit beautifully and feel amazing. With an inclusive approach and expert guidance, shopping here feels personal, relaxed, and supportive.
The thoughtfully curated collection includes luxurious French lingerie brands alongside customer favorites like PJ Salvage and PJ Harlow pajamas and sleepwear. From elegant, confidence-boosting lingerie to irresistibly soft pajamas perfect for cozy nights in, each item is chosen for its fit, feel, and lasting quality — making it an ideal Valentine’s Day gift.
Not sure what to choose? Something Comfortable also offers gift cards, so your Valentine can choose exactly what makes them feel their best. It’s a perfect option for partners, friends, or anyone who deserves a little extra comfort this season.
More than just a boutique, Something Comfortable is known for its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. Customers are encouraged to take their time, ask questions, and enjoy a stress-free shopping experience.
This Valentine’s Day, give a gift that’s beautiful, inclusive, and truly comfortable. Something Comfortable is the perfect place to show your love.
Mariachi
Peter Beck
Mariachi is a delightful family-owned restaurant located at 14 Wilmington Avenue, just half a block from the boardwalk in Rehoboth Beach. Since 2006, it has been a beloved local staple, known for its vibrant atmosphere and authentic Latin American cuisine, including Mexican fajitas, Salvadoran pupusas, and Spanish seafood paella.
Our party dined at Mariachi's on a Monday night to take advantage of the 15% off-season special. We all enjoyed the tasty tortilla chips, made on-site, and partook of a variety of margaritas to start. When our meals arrived, everyone's portions were huge. We savored chicken fajitas, chile rellenos, and Cuban pork. Maria particularly praised her Sacramento platter, which included a chile cheese relleno, a hard-shell chicken taco, and a beef enchilada.
Additionally, we tried the Masitas de Puerco—Cuban-style morsels of pork marinated in criolla sauce and roasted with Sevilla's bitter oranges. Everything was fresh and flavorful. We had so much food that we skipped dessert.
The restaurant features a spacious main dining room and a charming party room on the second level, ideal for weddings and birthdays. Guests can enjoy a full menu with generous platters of fresh food, as well as refreshing specialty drinks from two bars, including signature frozen margaritas.
Mariachi offers brunch on weekends and has a happy hour available Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 PM. During the off-season, there are nightly specials: Monday is 15% off your bill; Tuesday and Wednesday are Peruvian nights featuring new dishes starting at $15; Thursday features $5 off all fajitas; and you can celebrate the end of the week on Friday with half-price house wines and $5 off all seafood dishes.
With its warm, welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant consistently delights visitors with award-winning flavors and friendly service. For reservations or takeout, call 302-227-0115 or visit mariachirehobothde.com. Experience the warmth of owner Yolanda Pineda and her team, celebrated throughout town for their hospitality and consistently high-quality dishes!
Sirocco Food and Drink
Peter Beck
On a chilly and crisp Saturday evening in the fall, my friend Maria and I decided to enjoy happy hour at Sirocco Food and Drink, a favorite Mediterranean-themed restaurant located in the recently renovated Coast Hotel at 123 Second Street. Sirocco has taken the place of the popular Conch Island, which relocated outside the city limits during the hotel's renovations.
I am pleased to report that Sirocco is a perfect spot for a relaxing evening, featuring outstanding food and excellent drinks in a lovely atmosphere. The menu showcases fresh local ingredients and offers fine dining inspired by Southern Europe, particularly Italy, Spain, and France.
As soon as you enter the lobby and the bar/restaurant area, the vibe is welcoming. The room has an upscale yet casual feel, making it somewhat unique in our beach community.
When we arrived, it was relatively quiet. We sat at the bar and were cheerfully greeted by our friendly bartender. Looking for a light bite, we decided to take advantage of the small plates menu. Maria enjoyed the margherita flatbread pizza, while I had the lamb smash burger, which came with orzo salad and veggies—perfect comfort food! For cocktails, Maria ordered a vodka cranberry, and I returned to my standard favorite, a wonderful cosmopolitan, channeling my inner Samantha Jones.
