35 additions to this summer’s beach scene
When it came time to decide on a theme for this week's super-sized summer preview edition of 55 Hours, it only took a few moment to decide: what's new at the beach.
Ever since vacationers left last summer, beach towns have been busily preparing a slew of new offerings that are ready for Summer '17's kick-off.
And we took notice.
Everything from eateries (Dogfish Head, Big Chill Beach Club, Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls, Rosenfeld's Jewish Deli) and entertainment spots (Hudson Fields, Lefty's Alley and Eats) will be ready for you and your flippy floppies.
And what timing. These 90-degree days make it feel like summer is already here, even though we actually have a full month to go.
So whether you're at the beach with your family, college buds or your partner for a weekend getaway, here are 35 new things at beach to check out in between slices of Nicola Pizza and buckets of Thrasher Fries.
FOOD
SURF BAGEL The parking lot of the popular Lewes area bagel shop should be easier to navigate this summer. The bagel-makers have opened a new second location, Surf Bagel A.M (18675 Del. 1, near Rehoboth Beach). It's at the former home of K&H Hot Bagels in the Midway Shopping Center and the same New York-style bagels live there. Contact: surfbagel.com.
COOTER BROWN'S TWISTED SOUTHERN KITCHEN AND BOURBON BAR Goodbye Hooters, hello Cooter's! In place of the busty chain that lived high above Rehoboth Avenue at First Street Station (70 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach) comes plenty of Southern flair with a menu filled with goodies like Texas Frito Pie and a Pulled Pig Cuban sandwich. Contact: cooterbrownstwisted.com.
EGG RESTAURANT Egg lovers who don't care if their huevos come on the plate runny, hard-boiled or scrambled have been chatting up the downtown Rehoboth Beach eatery (510 Rehoboth Ave.) near the traffic circle that owner Missi Moore opened in November. Open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., it takes over the former McQuay's Market location. Oh, and we can't wait to try the sriracha bacon candy. Contact: (302) 227-EGGS or visit www.eggrehoboth.com.
BIG CHILL BEACH CLUB With a 200-person rooftop deck at the Indian River Inlet with sweeping 360-degree views, Big Chill Beach Club (27099 Del. 1, near Bethany Beach) is one of the most anticipated openings of the summer. Owners are aiming for a Memorial Day weekend opening. Contact: bigchillbeachclub.com.
MORE ON BIG CHILL: 360-degree views at beach's newest waterfront bar
GILLIGAN'S GETS A NEW LOOK The boat has sailed on the old decor at Gilligan's Waterfront Restaurant and Bar in Lewes at 134 Market St. The old site was demolished and a new building has been constructed in its place. It includes a main dining room, with a fireplace, overlooking the Lewes-Rehoboth canal as well as a deck with outdoor seating. A second room can be used for private functions. Contact: Gilligan's Waterfront Restaurant and Bar Facebook page.
AGAVE REOPENING? The extremely popular Mexican Second Street eatery in Lewes has been closed for months due to renovation and expansion plans. Will it be open by Memorial Day? A phone message says it should reopen in May. We peeked into the window this week, and it doesn't look anywhere near ready. The last Facebook update on April 2 read: "Any sort of bad weather or even a small chance of bad weather deters some of the contractors from working." Holy guacamole! Please, hurry. We're missing those delish fish tacos and margaritas. Contact: (302) 645-1232.
INDIGO RESTAURANT What is likely the only Indian restaurant in Sussex County is opening soon at 44 Rehoboth Ave. It takes over the spot formerly occupied by The Dough Roller. Indigo owner Raghu Kumar says his family already operates India's, a well-received Indian restaurant founded by his father Suraj Kumar that's been based in Annapolis, Maryland, since 1992. The family has been searching for a second restaurant location for some time and fell in love with Rehoboth.
KAISY'S DELIGHTS & TASTY TREATS We are intrigued with this preppy pink-and-green business, run by owners from Nice, France, which has locations on Rehoboth Beach's Rehoboth Avenue and a new shop on Savannah Road in Lewes. They offer kaiserschmarrn, a kind of chopped-up pancake, along with breakfast sandwiches, goulash soups and latkes. Contact: kaisysdelights.com.
MASON'S FAMOUS LOBSTER ROLLS New England’s hand-held heirloom food is having a heyday like no other seafood sandwich. For shellfish fans, the shop at 67 Rehoboth Ave., next to Nicola Pizza, is worth a stop. We loved the $14.99 classic lobster roll featuring tail and claw meat bundled onto a crisp, toasted, buttery roll smeared lightly with mayonnaise. Bigger appetites should get the $20.99 roll with 1 1/4 pounds of lobster. Contact: masonslobster.com.
