October 2026 Newsletter
This project has been partially funded by the City of Rehoboth Beach. However, the project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the City of Rehoboth Beach.
This newsletter is a publication of Rehoboth Beach Main Street. President: Suzie Martin. Executive Director: Dan Slagle. Communications Committee Chair: Peter Pizzolongo, Acting Chair: Jim Mease. Newsletter Executive Editor: Peter Beck. Reporters/Editors: Dan Slagle, Peter Beck, Jim Mease, Peter Pizzolongo, Colleen Evans, Rich Barnett, Cindy Lovett, Jennifer Rubenstein, Jeff Balk, and Rebecca Lertora.
Hello, October
Peter Beck
As the leaves change colors and the air becomes crisp, we are excited to share our favorite updates for the season. Grab your favorite warm drink, get cozy, and welcome October! We have plenty of treats (no tricks!) to share with you this month.
October is one of the most exciting months in our town. Key events include the Fall Sidewalk Sale from October 2-4, Greyhounds Reach the Beach from October 8-11, the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival from October 15-18, and Bark on the Boards on October 17. The excitement culminates in the annual Seawitch Festival, October 23-25.
This is a fantastic time for locals to explore downtown and for visitors to make a trip to the beach to enjoy all the excitement!
In this month’s newsletter, we highlight many fine hotels that offer great accommodations for our guests. Enjoy wonderful meal options at SeaGlass Bistro, Jerk and Jambalaya, Victorias, and Kiwi’s, or shop till you drop at retailers such as the Black Dog General Store and the Tea and Spice Exchange. There’s something for everyone in our town!
In the fall, Rehoboth remains a terrific place to live and visit! Enjoy a day of shopping and dining, support our local small businesses, and admire the beautiful floral displays by Rehoboth in Bloom. And remember, during the off-season, you don’t have to feed the meters!
New Business and Membership Renewals
RBMS thanks the following businesses for renewing their membership:
Showcasing Rehoboth Businesses
Fall in Love with Rehoboth Beach All Over Again
Dan Slagle
The summer crowds may be thinning, but downtown Rehoboth Beach is just getting started. Enjoy peaceful morning walks on the boardwalk, tax-free boutique shopping, local dining, and favorite fall events including the Rehoboth Beach Cocktail Week, the Mrs. Roper Romp, the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, the Sea Witch Festival, and much more. There’s no better place to be than right in the heart of the action.
Unwind in comfort, enjoy premium amenities, and make downtown lodging your home base for an autumn escape at the coast. Trade your office view for an ocean breeze or enjoy a mid-week escape that combines a little remote work with relaxing beach strolls, shopping, and dining.
Stay in downtown Rehoboth Beach and discover the soul of our coast. Experience unique architectural character and rich coastal heritage, relax on classic porches, and enjoy beautifully preserved design details with warm hospitality. Make a downtown Rehoboth Beach hotel your home base and experience the best of the coast just steps away.
Scan the QR code below to view a list of RBMS hotel business members.
Victoria’s Restaurant
Peter Beck
On a perfect summer evening, we dined at Victoria's, conveniently located on the first level of the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel. Victoria’s Restaurant is renowned in Rehoboth for offering fine dining in an intimate setting overlooking the beach and boardwalk.
Making reservations online was easy; we opted to enjoy our meal on the boardwalk patio to take in the stunning views and sounds of the surf, rather than dine in the beautiful Victorian dining room. By the way, in 2024, OpenTable named Victoria's the most beautiful restaurant in Delaware! Once inside, it’s easy to see why.
Kai, our friendly waiter, greeted us and promptly brought our water. We skipped cocktails since we had just enjoyed happy hour, although the drink menu offered some intriguing options.
The menu offered tempting choices; my companions urged me to try the swordfish with zucchini and Brussels sprouts, which was delicious. We also ordered the southwest salad, chickpea curry soup, and roasted half duck. The food was fresh and portions generous, but we were too full for dessert—maybe next time!
Victoria's is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so check their hours online. Early bird special lovers can stop by for the prix fixe dinner daily.
