Alexandra Kathryn Mosca — Exploring Life and Death: A Writer's Journey

This year, for the first time, I welcomed the advent of autumn. Typically, I am hesitant to bid farewell to summer. But a marvelous weekend at Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where it seemed as though summer had returned, prompted me to rethink. The weather was superb. Tourists and locals alike sported shorts, relished ice cream on the beach, relaxed by the pools, and enjoyed outdoor dining.

Rehoboth Beach is a summer (and fall) paradise. And it can feel like summer all year round when you live or stay by the beach. Having recently visited the town historically branded the “Nation’s Summer Capital” for the 10th time, I’d like to share some of my favorite places and things to do. You might find them useful if you’re planning a trip yourself.

Where To Stay

Atlantic Sands Hotel – Given the seaside vibe and boardwalk-centered activities, surprisingly, few hotels are located directly on the boardwalk. One of them is the Atlantic Sands, a place I’ve returned to again and again. The hotel is just steps from the beach and has approximately 180 rooms. It’s large enough to accommodate many guests. Yet, it remains small enough to retain a sense of exclusivity and intimacy. There are two casual restaurants, Kiwi’s Kove and Tiki Hut on the premises and an outdoor pool.

If one is available, consider booking an oceanfront or partial ocean- view room. There’s nothing like the rhythmic hum of the ocean lulling you to sleep. Be sure to check out the “specials” tab on the hotel’s website, where deals are posted from time to time.

Boardwalk Plaza Hotel – The site that once housed the Shirl Ann Motel is now home to the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel. This Victorian-style edifice now stands as one of the resort’s most iconic landmarks. The Zerby family, who owned the motel, acquired additional property, demolished the Shirl Ann, and constructed the grand hotel, which opened in 1991. A beautiful and unique hotel, it boasts a gorgeous and grand interior that offers both style and comfort in a luxurious setting. It’s the home of Victoria’s, and the Plaza Pub, if you’re looking for more casual fare. The lobby and upstairs common areas are filled with antiques, and colorful, uncaged parrots can be spotted. After 8:00 PM, the hotel’s heated indoor-outdoor soaking pool is reserved for adults only. During this time, the whirlpool jets are turned on, and guests can enjoy poolside cocktails.

Dining

Victoria’s-Located in the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel, Victoria’s offers an exquisite dining experience in a cozy setting with views of the beach and boardwalk. Besides breakfast, lunch and dinner, there’s a delightful Sunday brunch. The restaurant’s three-tiered dining room ensures that every table has a view of the Atlantic Ocean throughout the year, and there is the option of outdoor dining on the boardwalk patio during the warmer months and into the fall with the help of heat lamps and fire pits. Over the weekend, all the outdoor tables were filled.

I love a good drink menu and Victoria’s has one that changes seasonally. My drink of choice this time was the Caramel Apple Tini. All I can say is “yum”. For such an upscale and attractive setting, the prices are surprisingly reasonable. Victoria’s does not disappoint.

Blue Moon – The Blue Moon, located at 35 Baltimore Avenue, was constructed as a Sears Craftsman home in 1907 and remained a private residence until 1981, when it was transformed into a restaurant. It has since become an iconic fixture in the area, and a trip to Rehoboth Beach is incomplete without dining at The Blue Moon. Nearly two decades ago, during my first visit, I sought dining suggestions from the locals, and The Blue Moon was the top recommendation. They didn’t steer me wrong. The food is innovative and the menu ever-changing. Some tried and true standbys though are the Fried Green Tomatoes, Seafood Pasta, and Chicken Pot Pie. And be sure to check out the cocktail menu which includes a Blueberry Limoncello Martini and a CBD Peachy Dreams Ketel botanical peach and orange puree with a Martha Stewart gummie.

The Blue Moon’s website also has a list of events including a cabaret show and a Drag Bingo Brunch.

Thrashers – When you’re visiting Rehoboth, boardwalk food is a must. And for the best French Fries to be found, look no further than Thrashers. It was in 1929 that Mr. J.T. Trasher, a Southerner,  had a novel idea: he would sell only one product –french fries—from a food stand concession in nearby Ocean City. But they would be the best fries anywhere to be found, using the highest quality potatoes, sometimes bought in from other areas and states, depending on the season.

