October 2022 Newsletter

Seasons Change

As sure as the hands of a clock go round, time marches on, stopping for no one or anything. And so, after a delightful summer, we find ourselves ready to welcome Fall 2022. In Rehoboth Beach, as well as all of Delmarva, it's a time of reflection on summer's end, with its memories collectively filed away, and we look forward to what the changing seasons has to offer. Our thoughts now turn to preparations for shorter days and colder nights that we instinctively know are coming, but not before we experience the beauty of Autumn. As nature quietly transforms our landscape from summer green to brilliant displays of autumn colors in vibrant red, yellow, orange, and brown. We start to shift our thinking away from summer things to pumpkins, football, leaves, bonfires, and festivals as the calendar closes in on the last quarter of the year. It is a time to reap falls bounty as we enjoy all that Rehoboth Beach has to offer. We at Rehoboth Beach Main Street encourage you to get outside and enjoy the crisp mornings and warming afternoons as you visit the many businesses that call Rehoboth Beach home as the Season's change.

There is still time to take in some of the hottest bodies of summer on the Aqua Grill sundeck while being served some of the best cocktails and American seafood cuisine. Be sure to check out the daily drink and dinner specials. Then, just across the street from Aqua is THE PINES, a classic tavern that was designed to pay homage to old Rehoboth. With its sensational interior design, lively atmosphere, and rich history of hospitality, The Pines features a full farm-to-dining-room menu downstairs while providing a thoughtfully crafted lite fare menu upstairs in the lounge, with daily happy hour specials where people can gather to eat drink and enjoy some of the best entertainment in the area.

Across downtown and just off the boardwalk between Rehoboth and Wilmington Avenues is an adorable little hidden alley called Penny Lane. It is an eclectic collection of boutique and souvenir shops, offering accessories, household goods and decorative items. Café Papillion, which specializes in crepes, is located here, serving up breakfast or brunch. Additionally, Penny Lane Liquor Store, Sean Kelly & Friends Art Gallery, Dynasty Jewelers, Sunglass Company, Archie’s Ice Cream, Electric Fish, Fun for All Toys, Gifts of Serenity/Olde Salts, Jewelstar, and Sea Finds are available for your shopping pleasure.

And new to the downtown eatery scene is the recently opened Addictive Tacos, where chef Andrea Neal is bringing Baja-style tacos from the West to the East coast while keeping the menu simple with fish and shrimp tacos and a taco bowl.

Another new shop for joggers on Rehoboth Ave is the Baltimore-based Charm City Run: a running and walking specialty company offering a wide selection of footwear along with clothing, energy bars, and treats, as well as hats and sunglasses. Additionally, the company offers foot fittings for its customers.

Before you begin your run in your new running shoes make sure you eat a hearty Italian meal at the LUPO Italian Kitchen located in the elegant Hotel Rehoboth on Rehoboth Avenue. As part of SoDel Concepts, an award-winning chef-driven restaurant group on the Culinary Coast of Southern Delaware, Lupo serves both traditional and not so traditional coastal cuisine by pairing Mediterranean flavors with locally caught seafood and local produce. Their extensive wine list, friendly and knowledgeable staff, and great happy hour deals make them a crowd favorite among visitors and locals alike.

And finally, anyone in need of a hair stylist or a spa should consider Bad Hair Day?, an award-winning salon and spa located in downtown Rehoboth Beach. They use the finest all-natural AVEDA products, and you will be sure to be rejuvenated after a visit to their salon.

We know you will enjoy your visit to all of these places, and while you are there be sure and tell them you read about them in the RBMS Newsletter. You can read more about these establishments later on 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 The Coffee House Powered by Schell Brothers as a new member at the Green Partner level!

RBMS welcomes Blue Moon Restaurant and Cotton Club as new members!

For information about levels and benefits of RBMS membership, go to Join | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com)

Showcasing Rehoboth Beach Businesses

THE PINES and Aqua

Peter Beck

In mid-July, I learned that one of my friends from DC who hadn't been to Rehoboth Beach in over 10 years was coming to stay with me for the weekend. I was eager to take him to some of the most fun newer places in town. I knew that THE PINES Restaurant and Tavern and Aqua Grill would fill the bill! THE PINES/Aqua is an RBMS Yellow Partner.

THE PINES has been a huge hit since it opened in 2018. Offering dining with a coastal flair in the cozy first-floor restaurant, I made reservations several days before his arrival since I knew that diners flocked to the restaurant on a summer Friday evening. Since it was to be a warm and sticky night, I knew eating inside was the preferred option, although the lovely second-floor balcony overlooking Baltimore Avenue was calling to me.

When we arrived at THE PINES, a host greeted us cheerfully and showed us to our table. We ordered cocktails and then enjoyed the tasty crispy Brussels sprouts as an appetizer. Following that, my friend enjoyed the grilled salmon while I chowed down on the double-stacked smash burger. We elected to skip the dessert option as we were planning to cross the street to Aqua after dinner.