For a unique and charming experience with friends and family, consider visiting Victoria's for afternoon tea, available on selected afternoons; call (302) 227-0615 to reserve a table.
You can also visit the Plaza Pub right next door for cocktails, lighter fare, and live music.
I have no doubt we will be visiting again soon, perhaps next time for afternoon tea!
Cozy Up for Fall at Black Dog General Store
Jeff Balk
As summer crowds thin out and the weather cools, it’s the perfect opportunity to visit The Black Dog General Store at 146 Rehoboth Avenue. Established in 1971 on Martha’s Vineyard, The Black Dog is famous for its iconic black dog logo and comfortable coastal apparel. The Rehoboth location complements the town’s relaxed vibe, especially for those who enjoy casual clothing, the beach, and dogs.
As fall arrives, the store stocks seasonal essentials. From sweatshirts and long-sleeve shirts to hats and tees, there are plenty of options for warm afternoons that turn into cooler evenings. In Rehoboth Beach, it’s not uncommon to start the day in a T-shirt and switch to a sweatshirt by dinner!
For dog lovers, The Black Dog offers a variety of pet-related products and gifts that reflect the brand's connection to dogs. Rehoboth is dog-friendly, so you’ll often see pets with their owners around town, especially during fall. The store participates in local adoption events, partnering with animal organizations to help dogs find loving homes. These initiatives create community and make the store a welcoming place beyond shopping.
As the holiday season approaches, now’s a great time to start thinking about early gift ideas. The Black Dog offers beachwear, casual attire, dog-themed gifts, and items that evoke fond coastal memories. Sweatshirts, hats, and smaller items are perfect for friends and family who are hard to shop for.
Whether you’re treating yourself, searching for an early holiday present, or simply enjoying a more serene day at the beach, The Black Dog is a convenient and delightful stop. In October, they're open Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m, and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jerk and Jambalaya
Peter Beck
Jerk & Jambalaya celebrates the vibrant flavors of Jamaican and Southern cuisine, creating unforgettable dining experiences that connect guests to their cultural roots. Owners Sintelle Taylor and Godfrey Fitzgerald have teamed up to open this exciting new casual restaurant at 70 Rehoboth Avenue, on the ground level at the Wilmington Avenue end of First Street Station.
The menu features authentic dishes, reflecting the belief that sharing a meal brings people together! Taylor, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris and London, has extensive food-industry experience, including catering for Barack Obama at numerous White House events during his presidency. Fitzgerald, a hairstylist and salon owner from Jamaica, met Taylor as a client and looks forward to collaborating with her on this new venture.
Signature dishes include Yardie Jerk Chicken, Bayou Gumbo Love, Creole Shrimp and Grits, Braised Oxtail Stew, and Ackee & Saltfish Brunch. Sides feature Fried Sweet Plantains, Mac ’N’ Cheese, and Honey-Infused Butter Cornbread. For dessert, enjoy warm Cobbler, Cake Slices, and Jamaican Black Cake. The menu also offers vegetarian options and uses only fresh ingredients.
Diners can enjoy their meals in the casual restaurant or choose to order takeout from their website. For larger groups heading to the beach, Jerk & Jambalaya offers a Beach Box Family Meal, perfect for enjoying while you soak up the sun.
Jerk & Jambalaya is open Thursday through Sunday during the fall season, so stop in for lunch or dinner and enjoy tasty Caribbean cuisine!
Kiwi’s Cove
Jennifer Rubenstein
This summer I had a fabulous margarita at Kiwi’s Cove under the Atlantic Sands Hotel. As I sipped my marg and looked out onto the boardwalk, I wondered why I hadn’t tried this place before. Kiwi’s Cove will close for the winter soon, so you should try it now.
The tropical theme décor is fun without being overdone. The tuna tostadas
were little bite-sized gourmet treats with tuna poke, avocado, and a
beautiful droplet of jalapeño crema. I was impressed.
Also: You won’t find sour mix in their margaritas; they are made the “right” way with fresh lime juice and agave nectar. What a great way to chill on a warm summer evening!
Kiwi’s Cove is located at 101 N Boardwalk (right under the Atlantic Sands Hotel). Summer hours were seven days a week from 7 AM to 8 PM. Call them at (302) 567-2855 for current hours.
