Fall in Love with Downtown
Jim Mease
With the Summer of 2024 in our rear-view mirror, it is time to “Fall in Love with Downtown Rehoboth Beach”! Gone are the capacity crowds and all of the parking fees and restrictions that stress many of us throughout the summer. As the shoulder season continues with its refreshing mornings, warm sunny afternoons, and cooler evenings, dogs are allowed on the beach again, and the boardwalk’s bicycle riding restrictions are lifted. Even though the days are growing shorter, the water temperatures are still reasonable for the hearty among us, so we can take a quick dip in the ocean and ride one more wave this season.
It’s the spookiest month on the calendar as all Hallows Eve, aka Halloween, falls on October 31st, but there is much about October to enjoy before then. The changing of leaves is one of the most spectacular events as maples, birches, poplars, and oak trees turn from green to dazzling reds, yellows, and oranges before they fall in preparation for winter. It is also one of the best harvesting months for crops like apples, carrots, potatoes, and squash. However, the number one fall crop is the pumpkins, as more than 50% of the American public will purchase one this month! Many will become part of our autumn decorations, as carving Jack-O-Lanterns is a favorite October pastime.
Rehoboth Beach restaurants, bars, and retail shops are all decked out in their fall finery anxiously waiting for the Sea Witch to make her annual appearance on Rehoboth Avenue, surrounded by ghosts, ghouls, and goblins as she delights all who see her, many of whom are out celebrating with her dressed in their best creepy, dark and macabre costumes. While waiting for the Sea Witch to appear, we can celebrate any items listed on the October calendar. A sampling of these includes International Coffee Day on October 1s: Have your favorite coffee or a coffee-infused dessert to celebrate the importance of coffee in our daily life. Coffee Day is followed by National Pasta Day on the 17th, dedicated to one of the world's most versatile foods. On October 14th, we celebrate Columbus Day, also known as Indigenous Peoples Day, a National Holiday honoring the landing of Christopher Columbus in the New World in 1492. National Nut Day on the 22nd celebrates the diverse range of nutritious and versatile nuts we enjoy eating. National Pumpkin Day on the 26th celebrates the cherished symbol of autumn, appearing everywhere, from comforting foods and spiced drinks to delightful seasonal decorations. Finally, National Cat Day on October 29 celebrates our lovely feline friends.
This month, Rehoboth Main Beach Street has selected some of our member businesses to showcase. Arena’s Deli & Bar is committed to satisfying its customers with a wide variety of great food and excellent service, and it does not disappoint! For the latest in men's apparel, shopping at Beach Essentials at 33 Baltimore Avenue, Suite G, is a must, offering the latest in men's casual attire, swimwear, and accessories for the fashion-minded males among us. Beaches—the Green Truck Shop, at 33 Baltimore Avenue, Suite C, is a beautiful, eclectic shop showcasing home decor, gifts, jewelry, and more. For children's clothing, the Lilypad Children's Boutique, located at 149 Rehoboth Avenue, carries your favorite brands for stylish little boys and girls. And be sure to check out the new look at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant, located at 3 First Street.
You can read more about each of these businesses later in this Newsletter. They are all located within easy walking distance to the boardwalk and ocean. If you go, please mention that you heard about them in this Newsletter! The earth planters throughout downtown Rehoboth Beach have been meticulously maintained by a dedicated bunch of Rehoboth in Bloom volunteers. Enjoy the lovely flowers blooming as you stroll along Rehoboth, Baltimore, and Wilmington Avenues for your viewing pleasure. Check them out before they are re-planted with their winter foliage!
Moderate weather temperatures, free parking, and many special events hosted by many of the bars, restaurants, and retail shops make this the perfect time to fall in love again with downtown Rehoboth Beach. Don't miss Camp Rehoboth's Block Party on Baltimore Ave on October 20 and the Sea Witch Festival on October 25-27. Finally, Rehoboth Beach Main Street looks forward to enjoying “falling together this season.” See you on the Avenues!
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 Charm City Run for renewing at the Silver Partner level.
RBMS thanks Funland for renewing and upgrading to the Silver Partner level.
RBMS thanks these members for renewing at the Bronze Partner level
Showcasing Rehoboth Beach Businesses
Beach Essentials
Peter Beck
In 2021, my college roommate Dan visited me in Rehoboth for the first time. He loved our town, and among the stores that impressed him was Beach Essentials, located at 33 Baltimore Avenue. As we walked around the store and chatted with the amiable salesperson that day, Dan noticed a selection of leather bracelets on the counter. These bracelets, made by Steel and Barnett and handcrafted in Belgium, impressed him, and he quickly purchased one.