NEW DOGFISH HEAD BREWINGS & EATS Out with the old, in with the new. After 22 years, Dogfish Head has said goodbye to its original building and built a contemporary, hip brewpub on the site of the old parking lot on Rehoboth Avenue. Look for better seating, a much-improved sound system for live music, more collaboration with other brewers and a greater emphasis on food. Bloody Beer, a limited Bloody Mary influenced brew, will be unveiled in early June. Contact: dogfish.com.
MORE ON DOGFISH: New pub an homage to past, present, future
ROSENFELD'S JEWISH DELI The continuous lines since the April opening of this eatery say it all: Delaware has been hankering for a good Jewish deli. Owner Warren Rosenfeld has duplicated his successful Ocean City, Maryland operation to a site at 18949 Del. 1 near Rehoboth Beach and is now offering Rehoboth visitors a traditional, kosher-style deli. It's open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Contact: rosenfeldsjewishdeli.com. Read more on page
THE PIG & PUBLICAN Good brews, cocktails and wine and food that pairs well with them has long been the mantra of owners Doug and Lisa Frampton. They've brought that same winning concept to their latest restaurant at 516 E. Savannah Rd. in Lewes. The pub, just over the canal bridge, is in the shops of the Beacon Hotel. They've closed their Pig + Fish restaurant in Rehoboth. Contact: www.pigandpublican.com.
BLUECOAST SEAFOOD GRILL & RAW BAR The 10th restaurant for the SoDel Concepts hospitality group is a repeat of its flagship restaurant in north Bethany Beach. The new Bluecoast in Gateway Shopping Center, Rehoboth, will be 4,500-square-feet inside, 2,500-square-feet outside and can accommodate 250 guests. The large outdoor gathering area will feature fire pits, a bar and an acoustic stage. Contact: bluecoastrehoboth.com.
SALTED VINES VINEYARD & WINERY The former Fenwick Wine Cellars has left its 6-year-old Fenwick Island home and owners Adrian and Jess Mobilia have relocated to a 26-acre farm at 32512 Blackwater Road in Frankford. They've planted merlot and cabernet sauvignon and now have an expansive tasting room and outdoor patio. Tastings are $10. Contact: (302) 436-1500 or www.fenwickwinecellars.com.
THE VINEYARD WINE BAR AND BISTRO The popular Havre de Grace, Maryland, restaurant is opening a Rehoboth location in what had formerly been the home of Espuma restaurant at 28 Wilmington Ave., near First Street. The restaurant, open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., will offer a variety of wines and small plates. Contact: Vineyard Wine Bar Facebook page.
MUG & SPOON COMPANY Premium coffee and "wild milkshakes" are promised at a new Rehoboth business coming soon inside the Schell Brothers' gallery known as the Coffee House at 18 Rehoboth Ave. Coffee served comes from Brandywine Coffee Roasters, the Wilmington-based business owned by BrewHaHa! founder Alisa Lippincott Morkides. Contact: mugandspoonco.com.
FUEGO-TO-GO Rob Cruz, owner of the Fuego Food Truck, has wheeled into a permanent location at North First Street near Rehoboth Avenue. He has taken over the spot formerly occupied by Otto's Sandwich Shop. The business opened in March and features a variety of tacos served on flour, corn and crunchy tortillas. Delivery is available in and around Rehoboth. The eatery has no liquor license, but it serves until 3 a.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Contact: (302) 227-8226.
THE BLUE HEN RESTAURANT One of the most popular Rehoboth eateries is easily Henlopen City Oyster House on Wilmington Avenue. Now, operators Chris Bisaha and Joe Baker have opened a sister restaurant down the street at 33 Wilmington Ave. Much more land than sea, Blue Hen, a block from the boardwalk, concentrates on dishes with heirloom beef and pork and charcuterie that includes specialty cheeses. Contact: www.thebluehenrehoboth.com.
LA FABLE RESTAURANT French restaurants are about as rare in Delaware as a summer day without humidity. La Fable is a Rehoboth brasserie at 26 Baltimore Ave. that has taken over the old Mixx space. Owner Megan Kee, formerly of the now-closed Bramble & Brine, serves "traditional French cuisine with a bohemian Parisian street cafe flair." Reservations are recommended. Contact: www.bonjourfable.com.
G CASK & KITCHEN Lula Brazil at 234 Rehoboth Ave. closed its doors on Jan. 1. Popping up in its place is G Cask & Kitchen which is calling itself "a premier place for dinner, drinks and live DJs." The menu hasn't yet been posted on the website, but the grand opening is set for May 19. According to its Facebook page, it will offer "modern American cuisine with some exciting fusion flavors." They'll have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Contact: grehoboth.com.
COASTAL RESTAURANT WEEK From June 4 to June 9, more than 60 beach restaurants will participate in this restaurant week, which features $25-$45 prix fixe meals. Contact: restaurantweekde.com.