Happy hour is daily from 4 to 7 PM in the bar only. However, as we sat there enjoying our drinks and meals, the restaurant began to fill up with diners ready to enjoy the full menu of outstanding food always offered at Sirocco. Soon, every table was occupied with happy guests!
Check out their off-season specials! Wednesday nights feature “Buy One Main, Get One Free” — how great is that! Other fall specials include half-price pasta night on Sundays, with entrees starting at $20; Tapa Thursdays with 20% off small plates and $8 sangrias; and Wine Fridays offering 50% off selected bottles of wine!
Since Sirocco is connected to the Coast Hotel, it also serves breakfast from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM. As breakfast is my favorite meal, I truly need to get over there and try it out.
By the way, the Coast Hotel is currently adding a new wing! Once you are inside, however, you would never know there is a construction site right next door. How cool is that!
So check out Sirocco, where you are sure to have a great time!
News from Rehoboth in Bloom
It’s a Bloomin’ Dance Party!
Put on your dancing shoes for a great cause at the 5th Annual "It's a Bloomin' Dance Party," presented by Rehoboth Beach Main Street and Rehoboth in Bloom! Join us on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 7:00pm to 10:00pm at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center for a night of music and community, featuring live entertainment by The Funsters. Tickets are just $30 per person, and they will officially go on sale in February. Don’t miss the beach's best dance party of the spring! 🌸💃
News from RBMS
Presenting Fashion Weekend and Runway 2026
Rehoboth Beach Main Street is proud to present Fashion Weekend from March 27-29. Many stores will feature exciting promotions throughout the weekend.
The weekend will culminate with our third annual fashion show on Sunday, the 29th. The show will feature spring and summer fashions presented by over 18 downtown shops and boutiques. The doors will open at 4:30pm at the convention center, and tickets will include heavy hors d’oeuvres and a complimentary glass of champagne. A cash bar will be available.
Tickets can be purchased online here Runway2026
Be sure to get your tickets soon, as it is going to be a fabulous event!
News from RBMS Members
Gallery 50 Has Moved!
After 17 years on Wilmington Avenue, Gallery 50 has moved to a new location at 47 Baltimore Avenue, in the yellow Cape Suites building. Gallery 50 offers contemporary art and framing services. Additionally, the gallery frequently hosts exciting art exhibitions featuring artists from the Chesapeake and Delmarva regions. Stop by the shop to explore the new space!!
The Best French Fries in Delaware Are Right Here in Rehoboth Beach!
Exciting news for Ava's Pizzeria and Wine Bar, located at 29 Baltimore Avenue! They have been recognized by Chowhound for having the best French fries in Delaware! While many of us know Ava's for their fantastic Italian dishes and pizza, this recognition is truly exciting. Congratulations to the team! If you haven't tried the Route 33 fries yet, be sure to head down to Ava's and enjoy!!
News from CAMP Rehoboth
"I Am Woman” Concert
Get ready to celebrate the amazing contributions of women in music at the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus's "I Am Woman," a vibrant musical revue running from February 13 to 15, 2026! We’re excited to introduce our new a cappella group, WomenKind, which will kick off the show with incredible energy. You’ll enjoy powerful performances of beloved songs from legendary artists like Carole King ("I Feel the Earth Move"), Whitney Houston ("The Greatest Love of All"), Lady Gaga ("Born This Way"), Madonna ("Like A Prayer"), Dolly Parton ("9 to 5"), and "This Is Me" from The Greatest Showman. Join Artistic Director Doug Yetter, along with David Zipse and the talented CAMP Rehoboth Chorus band, for an unforgettable celebration of female artistry!
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News from Rehoboth Beach Bears
Join the Rehoboth Beach Bears for a fun-filled happy hour on February 6 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the Purple Parrot. Everyone is welcome, even if you aren’t a bear! A good time is ensured for all!
Internet and Social Media Stats
The January 2026 Newsletter was distributed to 2,511 subscribers, with a 4% click rate. Most views: January newsletter, RBMS main page, Events, Rehoboth in Bloom, Events, VIA Book Club, Purple Parrot Grill, Rehoboth Library, Clear Space Theatre 2026 Productions, Bowling at Lefty’s, CAMP Rehoboth, Polar Bear Plunge, RB Bears Weekend Registration.