What is unique about the bracelet is that Dan has worn that bracelet EVERY DAY since then! He often mentions wishing he had bought two, which might be a good reason to visit again.
Shoppers like Dan find Beach Essentials a store with many great choices and friendly staff. They carry the “Beach Essentials”: towels, sandals, flip-flops, hats and sunglasses, belts, and bags. Furthermore, Beach Essentials is an awesome spot to shop for men’s apparel: casual fashion, accessories, and, of course, men’s jewelry. The prices are reasonable, and most shoppers leave with cheerful smiles and exciting new purchases.
Owning a fashionable men’s clothing shop was a dream for owner Gregory Brown and his late partner Dave Van Dyke; at the time, Greg was a waiter, and Dave was an RN. Located in the courtyard of the Shops at Baltimore Commons, Beach Essentials has been a popular shopping destination for 27 years.
Fifteen years ago, store manager Ed Gmooch was a recently retired teacher who came into the store to offer his condolences to Greg. He and Greg chatted a bit, and before you know it, Ed found a job he has loved ever since!
Ed explained that the Postmark and Steel brands were the biggest sellers at the store this summer. The Postmark label provides items for more mature men, whereas the Steele shirts, shorts, and bathing suits are tighter and snugger to appeal to the younger set!
Ed and his team start planning for next summer’s merchandise as soon as summer is over. Many of the vendors' representatives come to Rehoboth in the fall to share their wares. Others will send sample items in boxes for review. What is cool is that often, shoppers are in the store while merchandise is being reviewed, and they get to provide input about what items to sell.
It is important to note that Beach Essentials is holding an end-of-season sale until the end of the year. Items are reduced by 25 percent throughout the store, so start the fall season with an exciting new outfit from Beach Essentials!
The Lilypad Children’s Boutique is Reshaping Children’s Boutique Shopping
Colleen Evans
Shopping for children’s clothes can be a bundle of fun. Bright patterns, snuggly fabrics, and comfortable styles—owner Kimberly Carey is reshaping shopping for those who seek fashion-forward children’s clothing. With Carey’s rich background in retail and passion for fashion, she decided to focus on children’s fashion (since having two little ones of her own) and took the next step by purchasing The Lilypad Children’s Boutique when it was offered for sale. Lilypad is located in Villages by the Sea, 149 Rehoboth Avenue.
According to Carey “I strive for the store to be a memorable and unique experience for anyone that enters – different from the typical children’s clothing store. To that end, I personally choose the brands I carry and the types of clothing, accessories, and gifts offered so that a customer can be sure they are finding something here that they can’t find anywhere else in the area. I also make sure that the clothing and gifts I carry are something that I, myself, would give to my children or give as gifts.”
Right now, the boutique’s Halloween clothing and gifts are popular and selling out quickly. With the cold weather right around the corner, customers will start thinking about winter clothing so Lilypad’s winter-ready clothing is hitting the floor: coats, jackets, hats, sweaters, and heavier items. Additionally, they carry holiday items throughout the fall and winter for various holidays. One new item that has proved to be a winner is Jellycat –unique stuffed animals and other Jellycat branded merchandise – which has had a huge resurgence in the last year and is always a popular purchase for all age groups.
There’s a reason customers keep coming back to Lilypad- they carry a diverse selection of items and pieces for every occasion: casual outfits for school or play, outfits for special occasions and holidays, nursery décor, and gift items/accessories for newborns, toddlers, children and pre-teens-they can find everything they need under one roof. Clothing sizes go from newborn through age 10.
When asked what’s next for Lilypad, Carey said, “This year, we started a rewards/loyalty program, which has garnered great feedback (5% in rewards for every $100 spent). As the summer season is over, we also begin putting more items onto the website (www.shoplilypad.com) for our customers who may not be close enough to pop into the store for a gift. I also regularly update our Instagram page with stories, reels, and posts to keep our shoppers in tune with what items are arriving and popular. Aside from that, I am going into my seventh year of ownership of the Lilypad and am excited to stay on-trend for the Lilypad customer for years to come.”
