Surf, Sand, and Sunshine
Jim Mease
While many attractions lure tourists and residents to our shores few can compare to the natural beauty that surrounds us in the form of surf, sand, and sunshine. As we move into June, we have these three in abundance as our summer season begins. With the Memorial Day Holiday behind us and the 4th of July in front of us, everyone begins to settle into a summertime pattern consisting of increased outdoor activities that include picnics, swimming, boating, and fishing with family and friends.
June was named after the ancient Roman Goddess of marriage and childbirth and remains a popular month for weddings today. Beach weddings here in Rehoboth have become quite popular; however, June is also a month full of celebratory events beginning with Pride, a month-long celebration of the contributions and achievements promoting the dignity, equality, and increased visibility of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community. On June 5th, World Environment Day is a time to raise environmental awareness, while on June 14 we celebrate Flag Day to honor the day in 1777 the Continental Congress adopted our flag as the official flag of the United States amid the Revolutionary War. Following in quick succession is Father's Day on June 14th, when we celebrate all fathers, grandfathers, and great-grandfathers for their contribution to family unity. On June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth. On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation aloud in Galveston Texas, effectively liberating enslaved people in the state.
Other important June dates include the 20th, known as the summer solstice. It heralds the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and is the day with the most daylight hours. June 21 is the month’s full moon known as the Strawberry Moon which marked the ripening of June bearing strawberries ready for gathering by Native American tribes that lived in the northeastern United States.
June is truly a time for celebration and Rehoboth Main Street is proud to highlight several of our member businesses this month. Residents and tourists alike will want to visit Dogfish Head Chesapeake & Maine at 316 Rehoboth Avenue where you will enjoy seafood sourced exclusively from the Chesapeake and Maine regions of the United States. The Aqua Bar & Grille at 57 Baltimore Avenue is always a go-to place during the summer. With its spacious outdoor deck, casual dining, and a full complement of wine, beer, and spirits, you won't want to leave! If you are looking for seasonally driven and locally sourced food and spirits combined with live music, Blackwall Hitch at 52 Rehoboth Avenue is the restaurant you want to try. In the market for designer women's fashion, active wear, or hand-crafted jewelry? Treat yourself to a visit at Grace Boutique at 36 Baltimore Avenue during your stay in Rehoboth Beach.
When visiting any of these member businesses, tell them you read about them here and you can read more about each of these showcased businesses later in this newsletter. Please remember to be mindful of increased bike and pedestrian traffic now that the weather has turned warm. And be sure to check out the new lovely plantings in the earth planters downtown. New planters in front of the Rehoboth Beach Administrative Offices on Rehoboth Ave will increase your enjoyment as you walk around.
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 thanks Second Block Hospitality (Aqua, Bodhi Kitchen, Drift Seafood & Raw Bar, The Pines) and Dos Locos for renewing at the Gold Partner level.
● RBMS thanks Rehoboth Cycle Sports for renewing at the Silver Partner level.
● RBMS thanks these members for renewing at the Bronze Partner Level
o Bernadette’s Beach Boutique
o Penny Lane Lighting
Showcasing Rehoboth Businesses
Chesapeake and Maine
Peter Beck
On a lovely mid-spring evening, my neighbor Maria and I decided it was a perfect night to enjoy some fine dining in town. We’ve been trying to hit all of the places we couldn’t get to during the pandemic, and since a few months back we had a fabulous evening at Dogfish Head Brewing and Eats, we decided to eat at Chesapeake & Maine right next door at 316 Rehoboth Avenue.
Chesapeake & Maine is a lovely brewpub that is part of the DogfishHead Brewing group located in Rehoboth Beach. Established here in Rehoboth in 2016, Chesapeake & Maine offers a quieter ambiance with an aesthetically pleasing interior and exterior, in excellent contrast to their more lively establishment right next door. Throughout the space is the “industrial” look, with metal pipes, exposed venting, and a tin 1890s style ceiling. We also enjoyed the concurrent nautical theme of the restaurant, with porthole windows and chandeliers made from oyster shells. Overall it was a cozy, charming environment to enjoy a meal with a good friend.
The bar is well-stocked with many popular Dogfish head products and a wide choice of other libations. I immediately ordered the Dogfish Head Pineapple Orange Mai Tai, which I love so much that I have several cans of the mai tai in my fridge at home!
Chesapeake & Maine is known for its seafood that is locally sourced from the region.j As well, the menu offers tasty dishes from the New England states and includes a lovely oyster bar for those who are oyster aficionados.
Luckily, Maria and I were there on the last day of the off-season Thursday night specials: dinner for two for forty-five bucks, expertly curated by the chef. We enjoyed tasty stuffed fluke, fresh green beans, roasted potatoes, and a lobster salad. To top it off, dessert was an apple rhubarb betty that was to die for, a perfect final act to a fabulous dining experience. We both thought about ordering a second helping, but decided that our waistlines wouldn’t appreciate that!