The RBMS Website was updated with new members added. Most website views in December were the webcams, RBMS homepage, Off-Season Specials page, Shop Directory, Events, December 2025 Newsletter, and About Us.
Facebook Views in December were 77,018. Reach was 54,139. Most views were for these posts: Polar Bear Plunge Weekend, RBMS Holiday Stroll, Clear Space Theatre’s Noises Off, Community Unity Dinner, Dine & Donate for the Village Improvement Association, and GMCW Returns to CAMP Rehoboth.
Instagram Views in December were 22,136. Reach was 11,566. Most views were for these posts: Black Dog Rehoboth Adoption Event, GMCW Returns to CAMP Rehoboth, Wreaths Across America, Polar Bear Plunge Weekend, Dine & Donate at Nicola Pizza, and the Community Unity Dinner.
There were 29,300 Google Ads Impressions in December, resulting in 500 clicks on the RBMS links.
Photo Gallery
For February, volunteer staff photographer Maria Misak shares her amazing “Seashells of Love” photos! It’s always amazing what she can find on our beaches!
Volunteer Recognition
Catherine Perge is a dedicated volunteer with Rehoboth in Bloom, having served for a total of seven years, including three years in a leadership role. She is actively involved with the Volunteers in Action (VIA) and plays a key part in securing grants for the organization.
Catherine joined Rehoboth in Bloom on Baltimore Avenue in its founding year, 2019. She took on the Lead position two years ago, after Diane and Ben Winiarczyk purchased Shore Break Lodge. The team consists of eight volunteers. When the USPS Historic Designation project was initiated, Catherine immediately stepped in, bringing her extensive experience with government projects, which proved invaluable. The project has been submitted to the state for review, and we are currently awaiting the results.
Catherine became a full-time resident of Rehoboth Beach in 2015, although she had purchased a house just outside the city limits years earlier with plans to move here. She had been vacationing in the area, primarily in Bethany Beach and Rehoboth, since she was a toddler, and has many interesting memories of how different the area was back then!
A native Washingtonian, Catherine lived in Silver Spring for much of her life. She worked in the federal civil service for 39 years, primarily at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Her responsibilities included caring for the collections, exhibition design and production, and organizing traveling exhibits, among other duties. This work provided her with opportunities for considerable domestic and international travel.
Now that she is retired, Catherine volunteers with Rehoboth Beach Main Street (RBMS) and the Rehoboth Beach Art League. She is also a member of the Village Improvement Association (VIA). Catherine truly enjoys gardening, tending to the planters on Baltimore Avenue, and collaborating with the fantastic Rehoboth in Bloom team. She was particularly interested in the post office project because of her enthusiasm for the New Deal-era program that built new post offices and commissioned artwork.
Bravo, Catherine, for all that you do for RBMS and our city!
Photo: (left to right) Pam Prickard, Catherine Perge, Cindy Lovett.
Why I Am a Member? Second Block Hospitality!
Ashley Houdbert
Downtown Rehoboth Beach is home to us. It is where our restaurants live, where our teams show up every day, and where our relationships with locals and visitors are built season after season.
Bodhi Kitchen, The Pines Coastal Tavern, and Drift Seafood & Raw Bar are members of Rehoboth Beach Main Street because we believe in protecting and investing in what makes downtown Rehoboth Beach special. We want to be actively involved in its prosperity, in strengthening the local economy, and in preserving the quality of life that keeps this town vibrant year-round.
Rehoboth Beach Main Street consistently supports these efforts through community events, a wonderful newsletter, a strong social media and website presence, its relationships, and countless economic programs that help local businesses grow and adapt. While increased visibility for our restaurants is a benefit, it is not the sole purpose.
That said, the benefits of membership are absolutely worth it. They actively promote our businesses across their platforms, include us in downtown initiatives and events, keep us informed and connected, and plan programming that genuinely drives traffic and engagement. All of this is offered for a small fee in comparison to the value delivered by a passionate, volunteer-driven organization that works tirelessly to preserve the energy, charm, and overall vibe of downtown Rehoboth Beach, and that shared commitment is why this community continues to thrive.