Contact Lilypad Children’s Boutique at Villages By The Sea (302) 227-4464 or shoplilypadcb@gmail.com
Arena’s Deli & Bar
Mark May
A Sussex County favorite since 1990, Arena’s Deli & Bar in downtown Rehoboth offers patrons classic deli counter favorites with its now-signature small-town feel. Located at 149 Rehoboth Avenue, Arena’s is proud to be a countywide sensation which remains locally owned and operated. With their feet firmly planted in the sand, Arena’s flagship Rehoboth Avenue location is still going strong over 30 years later.
Arena’s cuisine mixes diner fare with deli classics in a triple thread of great soups, sandwiches, and salads. Pair any of the trio or savor the flavors individually—Arena’s well known portion sizes mean you’ll never go hungry! Don’t forget about the sensational array of seafood options at Arena’s with classics like the Maryland Crabcake Sandwich, Fish and Chips, or Fish Tacos. Any visit to Arena’s would not be complete without sampling either Arena’s Famous Nachos or Death Fries! Not only is Arena’s a classic, but it has been recognized for numerous awards by Delaware Today, winning Best Nachos, Best Sandwiches, and Best Lunch Spot!
Arena’s is now proud to offer a selection of local beers to its patrons, with brews being sourced from a variety of craft breweries. Drink local with Dogfish Head, Dewey Beer Co., First State, or Mispillion River Brewing. Or expand your palate with beers from Stone Brewing, Maine Beer Company, Mast Landing, and many more! Sample them all and take your first step towards Arena’s coveted Hall of Foam.
Come sample local cuisine and culture at Arena’s Deli & Bar in downtown Rehoboth Beach, or visit one of their many other locations from Milford to Lewes, and enjoy the unique offerings of each location. Find out more at https://www.arenasdeliandbar.com/ or visit their Rehoboth Beach location at 149 Rehoboth Avenue.
Beaches—The Green Truck Shop
Brian Darby
Beaches—The Green Truck Shop is located just off Main Street at 33 C Baltimore Avenue. The two owners Dana and Kevin Peccon opened a unique shop that just celebrated their one-year anniversary after opening in July 2023. Dana has amazing taste, buying and selling unique items from one-of-a-kind handmade jewelry to locally made candles. There are gifts for every style.
Having been a plumber for many years, Kevin takes care of the handyman items around the shop. The two complement each other by adding support and love to the shop’s atmosphere. When I asked what they like that most about their business, they both agreed: The clients. Dana loves telling the story of how a customer complimented her on her earrings. Her earrings were part of her custom jewelry collection. Since no two are alike, she sold the pair off her ears!
The shop has a great welcoming feeling. I asked Dana why her shop has such a great feel and smell. She went on to tell me that her previous business was an antique business in Maryland. She had a custom candle made just for her own shop. Dana found a local candle maker and they duplicated that scent. A lot of heart and love go into Beaches—The Green Truck Shop.
The story about the green truck also exemplifies who Dana and Kevin are as real people. The truck was her grandfather’s, and it had to come with them when they moved to Delaware. Great positive memories were made in the green truck, and Dana wants that to live on forever. When parking is free in the off-season, you can see the green truck parked in front of the store. Stop by the shop and get a picture in front of the truck!
Beaches—the Green Truck Shop is open 7 days a week from 11:00am to 7:00pm, and after September 15 the hours may be reduced for the off-season. Call 301-491-1007 or go to their Facebook page.
Exciting Changes Have Occurred at Freddie's Beach Bar and Restaurant
Peter Beck
On a fun-filled Saturday night, my friends from DC and I stopped at Freddie’s Beach Bar & Restaurant at 3 First Street in downtown Rehoboth to celebrate Michel’s 50th birthday. I had heard some significant changes have occurred at Freddie’s and was curious to see what they were.
We quickly noticed brand new TV screens surrounding the bar and on all the walls, with colorful, eye-popping displays on each. A DJ played a wide variety of music, and the dance floor was filled with happy partygoers. The crowd was diverse: young people to seniors, men and women, gay and straight. Everyone was accepting of everyone else in the upbeat, cheerful space and having a great time!
I was relieved that Freddie’s iconic Barbie collection still lines the shelves bordering the room! The Barbies are an institution at both the Arlington and Rehoboth locations!
I briefly chatted with Tina, the very friendly manager that evening, who explained to me that Saturday nights will feature a DJ or a band. On other nights, the TVs will show popular music videos. Thursday nights should be fun with “Throwback Music Videos,” which should attract the more “mature” patron. Karaoke is on Tuesday and Wednesday nights for those who like to show off their singing, while Friday and Sunday nights feature drag shows. Sundays will also include Magnolia Applebottom presenting show tunes at 5:00 PM. That is right up my alley. Tina explained that there have also been some changes to the menu, which is a work in progress.