Chesapeake and Maine offers musical entertainment on the weekends. Additionally, they host special events such as a dinner party benefiting the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market.
Current hours are Monday-Saturday from 4:00pm–10:00pm and Sundays from 3:00pm–9:00pm. You can also reach them by phone at (302) 226-3600.
Learn more about Chesapeake and Maine at their website, where you can easily book reservations for a wonderful evening. https://www.dogfish.com/restaurants/chesapeake-maine
Aqua Bar & Grill
Peter Beck
My birthday this year was somewhat of a downer: A few days before the big event, I caught a cold and had to spend my special weekend at home recuperating. Once I was back to normal, I was eager to go out with friends and celebrate, albeit a week late. What better place to go to for a celebration than the Aqua Bar and Grill, located conveniently at 57 Rehoboth Avenue!
Aqua is always an exciting and energetic place, filled with people of every possible shape and size who are out to have a good time and enjoy food and drink on the bustling outdoor patio. The atmosphere is always lively with energizing music and friendly bartenders and waiters. I always forget that the patio is dog-friendly; one day I will remember and bring my pooch with me!
When I arrived, I immediately ordered an orange crush from the energetic young waiter. I’m a big fan of orange crushes, as it provides me with some vitamin C along with the vodka and triple sec. My friends enjoyed their favorite drinks: a Rose Kennedy and a deep eddy lime with tonic.
We mingled a bit and decided to stay for dinner as it was a perfect evening for casual dining. The menu is filled with tons of local favorites and includes appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees. Bravely, I decided to try the fried pickle chips: they tasted much better than I imagined. We also had a huge portion of Aqua nachos to share, along with the soft pretzel sticks. We followed that with burgers along with yummy fries. We ate enough to choke a horse, so we wisely skipped dessert!
After several more rounds of drinks, we took an Uber home as all three of us had over-imbibed. Since it wasn’t the “season” yet and we didn’t have to worry about parking meters, it was easy to get to town the next morning and retrieve the car.
As well as serving great drinks and wonderful casual food, Aqua offers several weekly themes for its fans: Sunday tea dance, Wednesday ladies' night, live musical performances, and even “Taco Tuesday.” Additionally, Aqua frequently sponsors fun special events. Who can forget last summer's Barbie blast and the annual bachelor auction?
Learn more about Aqua’s menu, choices at the bar, and special events by checking out their website, https://www.aquarehoboth.com/.
It appears that another fun summer at Aqua is on the horizon!
Blackwall Hitch
Mark May
Located at 52 Rehoboth Avenue, just steps away from the Rehoboth Bandstand, the words Food, Fun, Spirits stand out boldly above Blackwall Hitch. These words give a taste of what’s to be expected when you step into their beautiful, nautically themed dining room. Taking pride in their Chesapeake roots, Blackwall Hitch in Rehoboth offers the same cuisine as its sister location in the heart of Chesapeake Bay country, Baltimore. Both locations imbue their menus with the flavors of the mid-Atlantic while Rehoboth’s atmosphere blends refinement with beach town relaxation.
Embracing the theme of “Eternal Summer,” Blackwall Hitch delights patrons with a selection of fresh salads, fire-roasted flatbreads, and, of course, a wide selection of seafood. Whether you choose the Faroe Island Salmon or the Trident Broiler, Blackwall doesn’t disappoint when it comes to coastal cuisines. Nor does it forget the true star of any Chesapeake feast, the blue crab. Choose to enjoy their Maryland Crab Cakes, the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake handheld, or their Chesapeake flatbread, and discover how Blackwall honors their local cuisine with flavor and brilliance.
With their all-day menu stunning diners, it’s important to remember that Blackwall also offers Sunday Brunch. Starting at 10:00am, this is a delightful way to begin a leisurely day out with family and friends.
Visit Blackwall Hitch to experience their authentic take on the mid-Atlantic’s finest cuisine and enjoy your own Eternal Summer experience. For more information or to reserve a table visit their website at https://www.blackwallhitchrehoboth.com/ or call (302) 226-0550.
Grace Boutique: High-Quality Clothing and Brands Unique to Coastal Delaware
Colleen Evans
Among the bars, restaurants, art galleries and clothing stores that dot Rehoboth Beach, there’s a high-end women’s boutique that offers brands that Coastal Delaware clients cannot find elsewhere—Grace Boutique—owned and operated by Mary Shapiro. Grace Boutique is located at 36 Baltimore Avenue.
