November 2025 Newsletter
- RBMainStreet
- 2 days ago
- 17 min read
This project has been partially funded 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.
Thanksgiving
Jim Mease
November arrives on DelMarVa with cooler outside temperatures, shorter days, bright fall colors, and the beginning of the holiday season. As we pack away our Halloween costumes and finish eating the Halloween candy we collected last month, our attention turns to reflection and celebration as the year draws to a close. We will turn our clocks back one hour at 2:00am on Sunday, November 2nd, to give us more daylight during winter mornings rather than more during summer evenings.
On November 11th, in commemoration of the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War 1, we will observe Veterans Day. Since 1926, this federal holiday has allowed us to honor those who have served our country in war and peace, both living and deceased. Hostilities officially ended at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918. On this day, people nationwide observe a moment of silence to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Election Day 2025 will be held on November 4. The off-year election includes gubernatorial and state legislative elections in a few states, as well as numerous mayoral races and a variety of other local offices.
One of the quirky observances of the month is "No Shave November," a month-long initiative encouraging participants to skip shaving and grooming to grow facial hair. Its purpose is to raise awareness and support for cancer patients by donating money saved on shaving products to cancer research and treatment.
National Take a Hike Day, on November 17th, offers a simple way to enjoy the outdoors in Rehoboth Beach. Whether it’s a short stroll along a tree-lined street or a walk on the boardwalk, any distance works—no heavy gear needed. Just grab some essentials and head outside. Enjoy the health benefits solo or with friends and family.
On November 18, celebrate "Apple Cider Day" with a glass of this autumn favorite, and on the 19th, join the fun for "Carbonated Beverage with Caffeine Day" by enjoying your favorite caffeinated drink. These quirky days can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family!
If we are lucky, we could also be enjoying the weather phenomenon known as Indian Summer, a period of abnormally warm weather occurring in the late autumn between November 11-20 with generally clear skies, sunny but hazy days, and cool nights, which makes it even easier to be outside during this time of year.
Thanksgiving, celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, is a time to give thanks for our blessings. It marks the beginning of a festive weekend, including Black Friday for holiday shopping. In Rehoboth Beach, the Christmas tree lighting and sing-along will take place on the 28th, alongside Thanksgiving meals and football games. Saturday, November 29 is Small Business Saturday and the annual Rehoboth Beach Main Street Holiday Stroll. This joyful time leads us into Cyber Monday, where online retailers offer great sales.
This month, Rehoboth Beach Main Street has selected a number of our member businesses for you to visit as you are out and about. Visit Flora and Fauna at 33 Baltimore Avenue, Suite A, for a unique experience. They offer cheese, specialty foods, panini, sandwiches, salads, grab-and-go meals, beach snacks, locally baked breads, and artisan groceries and gifts. If you're in the mood for homemade pasta, a meal with family gravy and homemade meatballs, or delicious fresh coastal seafood with homemade baked goods, stop in at DiFebo's at 12 N.1st Street. The Rehoboth Running Company at 301 Rehoboth Avenue is the place to go for a full-scale running and triathlon specialty store. They carry shoes, clothes, bars, gels, and other gear for runners and triathletes from Hoka, Brooks, Saucony, Asics, Mizuno, and others. To enjoy the best of Asian flavors, be sure to dine at Bodhi Kitchen, 10 N 1st Street, for a fusion of Thai, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese dishes.
Rehoboth Beach Main Street wishes all a safe and happy Thanksgiving Day and weekend. As days shorten, watch for dog walkers and runners this holiday season. Parking is free until May, and Rehoboth in Bloom volunteers have winter plantings in the earth planters for everyone to enjoy.
Current and past issues of the newsletter are available on the RBMS website at:
Newsletter | Home | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)
New Business and Membership Renewals
RBMS welcomes new members RE/MAX Realty Group and The Beach Shop, joining at the Bronze Partner level.
RBMS thanks Loves Liquors and One Spirit Massage, renewing at the Silver Partner Level.