My group had a lot of fun that night at Freddie’s. Be sure to stop in, as you are guaranteed to have a good time! Find out more about what’s going on at https://freddiesbeachbarrehoboth.com/.
Photo Gallery
This month’s photo gallery features Dogfish Head Brewing and Eats, located at 320 Rehoboth Avenue! Dogfish is a perfect place to enjoy yummy food, terrific drinks, and fabulous entertainment! Learn more at Dogfish Head Brewing and Eats or call 302-226-BREW
News from RBMS
New Feature on the RBMS Website!
The RBMS Website has a new page: RBMS TV! On this page you will see the TikTok videos we have been posting, including interviews with member-business owners. We’ll be continuing to interview our member-business owners during the coming months and post the videos on the RBMS TV page.
Off-Season Specials Are Announced!
Again, we are promoting the Off-Season Specials our RBMS Member restaurants offer. See the Off-Seasons Specials page on the RBMS Website. If you are a restaurant owner and your restaurant's specials are not listed on this page, please notify Rebecca Lertora at the RBMS office and provide the information for us to include on the Off-Season Specials page.
RBMS Benefits from the Mrs. Roper Romp
On Saturday, September 21, Rehoboth Beach was the location of the 2nd Annual Mrs. Roper Romp–and proceeds from the event were provided to RBMS. More than 900 Rompers partied in more than 20 downtown bars and restaurants–and donated more than $2,000 to our organization! We thank Rehoboth Beach’s John Hurley and others who planned the event. A fun time was had by all!
RBMS Website Event Venues Page Is Updated
In the September 24 issue of this newsletter we included a story about the venues that some of our members offer for special events, such as corporate events, conferences, and conventions. This information is found on the Rehoboth Beach Main Street website at Event Venues | Rehoboth Beach Main Street (downtownrb.com). On this page, you will find information regarding the number of spaces each venue has available, room(s) capacity, indoor/outdoor availability, whether open year-round or in-season only, and other pertinent information.
RBMS members with venue availability are:
· Above the Dunes
· Atlantic Sands Hotel & Conference Center
· Blackwall Hitch at the Beach
· Boardwalk Plaza Hotel
· Canalside Inn
· Coast Rehoboth Beach, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
· Downtown Blues
· Egg
· Hotel Rehoboth
· Rehoboth Beach Convention Center
· Shorebreak Lodge Restaurant
· Sirocco
· Village Improvement Association
We are happy to announce that event venue availability at The Pines and Aqua have been added to the Event Venues page. Thanks for the information, Tyler and team!
The staff at Rehoboth Beach Main Street (302-227-2772) is prepared to assist with anything you need in planning your corporate event, conference, or convention
News From RBMS Members
Purple Parrot Grill Beach Haus & Biergarten Is Celebrating 25 Years!
Two buildings, one romance, and 25 years later, the Purple Parrot is as busy as ever. The Purple Parrot is a Rehoboth Beach institution—with tropical purple paint covering the outside with rainbow flags and interior walls with love notes, affirmations, and wishes scribbled on dollar bills. Volunteers and Board members from Rehoboth Beach Main Street helped the Purple Parrot celebrate their 25th anniversary with a commemorative ribbon cutting honoring this mainstay business in downtown Rehoboth Beach.
Pictured, left to right: Richard Ambrose, RBMS volunteer; RBMS Board Members Bob Golden, Peter Pizzolongo, & Jen Carroll; Purple Parrot staff Hugh Fuller, Owner, Kathy Christine, (Mom), Troy Roberts, Owner, and Brent Warrington; RBMS Board Members Sandra Skidmore & Terry Kistler; and Cliff Fantini, RBMS Fashion Show Director.
Exciting Fall Productions at Clear Space Theater!
After concluding its most successful summer repertory festival since its inception 20 years ago, Clear Space Theatre is ready to present two popular musicals this fall. Be sure to get your tickets and mark your calendars for Sweeney Todd on October 11–27 and Shrek the Musical on November 8–10.
Casting for the two productions has now been announced, including a range of beloved area favorites, national artists from New York City, and young people from across our region.
You can quickly obtain your tickets by visiting www.clearspacetheatre.org, calling 302-227-2270, or stopping in at the box office in person at 20 Baltimore Avenue.
Generations of Experience from Jack Lingo, REALTOR®