RBMS Collaborated with the City to Explore the Use of Placer.ai Information Technology to Examine Visitor Trends
Jerry Filbin
In a January 2 story, the Cape Gazette reported on the collaboration between the City of Rehoboth Beach and Rehoboth Beach Main Street to test Placer.ai, a program that collects geolocation data from cellphone applications. The Gazette stated, “The scope of data being collected was made clear more recently, as part of the discussion about what to do with the summer concert series at the Bandstand. Commissioner Craig Thier said the city has the ability to know how many people are in town at that specific time, where they came from, where in town they are, and where in town they went.”
In Spring 2025, Rehoboth Beach Main Street approached the City to gauge interest in testing the program. The Gazette reported that City officials reviewed it and determined that Placer.ai data could help the city make more data-driven decisions. Brooke Thaler, city communications manager, told the Gazette that Placer.ai collects location intelligence from mobile devices via third-party apps that have users' permission to share location information. The platform combines this data with other sources such as public records, available demographic information, and surveys, she said. “It is important to note that the data collected and provided is anonymous and contains no personally identifying information. We are not tracking people with this service,” said Thaler. “We are looking at the bigger picture to help us make better-informed decisions. We are not spying on people.”
The project is a collaboration between RBMS and the City that enables data sharing to examine foot traffic associated with various events to help plan for greater success. The Gazette story goes on to explain that a first look “was specific to the Bandstand area during the summer concert times. Filters were set to only include data from people who were in the Bandstand area for longer than five minutes, between 6 and 10pm, Friday through Sunday, from May 24 to August 30. The data show that there were 157,200 visitors over the course of the summer during the concert series, and the average dwelling time was 45 minutes. The city generally knows what percentage of visitors are from other parts of Delaware or from surrounding states. The data provides the specific businesses people came from before going to the Bandstand and where they went afterward.”
Rehoboth Beach City Manager Taylour Tedder mentioned the difficulty in tracking visitor numbers in the city. “This gives us better insights and access to grants,” he said. In late October, city data indicated 93,700 visitors during the Sea Witch weekend. RBMS Executive Director Dan Slagle noted that this technology is popular at industry conferences for gathering visitor demographic data to inform marketing strategies.
For Main Street’s purposes, RBMS volunteer Jerry Filbin told the Gazette that they’re still trying to figure out how to best use the technology. For instance, we already know that weather plays a big role in attendance, and we may consider moving events to times when better weather is more likely. The project will continue well into 2026 to give the City and RBMS more time to understand the tool and gather information to serve decision-making.
Adapted from the Cape Gazette January 2, 2026, article, Rehoboth using AI to track visitors | Cape Gazette.
News from the City of Rehoboth Beach
City of Rehoboth Beach Changes Dates for Seasonal Restrictions
City Commissioners amended the city code on seasonal restrictions for dogs, vehicle turns, beach sleeping, and smoking. These changes align with the city’s parking schedule from May 15 to September 15, establishing clear “off-season” and “summer” guidelines.
● Leashed dogs and other animals are allowed on the beach and boardwalk from September 16 through May 14. Dogs are not allowed on the beach during this period when lifeguards are present.
● Drivers can make left turns on 1st and 2nd Street from September 16 to May 14
● No smoking, vaping, e-smoking, or marijuana use is allowed on any areas of the beach from May 15 to September 15
○ From September 16 to May 14, smoking is permitted in up to four designated and marked locations
● Sleeping on the beach (12 am to daybreak) is prohibited at all times of the year
Additionally, parking is prohibited on the following streets from 12am to 6am May 15 to September 15:
● North side of Queen Street from the Boardwalk to King Charles Ave
● South side of Queen Street from the Boardwalk to Lake Drive
● Both sides of Prospect Street
● East Lake Drive, between Queen Street and Prospect Street
The City Streets and Safety Committee recommended a synchronized schedule for seasonal restrictions, effective immediately.