RBMS thanks these businesses for renewing at the Bronze Partner level:
Showcasing Rehoboth Businesses
Bodhi Kitchen
Peter Beck
After enjoying an incredible jazz concert at the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, my friend Alex and I found ourselves eager to dine somewhere extraordinary. We quickly agreed that Bodhi Kitchen, located at 10 North 1st Street, right in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, was the perfect choice!
Since opening its doors in 2023, Bodhi Kitchen has truly made a name for itself in the local dining scene, earning accolades such as Best Thai Food from Delaware Today in 2025 and being recognized as the Best New Restaurant of 2024 by Coastal Style. How impressive is that?
As soon as we stepped into Bodhi Kitchen, it was clear why this place has captured the hearts of both locals and travelers alike. The menu is a delightful exploration of flavors from across Asia, featuring vibrant dishes that blend the best of Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam, and Japan. The atmosphere is so inviting, complete with a beautifully stocked bar and lovely Asian-inspired decor that instantly makes you feel at home.
With so many tempting options on the menu, Alex and I surprisingly settled on the same dish: the mouthwatering bang bang shrimp steam buns, paired with savory kimchi fried rice. Alex went for crispy fried chicken, while I chose the healthier grilled version. The portions were generous, and everything was so delicious that we opted to forgo dessert! The impeccable service, anticipating and meeting every need, made our evening truly enjoyable.
Don’t miss out on Bodhi Kitchen’s exciting nightly specials! Mondays offer 25% off noodle dishes; Tuesdays are all about $15 Bibimbap night; and Thursdays feature $15 curry night. Wednesday is especially fun, with extended hours until 11:00pm for late-night diners and also dumpling night, when you can indulge in a fantastic dumpling sampler.
If you're looking for a fun and relaxing happy hour, head to the bar for delightful drink specials and tasty small plate appetizers. Reservations can easily be made via OpenTable.
I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Bodhi Kitchen soon for a unique and unforgettable dining experience!
The Rehoboth Running Company
Peter Beck
Buying sneakers and athletic shoes has always been a chore for me. I have wide feet, so whenever I get a new pair, I always experience a few days of torture as I end up with blisters until I break them in.
Fortunately, I learned that the Rehoboth Running Company, located at 301 Rehoboth Avenue, offers a free custom gait analysis. I thought this could be a great way to address my long-standing problem!
After explaining my issue, my foot was measured, and we found that my right foot is a half size larger than my left. Then, I walked on a treadmill for a few minutes. It was noted that my foot arch "bows in," which is called overpronation—a term that describes the excessive inward roll of the foot and ankle. I also learned that I had been buying athletic shoes a size too small for years, not realizing that feet tend to swell while sweating!
Several different styles of shoes were suggested to me, all of which included extra arch support. They carry many popular brands, including Asics, Brooks, Hoka, and Saucony.
I walked down the hall with each pair of shoes while my gait was assessed to ensure they effectively addressed my overpronation.
In the end, I decided to purchase a pair of athletic shoes from Brooks. It wasn’t an easy decision, and at one point, I was unsure which shoes I liked best. Thankfully, three different staff members helped me make my choice!
After wearing the new shoes to the gym for four days, I am extremely pleased to report that I have NO BLISTERS! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me, and I truly appreciate the outstanding personalized one-on-one service.
Be sure to visit their website, which is full of information on running and exercise. In addition to a variety of purchasing options, you can find numerous opportunities to race and connect with other runners in the Delmarva area. The site also offers many tips and links to additional websites that can help you with proper form, nutrition, and recovery after your run.
By the way, no appointment is necessary for the custom gait analysis, and I highly recommend it—my experience at the Rehoboth Running Company has made my feet very happy!
Flora & Fauna
Colleen Evans
Flora & Fauna, at 33 Baltimore Avenue, is a retail cheese shop and specialty food store, featuring unique paninis, baguette sandwiches, hot soup, healthy salads, grab & go prepared food, locally baked breads, and a curated selection of artisan & locally produced groceries and gifts. They have a small but mighty selection of hard-to-find imported cheeses, along with some domestic favorites, in their well-stocked cheese case.
