If it weren’t for a wish by our daughter to see the 50 states we probably would have never thought to have visited Delaware to start with. A state that is really a “Locals” state in that visitors tends to be from the DC area and not from our region. This is sad really. It’s a wonderful state that is rich with farming like ours but also boasts a wonderful shoreline on the Atlantic with one of our new favorite vacation spots for a beach vacation, Rehoboth Beach.
Just to the north, Cape Henlopen State Park we have some fun things you must-do in this town we’ve grown to love.
1. The Beach! This one square mile community is located in the mid-Atlantic and is the largest beach resort in the State of Delaware. This beach is known as the “Nation’s Summer Capital” due to it’s close proximity to and visitors from Washington D.C. The sand is soft and clean and perfect for sandcastle creations. We enjoyed watching wildlife from the beach including dolphins playing in the distance, watching ducks swim in the ocean (new to us!), and digging up sand crabs. The temperature was mild (usually never leaving the 80s in July) and absolutely perfect!
2. The Boardwalk. This charming one-mile long boardwalk has been named as one of the nations top 10 great coastal boardwalks by Coastal Living Magazine. It is one of the cities best attractions. It boasts a multitude of eclectic local shops, restaurants, snacks, and games. Our favorite part was the family-owned (since 1962) amusement park, Funland, which is right on the boardwalk. This amusement park is full of nostalgic rides from the past as well as several newer thrill rides and exciting carnival games. There is something for everyone here!
3. Dog Fish Head Brewings & Eats. This popular brewery opened in 1995 and remains committed to world-class beer, food, spirits, and music. Their food and libations are scratch-made. Stop in for a quick bite or for a whole evening of tasty eats, drinks, and original music.
4. Stay at the Hotel Rehoboth. This is a luxury, boutique hotel in the town of Rehoboth. It was possibly the cleanest hotel I’ve ever stayed in and was spacious and comfortable. If you want to feel spoiled on your beach vacation, stay here! This hotel offers complimentary amenities including Aveda body products, turn down service with chocolates on your pillow, complimentary towels for the beach. They even offer to drop off/pick up service to and from the beach. The continental breakfast was great and the service was even better.
5. Biden Park at Cape Henlopen State Park. Visit this piece of history. When the current lands of the state of Delaware were granted to William Penn sometime after 1682, Penn proclaimed that Cape Henlopen and its natural resources were to be for the common usage of the citizens of Lewes and Sussex County, thus establishing some of the nation’s first “public lands.” It has remained in the public domain ever since, playing a major role in local shipping and in the nation’s military history. The historic Henlopen Lighthouse no longer helps to guide vessels through the treacherous bay waters, but the two stone “breakwaters” barriers off the point of the Cape, completed in 1869 and 1901, still form a safe harbor for boats during rough seas. You can climb the steps in this lighthouse for an unbelievable view. You can also visit a portion of the Beach Plum Island Nature Reserve to explore this wild beach and shoreline and to view those stone barriers.