One Rehoboth is an exciting new development featuring four stories, including three floors for a 60-room hotel, a ground-floor retail and restaurant space, and underground parking. The project is expected to take approximately 18-19 months, with completion aimed for Spring 2028. Existing tenants will be allowed to remain open this summer.
Demolition and construction for One Rehoboth will begin in September 2026. The project team has decided to delay the start of demolition until after the 2026 summer season to minimize disruption and to ensure that only one summer is impacted by construction. Additional signage will be installed to keep the public informed about the work starting in September.
Trash, Yard Waste, and Recycling Calendars
Click below for this year’s updated trash, yard waste, and recycling calendars. These calendars are also available on our website throughout the year.
Looking for a Meaningful Summer Job?
Become a seasonal police officer or a member of the Rehoboth Beach Patrol! Applications for seasonal officers are now open, with limited spots available, and training will begin in the spring. Beach Patrol applications will be posted soon; please find the tryout requirements and dates here:
Our Sister City!
Did you know that our town has a sister city in Italy? Rehoboth Beach is partnered with Greve in Chianti, Italy, through a sister city relationship established in 2010. This collaboration celebrates their shared connection to explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano, who explored the Delaware coast in 1524. The partnership was formed to honor Verrazzano's historical significance. The two cities share art and traditions and host events such as Verrazzano Day in Greve. Rehoboth has a Garden of Navigators featuring Italian elements, and in 2023, the mayor of Greve presented Rehoboth with a terracotta fountain located in Cranberry Garden near Olive Street!
News from the Delaware Division of Small Business
Paid Family and Medical Leave Is Here!
Delaware's Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML) program, established by the Healthy Delaware Families Act, provides wage replacement for employees who need time off for serious health issues, bonding with a new child, or military exigencies, starting January 1, 2026. Eligible employees can receive up to 80% of their wages (max $900/week) for up to 12 weeks annually, with 12 weeks for parental leave and 6 weeks for personal/family medical leave. Employers with 10+ employees fund the program through payroll deductions and must meet specific eligibility criteria.
Learn more about the program here: Paid Family & Medical Leave
Delaware Division of Small Business–Business Spotlight
The Delaware Division of Small Business includes an article on local businesses in each edition of its newsletter and is seeking submissions! This is a fantastic opportunity for our business owners to showcase their successes. To submit an application, please visit: Small Business Spotlight
Delaware Preservation Fund Grant Awards Announced
The Delaware Preservation Fund provides small grants to owners of historic properties, supporting both physical restoration and preservation planning. The DPF is accepting applications for this year, with a submission deadline expected in March 2026. For inquiries about the grants, go to Delaware Preservation Fund.
For 2025, the Delaware Preservation Fund awarded 20 grants totaling $86,272 to preserve historic properties in New Castle, Kent, and Sussex Counties. The funded projects include 12 historic houses, an opera house, a school, a church, a theater, and more. Most projects are in New Castle County, followed by Kent and Sussex Counties. Funding was supported by contributions from county governments, helping increase project funding.
Catherine Morrissey from the University of Delaware emphasizes that even small grants can significantly aid preservation efforts. This year, over 25% of recipients received funds for preservation planning projects, including efforts to list an 18th-century house on the National Register of Historic Places.
Events
Browseabout About Books—Author Talks & Book Signings
2/12 5:00pm-6:00pm
2/26 6:00pm-8:00pm
2/1 12:00pm
2/1 – 2/15
2/4 Doors open at 11:30am
2/6 5:00pm-7:00pm
2/7 10:00am - 3:00pm
2/9 9:00am
2/9 1:00pm
2/7 3:00pm
2/12 10:00am-12:00pm
2/12 5:30pm-6:30pm
2/13& 2/14 7:00pm, 2/15 3:00pm
2/14 10:00am-3:00pm
2/14 10:00am-12:00pm
2/16 1:00pm-2:00pm
2/17 11:00am-close
2/18 Doors open at 11:30am
2/18 3:00pm - 5:30pm
2/20 9:00am
2/20 2:00pm
Save the Date!
3/1 1:00pm
3/6-3/29th
3/15 3:00pm
3/26-3/28
3/28 4:30pm-9:00pm
4/19 7:00pm-10:00pm
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