Flora & Fauna is in full holiday prep mode now that their first summer season has come to an end. In addition to their Supper Club, which is starting up soon (preordered dinners for two), they’ll be hosting some fun Friday night events in November and December, including Raclette Night, Cheese 101 Class & Tasting, and a Holiday Sip & Shop. They are adding unique finds and holiday favorites to their inventory on a weekly basis for every food lover on Santa’s “Nice” List.
A new menu item “must try” is their cheese tasting plate, “Fromage a Deux”, pictured below. It’s a fun way to sample a selection of cheeses alongside perfectly paired accompaniments.
In addition to their regular menu, Flora & Fauna also offers custom sandwich platters with 48+ hour plus notice, as well as their famous DIY cheese board - their “Board in a Bag” option is an easy way to entertain a few or a crowd, with a selection of cheeses and specially selected accoutrements for any host to create a unique and beautiful cheese board in minutes, at their convenience.
For more info on their upcoming events as well as their Thanksgiving and Holiday menus, sign up for emails through the website, www.florafaunacheese.com, or follow them on social media: Facebook & Instagram
A Culinary Journey: The Legacy of DiFebo’s Restaurant
Robert Howley
DiFebo’s Restaurant, at 12 N 1st Street, offers a delightful Italian dining experience, showcasing family recipes and a commitment to fresh, local ingredients. With a menu featuring homemade pastas, desserts, and a variety of traditional dishes, guests can indulge in the bold flavors of Italian Coastal Cuisine. The addition of DiFebo's Market (in Bethany Beach) creates a community hub, hosting events and cooking classes that further enrich the local charm.Lisa DiFebo, inspired by her family's culinary background in Wilmington, Delaware, founded DiFebo’s Café & Deli in 1986. Her dedication to cooking grew through her education at the Culinary Institute of America, where she became a pioneering female figure in the culinary field. Returning to Bethany with her husband, Jeff Osias, they transformed DiFebo's into a full-service restaurant that preserves treasured family traditions while embracing innovative culinary techniques.With a focus on quality and community, DiFebo’s continues to thrive as a premier dining destination, having expanded to Rehoboth Beach in 2014, mixing tradition with modern Italian aesthetics. Each dish tells a story, inviting guests to savor the essence of their culinary journey.
News from Rehoboth in Bloom
Cindy Lovett
Always a good turnout for a Rehoboth in Bloom Happy Hour, held on October 22. Thank you to Downtown Blues for hosting us!
Thursday, October 23, Rehoboth in Bloom held its annual fall wrap-up luncheon for the Bloom Crew. As always, it was a great turnout, with yummy food and lots of chatting! Thank you to the City of Rehoboth for letting us use the meeting room in City Hall. On Monday and Tuesday, October 27–38, the Crew removes the summer annuals and prepared the soil to plant the winter pansies, scheduled for the first week of November.
News from RBMS
RBMS Attends the Main Street Maryland Conference!
The Annual Main Street Maryland Conference was held on October 7 and 8 in Easton, Maryland, a beautiful and charming town. Attendees left inspired by so many informative presentations. Special thanks to the MainStreetMaryland team; the RBMS team left with many good ideas to take back home!
Photo includes: Board member Herb Engert, board president Suzie Martin, and executive director Dan Slagle.
Dine and Donate for Main Street
Join us on Monday, December 15 at Nicolas on 17323 Ocean One Plaza, Lewes, DE 19958, from 5:00-9:00pm.. 20 percent of your bill is donated to RBMS and the Rehoboth Beach Public Library!
Wreaths Across America!
MISSION BBQ is proud to announce the donation of $352,930 to national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA). This contribution was made possible thanks to the generosity of MISSION BBQ customers and their support of MISSION BBQ’s special American Heroes Cups. The donation will sponsor 20,761 veterans’ wreaths to remember our fallen U.S. service members, who are laid to rest at 142 participating locations, for placement on National Wreaths Across America Day.