If you miss out on it this year, mark your calendars to try it when they reopen in the spring!
In the meantime, visit their new sister restaurant, SeaGlass Bistro, at 23 Baltimore Ave, and keep your eye open for special events this winter for locals at SeaGlass or the Sands, such as wine pairing dinners and breakfast with Santa. Cheers!
Spice & Tea Exchange – a warm welcome for spice and tea lovers
Colleen Evans
Tucked in the heart of Rehoboth Beach, just steps from the lively Boardwalk at 10 Rehoboth Avenue, Spice & Tea Exchange is a welcoming little haven for food and tea lovers. Owned by the wonderfully friendly Joy Quinn Whalen, the shop invites you to step inside, take your time, and enjoy the comforting aromas of fresh spices and teas filling the air.
Inside, Coastal Delaware home cooks and curious food lovers will find plenty to explore. With more than 100 gourmet spices, herbs, peppers, and floral blends—along with over 85 signature seasonings mixed fresh each day—the shop is full of delicious possibilities. From artisan salts and flavored sugars to loose-leaf teas and helpful culinary tools, there’s something around every corner to inspire your next meal, cup, or thoughtful gift.
Whether you’re looking for the perfect seasoning for tonight’s dinner, a new tea to enjoy on a cozy morning, or a thoughtful gift for someone who loves good food, the Spice & Tea Exchange has something special waiting for you. Joy and her team are always happy to welcome you, answer questions, and help you find just the right thing.
News from RBMS
Welcome to our new board member: Jennifer Rubenstein!
Jennifer Rubenstein grew up in California but has lived in Rehoboth for the past 25 years. She spent 11 years working in various nonprofits focused on the arts, tourism, and health before returning to school to study accounting. After becoming a Certified Public Accountant, she worked in public accounting for six years, then transitioned to the private sector in high-tech hospitality for 13 years before retiring in 2024. Jennifer lives downtown with her wife, Diane, who is a retired elementary school teacher, and their two tuxedo cats. In her free time, she enjoys line dancing, reading on the beach, and traveling.
Program Manager Position
Rehoboth Beach Main Street (RBMS) is looking for a passionate and organized Program Manager to join our amazing team. If you love downtown Rehoboth Beach and want to help support our local businesses and community, we want to hear from you!
Position Details:
Role: Program Manager (Part-time, approx. 18 hours/week)
Location: RBMS Office at 509 Rehoboth Ave.
Compensation: $15–$18 per hour, starting rate based on experience.
Duties: Maintain our membership database, support communication activities, assist with membership recruitment, and staff the office.
Requirements:
Minimum of two years in a Program Manager or closely related administrative role.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, excellent problem-solving ability, and solid customer service and communication skills.
How to Apply:
Please submit your cover letter and resume to our Executive Director, Dan Slagle, at dan@downtownrb.com.
For the full job description and more information, click here.
Delaware Main Street Convention
The annual Delaware Main Street convention was held on September 22 at the convention center. Lunch was held for all visitors at Above the Dunes, and guests also had the opportunity to shop throughout our beautiful town later. Among the topics discussed was sharing
information about workforce housing.
Downtown Rehoboth Beach Cocktail Week Results Are In!
This was the first Downtown Rehoboth Beach Cocktail Week. The week kicked off with nine downtown restaurants competing in a cocktail competition featuring Dogfish Head Distilling Co. spirits. Throughout the week, visitors sampled cocktails made with those spirits and voted for their favorite.
Results:
Cocktail Competition:
First place: Shorebreak Lodge – Corn Days of Summer
&
People’s Choice at the Competition:
Shorebreak Lodge – Corn Days of Summer
People’s Choice for the Week:
First place: SeaGlass Bistro - Gunfire Tea
News from RBMS Members
News from the Rehoboth Beach Bears
Furst Friday at the Purple Parrot
The next Furst Friday sponsored by the Bears is scheduled for Friday, October 2 at the Purple Parrot from 5-7 p.m. Stop on by and start your weekend in a grand way!