After we ate, I took my friend upstairs so he could see the options offered at the Top of THE PINES. A show was going on in the nightclub space, but we quickly toured the warm and comfortable upstairs bar space and took a quick peek at the view from the balcony. I explained to my friend that all sorts of shows are presented in the nightclub space: solo singers, drag shows, and comedians, and that it was a breeze to find out what shows are going on each week at THE PINES website.

Next, we opted to cross the street for the second part of our evening. As usual for a summer Friday evening people of all shapes and sizes were at Aqua Grill, enjoying the beautiful weather and the refreshing drinks. We sat with some of my friends from my neighborhood and were quickly served by an outgoing, scantily clad waiter who quickly served us our vodka sodas (with several choices of vodka options, of course)!

The music was upbeat and not so loud as to make the conversation challenging. Since we had already eaten across the street, we elected to skip eating any more food. A glance at the menu showed a lot of options for casual dining, such as burgers, sandwiches, and salads. Maybe next time!

As the evening wore on, people seemed to get friendlier and friendlier... However, eventually, it was time to call an Uber and get home to walk the dog! My friend had an amazing time and is eagerly looking forward to returning soon, maybe for Jazz Fest in mid-October. Meanwhile, I know where I will probably be spending a lot of my evenings in the next few months; since the patio at Aqua Grill is dog friendly, next time I hope to bring my four-legged friend with me!

Aqua Grill, at 57 Baltimore Avenue, is a seasonal restaurant open from April to October. On the other hand, THE PINES is open year-round. For more information visit aquagrillrehoboth.com and https://www.thepinesrb.com/, or call Aqua at 302-226-9001 and THE PINES at 302-567-2726.

Penny Lane Mall

Penny Lane, an RBMS Yellow Partner, is nestled in a quaint European inspired, open-air mall. The Penny Lane Mall features a diverse selection of shops, ensuring that the whole family’s shopping needs will be satisfied. Penny Lane Mall is located in the heart of downtown Rehoboth Beach (just a few steps from the boardwalk), with access via both Rehoboth and Wilmington Avenues. It is a favorite stop for vacationers and locals alike.

Penny Lane Mall was recently named the most underrated place in Delaware—and it's no wonder for this hidden gem with its family-owned small businesses and some of the best (tax-free!) shopping in Delaware. Many of stores have been around for decades serving Delawareans and tourists alike.

Penny Lane Mall is located at 42 Rehoboth Avenue.

Charm City Run

Richard Byrne

Charm City Run, a new RBMS Green Partner, is a Baltimore-based run specialty shoe store, with its newest location at 200 Rehoboth Avenue. After recently celebrating its 20th year, Charm City Run has opened its first location on the Delmarva peninsula, as well as the first location outside of Maryland. The bright idea of bringing Charm City Run to Rehoboth came about because the founder, Josh Levinson, spent many of his summers on the Delaware seashore, a place very dear to his heart. Other locations include the flagship store in Timonium and shops in Frederick, Bel Air, Annapolis, Columbia, and Fells Point, and a new store in Gaithersburg.

Sydney Seth, store manager, explained that all locations specialize in providing shoe-fitting services from the casual walker all the way to elite runners. I learned that the focus at Charm City Run is on providing gait analysis to help fit customers in the correct shoe to benefit their daily needs, as many people are wearing shoes that happen to be an incorrect fit, which can lead to injury and pain.

This Rehoboth Avenue store also carries numerous accessories that make long walks and runs more comfortable. This includes belts, hydration packs and bottles, reflective gear, and many more items to keep customers safe and hydrated. In addition, they provide tips on appropriate nutrition for runners. Charm City Run carries items for the non-runner as well, including apparel perfect for training or just everyday comfort, including quality clothing brands Lululemon, Vuori, Oiselle, ON, and many more.

The manager and staff look forward to being involved in the Rehoboth Beach community as Charm City Run also operates the Live. Give. Run Foundation, a nonprofit organization encouraged by the store’s mission to “inspire and move the human spirit one sole at a time.” They partner with and give to community organizations that are environmentally friendly, have a passion to encourage wellness, and support the less fortunate in our community.

This new downtown business also intends to support group runs and walks. They are currently working on adding coach led training groups targeting different race distances, which will be open to new runners as well as experienced runners who are looking for a scheduled training plan and the camaraderie among other runners.

Charm City Run, open 7 days a week from 11:00am to 5:00pm, is located at 200 Rehoboth Avenue. They can be reached at 202-278-7034 or Rehoboth Beach — Charm City Run.