Celebrating over 6 years since opening, Grace Boutique has evolved with its loyal clientele and also continues to showcase emerging lines and quality staples at inviting price points. Unique seasonal clothing—from upscale BOHO type skirts and dresses to jeans and t-shirts, as well as camis and tops, jewelry, and gifts, some made by local artisans—can be found at this Rehoboth Beach boutique.
“By hand-selecting our inventory, we are sure to have a little something for everyone—no matter their age, shape or size,” says owner Shapiro. “We want to make a difference with our customers by fulfilling any and every style need, and we pride ourselves in making our customers feel as beautiful inside as they are out. Our store is a place where mothers and daughters can come and shop together.”
Shapiro is all about having fun, creative self-expression with your wardrobe, and creating loyal customer relationships. “Since owning my own business, I have a fire I’ve never had before. It’s like something is depending on you every day to be successful, so it makes you give it your all.”
A fabulous boutique that will make grandmother, mom, and daughter happy. Escape the summer heat, have a seat, or dive right into their colorful selection of clothes, jewelry, and accessories.
Shapiro wants everyone to know that she and her team are so grateful for loyal customers who have helped build their business into a dream. “We welcome our new customers with love and sparkles and could not be happier to share our journey with every one of you.” Have questions? Contact Grace Boutique at 302-212-5092 or mgracef@aol.com.
News from Rehoboth in Bloom
Cindy Lovett
Rehoboth in Bloom has officially begun our 6th year. We would like to thank our wonderful Team Leaders for keeping us all together; Catherine Perge, Diane Cutler, Jill Shull, Linda Corcoran, Mary Van den Berg, Angela Carbonell-Mulligan, Becky Casey, Phyllis Fisher, Matt Gaffney, Bob Arner, and Carolyn Diefenderfer. We now have 72 volunteers maintaining 111 planters and 3 gardens. Our one major fundraiser, the Oldies Dance, is scheduled for Friday, March 28, 2025 and THE FUNSTERS will provide the tunes!! Mark your calendars!
News from RBMS
Dan Slagle Presents…
On Tuesday, May 7, our very own Dan Slagle, who has been RBMS Executive Director for five years, led an exciting learning session at the annual Main Street Now Conference in Birmingham, Alabama. Entitled “Economic Vitality and Seasonal Economies,” Dan presented along with Lisa Popovich from Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The presentation focused on developing year-round approaches and marketing strategies during the off-season. Since Steamboat Springs is mostly known as a winter resort, it provided an interesting contrast to our summer season.
Our heartiest congratulations to Dan for representing our town at its best and for being an important civic leader in our community. We are proud of him!
Rehoboth Post Office National Register of Historic Places Registration Project
You may have read about Rehoboth Beach Main Street’s post office project in the Cape Gazette. The post office, constructed in 1937 and featuring a fallout shelter in the basement, clearly falls within the historic category.
We are looking for individuals to join a task force created to advance our initiatives. Specific skills that would be beneficial include technical writing and architectural expertise. There are multiple components of the project to research and report. These include sourcing building materials, securing contractors, researching the history of the post office, and identifying what happened to the cupola on the roof.
We will be scheduling a meeting in June to brainstorm ideas and start working through the tasks.
If you are interested in joining our efforts, please contact the Main Street office at 302-227-2772 or email dan@downtownrb.com
Good News for RBMS Member Businesses re: Parking
RBMS member businesses may notify their employees that they may use the Rehoboth Beach Elementary School parking lot as a free parking option from June 14th through August 10th, which are the dates that the school staff will not be using the parking lot. Parking is available at the tennis/pickleball court area, the school bus parking area, and in front of the building.
Many thanks to RBMS Board & Organization Committee Member Rachel Macha, Economic Vitality (EV) Committee Member John Sikaitis, Board member & EV Committee Chair Stephen Scheffer, and Board member Mike Venanzi for taking the lead in arranging for this to happen.
Online News
● We have created an Event Venues page, which is now live on the RBMS Website: Event Venues | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com). This page lists member businesses that can rent spaces for meetings and other group events to residents and visitors who are planning wedding receptions, conferences, small or large meetings, and other group events in Rehoboth Beach and are seeking a venue. This was an idea of RBMS board member Cindy Lovett, with work completed by Cindy, Rebecca Lertora, Peter Pizzolongo, and Michael MaLoon.
● We have also added an Opportunities Page to the RBMS Website: Opportunities | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com). On this page, member businesses can advertise available positions for which they are hiring. This is our third year providing this service during the Summer Season. We plan to post job openings on our Opportunities Page May through August, unless we are otherwise notified in writing by a Rehoboth Beach business to remove its job opening announcement prior to August 31.