News from CAMP Rehoboth
CAMP Rehoboth will host its annual Block Party on Sunday, October 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the second block of Baltimore Avenue in downtown Rehoboth Beach. The event is free, with donations encouraged. Attendees can enjoy performances and shop from various vendors featuring art, crafts, and local non-profits. Parking will be closed on the second block of Baltimore Avenue, with access through First St. and Baltimore Ave., Second St. and Baltimore Ave., and from Rehoboth Avenue. Free parking is available. Performances will take place at the CAMP Rehoboth stage.
For questions or inquiries, contact: blockparty@camprehoboth.org
Free flu vaccinations
Vaccinations will be available on Thursday, October 1, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at CAMP Rehoboth Community Center.
Beebe Healthcare is hosting an influenza vaccination clinic with Cape Pharmacy during flu season. Available options include High Dose (for those over 65), Regular (for ages 18+), and Egg Free (for those over 18 with egg allergies). No pre-registration is required, but you'll need ID and insurance information. Free health screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose will also be offered.
Walk-ins are welcome, and appointments are not required. Insurance may be used. Vaccines are available only to adults 18 years and older.
Fay Jacobs – Aging Gracelessly
Fay Jacobs returns to CAMP Rehoboth for two performances on October 9 and 10, just in time for National Coming Out Day. Her show, “Aging Gracelessly – Last Comic Sitting,” promises laughter with a mix of new and classic stories. Jacobs has garnered rave reviews across the East Coast, Canada, and more, showcasing her comedic talent in various venues. Don’t miss her at the Elkins-Archibald Atrium!
An Exciting Autumn Sale!
Dana Peccon, owner
Shop at Beaches The Green Truck Shop now through the end of October for an exciting Autumn Decor Sale! Enjoy 15% off all autumn decor items, including charming shelf sitters, decorative signs, wall decor, truck-themed pieces, scarecrows, and more. Don't miss this chance to add seasonal touches to your home!
Beaches~The Green Truck Shop
33 C Baltimore Avenue
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
Two Special Programs at the Rehoboth Beach Museum
Haunted Histories
Join the First State Paranormal Investigators on October 23 and 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. for a thrilling evening as they conduct a paranormal investigation at the historic Rehoboth Beach Museum. Discover the building's potential supernatural activity using advanced equipment while exploring selected artifacts from our rich local history.
Breaking the Rules: A History of Rehoboth Beach Entertainment
On October 22 from 7 to 8 p.m., learn about Rehoboth’s transformation from a strict Methodist camp meeting town in 1873 to a hub of amusements. Enjoy stories and images of its entertainment evolution, including orchestrations, vaudeville, and more.
Rehoboth hiSTORIES
Sea Witch: The $5,000 Festival That Changed Rehoboth
Rich Barnett
Back in 1989, the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce was looking for a way to extend the local tourist season beyond summer. Back then, Rehoboth closed up like a clam after Labor Day. The Chamber had an idea: create an event that would give people a reason to come back to town before the holidays.
They hired Carol Everhart to make it happen and gave her a $5,000 budget. Everhart had never produced anything quite like it, but she settled on a Halloween event for some very practical reasons. Mums and pumpkins were inexpensive. Halloween also brought its own entertainment: costumes and fun.
The first Sea Witch was a modest affair—one day only with a handful of activities held in a dirt parking lot off First Street. But Everhart gave it a memorable name, borrowed not from a Halloween character but from a legendary American clipper ship. The Sea Witch was one of the fastest sailing ships of her age. In 1849, she sailed from Hong Kong to New York in just 74 days, setting a sailing record that would stand until 2003.
Despite bad weather, about 5,000 people showed up that first year. Everhart was devastated by what she saw as a small turnout. The Chamber board, however, was delighted. Five thousand people in Rehoboth in late October was something worth building on.
And build they did. More events were added, including live music and a 5K race in 1990 that attracted all of 93 runners. There wasn't even a starting gun. According to the Cape Gazette, Everhart simply stood in the street and sent the runners on their way with her unmistakable laugh.