SoDel Concepts

Jerry Filbin

SoDel Concepts, based in Rehoboth Beach, is the parent company for an amazing local group of creative restaurants, including Lupo Italian Kitchen on Rehoboth Avenue. SoDel, an RBMS Green Partner, is well-established as an award-winning group of restaurants that prides itself on being chef-driven, featuring simple food that is beautifully cooked. While Lupo (SoDel’s in-town restaurant) features creative Italian cuisine, the other restaurants in the group serve up a wide variety of offerings with a focus on seafood but so much more! SoDel has developed and operates sixteen restaurants from Lewes to Fenwick Island. They include Fish On, Surf Bagel, Matt’s Fish Camp, Bluecoast Seafood Grill and Raw Bar, Lupo Italian Kitchen, Thompson Island Brewing Company, Crust and Craft, Northeast Seafood Kitchen, Ocean View Brewing, Catch 54, and Papa Grande, as well as events catering at the Clubhouse at Baywood. And did we mention that SoDel features its own craft brewing?

SoDel also includes Haley/Kammerer Hospitality Consulting and Highwater Management, a hospitality management company.

SoDel’s kitchens are a star attraction on the Culinary Coast and the service staff at each location is friendly and knowledgeable about the food and helpful in suggesting wine parings to compliment a perfect meal. SoDel also supports the local community through SoDel Cares, a charitable non-profit foundation that strives to improve the community in which we live. To date, SoDel Cares has given over three quarters of a million dollars in community grants to not-for-profit organizations that assist children, at-risk youth and adults and the elderly in our communities.

Addictive Tacos

Peter Beck

I heard from some friends that Addictive Tacos at 33 Baltimore Avenue is truly addicting! Eager to try it out, I used my phone to order two tacos online: fish and shrimp. Then I hopped on my bike and pedaled to town.

Addictive Tacos, an RBMS Green Partner, is new to the Rehoboth food scene and has quickly become a popular spot for natives and tourists alike. Addictive Tacos specializes in fish and shrimp tacos, made from fresh organic fish and shrimp. Tacos include tasty fresh vegetables and a variety of sauces. Guests can eat at a counter in the cozy restaurant or in the lovely courtyard at the Shops at Baltimore Commons; of course, take-out is another dining option!

I arrived at the shop a few minutes early. Owner Andrea Neal greeted me warmly. I told her that several people had complimented her tacos, and I was eager to try them. Then we chatted briefly about her exciting new business; moments later I grabbed the bag containing the tacos that were waiting for me on the counter.

I pedaled down to the boardwalk to enjoy my lunch. I enjoyed every bite of my very tasty fresh tacos and am sure to visit again.

For more information on Addictive Tacos, check out addictivetacos.com, or call 302-278-7768. Online ordering is available and is a snap. You won’t be disappointed and might become addicted too!

Bad Hair Day?

Bad Hair Day?, an RBMS Yellow Partner, is located at 20 Lake Avenue in beautiful downtown Rehoboth Beach. Bad Hair Day? is an award-winning salon and spa that specializes in a full range of hair and body treatments for men and women of all ages and skin types. Their team of specialists take pride in providing each guest with a first-class service experience in a fun, friendly, and upbeat environment, connecting beauty, community, and well-being.

In addition to hair and beard cuts for men of all ages, which includes their world-famous shampoo experience, complete with a five-minute stress relieving scalp massage, Bad Hair Day? offers a full range of services for all, including manicures, pedicures, make up, lashes, and nails.

For those of us who enjoy the pampered treatment, they are especially happy to offer an array of massages from Aveda Aroma, Couples, Chakra Balancing, and Fusion Warm Stone Massages. Take your facial to the next level with their non-invasive treatment that uses Nano Technology to enhance product absorption without wounding or triggering inflammation in the skin. This treatment is fantastic for treating fine lines and wrinkles, evening skin tone, reducing age spots and hyperpigmentation, and improving the appearance of acne scarring and blemishes.

So, whether you are visiting Rehoboth Beach or call it home, they can have you feeling beautiful for any occasion. The staff of specialists at Bad Hair Day? consider it a privilege to be taking of you.

Inquiries may be directed to team@badhairday.biz or by calling 302-227-4247. 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.

News from Rehoboth Beach Businesses

Cooter Brown’s Announces Daily Specials

Cooter Brown’s, at 70 Rehoboth Avenue—Upstairs—has announced its off-season daily specials. Cooter Brown’s takes the best of the South and twists in their own fresh take, to offer a most unique from-scratch dining experience using smoke, brines, and picklings. Check out their Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday specials!

Above the Dunes Daily Specials

Above the Dunes, at 101 South Boardwalk, has announced its off-season happy hour and daily specials. Above The Dunes is the newest “Seafood Forward” restaurant in Rehoboth Beach, serving everything from a raw bar and lobster rolls to hamburgers and flatbreads. Above the Dunes is the number one spot in Rehoboth to dine with an ocean view. Check out their Happy Hour and Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday specials!

Happy Hour Specials

Oyster Special 10/20 Daily 3:00–6:00pm

Daily Dinner Specials

*** No Substitutes with Specials Night ***