TRENDS
GETTING JUICED The juice bar wars could be heating up this summer. Rehoboth has been seeing an influx of places serving freshly-squeezed juice. The Juicebox on Second Street now has vegan dishes, raw kombucha, cold brew, wheatgrass and local honey. Other places in town include Twist Juice Bar, Dreamer Juice, Juice Fresh and Greenman Juice Bar.
ENTERTAINMENT
FREEMAN STAGE No, it's not the new prescription in your glasses. There is a newer, much larger 40-by-40-foot stage to see acts like Gary Clark Jr., Chicago, Trombone Shorty, The Wallflowers and Jay Leno this summer at Freeman (31750 Lake View Dr, near Selbyville). Contact: freemanstage.org.
ANALOG-A-GO-GO After escaping north to New Castle County's Bellevue State Park last year, this beer and music festival will return to Dogfish Head's Milton and Rehoboth Beach locations on Nov. 4. Acts have not yet been announced. Contact: analogagogo.com.
SUPERFLIP 360 The newest ride at Rehoboth Beach's Funland (6 Delaware Ave.) does it all -- it flips, dips, tips and spins. If you want to see Funland upside-down, try this bad boy. Contact: funlandrehoboth.com.
LEFTY'S ALLEY & EATS After opening in December, this bowling alley (36450 Plaza Drive, near Lewes) has proven to be more than just strikes and gutters. The "eats" part of the entertainment spot is done right, run by the same local group behind Crooked Hammock Brewery, Big Chill Beach Club and more. Contact: iloveleftys.com.
MORE ON LEFTY'S: Lefty's boasts fun for kids, tasty treats for grown-ups
THE RUSTY RUDDER There's now another reason why you need to wear sunglasses when outside at the Rudder (113 Dickinson St, Dewey Beach): reflection from the new deck. The bayside deck and outdoor bars were replaced, along with the stage. Contact: rustyrudderdewey.com.
RUNNING OF THE BULL Usually held around Fourth of July weekend, this goofy tradition of bull fights and beers at The Starbaord (2009 Del. 1, Dewey Beach) has been moved up to June 24. The change was made so it lands on a less congested weekend. Contact: thestarboard.com.
HUDSON FIELDS The team that brings a steady stream of national acts coming to Dewey Beach's Bottle & Cork have a new 4,000 outdoor music venue (30045 Eagle Crest Rd, near Milton) with acts like Cole Swindell and Fitz and the Tantrums coming up. Opening: June 1. Contact: hudsonfields.com.
MORE ON HUDSON FIELDS: New venue draws headliners to Sussex
MOVIES AT MIDWAY Sussex County will get its first really big screen when Movies at Midway (18585 Del. 1, near Rehoboth Beach) completes construction of The Cube, a new theater boasting a 58-by-24 screen. Opening: Fall. Contact: moviesatmidway.com.
FIT
PLAY OUTSIDE The state has launched a new website, Play Outside, which features an interactive map of the state, allowing users to easily find parks and trails or facilities such as boat ramps or playgrounds. Contact: de.gov/playoutside.
SEA CYCLE INDOOR This indoor cycling studio at 34410 Tenley Court Unit No. 3 in Lewes, behind Matt's Fish Camp on Coastal Highway (Del. 1), opened in April. It offers 45-minute, full-body workouts that are more enhanced than regular spin classes. Bikes can be reserved online. Classes are co-ed. Prices vary; a single class is $18. The studio also has barre fitness classes. Contact: www.seacycleindoor.com.
CONNECTOR TRAIL The first phase of a 17-mile cycling connector trail stretching from Lewes to Georgetown is now open. Now you can get on your bike and ride from Gills Neck Road to Savannah Road on a trail that connects downtown Lewes with the two major trails within Cape Henlopen State Park. Opened: October. Contact: destateparks.com.
SHOPPING
PET WANTS The new Rehoboth gourmet pet food store and supply company at 146 Rehoboth Ave., owned by Chad Miller, offers proprietary, slow-cooked dog and cat food made in small batches. It sells a variety of food blends for dogs and cats as well as healing salve, calming balm, anti-itch spray and paw wax. Free delivery is available in Rehoboth, Dewey Beach, Henlopen Acres, Lewes, Milton, Harbeson, Oak Orchard, and Millsboro. Contact: (302) 569-9080 or petwantsrehobothbeach.com.
TORY BURCH OUTLET Fans of the upscale accessories & clothing company rejoice: Delaware is one of only 11 states to have an outlet store, according to its website. Where: 35016 Midway Outlet Drive, Suite 327, Rehoboth Beach. Contact: 302-645-8259.
Contact Patricia Talorico at (302) 324-2861 or ptalorico@delawareonline.com and on Twitter @pattytalorico. Contact Ryan Cormier of The News Journal at rcormier@delawareonline.com or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier), Twitter (@ryancormier) and Instagram (@ryancormier).