The Rehoboth Beach Main Street’s WAA program received 161 wreaths from Mission BBQ. Additionally, the Rehoboth location donated over 60 BBQ sliders for the luncheon held following the wreath-laying ceremony on Saturday, December 13.
On October 1, Rehoboth Beach Mainstreet and local WAA coordinators presented a certificate of appreciation to JP Blandin and Tom Stachowski of the Rehoboth Mission BBQ location by Cindy Lovett, Steve Curson, and Dave Diefenderfer.
Pictured left to right: JP Blandin, Cindy Lovett, Steve Curson, Tom Stachowski, and Dave Diefenderfer.
A Longwood Christmas
Join Rehoboth Beach Museum and Rehoboth Beach Main Street on Wednesday, December 10, on a trip to Longwood Gardens to experience their Christmas season full of light and wonder!
After a quick trip on the bus, we will arrive at Longwood Gardens for 2:00pm entry and you will have 3 hours to explore the gardens and conservatories before we depart at 5:00 pm.
News from RBMS Members
News from CAMP Rehoboth
Block Party Fun!
The annual CAMP Rehoboth block party on Sunday, October 19, was a resounding success. The weather was perfect, and hundreds of people came to enjoy the music, food, shopping, and, most importantly, the event's community spirit!
LGBTQ+ Veterans: Tales Asked and Told
Everyone is invited to celebrate Veterans Day with a storytelling happy hour on Tuesday, November 11, from 5:00 to 6:30pm in the Elkins-Archibald Atrium. Military veterans will share personal stories, offering insights into their experiences, including the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and overcoming challenges. Join us for a unique glimpse into their lives and hear the stories of your neighbors and friends. Click here for more information.
Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow: A Conversation Among Generations
Join CAMP for a new recurring event starting Sunday, November 16, from 11:00am to 12:30pm. This moderator-led conversation aims to bridge knowledge gaps among generations of LGBTQ+ individuals. Featuring six community members—three younger and three older—this informal discussion will focus on sharing experiences and exploring mentorship within the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a judgment-free space for curiosity, respect, and connection. Come with your unanswered questions, and celebrate shared identities while strengthening our community. For more information, click here.
Movin' On Up!
Attention art lovers! Gallery 50 is relocating to 47 Baltimore Avenue on January 1. Be sure to visit their current location at 50-A Wilmington Avenue starting on November 1 to take advantage of a 30% off sale on select artwork throughout the store. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity!
Rehoboth Beach Main Street Volunteer Recognition: Dick Byrne
Robert Howley
Dick Byrne is a lead volunteer with Rehoboth in Bloom, a project of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. Dick is a retired teacher, professor, and university administrator who spent his career in Youth and Family Development at the University of Minnesota and the University of Maryland.
Since retiring and moving full-time to Delaware 16 years ago, Dick has dedicated himself to an extraordinary range of community service roles. His leadership includes serving as Vice-Chair of the Delaware SPCA Board of Directors, Chair of the Sussex Family YMCA Board of Governors, and member of both the Delaware YMCA Association Board and the Cape Henlopen Senior Center Board of Directors. He has also served on the Clear Space Theatre Board of Directors, chaired the 14th Representative District Democratic Committee, acted as Treasurer of the Eastern Sussex Democrats, and managed the Leslie Ledogar for Sussex County Council campaign. Dick also served as an elected City Commissioner for Rehoboth Beach for three years and as President of the Rehoboth Beach Main Street Board of Directors.
Currently, Dick continues to make a significant impact as a volunteer with Rehoboth in Bloom, President of his homeowners’ association, and a weekly volunteer with both the Community Resource Center Food Rescue program and the Rehoboth Beach Farmers Market.
Dick lives in the City of Rehoboth Beach with his wife, Sherri Wright, and their beloved rescue companions, Joey and Gracie.