Then came the costume and pet parade. In the mid-1990s, along came Sally, an enormous green-faced balloon who enchanted the crowds and quickly became the unofficial mascot of the festival. Sally retired in 2020 and was replaced by another green balloon which, through a naming contest, became known as Hilda the witch.
The Sea Witch Festival today attracts more than 200,000 visitors over three days. Everhart spent the next 36 years with the Chamber, serving as its CEO and President from 1996 until her retirement at the end of 2025.
Yes, Rehoboth discovered there was life after Labor Day!
Photo Gallery
Volunteer photographer Jennifer Rubinstein spent a beautiful late-summer morning photographing the wonderful dogs she met while strolling at Cape Henlopen. Enjoy!
News from the City of Rehoboth Beach
Dredging Project to Begin in October
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Philadelphia District has awarded a $9.6 million dredging contract to Cottrel Contracting Corporation for the Lewes & Rehoboth Canal in Sussex County, Delaware. The project aims to remove about 89,000 cubic yards of sediment from the canal, from the Route 9 Bridge to Rehoboth Bay, with dredging scheduled to start in October 2026 and finish by March 2027. The canal serves as a shallow-draft federal navigation channel, supporting both commercial and recreational users, as well as the Delaware Bay and River Cooperative for oil spill response. Learn more by clicking here.
Fourth Annual Butterfly Bolt!
The Fourth Annual Butterfly Bolt will take place on October 2, 2026, at Rehoboth Beach, DE, to raise awareness about domestic violence. Proceeds will benefit What Is Your Voice, Inc., a non-profit supporting survivors. Join the walk to show your support and help raise funds for this important cause.
News from the Delaware Division of Small Business
Did you know the Office of Small Business Access (OSBA) is here to help your small business navigate the complexities of state government? Led by Anastasia Jackson, OSBA serves as a single point of contact for Delaware small businesses seeking support in understanding state regulations, finding resources, addressing licensing challenges, and connecting with the appropriate agencies.
Think of OSBA as a starting point when you're unsure where to turn for help! For more information, Click here.
Connecting Visitors with Delaware Businesses
The Delaware Tourism Office, part of the Division of Small Business, aims to attract visitors and promote the state's tourism industry. Led by Director Jessica Welch, the office showcases the unique experiences and businesses that Delaware offers, from Southern beaches to Northern food and culture. Small businesses, including restaurants, shops, and attractions, play a vital role in making Delaware a destination worth exploring. By visiting, tourists also support these local enterprises. For more information, visit the Delaware Tourism Office website.
Coffee Coaching with the DDSB!
 Join the Delaware Division of Small Business on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. -10:00 a.m. via Zoom to discover free resources, funding tools, and support programs for new startups and established businesses.
To better understand available resources, learn about state services and grants. A valuable step is to visit the Office of Small Business Access, where you can find information tailored to your needs. Also, talking with DSB leaders about your business experiences can offer insights and guidance that may support your entrepreneurial journey.
For more info or to register, contact the CDCC Office at 302-734-7513 or Cindy at cfriese@cdcc.net. |
WHAT’S GOING ON?
If you're looking for fun entertainment in town, check the links below to see what local establishments have scheduled. These links to RBMS members will lead you to live music, dancing, game nights, and exciting shows. Whether you want to dance or catch an exhilarating performance, you'll find plenty of options for a memorable night out!
Events
10/1-10/31
10/1-11/8
10/2-10/4
10/2 5-7pm
10/2 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
10/3 12-4 p.m.
10/4 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
10/4 3-5 p.m.
10/5 12-6 p.m.
10/8-11
10/8 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
10/9-10/31
10/10 9 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
10/14-10/18
10/15-10/18
10/17 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
10/17 8:30-10:30 a.m.
10/18 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
10/18 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
10/22 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
10/22 6 p.m.-7 p.m.
10/23-10/25
10/24 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
10/23-10/24 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
10/29 and 11/5 5 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
SAVE THE DATE!
11/13-11/14 7 pm; 11/15 5 pm
11/19 5:30-8:30 p.m.
11/27 6:30-7:15 p.m.
11/28
11/27-12/20 7 p.m.
11/29-11/30 7 p.m.
11/1-11/8
11/4 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
11/21 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
11/21-12/30
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