We are again using Google Ads as a benefit for our members—to attract visitors to Rehoboth Beach. The goal of this initiative is to increase awareness of “The Rehoboth Experience” by potential visitors from major metropolitan areas in driving distance to Rehoboth Beach: Washington DC, Baltimore MD, New York City NY, and Philadelphia, as identified by zip code areas.
The 2024 RBMS Google Ads, which will run from May–September, are:
● Visit Rehoboth Beach, Delaware www.downtownRB.com Stay in Rehoboth Beach! We have fabulous hotels & houses to rent!
● Visit Rehoboth Beach, Delaware www.downtownRB.com Dine and shop in Rehoboth Beach! We have fabulous restaurants, theaters, galleries, & clothing stores!
● Visit Rehoboth Beach, Delaware www.downtownRB.com Play and be pampered in Rehoboth Beach! We have the ocean, the bay, the boardwalk, Funland, spas, & more!
Looking for Something to Do in June?
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.
News from RBMS Members
Ribbon Cutting at Microbiz Accounting
Microbiz Accounting Financial and Business Services LLC and RBMS conducted a ribbon cutting on May 22. Paul Swiderski (owner) and Mary Pissott (office manager) are excited to be part of downtown Rehoboth, where they specialize in accounting services for micro businesses. Microbiz Accounting is located inside CoWork Reho at 511 N Boardwalk. To learn more about their services call Paul and Mary at 302-291-2714 or visit them online at www.mysmallbusinessaccountant.com
Participating in the ribbon-cutting on May 22, left to right: Carolyn Diefenderfer, RBMS Assistant Treasurer; Steve Scheffer, RBMS Board Member; Paul Swiderski, Owner; Mary Pissott, Office Manager; Dick Byrne, RBMS President; and Peter Pizzolongo, RBMS Board Member.
News from CAMP Rehoboth
● Rehoboth Beach Pride Signs, In partnership with Rehoboth Beach Main Street, CAMP Rehoboth will distribute Rehoboth Beach Pride signs for businesses to post proudly! Please contact info@camprehoboth.com if your business or organization would like to receive a sign and honor Pride month.
● Pride Unbound, Saturday, June 1–27; Opening reception: June 8, 2:00–4:00pm, CAMP Rehoboth Gallery
Pride Unbound is an immersive art exhibition dedicated to showcasing the diverse voices and perspectives within the LGBTQ+ community. Through a variety of mediums, LGBTQ+ and queer artists share their talent and explore pertinent themes, inviting visitors to engage with the rich tapestry of queer identity, history, and experience.
● Queering Rehoboth Beach, Sunday, June 2, 4:00pm
CAMP Rehoboth will host a book launch event for James Sears’s Queering Rehoboth Beach: Beyond the Boardwalk. Sears’s book chronicles the rise of the LGBTQ+ community in Rehoboth Beach, and its history through the early 2000s. “It’s important to understand our past so that we can know how to chart our future,” said CAMP Rehoboth Executive Director Kim Leisey about the book and its launch. After a discussion of the history of LGBTQ+ life in Rehoboth Beach, conversation will open up to the community to talk about what’s transpired since the early 2000s, and what lies ahead. Register here.
● Pride Film Festival, June 13-16, Cinema Art Theater, Lewes
The Rehoboth Beach Film Society (RBFS) is proud to present the 2024 PRIDE Film Festival in partnership with CAMP Rehoboth. The four-day festival will showcase LGBTQ+ documentaries, features, and international films. Headlining this year’s PRIDE Film Festival is a 25-year retrospective screening of director Jim Fall’s classic film Trick, which follows the romantic misadventures of two young gay men in Manhattan (1999). Director Fall will attend the Trick screening on Saturday evening—join for a retrospective evening with a party and the film. Purchase tickets here.
For a complete list of CAMP Rehoboth Events, see Save the Date below.
Happy Anniversary, Green Truck Shop!
It's our one-year anniversary in Rehoboth Beach and we are celebrating by offering YOU a free gift! With a purchase of $99 or more, you will receive a free home decor selection! (Pictured below are some of the choices. Home decor selections may vary. In-store purchases only and while supplies last)
Come on over and celebrate with us!
Beaches-The Green Truck Shop
33-C Baltimore Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Facebook page: Beaches-The Green Truck Stop
Bomshell Boutique Ribbon Cutting at New Location!
Bomshell Boutique has been an established boutique on the Avenue since 2019, and recently relocated to 146 Rehoboth Avenue. Bomshell is owned by Jaime Carter-Houck, and features on-trend women's clothing, accessories, jewelry, gifts, a baby line, and a Versa Spray Tan booth. Bomshell Boutique has unique, insta-worthy vibes and has become a destination for tourists. The shop aims to make every woman at any age feel sexy and confident in her style because when you look good, you feel good!
Bomshell Boutique Rehoboth
Phone: (302) 745-2277