We thank Dick for his work with Bloom/RBMS and other organizations in Rehoboth Beach!
Why I Am a Member of RBMS
Robert Howley
Mike and Melissa Underkoffler are owners of Modern Imprint LLC. We recently asked Mike why they decided to join RBMS.
RBMS: When did you join RBMS?
Modern Imprint, LLC joined RBMS in May of 2025.
RBMS: What were your initial reasons for joining?
We opened a second location in Rehoboth Beach and wanted to become more involved in the community. We also aimed to establish a strong presence in the area for apparel, promotional products, and printing.
RBMS: What do you see as the benefits of RBMS membership (to your business, as well as to the City of Rehoboth Beach)?
Modern Imprint, LLC has experienced growth through referrals as a direct result of our RBMS membership. I believe RBMS has the potential to benefit all businesses in the area.
RBMS: Anything else you'd like to add?
From the moment we joined RBMS, Dan and his team made us feel incredibly welcome in the Rehoboth Beach area. I genuinely feel supported as a small business in Rehoboth Beach.
Thank you, Mike!
Cabaret Fundraiser to Support the Cape Henlopen Senior Center
A Cabaret Fundraiser is planned for November 20, 6:00 - 9:00pm, at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. The purpose of this event is to help the senior center with its fundraising for building a new center on Hebron Road, as well as help Clear Space Theatre remain in Downtown Rehoboth Beach (see story below). The Cabaret will feature an evening of tastings–heavy hors d’oeuvres, beer, & wine–and entertainment. Tickets are $50 (Bronze), $100 (Silver), $250 (Gold), and $1,000 (Platinum). For more information, contact Greg Murphy at the Senior Center: 302-227-2055.
RBMS Website, Social Media, & Newsletter Stats
Most Website views: Webcams, Off-Season Specials, Homepage, Shop Directory, September Newsletter, About Us, Eat Directory, Events.
Facebook Views in September were 333,200. Reach was 119,605. Most views: Off-Season Specials, Breakers, Frank & Louie’s (Pazzo Italiano), Bodhi, Mrs. Roper Romp (3 times), Fins, Purple Parrot Grill, Bomshell Boutique, and the Boardwalk Walking Tour.
Instagram Views in September were 40,200. Reach was 3,200. Most views: Frank & Louie’s (Pazzo Italiano), Breakers Hotel, Mrs. Roper Romp (3 times), Off-Season Specials, The Pines, Bomshell Boutique, POTUS at Clear Space Theatre, and the Purple Parrot Grill.
Google Ads: 37,300 Impressions, 724 Clicks. (RBMS Google Ads appear in select zipcodes in Washington DC, New York City, Philadelphia, & Baltimore.)
News from the Delaware Division of Small Business
The Official Launch of Delaware Paid Leave!
On Wednesday, Nov. 12, the Delaware Department of Labor’s Division of Paid Leave will host a webinar for Delaware employees to learn more about the Delaware Paid Leave program. For more information about the program, click here: Delaware Department of Labor
News from the City of Rehoboth Beach
Rehoboth Beach Police Department Unveils New Community Policing Portal!
The Rehoboth Beach Police Department has introduced a Frontline Community Policing Connect portal to enhance communication with residents. This secure platform allows residents (and some visitors) to:
- Enroll pets’ information for identification if lost or found.
- Provide emergency details for those with medical conditions.
- Register keyholders and alarm systems for property access.
- Request a “vacation watch” for home monitoring while away.
- Report bicycle details in case of loss or theft.
- Submit non-urgent tips.
This addition is part of the department's existing Frontline software and is free to utilize. Access the portal here: https://www.frontlinepss.com/rehobothbeachcpcde
City of Rehoboth Beach Moves Forward with Development Plan to Retain Clear Space Theater Downtown
On October 6, the City of Rehoboth Beach voted 6-1 to advance discussions with Clear Space Theater Company (CSTC) regarding a potential new performing arts campus in the city. This decision reinforces the city’s commitment to arts and community vitality.