Today, Thrashers’ fries are still made according to the same standards and attention to detail set by J.T. Thrasher. Served piping hot, they come in three sizes, small, medium, and large, and people line up daily on one of the boardwalk’s three locations to grab a bucket of the crispy fries. You’re missing out if you don’t have a bucket at least once during your visit. Btw, to keep the flavor pure, no ketchup is served. Believe me, you won’t miss it.

Claws Seafood House– A lively spot on Rehoboth Avenue, Claws has a nautical vibe and sports a colorful sign you can’t miss. As suggested by its name, the menu primarily features seafood, including raw bar options, yet it also offers a vast array of choices for those who prefer “Land Lovers” dishes.” When in season, the restaurant offers an all you can eat blue crab claws. I remember sitting on the restaurant’s cozy porch and tackling several dozen on a warm summer night.

GreenMan Juice Bar & Bistro– For a healthy breakfast that can’t be beat head over to the Greenman. and enjoy your first meal of the day on a laze cozy porch. Some bike over… My Tofu Scramble which contained organic vegetables, red potatoes, and tofu sauteed with turmeric was superb and I’m trying to duplicate it at home– so far with no luck. Other standouts: A hearty Traditional Porridge with cinnamon roasted apple compote and Baked Crème Brulee French Toast, topped with bananas and maple syrup. Greenman also offers a variety of juices and smoothies.  

Shopping

Browseabout – My favorite bookstore, without a doubt, is Browseabout. It boasts an incredible selection of books, ranging from the anticipated beach reads and local history to vibrant gay-themed works that reflect the local scene. Current bestsellers, some of which are signed copies by their authors, are prominently displayed. Given the store’s abundant offerings, it’s clear why a constant flow of visitors move through its doors from the moment they open to when they close. The store has something for every reader and is a must-visit if you’re in the area. It’s a place where you can do all your holiday shopping under one roof. Unique gifts and holiday cards are among the offerings. if you can’t get there in person, you can shop through their website.

The Sea Shell Shop-The Sea Shell Shop’s new location on Coastal Highway is large–10,000 square feet large. In fact, it bills itself as “Delmarva’s largest store of nautical gifts, fudge and shells on the shore.” It also sells jewelry, art work and home decor, most with a nautical twist, It’s where I bought my Mermaid Lamp. The Sea Shell Shop is also where you can find tips on caring for your Hermit Crab pets, along with food, treats, and accessories for them.

In addition to the amazing shopping –a perfect place to shop for souvenirs–there is an 18 hole miniature golf course on the grounds. While putting on the course called Shell We Golf you can learn more about shells and experience invisible fish, waterfalls, and a lily-filled aquatic pond.

Pink Leopard – One of the Lily Pulitzer signature stores, this building is charming and inviting. Run by a mother-daughter team, the boutique named Pink Leopard offers an extensive array of Lilly Pulitzer’s vibrant, tropically inspired apparel, accessories, and home decor. It’s the sort of store that makes shopping a joy.

Things to Do

Rehoboth Beach Museum –The Rehoboth Beach Historical Society established the museum to curate exhibits and offer programs that depict the evolution of the community. They have an ongoing series of events and self-guided walking tours such as ‘Women of Rehoboth’.

Cape Henlopen State Park -Cape Henlopen State Park, located at the mouth of the Delaware Bay, boasts over six miles of coastline. Its strategic location prompted the construction of Fort Miles during World War II, complete with its distinctive fire control towers along the Atlantic coast. Fort Miles served as a defense site, training ground, and testing area during and after the conflict. Today, you can take a tour of Battery 519 and ascend the Observation Tower to uncover the functions these towers fulfilled in the operations of Fort Miles. The park’s coastal ecosystem is a mosaic of habitats, supporting a wide array of flora and fauna. Visitors can visit the Seaside Nature Center to participate in an interpretive program or learn about the park’s native plants and animals. They can also hike or bike the loop trail around the park to experience the maritime forests, dunes, wetlands and beach. Didn’t bring your bike? No problem. Thanks to the Friends of Cape Henlopen you can borrow one for free.

Sea Witch Festival – The 34th Annual Sea Witch Festival will take place on October 25th, 2024 -thru October 27th, 2024. Sponsored by the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce, Rehoboth Beach marks the Halloween season with a festive parade along Rehoboth Avenue, complemented by a dog parade, musical performances, games, and much more.