The plan involves entering into a Public-Private Development Agreement with CSTC to build a new venue on Christian Street, the current site of the Cape Henlopen Senior Center, which is seeking to relocate. Construction on the theater can't begin until after the Senior Center's lease expires in 2030. Financial terms are being reviewed, and both parties aim for a sustainable partnership.
On October 23, 2025, the Clear Space Theatre Board of Directors announced that they had accepted the Letter of Intent provided by the City of Rehoboth Beach to enter into a lease agreement on the Christian Street parcel.
Rehoboth Beach Drawbridge Renewal Project
The Rehoboth Avenue drawbridge will undergo cleaning and painting starting Friday, October 17, as part of a DelDOT project to address corrosion from its last maintenance in 1996. Daytime work will take place from 8 am to 5 pm, with minimal traffic impacts; however, lane shifts will occur, and the bike lane will be closed, requiring cyclists to use the car lane. The drawbridge will not open during construction, allowing only small boats to pass.
Additionally, the north end of Canal Street will be closed for equipment use starting October 27, with a detour in place, though residents will still have access to their homes. The project will last two months and pause during the Sea Witch Festival.
Meet the Newest Director of Planning, Zoning & Development
Congratulations to Corey Shinko, named the permanent Director of Planning, Zoning, and Development for Rehoboth Beach. With four years in the City, Shinko has served as Assistant Building Inspector, Building Inspector, and Interim Director.
Last year, the Building & Licensing Department issued approximately 1,250 permits, conducted approximately 1,100 inspections, and maintained approximately 2,870 business licenses. Shinko will focus on code development and enforcement, ensuring all local businesses are licensed. The department also conducts annual inspections of restaurants to ensure compliance with regulations.
Shinko holds 28 certifications from the International Code Council and is preparing for the Certified Planners Exam. He has a background in mechanical engineering and is completing a degree in public administration.
City of Rehoboth Beach Bandstand/Boardwalk Vehicular Barrier Plan: What You Need to Know
During the Mayor and Commissioners meeting on October 6, officials from the City of Rehoboth Beach presented a plan for a vehicular barrier at the Bandstand and Boardwalk. This public session outlined new safety measures, including the installation of bollards to improve pedestrian safety on Rehoboth Avenue at the Bandstand and Boardwalk, as well as swing/drop-arm gates at the Boardwalk. For additional materials, frequently asked questions, and an opportunity to share your feedback, click here.
Photo Gallery
This month, volunteer staff photographer Maria Misak strolled around town and photographed some of the creative fall and Halloween decorations around town! The spirit of Seawitch season is pretty apparent in her work!
Events
Rehoboth Beach Library
For a full calendar of events during November at the library, please visit Rehoboth Beach Public Library - LibCal - Delaware Libraries
Browseabout Books—Author Talks & Book Signings
For a full calendar of author talks & book signings in October, go to: Events | Browseabout Books
11/1–2, 10:00am – 4:00pm
11/2, 9:00am
11/2, 3:00-6:00pm
11/4, 4:00pm
11/5, doors open at 11:30am, games begin at 1:00pm
11/6, 6:00–10:00pm
11/7-11/9
11/7, 5:00-7:00pm
11/7-11/9
11/8, 9:00am-4:00pm
11/8
11/10, 9:00am
11/10, 2:00pm
11/15 10:00am–3:00pm
11/19, doors open at 11:30am, games begin at 1:00pm
11/20, 6:00pm–9:00pm
11/22-23
11/22, 2:00pm & 7:00pm
11/28-12/14
11/29 12:00–4:00pm to coincide with Small Business Saturday
Mark Your Calendars for These Upcoming Events in December 2025!
12/1, 6:30pm
12/6, 1:00-7:30pm
12/7, 4:30-7:00pm
12/13, 10:00am – 4:00pm
12/13, 12:00pm
12/20, 6:00pm
